第６７０堀：再び一緒に…… (Part2)
"Ah, I get it. Like Solo said, it feels a bit lacking. Well, I wouldn't want to be put through actual torture, but back then, we were running around desperately, giving everything we had to do what needed to be done... Oh, wait, I’m not saying I don’t want to do paperwork! Don’t tell Mother, okay?"
Enora, having agreed with Solo, panicked and said that to me.
"I know, I know. We’ve all made it through some incredible hellscapes, haven't we?"
I said that with a bitter smile and turned my gaze toward Mikos. She seemed to catch my meaning and nodded...
"Yeah. Just half a year ago, we were in the middle of the Baide war, struggling just to survive. The situation was getting worse by the day, and just when I thought we were done for, Kagura and the Princess appeared, all tied up by Yuki-sensei. I was so surprised. Honestly, I thought it was all over back then."
"I felt the same."
I had intended to call for allies, but we were captured by an angry Yuki and the others, leaving the Baide defense force without its commander and vice-commander. I thought that was the end, but Yuki and his group displayed such unbelievable power that they brought the situation under control.
"Well, that war was really just the beginning, wasn't it?"
"True. Before I knew it, we’d ended up all the way out here."
"Indeed. I was supposed to be eating a quiet meal alone in the restroom, after all."
"The story of how Solo joined us is always so strange to hear."
"Hahaha!"
As we laughed while talking about things that had happened so recently, I suddenly realized why I had sighed earlier.
"I see. I miss those days."
"Ah, well, compared to the daily grind of sorting documents, I suppose."
"Well, back then, it was a straightforward hero’s tale, after all."
"I still find it hard to believe that someone like me ended up joining you all."
That’s right. Back then, I was so desperate to deal with the events right in front of me that I didn't notice, but I was fulfilled. And now, I’ve obtained this peaceful daily life? As Solo said, I think it feels a bit lacking. It’s a luxury, and I’d probably get scolded for saying it... No, let’s drop the excuses.
To me, such things are trivial. I’m sure Mikos feels the same. The difference between then and now is that Yuki isn't by my side. We were always together, but since coming here, we’ve been separated. The reason I helped with this diplomatic work and the establishment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wasn't for the country or my family...
I just wanted to be near Yuki. That’s all. The paperwork existed before, and even though it’s increased a bit, I’m not so spineless as to complain about something like this. Some might say it’s just because of a man, but to me, it’s the most important thing. I was able to make it this far because Yuki was there. I want to be with him forever...
As I was letting my imagination run wild, the door opened without a knock, and someone stepped inside.
"Alright. All four of you are here, then."
The one who entered while saying that was...
"Yuki!?"
"Yuki-sensei?"
"Yuki-sama."
Yes. The person I love most in the world had entered... wait, no, no!! Don't think like a maiden!! This is work!! Didn't Eris-san say?
*"Yuki-san likes capable women. He finds women who only rely on him to be a nuisance."*
Of course she’s right. Even I would find a woman who only causes trouble to be a nuisance. It’s impossible to fall for someone who doesn't try their best. Well, if Yuki ever fell apart, I’d take care of him, but...
Oh, this is bad. First off, why is Yuki here?
"Yuki-sensei. What’s the matter? Do you have business with Mikos-chan?"
*Guh*, while I was busy with my useless fantasies, Mikos beat me to the punch.
"Not just Mikos, as I said, I have business with all four of you. You’re tired of the paperwork, aren't you? Why don't you come out into the field with me for a change? Well, I won't force you."
That’s what Yuki said, but this is what I heard: *'I want you to come with me. I need Kagura.'*
So, Mikos and I answered without hesitation.
"We’ll go! We’re going!"
This was an invitation from Yuki. Refusing is out of the question. It would become an international incident. Therefore, my immediate response was not impulsive; it was a conclusion reached after deep consideration. It was definitely not just because I wanted to be with Yuki.
"The two of you are in, then. What about Solo and Enora? Amanda and Eoid are coming too."
"Oh, in that case, I’ll go too."
"I’m going. If I stay here, I’ll be doing paperwork alone. I’d surely go mad."
"Alright. Then get ready. We’ll be staying overnight, so bring your travel gear. I’ll be back to pick you up in an hour."
"Understood."
Yuki left after saying that, but Dressa and the others remained...
"What’s wrong? Don't you need to follow Yuki?"
"...You have the look of a woman in heat. Well, that’s fine. That mood will be blown away soon enough."
"Indeed. For now, after you finish preparing for the trip, let’s have Narjia-san choose your equipment."
"...That would be best."
At Dressa’s words, we couldn't help but feel our lives were in danger.
"Who is Narjia?"
Only Enora, who knew nothing, asked.
A maiden in love has a built-in filter system.