第５４９堀：鉄面の奥の感情 (Part2)
Meanwhile, I felt a sense of tension at being selected as a member of the conference.
……Before I knew it, everyone had dispersed, and only George and I remained in the room.
Without a word, George placed a cup containing a brown liquid in front of me.
"They call this cocoa. Firia-dono said it was delicious and soothing, so I bought some to try. How is it? It seems Hiiro-dono is quite fond of it as well."
"……Thank you, I will have some."
"Be careful, it’s hot."
"Yes."
I removed my helmet and took a sip of the so-called cocoa.
It had a unique flavor and a sweetness I had never experienced before; I found it truly delicious.
"It’s delicious."
"I am glad it suits your palate. I am not fond of sweets that are merely sugary, but this cocoa has a pleasant bitterness that even I can appreciate. Yes. It is good."
George didn't ask me anything further; he simply sipped his cocoa while gazing at the cityscape of Weed reflected in the window.
"……You’re as meddlesome as ever."
"Now, whatever do you mean? I merely recommended a drink."
"I see. Then, I am merely talking to myself. Princess Carrie is……"
The rest of the words wouldn't come.
What was I trying to say?
Is she doing well? Is she safe? Neither of those are things I have the right to ask.
Not only did we fail to keep our promise that the three of us would meet again someday, but because of our failure to finish the job, the Princess’s homeland is now in crisis.
……At this point, I have no face left to show her.
"It is hard to say she is 'doing well,' but Princess Stasia has become a heroine who would surprise even you."
"A heroine? Her?"
The girl who was dragged around by the boisterous Age, the girl who fit the title of "Princess" so perfectly?
"Yes. At first, I thought she was merely sheltered, but she was hiding her claws. To avenge her younger sister and to protect her country, she has been fighting until this very moment. Her swordsmanship and magic are, in a word, magnificent. Furthermore, she has even mastered politics. It is possible that Princess Stasia has surpassed you."
"Is that so…… I am—"
"Do not overthink it. For now, you should simply be happy for the reunion. I understand you are afraid, but you made a promise to Hiiro-dono, did you not? You must overcome your cowardice."
"……You are right."
It was already decided.
I knew George had likely gone out of his way to arrange this meeting between me and Princess Carrie.
If I were to refuse now, it might reflect poorly on my standing.
……I feel pathetic for only being able to convince myself through such pragmatic reasoning.
Can I not even say that I want to go see Princess Carrie of my own volition?
If I believe George’s words, Princess Carrie has grown strong.
Yet, can I remain as I am?
Will Princess Carrie be angry or disappointed in my state? Is it truly a good thing for me to meet her as a representative of Findall?
As I fell into this cycle of circular thinking, George muttered again.
"As I said before, there is no need to overthink it. You simply need to meet Princess Carrie and the people of Haiden as an envoy, just as you always do. The current Princess Carrie would never put her country in danger over personal feelings."
"……Is that so?"
"For now, I recommend you drink your cocoa and get some rest for tomorrow. The beds here are quite comfortable. As for me, I think I shall go tour the taverns. After this conference, I will likely be sent back to the Imperial Capital of Findall, so I must find some souvenirs."
"Ah, George."
Before I could call out to him, George had already left the room.
"Haa. No need to overthink it…… huh."
When the sun rises, I will be meeting Princess Carrie for the first time in seven years.
Back then, we couldn't speak of anything deeply, and that was that.
I have no intention of running away, but…… what on earth am I supposed to say to her……?
As I pondered this, I realized the cocoa had lost its heat and reached a pleasant temperature. After finishing it, I decided to head to bed, even though I didn't think I would be able to sleep.
It was a comfortable bed.
Just as I thought that I might actually be able to fall asleep easily, I suddenly remembered Age.
"……Age. If you knew that I was the only one meeting Princess Carrie, what would you think?"
*“That’s unfair!! So unfair!! I want to see her too, Big Sister!! And the cocoa is unfair too!! Unfairrr!!”*
"Come now, don't be so selfish. I will buy you a souvenir on my way back."
*“Muu. Really? You’ll buy me a souvenir?”*
"Yes. That is a promise."
*“……Then I’ll be patient. Please give my regards to Carrie. But next time you go to see her, I’m coming with you.”*
"Yes, yes."
I awoke from such a dream.
"……A dream, was it? I must have fallen asleep without realizing it."
Haa, it seems I was so worried about Princess Carrie that Age appeared in my dream out of concern.
"What a fairy-tale notion. Well, thanks to that, my heart feels a little lighter."
For the sake of the Age in my dream, I must be careful not to let Princess Carrie be disappointed by my incompetence.
After all, as George said, I should just do as I always do.
There is no connection between Stasia and Yuki yet.
That’s right, I’m just overthinking it!! I am simply overthinking it!!
For now, at least!!