第５４５堀：関係ない そう関係ない (Part2)
The envoy and the accompanying knights nodded, seemingly in agreement with Princess Stasia’s words.
"Hiiro is... ah, sorry. I... I am..."
"Lady Hiiro. You may speak in whatever manner you find most comfortable. It would be discourteous to call you a mere child, as you are still in the midst of growth and learning. If there were anyone in my country who failed to understand that and deemed your speech disrespectful, I would... I would personally strike down such a fool."
With that, Princess Stasia turned, her expression hidden behind her bucket helmet, and her sword rattled against her armor.
She’s actually threatening them. Seriously.
Well, I suppose it’s a necessary measure to avoid friction with Weed, but that behavior while wearing a bucket helmet is just plain terrifying. Look at them—not just the envoys and guards, but even Prince George is nodding along, overwhelmed by her intensity. The only one offering a wry smile is Georgein.
"Um, okay, I'll just talk normally then. Hiiro is small, as you can see, so I don't weigh very much. That's why, to add some weight..."
"I see. You are carrying a tower shield to increase your mass."
"Yeah. I use magic to enhance my physical abilities so I can carry it. With this, I can protect Big Brother. But..."
Despite explaining it with such confidence, Hiiro suddenly looked a bit dejected at the end.
"Is there a problem?"
"Um, Big Brother doesn't really like it when Hiiro and the others fight. So, Hiiro is a little worried. I understand how Big Brother feels. He cares about us, so he doesn't want us to fight. But Hiiro wants to do her best for Big Brother. I want to stay by his side and protect him. But Big Brother just makes a troubled face."
...So Hiiro understands my feelings, too. Well, of course she would. We’ve been together for quite a while now. I’ve always told them that children should play and learn, and that they should leave the heavy lifting to the adults.
"...I see. That is quite a difficult problem. I understand Yuki-sama’s desire not to have you fight, and I also understand your desire to be of use, Lady Hiiro. As a woman, my decision to become a knight caused my father, mother, and my younger siblings a great deal of worry. Georgein-dono, who trained me, understood my desire to have the strength to protect everyone and trained me with great severity. Fortunately, perhaps I had some talent, for I eventually gained the support of the people and now hold the position of General. And as for that... I have no regrets."
She hesitated for a moment there. It must be about her younger sister.
"In the end, Lady Hiiro, I believe it comes down to what you yourself wish to do."
"What Hiiro wants to do?"
"Yes. I understand Yuki-sama’s opinion. Even if a child like you has talent, you should grow up healthily, but that is not something that should be forced upon you. In fact, even knowing Yuki-sama’s concerns, you are standing here as his guard. Isn't that because you decided you wanted to?"
"...Yeah. Hiiro, Vilia-nee, and Dore-nee all wanted to be useful to Big Brother, so that’s why we’re here together. We’re working hard on our studies, too."
"...I think the current Lady Hiiro is just fine. You are diligent, you do not let pride cloud your judgment, and you serve as Yuki-sama’s guard well. What is important is that if you have chosen your own path, you must ensure you do not become weak like me—that even if a tragedy occurs, you do not let it drag you down, but instead keep looking forward."
"...Stasia-sama. Yeah, Hiiro will do her best. But I don't think Stasia-sama is weak."
"...I have yet to be able to take off this helmet. An envoy who does not show their face is unthinkable. I am a coward."
"You think so? But Prince George and everyone else don't think of you that way, Stasia-sama!"
"...That is likely out of pity."
"Then let's do our best together, Hiiro and you! Big Brother says people can grow at any time, so you just have to cure your cowardice."
"Haha, indeed. I hope that will be possible."
"Then, when we get to Weed, Hiiro will show you the training grounds."
"I look forward to it. I am quite interested in the place that raises such strong individuals as you."
The two of them seemed to have become fast friends, walking along hand-in-hand. Watching them, Vilia, Dressa, and the envoys and guards from Findall stood by, listening in silence.
"The atmosphere seems quite good, Yuki-san."
"Yeah. Hiiro played a better hand than I expected."
"Thanks to that, the other members of the Findall delegation, who were so on edge, have calmed down as well. It is all thanks to Princess Stasia opening up about her inner feelings."
As I was talking with Ria and Samantha, George and Georgein, who were standing nearby, looked surprised and whispered to each other.
"Big Sister... laughed, didn't she?"
"...Yes. It was brief, but that was indeed a laugh."
"It’s been a long time. How long has it been?"
"...Seven years, give or take."
"...I see. She really was like that with her younger sister back then."
Overhearing that, I started to get a bad feeling. No, calm down. Hiiro is the one who set the flag, not me. This just means the punchline is going to be Hiiro and Princess Stasia swearing an oath of sisterhood. It has nothing to do with me.
Yes, that’s it. Besides, there’s still the emotional reunion with Princess Carrie coming up, so this won't affect me at all!! It shouldn't, anyway!!
I’ve been writing about my meetings with Princess Stasia in such detail lately. Does everyone see where this is going? Ah, wait, no—this is just a record of the discussions with Findall, okay?