第８２４堀：司教のお仕事 (Part2)
Normally, one must consider the dignity of the nation. Yet, to ignore that for the sake of preventing chaos in Haiden—there is no way a person who does that could be anything but kind.
At first, I had pegged him for some sort of schemer or con artist, but my perception of Yuki-dono has shifted; I now see him as a man who is simply too kind for his own good.
He claims these roundabout methods are necessary to investigate and rectify the magical depletion phenomenon, but to my eyes, it looks like he is going out of his way to take the long road simply because he is too gentle.
All to protect us.
But, setting my own feelings aside, the current issue is the Chancellor.
If this Chancellor intends to harm Yuki-dono, I must be prepared to put my own body on the line to stop her. And if she refuses to desist, I will not hesitate to take her life.
And so, her answer was...
"…I see. If you had truly intended to conquer us—to conquer the Kingdom of Seasypho—we would have been subjugated long ago, wouldn't we?"
"Haha, well, that is true. Given that, it is hard to believe that Weed has any intention of conquering or harming the Kingdom of Seasypho. That immense power of theirs may be terrifying, but you must try to reach out and take their hand. Nothing begins if you do not know the other party. And from there, they, too, will come to know the Kingdom of Seasypho."
I am merely stating the obvious, but for those gripped by fear, it requires a great deal of resolve.
There are many things that are simple for others but agonizing for oneself.
That is why I teach them carefully, one step at a time. I guide them.
So that the natural things can be done naturally.
So that people can help one another.
The teachings of Hairen-sama are nothing more than such simple truths.
Well, the person herself is constantly causing trouble for Sota-sama and Enoru-sama, and even now she sparks all sorts of incidents, but there is no denying she spoke a great truth, and I understand now why everyone was drawn to that straightforward honesty of hers.
I only hope that by emulating Hairen-sama’s way of life, even just a little, I might be able to calm the Chancellor’s heart...
"…I am grateful for your words, Bishop. To first understand the other party. Indeed, that is only natural. …I shall take some time to consider this."
"Yes. Please, take your time."
"Haah. Unfortunately, it seems I have no time to take my time. Between the sea monsters and the ultimate threat of Weed—with a ship that is practically a castle—if my response is even a moment too late, my head will be on the chopping block."
With a wry smile, the Chancellor exits the room.
I thought she had left, but there was an immediate knock at the door. Thinking she might have forgotten something, I opened it, only to find...
"Hey. That was Chancellor Aquamarine, wasn't it?"
"Did she come by here? Mikos-chan is so curious."
"Honestly, it’s just you two."
"What’s with that attitude?"
"Enora~. You really need to act a bit more like a Bishop, you know?"
"Oh, pipe down. It’s not like we’re at a stage where we need to stand on ceremony with each other anymore. Besides, ever since I was granted this counseling room on this ship, I’ve been swamped. Mostly with people from the Kingdom of Seasypho. And yes, as Kagura said, that was Chancellor Aquamarine."
I say this while preparing tea for Kagura and Mikos.
"Thanks. But why do the people of the Kingdom of Seasypho keep coming to you for consultation, Enora?"
"That’s easy, Kagura. It’s because they’re wary of Yuki-sensei and the others in Weed, isn't it?"
"Mikos wants some. And snacks."
"You got it."
I place the snacks on the table, take my seat, and sip my tea.
"Phew. Well, it’s pretty much as Mikos says. The main topic of consultation is that they’ve only just learned of Weed’s power and have no idea how to deal with them."
"No idea how to deal with Weed, huh? I get that."
"I get it, I get it. Mikos-chan and the others didn't know what to do during the defense of Baide, either."
"Exactly. Yuki-dono, his wives, and even his daughters were summoned here; it’s a miracle we’re still alive to talk about it."
"Truly, I thought I was going to die back then."
"Mikos-chan and the others were so surprised when Kagura and the Princess were suddenly rolled up in straw mats and dragged out of the lord’s mansion. So, Enora, what did you tell those lost lambs?"
"I told them that the situation is far better than it was in Haiden, and that Yuki-dono is a kind man. The rest depends on how the people of the Kingdom of Seasypho choose to act."
I just hope it ends peacefully.
If they harbor ill will toward Yuki-dono and end up hurting him, the Kingdom of Seasypho’s position will be hanging by a thread.
The Allied Forces would surely find a righteous cause to launch an attack.
And so, we continued to chat as we drank our tea.
It’s important, you know—counseling.
Just talking about things can make your heart feel so much lighter.
In the military, counseling is essential, after all.
Will the people of Seasypho find their footing thanks to Enora’s sermon—or rather, the teachings of Hairen?