第６７７堀：親と父と子と孫 (Part2)
"There is no need for Princess Inis to go out of her way to state the facts. If anything, doing so would only harm the national interest. It would be better to pin the responsibility on someone else. Besides, we both know that Princess Inis isn't the only one at fault here."
"..."
Princess Inis remained silent, offering no reply.
"Now, now, Cleena. Leave her be. It is precisely because she feels the weight of that responsibility."
Amidst the silence, old man Feigel, who had been rubbing her back, stood up and spoke.
So, it really was intentional...
Well, there was no reason for her to go out of her way to rub Cleena the wrong way, either.
Perhaps she hadn't thought she could keep it hidden forever, but as Cleena said, this wasn't a situation where only Princess Inis was to blame.
If anything, the younger Cleena had been far too impulsive. She used to say things like she would die if anyone got in our way.
But Cleena has grown since then. She understands the complexities of the situation, and the problems facing Princess Inis and her people didn't end here.
Even if we were to forgive them, the fact remains that they caused a great deal of trouble for those around them.
It wouldn't be right for the other five great nations to just let it slide without compensation, and since August had agreed to cooperate in establishing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there was no way they would get off scot-free.
They would likely be forced to make various concessions on matters outside of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"...Old man, it’s fine. I will speak. At this point, it doesn't seem like Junior Cleena is going to do anything as drastic as taking her own life."
With those words, Princess Inis stepped forward.
"To be honest, I never thought Cleena would help us like this. As I said before, she once told me to my face that if I were to get in Yuki-sama's way, she would end her own life. I had used Cleena so selfishly until now, so I never expected her to help me. That is why I acted the way I did—partly on purpose, to sever any lingering attachments. I thought that if I did, you wouldn't care so much about whatever happened to us..."
"Is that the same reason as the old man?"
"Haha... I suppose so. After I had been so adamant, and caused so much trouble for Junior Cleena, Junior Amanda, and Junior Eoid, I couldn't bear to see you all being used either. Yet, here we are. Still, because of this incident, I doubt there are any fools left who would dare to act aggressively against not just Cleena, but Weed, the Lancer Magic Academy, and even Haiden in the New Continent. Furthermore, it has served as proof that my father—the King’s—judgment was not mistaken. The rest will likely recover on its own. After all, many of those who joined the Duke's faction did so because they had lost faith in the King's judgment."
"Mm. I don't want to be a nuisance, but I am glad that August is returning to its former self."
"Yes. This time, we will manage things ourselves."
"Mm. Sister. Do your best."
"Haha. Yes, I shall show you my best. I cannot show a pathetic side to my little sister."
A gentle atmosphere flowed between Cleena and Princess Inis.
Seeing this, old man Feigel turned to me and opened his mouth.
"I am grateful to you, son-in-law, for guiding Cleena to where she is today."
"No, Cleena grew on her own. To a parent, a child is always a child, but eventually, that child will be called an adult by those around them."
"...That is true."
Children grow up eventually. Whether one wishes for it or not.
As I was thinking this, Cleena turned toward me.
"Ah, that's right. I forgot something. Old man."
"Hm? What is it?"
"I have a child, too."
"““What!?””"
The sudden announcement caused not just old man Feigel and Princess Inis, but all of us to freeze.
"I am the same as you, old man. I adopted one."
"““Oh...””"
At Cleena's next words, everyone slumped in relief.
She meant Qiutian...
That was a scare. I was worried for a second that she’d brought a pregnant woman onto the front lines.
"I see. So you are walking the same path as I am."
"We aren't blood-related, but she is undoubtedly the daughter of a master."
"That's right. There's no doubt about that. But, Feigel, if you do anything unnecessary to Cleena's daughter, you'll be burned to a crisp, alright? Just keep that in mind."
"Ho. Can the granddaughter use fire magic as well? That is something I look forward to teaching her."
The members of Weed who knew Qiutian's true strength all thought the same thing: it would be Feigel who ends up being taught a lesson.
Well, everyone was being considerate of someone else.
Especially when it comes to parents and children.
However, that is not an absolute rule.
It is not uncommon for parents and children, or siblings, to despise one another. (Something to keep in mind.)
King August and the Duke are a prime example of that.
This doesn't mean all debts between the nations are erased, but it is enough for reconciliation between individuals.
Cleena had grown, and Inis and Feigel felt genuine remorse. Knowing that was enough.
And in the end, Feigel would undoubtedly be set ablaze by Qiutian.