第７１３堀：おてがみどうしよう？ (Part2)
"That is, of course, a given, but I would still like to know what's inside..."
Nonoa is the one who replies to my answer.
"Hmm. If it helps improve the relationship between Lilishe and Faide, that would be fine, but if the contents only serve to drive a further wedge between them, that would be troublesome..."
"Hifi is right. But even so, should we peek at the letter? If that were discovered, wouldn't it make things awkward not just between the two of them, but also between us and them?"
The four gods sigh and fret over the dilemma.
Well, I suppose that’s true.
If I were in a position of authority, I could just claim it was censorship or some such, but since they are our equals, that’s impossible. It’s a matter of trust.
"That is why I haven't been able to bring myself to peek at it either. If we are going to look, it must be the collective responsibility of everyone here."
"Well, I suppose that's true."
Seraria also agrees with a troubled expression.
Passing the buck to someone else here would only create more problems, after all.
"With that said, let's move to the first option. First, whether or not to deliver this letter. Everyone who thinks we should deliver it, raise your hand."
When I say this, all four of them raise their hands.
"We can't very well not deliver a letter from Lilishe's daughter."
"That’s true."
"I generally agree, but I am worried about the contents."
"That is the sticking point, indeed..."
Yeah, that’s the crux of it.
As I’m thinking this, an idea strikes me.
Is the problem perhaps that we are trying to force this into a reconciliation tool?
"How about this: instead of trying to use it as a catalyst for making up, why don't we just honestly deliver the letter to the two of them? Not as a 'read this together' kind of thing, but by taking custody of the letter and delivering it to each of them individually."
If they read a letter from their daughter on their own, there shouldn't be any issues.
I can't imagine them taking their anger out on the other person because of it.
"...Hmm. Do you think the contents of the letter would cause their relationship to worsen?"
"Nonoa, aren't you worrying too much? I don't think she would leave behind a grudge unrelated to the recipient in a letter from a daughter."
"Well, that’s true... I think Hifi is right."
"I agree with that as well. Unless there is a deep-seated resentment, that shouldn't happen. Besides, it’s a letter left for a father and mother. Thinking about it normally, it’s likely something touching, like an expression of daily gratitude."
As Noble says, a letter to parents in their later years is usually something moving, like a thank you for everything.
Normally, this letter would be for parents in heaven, but in Litea's case, her parents were still alive.
And originally, Litea had entrusted this letter to Tiger out of concern for her estranged parents.
The contents shouldn't be anything to worry about.
"In that case, as Yuki suggested, it might be better to give it to them individually."
"I agree. I think that would be best."
"And then, we should ask them how it went."
"Indeed. That is the most peaceful approach. If the letter contains something negative, we can provide support, and if it’s something happy, we can celebrate it right there. We might even be able to bring the two of them together and reconcile them on the spot."
Perhaps it’s a case where acting honestly works better than trying to scheme.
"Maybe we were overthinking it."
"Yes. Well, I suppose deciding who actually hands over the letter is still a bit of a dilemma."
As Seraria says this, the previously relaxed atmosphere of the meeting room stiffens once again.
However, since we’ve already reached a consensus, it would be counterproductive to ruin the mood now...
"I received the letter, so I will be the one to deliver it. That way, if I need to explain the delay, I can just use the excuse that I was busy with work. I’ll make sure to hand it over when the members here are present. That way, we can gauge their reactions when they read it."
When I propose this, everyone nods.
The arrangement is made: we will be notified when Lilishe and Faide are together, and I will go to deliver it.
This seemed to resolve the problem, but...
『Boss. Emergency contact.』
"What is it, Steve?"
『Someone strange has been caught in Weed's surveillance net.』
"When you say surveillance net, do you mean an unofficial route?"
『No, they went through the front door with regular procedures. I checked with appraisal, and while they aren't using a fake name, their status is a bit special, so my subordinates asked me to contact you.』
"There are tons of people who use fake names or hide their status. Isn't that the case with the old man from Roschur and the old man from Gartz?"
I thought it was nothing to make a fuss about, but his next words flipped that thought on its head.
『No, you see, the name is Miyabi, the race is High Elf, and she is a Queen...』
"I'm on my way!!"
I wouldn't say she's a party to the letter, but someone related has arrived!?
I have to find a way to smooth this over!!
We decided that the best course of action is to act with honest intentions and without any ulterior motives.
Well, that’s for the best, isn't it?
And a quick report.
I might not be able to post for the next two times.
The reason is that I will be away on a business trip.
Well, it’s rare to find hotels without internet access these days.
But I’m not sure if I’ll be able to write due to fatigue, so please forgive me if that happens.