第４３３堀：結局は誰かが割を食う (Part1)
Chapter 433: In the End, Someone Has to Draw the Short Straw
Side: Comet
A loud thud echoed through the room as a fist slammed against the desk.
*BAM!!*
"Do you intend to send Taizo-san into such a dangerous situation?! Don't be ridiculous!!"
It was Hifi’s roar.
Ah, my ears are ringing.
Honestly, they were acting all lovey-dovey in my lab just a moment ago—enough to make me want to vomit sugar—and now they’re hitting me with sonic attacks. I’m impressed.
Before me, Taizo-san was holding back a fuming Hifi, while Yuki-kun stood there looking rather awkward.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa!? Phew..."
Oh, I almost forgot.
Over in the corner, Zargis had nearly dropped his flask at the sound of Hifi’s scream, though he managed to catch it just in time.
Now, why is there a scene unfolding in my laboratory?
Well, Taizo-san hadn't originally planned to come by today. But apparently, Yuki-kun had some things come up, causing his schedule to shift, and he ended up stopping by here.
Zargis and I often ask for Taizo-san’s guidance on his knowledge and techniques, so he visits quite frequently.
Naturally, my convenient—no, my devoted friend Hifi—was here today as usual, taking care of meals and tidying up the lab. When her husband, Taizo-san, showed up, she turned into a blooming maiden, asking if he was done with work, what he wanted for dinner, and so on. They started getting all lovey-dovey.
As for me, I don’t mind my two friends being close; it leads to stability in our lives here. But I’d prefer they keep the flower-field talk out of the lab. It’s incredibly distracting. Go do that somewhere else.
Just as I was thinking that, Yuki-kun finished his business and immediately brought up work.
I had heard a vague outline of the current situation, but it sounded like a massive headache, and since I was brought in as a technician, I’d just been dumping the responsibility on Yuki-kun, thinking, "Good luck with that."
Then Hifi roared, and here we are.
From what I gathered, it’s a suppression operation that utilizes Taizo-san’s nullification skill.
That means Taizo-san would be in the heart of enemy territory, completely exposed. That’s clearly what Hifi is angry about.
Well, normally, you wouldn't be able to accept your husband being sent to a place where he might die. Normally, anyway.
"Hifi. Calm down."
I called out to her as I approached, with Taizo-san still holding her back.
"How can I possibly be calm!!"
Well, her core nature hasn't changed.
I suppose "haste makes waste," but being kind-hearted is a difficult burden to bear.
That’s exactly why she made it this far, though...
Regardless, we can’t move forward with her this incensed, so I delivered a sharp chop to her neck.
"Hau!?"
"You won't be able to listen properly if you're that worked up, will you?"
"What was that for!!"
"I said, calm down. What? Are you planning on jumping into a boiling bath right now?"
"Ugh..."
Good. It seems that punishment game is still a trauma for her.
Now, where should I start...
"Let’s see. Hifi, you’re against sending Taizo-san as an envoy, right?"
"Th-that... of course I am."
"Right, right. That’s fine. You don’t have to shout; Yuki-kun and I both understand."
"...I cannot approve of such a thing."
"Well, I imagine not. But do you have an alternative plan?"
"That is... if it were Yuki-dono’s elite subordinates..."
"Yes. Indeed, Steve-kun and the others could likely do it. Their base specs are higher than yours or mine, after all."
"Then..."
"But that would be far more dangerous than Taizo-san going himself. Not only would Steve-kun and the others be at risk, but the people of the Magic Kingdom would certainly get hurt, too."
"We won't know until we try..."
"You don't know? That’s impossible, isn't it? The danger level is completely different between Taizo-san, who can completely seal magic and skills, and Steve-kun and the others, who have no choice but to use force. Hifi, I think I understand your feelings well. You look happier right now than I’ve ever seen you. You wouldn't be able to tolerate even a one-in-ten-thousand chance of losing that. But by doing so, you’re pushing that danger onto others instead. You understand that, don't you?"
"..."
For Hifi, this is a happiness she never thought she’d attain again.
I understand well enough why she doesn't want to let it go.
I never thought the day would come when I could just chat about nonsense with Hifi like this, either.
I thought my life had ended the day I was cut down, and I didn't hold any particular grudge against Hifi for using my corpse. After all, she was sacrificing many things to save the continent.
But this time is different.
"Hifi. I’ll say it again: I understand your feelings. But that would be betraying your former self. And that includes us, who cooperated with you. You stood up because you wished for people to live happily, didn't you?"
"But... to use Taizo-san for that..."
"That’s why you need to calm down. I’m not seeking peace at the cost of destroying your happiness. If someone demanded something that unreasonable, I’d turn against Yuki-kun, too. But that’s not what’s happening. He came here, bowed his head, and explained it because this is the most certain way to minimize casualties. Naturally, we will make sure Taizo-san’s safety is fully secured... Hifi, you should listen to those details and think before you speak. If you still can't accept it after thinking it through calmly, I won't force you, and Yuki-kun won't either."
"...I understand. Please give me some time to think. I’ll borrow the other room."
"Yes. Take your time."
Hifi stood up and headed into the next room.
It’s a break room, so it should be perfect for her to collect her thoughts.
As I was thinking that, Taizo-san spoke to Yuki-kun.
"I’m sorry. I didn't think Hifi-san would be that angry."
"Not at all. We are the ones asking for something unreasonable. I apologize for putting you in this position."
"Don't worry about it. Yuki-kun’s logic is sound. Hifi-san will understand."
He glanced toward the room Hifi had entered.
I felt compelled to speak up after hearing Taizo-san’s words.
"My, my. Taizo-san, do you really have no thoughts on being sent into enemy territory?"
"Even if I am a technician, I am a soldier. I have no hesitation about going into enemy territory. As I said before, I understand the reasoning, and this is the best course of action. Well, I’d refuse a suicide mission, but my safety is being ensured, so if I die, it’s just fate."
"Ah... I see. I understand your resolve, Taizo-san, but that’s probably why Hifi was so upset. You really should have told her that no matter what happens, you’ll come back. You’re making her anxious."
I see. Even after getting married, he’s as blunt as ever.
...Hifi is Hifi, but Taizo-san is certainly Taizo-san, isn't he?