第５９７堀 裏：若者たちの集い (Part2)
"That's right. I knew him before Mikos or Kagura did, but it wasn't until I met Kagura that I was invited to Weed."
"Huh? Is that so?" Kagura asked, looking genuinely surprised.
"Yes. Back then, I was called in just to make up the numbers to escort you and the princess to the Kamishiro Ducal House."
"The principal also said it would be a good experience, so I should go."
"Ah, that tiny principal, huh? Wait, if you were invited to Weed, that means you knew him even before that, right?"
"Exactly. Yuki and the others came to our academy as transfer students, and that’s when we met. I believe it was about a year or two ago?"
"Then there’s no problem. You seem to know much more about Yuki-sensei than we do."
"Well, I’ll cooperate as much as I can. So, what is this consultation about? I know it has to do with Yuki and the others."
When Eoid asked this again, Kagura kept her head down, and Mikos opened her mouth with a hint of embarrassment.
"Um, well... it’s a bit embarrassing, but we wanted to know more about Yuki-sensei."
"?"
Eoid tilted his head, looking confused, but I caught on immediately from the way Kagura and Mikos were acting. Eoid was in the way. If I let him stay for this kind of talk, he’d probably go and tell Yuki everything directly.
"Eoid, could you step out for a moment?"
"Eh? Oh, I see. It’s a girls-only talk, right?"
"Exactly. Sorry about that."
"No, it’s fine. I’ll go hang out with Taiki for a bit."
"Yeah. I’ll come get you when we’re done."
Once I confirmed Eoid had left, I turned back to the two of them.
"I see. So, something happened while you were following Yuki and the others on their exploration?"
"Yeah."
"Well, it’s nothing major, really. It’s just... how do I put it? We got a taste of that mature, masculine charm. Something like that."
"So, in the end, what do you want to know about Yuki? Or rather, what are you hoping will happen?"
"……Th-that is……"
"Yes, yes, Kagura, calm down. I don't think you need to rush to a conclusion yet. I suppose you came to ask Amanda and Eoid about Yuki-sensei precisely to help you reach that conclusion, right?"
"Hmm. Kagura aside, it doesn't seem like Mikos is just 'in love with the idea of love.'"
"I-I’m not doing this on a whim either!!"
"No, no, Kagura, you’re head-over-heels for Yuki, aren't you? That’s way beyond a whim—that’s a heavy-duty obsession."
"Eh?"
"She doesn't even realize it herself."
"Well, that’s often how it goes. But I can’t blame you. He saved you from a desperate situation, and he’s been kind to you in Weed."
"Wait? Is that so? I heard he was quite strict."
"Of course, the work is strict. It’s beyond my imagination, being a diplomat. But you know, Yuki asked me to keep an eye on you so you wouldn't be crushed by the workload. In that sense, he cares for you, doesn't he?"
"Oh, I see. That’s news to me, Kagura."
"Ah, but, because of that, I……"
Well, whether that means Yuki likes her is a completely different matter. Yuki asked us to do that as part of his work, and it’s always hard to tell what he’s thinking.
"I understand the situation with Kagura. And Mikos, are you 'assessing the goods'?"
"Hmm. I wonder. Honestly, my heart skipped a beat when he held my hand today, but I’m not a little girl anymore. It feels like I don't know what to do with these feelings. That’s why I came to ask Amanda about Yuki. I know he has the wealth, but I wanted to know about his personality, or about his other wives."
Mikos's perspective is realistic. She’s thinking about what comes after actually falling in love. You can’t overcome everything with feelings alone. Eoid and I had to become strong, and life costs money. In fact, we’re here in the New Continent right now to earn money for our living expenses and to grow stronger. It’s a mercenary way of looking at things, but ideals don't solve problems, and they don't put food on the table. You need the appropriate power and means.
When your status rises, interpersonal relationships become difficult. That goes double for Yuki. He’s a casual person, but he is the Prince Consort, after all. So, Mikos trying to gather that kind of information is perfectly sensible.
"Alright, I’ll tell you what I know. It’s just my personal opinion, so forgive me for that."
"Yes. That’s fine. I don't want to cause trouble for those around me, either."
"Of course. Mikos-chan might be blinded by her feelings, so I think Amanda’s opinion—as someone who has a husband like Eoid—is very important."
Both of them nodded, prepared to hear what I had to say. That’s right; considering Yuki’s position, you won't get anywhere with half-hearted feelings. While I worried if I was overstepping, I gave them all the information I had on Yuki, and advised them that if they still wanted to pursue him after hearing it, they should consult with his wives first.
After all, if you don't persuade the wives, you’re putting your life in danger. If Eoid suddenly brought home another woman, I’d probably kill the hussy who seduced him. So, they really should start by persuading the wives.
Well, Eoid doesn't have the capacity to pull something like that off anyway.
Should I mention this to Master Deryu and Master Eris as well? I don't think Kagura or Mikos would go so far as to cause a scene and get killed by the masters, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.