第４００堀：知るということ (Part2)
"It’s not just you all. If any of these six great powers were to act rashly, it would cause problems. Fortunately, Yuyu and Labyris have established strong connections with the other five, and as you know, the Lancer Academy of Magic has ties to Popuri, so we are constantly thinning out threats and keeping them under surveillance."
...Lady Luna.
"Wait, she definitely almost said 'Yuki-san' just now, didn't she?"
"...Indeed. I don't know why Labyris-dono volunteered to be a body double."
In modern warfare, exposing one's own position is an act of suicide.
"Position" refers not only to physical location but also to one's reputation.
Defeating a famous figure, or having one killed, affects the morale of an entire army.
Certainly, the presence of a famous figure can boost morale, but the risk is equally immense.
That is why Yuki-kun, based on that philosophy, restricts even those he trusts, keeping his own existence shrouded in ambiguity.
He acts as if he is not a person of importance, but merely an ordinary man with no power.
He knows that this is the best way to protect himself.
The fact that no one knows who he is—that alone is a tremendous advantage.
However, the one capable of shattering Yuki-kun's careful machinations is the very person currently hosting the quiz in the middle of the screen, the one who seems to be able to boss the gods around: Lady Luna.
I don't fully understand what a "High-Ranking God" is, but I suppose it's enough to know there is a hierarchy even in the world of the gods.
Yuki-kun played his trump card, Lady Luna, to ensure that the anger of Noble-dono and the others wouldn't be directed at Hifi-dono or Comet-dono. Honestly, I can't help but feel that Lady Luna is Yuki-kun's greatest natural enemy.
"I see... We were a step or two behind. We claimed to be protecting, yet we were heading toward ruin. Lady Luna, and Labyris-dono, I offer my deepest apologies. And I am truly grateful that you stopped us."
Noble-dono, having understood the situation, bowed his head deeply in gratitude.
He is a man of integrity.
But now, an even greater bomb was about to be dropped.
"Yes. I'm glad you understand. But there is one more thing. There is something I must tell you."
"Is there still something of such importance?"
"Ah, it’s not about magic power. It’s about taking responsibility."
"Taking responsibility?"
Yes, responsibility.
Although it was an accident, there is no doubt that Comet-dono was the one who triggered the Demon King War, and it is the responsibility of Hifi-dono, who was her partner at the time.
If they cooperate without mentioning this, it could lead to internal collapse once it is eventually discovered.
The only ones involved in that war were Noble-dono’s group and a very small number of people from White Forest.
At the very least, there is an obligation to tell the truth. To hide it would be an act of betrayal.
Hifi-dono hated the idea of this coming to light, but she must face it. There are things one cannot run away from.
"Yes. I thought about letting Hifi say it herself, but for various reasons, I can't let her be the one to explain it, so I will tell you myself."
"...I see. Knowing her strong sense of responsibility, she would surely just claim it was her fault without explaining the full circumstances."
...I would like to think Noble-dono's guess isn't entirely off the mark, but since she was actually engaged in a cover-up, it’s hard to say.
"Now, let’s start by stating the truth simply. The Demon King War, which served as the catalyst for you all to stand up in earnest—the one who sparked it was Comet."
"Hah?"
Noble-dono and the others looked as if they couldn't comprehend what they had heard.
Well, that’s only natural.
I don't think I could comprehend it either, if someone told me the cause of that great war was standing right in front of me.
"A natural reaction. Well, looking at Hifi and Comet, you can probably tell it wasn't done intentionally; it was more like an accident."
"That is impossible. Knowing the facts about magic depletion and accumulation, what possible benefit could there be in triggering a war that engulfed this entire continent?"
"It was the opposite. She didn't know."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, thanks to the information that Labyris's Weed members desperately gathered and visualized in an easy-to-understand way, you were able to accept this information as correct without issue, right?"
"Yes. It was very easy to understand."
"But back then, Comet was agonizing over how accurate her research results were and how to convey them so that she could gain understanding. So, she came up with the idea of ignoring the naturally occurring Great Stampede of monsters, wiping out an entire great power, and obtaining a result that would be easy to understand."
"That is..."
"Yes. Just as you agonized, Comet agonized too. But in Comet's case, she intended to resolve the problem herself, so she hadn't told anyone about the magic depletion. As a result, her subordinates—or rather, the members of the Holy Sword users—didn't say a word to stop the Great Stampede; they simply struck down Comet, who was opposing them, and stopped the stampede. But that didn't lead to a 'happily ever after' world. Comet's monster subordinates were absolutely furious and declared war on the world. That was the beginning of the Demon King War."
Yes, in other words...
"It was an internal conflict? That war where so many lives were lost..."
"To put it bluntly, yes. Well, my long story is over. ...You two, who lost so much back then, I think it is perfectly justified for you to demand punishment for Hifi and Comet. What do you think?"
...If it comes to it, I will stand in front of Noble-dono and the others.
It is for her sake, as she gave me this time. My life is no longer something I hold dear.
And then, Noble opened his mouth.
"Lady Luna, I..."
And so, the Ex Arc—or rather, the New Continent Arc—will end in the next chapter.
After that, I will include a summary and an epilogue before moving to the new arc.
Now, what answer will Noble give?
And will Hifi escape punishment? Or will she...
Well, those who are perceptive probably realized what Hifi's punishment would be the moment Taizo-san appeared.
The hint is that Hifi's intent to cover things up was exposed from the beginning. In other words... wait for the next chapter.
By the way, I'm typing this on my smartphone during a break, but it's unnecessarily difficult since it's so different from a PC.
I should have just waited until I got home to post this.
Also, it is seriously, incredibly hot here in Fukuoka, Kyushu.