第８３３堀：ある技術者の思いと行動 (Part2)
"You’re a worrier, Yuki. If there were anyone out there capable of sinking that aircraft carrier, the Seasypho navy would have been wiped out long ago."
"Well, that may be true, but you never know what the sea might hold. Since Dressa and the others are operating independently, I can't help but be concerned about our defensive capabilities."
"Ah, now that you mention it, you did say that. How are Dressa and her crew holding up?"
I asked, suddenly finding myself curious. After all, the "Other Sword"—or rather, the Holy Sword—had proven that even the most formidable weapon can become a pathetic liability depending on how it’s wielded.
Ah, and if we’re talking about that, I suppose I’m no different, being someone who could only ever focus on research. In the end, I failed to utilize the Dungeon Core to its full potential. I suppose I was projecting my own bitter memories onto Dressa and her team.
"There are no particular issues. That said, they’ve only shown a glimpse of their true strength to Seasypho so far. Since they aren't used to the field, I’m a bit anxious."
"That can't be helped, can it? Until now, you were the one handling all the dealings with high-ranking officials, Yuki. To suddenly be made a captain—and a commander of the Seasypho coastal defense at that—it’s only natural they’d be nervous. In fact, they were stiff as boards during the mock battle this afternoon."
Hearing Agil’s explanation, I couldn't help but agree. If anything, the real problem was Yuki forcing them into that position in the first place. Well, he seems aware of it himself, so it must have been unavoidable. It’s the same as when I entrusted that sword to them.
"So, what is it, Comet? Was there something on your mind?"
"No, I just happened to be reminded of my younger self. It’s the same as when I entrusted the sword to them, isn't it? Isn't that right, Yuki?"
"Well, I suppose so. I believe that Dressa and the others won't be blinded by the power of that weapon. They’ll make mistakes, sure, but that’s what we’re here to help them with."
"That stings to hear. I neglected that kind of support. In the end, even when I was cut down, I just thought to myself that they would surely manage somehow."
"……That in itself isn't a bad thing. The result just happened to turn out that way."
Yuki replied, his voice strained. I suppose so. It’s hard to know how to respond when someone starts pouring out their own failures like this.
"Ahaha, no, forgive me. I was just reminiscing about the past."
"No, I said something careless as well. My apologies."
"……"
Oh dear, the atmosphere has become quite awkward. I was wondering what to do when Agil broke the silence.
"Hmm, in a way, that’s what you’d call trauma. In that case, Comet, why don't you try joining Dressa and the others on the carrier?"
"Eh?"
The proposal was so unexpected that my mind couldn't keep up. How did he even arrive at that conclusion?
"Just now, watching Yuki and Dressa’s group, you saw yourself in them. That’s why you got worried, didn't you?"
"Ah, well, I suppose so. But Yuki will be fine..."
"I’m sure he will. But that’s irrelevant. The question is what *you* want to do, Comet."
"Me?"
"Yes. It’s a lingering regret, isn't it? I’m not in a position to lecture you, and I lack the knowledge, but your face says it’s a regret. Right, everyone?"
As Agil said this, everyone nodded.
"It’s rare to see you so troubled, Comet-san."
"It might be rude to call it unexpected, but you do look quite distressed."
"You’re usually so carefree, so seeing you this serious is a change. Besides, you’ve been cooped up in Weed for ages. Why not head outside for a change of pace?"
It seems I was wearing my heart on my sleeve more than I realized. That incident must have been a lingering regret for me all this time.
"……Understood. I’ll go. If it’s come to this, I’ll just have to raise Dressa and the others into fine commanders!"
"Wait, you’re a complete amateur at naval warfare, aren't you? Or rather, you aren't even the command type to begin with."
"Ugh!? You’re not going to play along?"
"You get carried away too easily. Should I call Hifi to keep an eye on you?"
"No, I don't need her. She’s like a nagging mother if she’s around."
And so, in order to face myself, I decided to head out. Thus, the comet began to move.
Saying it like that makes me think of the Red Comet. Well, never mind the red one; the point is that Comet has a lot on her mind. I’m sure it’s a problem I could solve on my own without any real trouble, but the story exists nonetheless. It might be unnecessary, but that’s why this snowman writes. Such trivialities are the very essence of entertainment, aren't they?
My apologies to those who just want to rush through the plot.