落とし穴１２１堀：最後のオチ (Part1)
The Final Twist
Side: Kagura Kamishiro
In the end, I reaffirmed that Yuki is indeed my fated person. After all, he always appears in my time of need and saves me in an instant. I couldn't find the words to describe what else he could be, if not my fated person.
“...I don't need this lovey-dovey talk. Deleting it.”
With that, the Princess drew a line through the document I submitted.
“Huh?”
“'Huh?' is not an answer. While we did receive apologies from Yuki-sama and Luna-sama for this incident, there's also a problem with you, Kagura, and the others, for following Luna-sama's orders without contacting anyone. Going out for lunch and then disappearing? Are you making a fool of us?! Even children can keep track of their lunch break! And it's not just Kagura. Mikos and Solo are also at fault!!”
“““...We apologize.”””
Hearing that, we honestly apologized. We had returned to our homeland, Hyden, to explain yesterday's incident. Oh, and we pulled an all-nighter to write the report. The reason was exactly as we had just been scolded for. It's only natural to be scolded if diplomats go missing during their lunch break. I understand. ...It's important, isn't it? Well, the mitigating circumstances are that we were following the orders of Luna-sama, the supreme goddess of this world, and Luna-sama gave us sacred sake, asking them not to be too angry, which is why it's only this severe. Normally, we'd be lucky to get off with a demotion. At worst, our heads could literally roll.
Incidentally, sacred sake is a miraculous drink from the gods that can heal even severe injuries, old wounds, missing body parts, and disabilities from birth, making the person indistinguishable from a normal individual. Just a small cup of it can completely heal one person, but we received an entire 1.8-liter bottle. That's enough for over ten uses. The value of this sacred sake is immeasurable. Any influential person, no, anyone would desire such a drink.
“Haa... Well, as I said earlier, we've received apologies from the two of them for this incident, so externally, it's over. However, make sure you reflect thoroughly.”
“““Yes.”””
“Actually, regarding the sacred sake we received from Luna-sama, we can't honestly disclose that, so we're publicly stating that we received a panacea from Yuki-sama and distributing it to those who need it.”
“Huh? You're deliberately publicizing that you received sacred sake?”
Mikos asked the Princess, looking puzzled. But no, that question is...
“If we don't publicize it, we'd have to treat it as if you simply wandered off and disappeared. We can't speak of Luna-sama, nor can we reveal the location as it's a Weed secret, so that's the only way to report it. In that case, you would become incompetent individuals who got lost during work.”
“““...”””
Yes, the reason we publicized the incredibly valuable sacred sake instead of keeping it a secret was to protect our standing.
“Do you understand? Thanks to the sacred sake, you've gone from being lost children to individuals who acted to obtain a panacea. However, frankly speaking, this will cause you trouble. But... this is also a good experience, isn't it?”
“What do you mean?”
This time, Solo tilted her head, not understanding how it would be troublesome.
“It's understandable that Solo doesn't get it. Now, you two seniors over there, do you understand what I'm saying?”
““Yes.””
“Then, Kagura. Explain it for me.”
“Understood. Because of this incident, we've gained the achievement of obtaining a panacea to cover up our blunder. And a panacea has literal healing properties. This means that if anything happens in the future, we'll likely be asked by various parties to acquire the panacea...”
“Yes, exactly. Requests are the gentle kind. At worst, there will be those who resort to force or target your families. Possessing a panacea isn't just about having medicine that can heal injuries. It's synonymous with possessing a vast fortune. Do you understand, Solo?”
As the Princess said, regarding a medicine that can heal anything, while for treatment is one thing, there will be those who seek money and power, contacting us and trying to obtain the panacea by any means necessary. Solo, having received that explanation, nodded gravely.
“...Yes. But why is that a good experience?”
“Let's have Mikos explain that.”
“Alright. So, Solo, it means you have to deal with those who make unreasonable demands, like 'Hand over the panacea' or 'Let me meet Yuki-sensei,' and resolve the situation without incident.”
“Yes, exactly. You are diplomats. You must negotiate with Weed for better terms that benefit our Hyden. However, currently, you've only been appointed as diplomats through connections. If you don't produce results, you will eventually be removed. I cannot keep those who fail to achieve results in the position of diplomat indefinitely.”
Yes, we are diplomats. We have to do our jobs. That's why she's telling us to overcome challenges of this level.
“Fortunately, or perhaps intentionally, Yuki-sama managed to extract an apology from Luna-sama, which became an achievement for you, Kagura, and the others. This is also Yuki-sama's way of showing that he wants you to continue as diplomats. If you were a hindrance, he would have sent you back immediately after this blunder.”
In other words, what I understand from this is that Yuki is still the important person who helps me!!
“Well, it seems the two of you understand, so Solo, you should listen carefully to your seniors and learn well.”
“Yes. Understood.”
Well, it seems the scolding session is over, and I need to return to Hyden soon to work. Since Yuki saw my failure and then helped me, I need to show him that I can do my job properly. Just as I was thinking that...
“Now, let's put the warnings and guidance aside for a moment. From now on, I'd like to ask some questions about the report.”
“Are there any other points you're curious about?”
Was there anything problematic in the way the report was written? No, anything related to Yuki was deleted...
“What I'm concerned about is Weed's newly discovered combat strength.”
“Combat strength?”
“Ah, regarding their existence, you, Kagura, and the others described them as ghosts, specters, and even Bishop Enora's proxy described them as monsters. While they weren't explicitly written as 'combat strength,' I also received a report that Kagura was injured. These are things that could sufficiently become a threat. I believe it's dangerous to remain ignorant of them.”
What the Princess said was reasonable, but I also felt it was, in a way, very dangerous. Because her words sounded as if she was viewing Yuki and Weed's inclusion of ghosts in their ranks as dangerous. It could be interpreted as considering hostility. More precisely, considering hostility with Yuki and Weed is nothing but a foolish strategy. I have to dissuade her from such thoughts...
“Kagura. You don't have to make such a scary face. We have no intention of hostility.”
Apparently, it showed on my face. How useless. It's crucial not to let your expressions show during negotiations.
“Then, what do you mean by investigating Weed's combat strength...? Even just knowing about their firearms is quite significant, isn't it?”