第６３６堀：事情を聞いて仲直り？ (Part2)
Mikos, myself, and even Ria and Deryu—who were standing by as Yuki’s guards—all froze.
However, Yuki didn't seem to notice. He immediately clapped Solo on the shoulder.
"Don't let it get to you. In fact, because you were a loner, you probably paid more attention to the movements of others than anyone else. To be honest, when it comes to identifying suspicious people this time, I’m counting on you, Amanda, and Eoid the most. You were originally civilians—commoners. In that sense, you should be able to spot the differences better than anyone. Well, I know it’s hard not to feel the pressure, but I’m counting on you."
"Y-Yes, sir!! I’ll do my best!!"
Solo gave an energetic response after hearing Yuki’s words.
*...Wait, what? Was there actually a compliment hidden in what Yuki just said?*
The doubt flickered through my mind, but I knew better than to say it out loud, so I kept my mouth shut. Yuki continued after hearing Solo’s reply.
"Well then, that’s the end of my lecture and the explanation of the current situation regarding Kagura and the others. And finally... I’m sorry things turned out like this, even though I sent you all to Weed to relax."
With that, Yuki bowed his head to us.
I was surprised by his sudden action, but at the same time, I had a feeling he might do something like this. After all, he had been so considerate toward us.
Fundamentally, Yuki is a kind person. He’s been saddled with all sorts of work, and while some might call him wicked, I don't think that's quite right. He simply maneuvers to ensure the least amount of damage. Perhaps the results of those maneuvers just happen to look nefarious to others. After all, it often feels like everyone is dancing in the palm of his hand.
He seems to realize this himself. I’ve heard from Labyris and the others that he often speaks as if he’s the root of all evil, and he was doing exactly that right now.
Even the fact that Yuki was bowing his head now... if you go back to the source, it was the Princess and I who summoned him to this continent. It’s obvious that if he hadn't been summoned, Haiden would already be in a catastrophic state.
If you look for an even deeper cause, it all started five hundred years ago with the War of the Demon Lords—a proxy war between Lady Luna and the faction of intermediate gods. And the winners of that war, our ancestors... or rather, we, who were entrusted with the aftermath, are the ones at fault for failing to completely wipe out the remnants of that faction.
Yuki knows all of this, yet he’s the one bowing his head. If this isn't kindness, I don't know what is. Normally, we wouldn't be in a position to complain even if we were treated like slaves.
That’s why I’m grateful to Yuki. He’s helped me in so many ways. That’s why I wanted to be useful to him.
*That’s right. I have a mountain of reasons to be in love with him. This feeling isn't a mistake.*
No matter how you look at it, there’s no one else as reliable as him. Yuki’s wives certainly think so, and even Mikos agrees.
"Don't worry about it. I like you, Yuki, so I want to be of use. If that helps save the world, then that’s a wonderful thing."
The words came out surprisingly easily.
*Wait, what am I saying?! If he rejects me now, I’ll literally die of embarrassment!*
As those thoughts raced through my head, I watched Yuki’s reaction. He gave a happy smile.
"You're right. I like you too, Kagura. Man, what a relief."
"Eh!?"
*Is this it? My total victory?! Am I going to grab happiness before Mikos does?*
"We’ve both been through a lot. I ended up pushing a lot of things onto you while you were working so hard. But I’m really happy with that hard work, and I find that side of you very likable. I like it. That’s why I understand how important it is for us to hold hands like this. Leave it to me. Even if things go south, I’ll use my authority to make sure the three of you are protected."
"Huh? Uh, right. Yeah."
*...I feel like something is slightly off.*
"Man, I’m glad you guys forgave me. But like Princess Stasia said, don't overdo it. Anyway, I’ve got work to do, so I’ll leave the screening to you."
With that, Yuki left with Ria, leaving Deryu behind.
"Most likely... Yuki mentioned he wanted to apologize for pushing you too hard, Kagura. Remember? When you woke up after... well, the vomiting incident, you couldn't even look him in the eye. So, when you said you liked him just now, he probably took it to mean that you forgive him... He did say 'what a relief' at the end, after all..."
Hearing that, I felt more stunned than I had ever been in my life.
That’s right. I hadn't given Yuki any kind of response back then.
"Waaaaah! I’m such an idiot!!"
As I wailed, Mikos chimed in.
"W-Well, at least he now recognizes that you two have made up. Why don't you try saying it one more time?"
"There’s no way I can do that again!"
"Eh? But you said it so smoothly just a moment ago."
"My mind was a complete blank!"
"""Ahhh..."""
All three of them nodded in understanding.
*Ugh, damn it all!!*
And so, Kagura’s efforts continued to spin in circles. Yuki, on the other hand, felt his heart lighten now that he had finally been forgiven.
It seems the path of love over here is still full of obstacles...
The Haile Church? Oh, they’re pretty much finished, aren't they?