第４７７堀：街の未来はみんなの手で (Part2)
"That’s all for today. What did you think?"
"Hmm. To be honest, 'staggering' is the only word for it."
Horst said this while scooping up hot water to wash his face.
"What do you want to do? If we push for any more development, I think the very shape of Betan will change."
This was my main objective for today. No matter how much we have our own goals, it was never my intention to disregard the people who were already there. The countryside has its own methods and its own way of evolving. Horst, the man before me, was the representative of that spirit.
"Indeed. It would be lonely, I suppose, but it’s not as if change hasn't happened before. Even since I took over, though on a small scale, I’ve broken away from old traditions and introduced new things, hoping it would benefit Betan."
"I see."
I didn't offer any particular opinion, just nodding along as I listened to him.
"Haha. You truly are a unique man, Yuki-dono. Or perhaps that is simply what it means to be a great leader. You could have just given me orders without bothering to ask for my opinion."
"Is that so? I just don't intend to disregard someone who has been doing a fine job already."
"I am grateful to hear you say that, but in the end, I was unable to protect Betan. No, I don't mean that I resent you, Yuki-dono. It is merely a reflection of my own inadequacy."
Not knowing how to respond, I just sat in the bath. Then, an old man who had been bathing with us approached.
"My, I thought you were having a difficult conversation, Yuki-chan, but is this gentleman a bigwig?"
"Ah, yeah. Something like that, I suppose?"
"Haha. Old-timer, I am merely one of Yuki-dono's subordinates. My apologies for the heavy talk."
"Is that so? Then I suppose I have to say something to you as well."
"Did something happen?"
"What could it be?"
Neither Horst nor I had any idea what the old man might want, so we tilted our heads in confusion.
"Thank you for always thinking of us. I don't have any education or anything like that. But I know well that you, Yuki-chan, and you, sir, are working your hearts out for our sake. Because I live here in Weed. Thank you, truly."
"..."
"Things will keep changing, I'm sure, but as long as people like you and Yuki-chan are around, we'll be just fine. I’ll guarantee that much. Well, I might not look like much of a judge of character, though."
"No, that is not true at all."
"Indeed. I am very moved by your words."
"Is that so? Well, before I start rambling like an old man, I'll be heading out first..."
With that, the old man climbed out of the bath. After seeing him off, for a short while, only the sound of water overflowing from the tub echoed in the room.
"I am still immature. My own feelings of inadequacy were completely irrelevant. It is not for us alone to decide the future of Betan."
"You're right. Let's try asking them properly."
"Yes. I would like to ask them how they wish for Betan to change from here on out."
It isn't right for us to just talk and decide things on our own. Like the old man from earlier, the voices of the people living there are what matter most. No matter how much you think it’s for their own good, it’s meaningless if it doesn't reach them.
Man, I still have a lot to learn. Then again, it’s difficult to tamper with something that already exists. I built Weed from scratch, after all. Even back then, I went around asking for the opinions of my wives and the residents. I need to make sure I keep doing that. A city only exists because of the people who live in it.
"Well then, shall we head out?"
"Indeed. Any longer and I might get lightheaded..."
Horst started to say, but his words were cut off by a shout from the women's bath next door.
"Whoa!? Prism and Marli-san are bright red!?"
"They're lightheaded, aren't they!? Jessica!!"
"Marli-sama!! I didn't think you were watching, but to be in a place like this!! Cleena, Mist-sama!! Bring water!!"
"Mm. Understood."
"Yes, right away!!"
"E-e-err, what should I do!?"
"Olive-sama, come outside the bath with me. The rescue team is there, so we shall explain the situation and have them come in."
Things are getting hectic, aren't they?
"Fufu. It’s lively, isn't it? Perhaps this is the true nature of things."
"I guess so. Anyway, it’s a problem if important people get heatstroke, so let's get out of here."
"Understood."
Good grief, you can never really relax, can you? It is only through everyone's cooperation that a gathering of people can be maintained, whether in the past or the present. If you force things, there will be backlash, and it is rare for one or two people to come up with the best solution on their own. Never forget the basics.
Tokyo seems like it would be a handful...