第６４９堀：和解と再会 (Part1)
### Chapter 649: Reconciliation and Reunion
**Side: Yuki**
Well, as for what happened with the party of former heroes...
They honestly accepted our proposal, applied the shackles themselves, and after peacefully disarming, they entered the Cathedral to discuss our respective circumstances.
The result was a temporary cooperative arrangement under surveillance.
The concern—the worry that they might actually be brainwashed—didn't seem to be the case, so after a time-consuming inspection, it was decided that the shackles could be removed.
Well, I had already applied double and triple layers of status-recovery magic capable of breaking even the most deeply ingrained brainwashing, just in case.
The status check showed no abnormalities either.
So, even after discussing various things, it wasn't a conversation that could be finished in a single day, so we plan to continue our talks over the next few days.
That said, since the army of the dead was simply told to "wake up and go to the headquarters," most of the explanation was on our end.
Oh, I don't know if this is beneficial or detrimental, but regarding the broken dungeon core—the jewel—we obtained information that not only the Mad King Aquenos but also a goddess named Hairen exists within it as a spiritual entity.
It seems that thanks to this Hairen, this party of the dead managed to avoid becoming puppets of the Mad King.
Man, she’s really trying her best. I’d like to say that to the local goddess, but the truth is, I wish she had done something about it before I was summoned.
I’ve thought it over and over again, but to me, anyone with the title of "god" is less useful than a piece of paper.
It’s just like that. I can fully understand the religious sentiment that anyone other than the god you worship is a demon.
If you’re constantly being held back like this, you’d become conservative, too.
Unfortunately, I don't have a god I want to worship!!
"Um, are you feeling unwell?"
"Oh, no, I was just thinking about something. About future developments, that is."
"Ah, I apologize. Our situation is quite problematic as well, after all."
The one apologizing is the elderly Souta-san. It feels strange to me, having known the young Souta-san, but talking to him makes it clear that this person is indeed Souta-san.
The way he drinks tea, his favorite snacks—well, he is exactly like Souta-san.
Well, both of them are the same person, after all.
"No, no. You were just dragged out of your slumber without your consent, after all."
"Indeed. I’ll make sure to settle the score with that Mad King."
"Hey now. Try to be a bit more polite. I apologize. My wife is..."
"No, I'm just glad to see you both doing well. However, it is a pity about Fable-dono."
That’s right. Since they are called the "Three Houses," there should be the Kamishiro house, the Hairen house, and the Haiden house, but only two houses are present here.
In other words, the first King Haiden, Fable, who could be called Princess Carrie's ancestor...
"Well, I think it was fortunate that we were able to regain our sense of self, unlike him."
"Leave him be, leave him be. He’ll regain his sense of self eventually. There’s at least some reaction."
"You really could phrase that better..."
"Hmph. It just irks me that there’s one person still in a dazed state."
That’s right. About a third of the party of the dead were in that state, mere puppets following orders.
As it turns out, after investigating the history of the dead, it seems that those with higher magical power are more likely to regain their sense of self.
Well, it’s a field with many unknowns, so it’s just speculation, and resurrecting the dead isn't something I particularly enjoy doing, so it’s not like progress will be swift.
"For now, I believe you understand our situation."
"Yes. It seems you have suffered quite a lot as well."
We both smiled bitterly.
It’s no different that both Souta-san and I were summoned to this world and worked to the bone.
By the way, this is the second time I’ve explained this to Souta-san.
Well, only once to the "copy-soul" version of Souta-san, though.
I never thought I’d have to explain the same thing to the same person as if they were two different people.
"Well, it just goes to show we think alike. Kagura, and Princess Carrie, was it? You both worked hard."
" "Yes. Thank you very much." "
At Enol’s words, Princess Carrie and Kagura replied with tense expressions.
Well, to them, he is a legendary ancestor.
To me, he just looks like an old man who has been through a lot.
"Enora, and Archbishop-dono, we have caused you trouble due to our own negligence. An apology isn't enough, but I am sorry."
"N-No!? Enol-sama, please raise your head!! The ones at fault are the Mad King and his ilk!!"
"That is correct. As Enora-dono says, the first Archbishop has no blame. No one could have imagined that only their spirits were alive. And the biggest problem lies with me, for not noticing such horrific things happening right here in the headquarters."
Enora’s reaction was mostly the same as Kagura’s, but the way Enol VIII answered with such composure made her seem like a mature woman.
"It is not the Archbishop’s responsibility alone. Do not step down from your position as Archbishop over something like this. I wish for you to resolve this situation and finish your term properly. It would be better to entrust the future to Enora and the young ones in a more peaceful world. Well, I don't know how long I can remain in this state, but I will cooperate. Though, I have no title to offer. Hahaha."
"...I am deeply grateful for your magnanimity and your resolve, Enol-sama."
The Archbishop also replied with tears in her eyes.
This old woman, Enol, seems like a refreshing and decisive person.
Well, I suppose you could say the swords have been returned to their scabbards, but there was one problem.
And that was...
"Carrie!! Help meeee!!"
The one who burst through the conference room door with her face a mess of tears was Princess Stasia.
"Stasia-oneesama!? What on earth happened!?"
"Age won't forgive meee!!"
That’s right. It was supposed to be a touching reunion between Princess Age, Princess Stasia, and Princess Carrie, but it seems that because they greeted her with a heavy, high-alert stance using guns at the gate, they completely soured her mood.
Well, if you treat someone who wasn't an enemy like an enemy and act coldly toward them, a normal person would be hurt.
Now, as I watched to see how Princess Carrie would react, she looked troubled as well...
"...If Stasia-oneesama cannot be forgiven, I feel that it won't make a difference even if I apologize. In the first place, did you tell her that what happened this time was unavoidable?"
"I told her!! I told her, but it was no use. She said she didn't know who her sister was. *Au au*..."
"...For now, I shall also go to meet Age-oneesama. I think we can consider Stasia-oneesama's visit concluded for now."
"Please. Carrie, tell her to forgive me!!"
"...I will do my best."
Princess Carrie went off to see Princess Age, using a politician's stock phrase.
Ah, she is a princess, so "politician" is accurate enough.
With Princess Carrie having departed with such tragic resolve, our group naturally suspended our consultation.
We aren't thick-skinned enough to talk calmly with Princess Stasia crying right next to us.
"Whatever we do, it would be better to aim for internal unity first."
"Indeed. First, we must reconcile Age-ojou-chan and her sister."
Souta-san agreed with me immediately.
"Um, Princess Stasia. Please, pull yourself together..."
"It will be alright, I'm sure the Princess will do something about it..."
"Y-Yes, that's right. Princess Age is surely just confused because of everything that has happened!!"
Kagura, Mikos, and Solo from the Academy were the ones comforting Princess Stasia.
Ignoring them, I checked the situation myself.
"Agil. How is Princess Age doing?"