落とし穴１４２堀：あの頃 (Part2)
"Indeed. I couldn't have imagined it back then, either. But this doll—it’s one that you and the others received and played with, isn't it? Why bring it to me now? Surely it belongs to you? What do you mean by saying you came to deliver it?"
I asked, unable to grasp Popuri’s intent. She had explicitly called it a delivery when she handed it over, yet it felt as though it belonged in her own hands.
"Ah, well... I’ve reached an age where I’ve outgrown playing with dolls, and I feared that if I gave it directly to my master, she might dismantle it without a second thought."
"True, if you gave it to Comet, she would likely turn it into experimental material."
Lately, she has been quite exuberant, fueled by the technological exchanges from Weed. Still, to pass the doll to me for that reason alone seemed... unusual.
"I think it would be perfectly fine for you to keep it, wouldn't it? Why me?"
"Has... has Narjia-san not mentioned anything to you?"
"Narjia-san? You mean the chieftain of the Fairy tribe?"
"Yes. I see, so Sister Hifi is unaware."
Seeing my reaction, Popuri replied with a knowing look. Curiosity, as they say, is human nature.
"Has something happened to Comet? When I saw her yesterday, she was eating her meals just as she always does."
"It isn't anything so dramatic as that, but it seems that from time to time, she looks at the weapons Narjia-san crafts and appears... hesitant."
"Hesitant?"
"Well, Narjia-san mentioned it’s something only the technicians—and Taizo-dono, perhaps—could truly perceive."
"Taizo-san as well?"
"Yes."
Since my husband, Taizo-san, hadn't mentioned it to me, I gathered it wasn't a matter of grave urgency.
"Forgive me for asking again, but how does that connect to this doll?"
"Ah, my apologies. I suppose I had a hunch because of what Narjia-san said. This hesitation she feels when looking at weapons... I suspect it concerns the Holy Swords."
"The Holy Swords? Ah, the 'Bet-Swords.' You mean... them?"
"When you think about it, every weapon Comet-san ever crafted was made for our sake."
"That is true. She was primarily focused on researching the mana depletion phenomenon and arcane studies. She did dabble in creation, but it was usually things like helping crops grow in the frozen lands of the White Forest. That must be why she feels conflicted when she looks at those weapons."
"Yes. I suspect she carries a heavy heart regarding me and the other Holy Sword wielders."
After all, she had ultimately lost her life at their hands. Even if they had reconciled, it was only natural that she would harbor complex feelings, just as Popuri suggested.
"And that is why you brought me this doll that Comet made?"
"Yes. Though, it didn't feel right for us to hand it over directly; the timing is delicate. I wanted to ask you, Sister Hifi—my master's dear friend—to help clear that fog from her mind. It is the collective wish of the Holy Sword wielders as well."
"I understand, Popuri. I will keep an eye on her and see if I can broach the subject. Though, knowing Comet, she might have already worked through it herself."
That Comet often ignores the worries of others, her mind already drifting toward the next enigma. But then again, perhaps that is simply the nature of a researcher. Popuri seemed to understand this as well, nodding immediately.
"Yes, that is quite possible for Master. But it has been weighing on me. In fact, we found these dolls just as Yuki-dono and the others arrived at the academy. Given the timing, I can't help but feel they didn't appear for our sake, but for hers."
"I see. These little ones have returned to remind Comet of the joy of creation."
"Yes, I truly believe so. Comet-san didn't craft weapons for herself; she did it for others. That was all. In the past, it led to a tragic conclusion, but the intent behind it was never to bring about misfortune. I want her to remember that."
"I see. Very well. I will take them in."
And so, the children of Comet’s past returned to my care. Now, how should I go about this? A doll made by Comet. What was her goal? What was her purpose? It’s not just about the act of making things, but perhaps a reminder not to lose sight of one’s original intent.
Hifi and Popuri are worried, but I wonder what answer Comet will find for herself.