第９４７堀：兵器輸出をする意味と覚悟 (Part2)
"So, the Haire Church is the problem after all, isn't it?"
"It seems so. But as I said, they won't outright reject it. Though, I’m sure they’ll have plenty of bitter feelings about it behind the scenes."
"So they’re still dissatisfied, huh? I suppose I’ll have to go and persuade them myself. I don't want them blowing up with resentment later. The logic is that while these things have caused harm, they can also be used to save people."
"They know these tools are being used for war; they aren't going to be happy about that. Our Haire Church aims for a peaceful world without war, you know? Even Haire-sama..."
"No, I don't think she'd mind at all. Actually, wait. Maybe I should persuade her first and have her convince the rest of the church."
I need to make them understand that monsters aren't inherently evil. Besides, Haire is already getting along well with the monsters in Weed. She doesn't have some dangerous ideology that all monsters must be eradicated; she just knows that attacking people is wrong.
"...If it’s Haire-sama, she’d probably be happy to go around and convince everyone."
"Right?"
"Sigh. Fine. Let's talk to Haire-sama first, then."
"Good. That settles the Magic Gear issue."
As I felt satisfied with the decision, Seraria spoke up.
"Settled, you say. Are you really okay with this? You’re handing over tools that will take many lives."
Oh, so we’re going there. Is this a sign that things have calmed down enough for her to worry about this?
"I didn't expect to hear that from you, Seraria... but if you're asking me whether it's good or bad that people will die because of something we were involved in, personally, I think it's bad."
"Hmm. I knew you understood that, Yuki, but you’re still choosing to export the Magic Gear with that knowledge, aren't you?"
"Of course. It’s the same as when I created the dungeon and the monster army, or when Taizo-san manufactured and distributed guns. I’ve been prepared for this kind of burden since the day I arrived in this world. This situation is no different; the only distinction is whether I pull the trigger myself or let someone else do it."
Unfortunately—or perhaps fortunately—my resolve doesn't waver over something like this. If I know what needs to be done, I just do it.
"Besides, in this case, it doesn't really matter whether we provide the Magic Gear or not. The Zurable Empire wants weapons. Even without them, the Empire will continue to fight. The only difference is the scale of the casualties."
"...And you decided that using the Magic Gear would result in fewer casualties?"
"Who knows? I can't predict how the war will play out, but I believe that as long as Emperor Eupia is in charge, it won't lead to a disastrous outcome."
"Indeed. It wouldn't be amusing for us if the old imperial faction—people we don't even know—won. Or rather, it would be problematic for our position."
"Deryu is right. We are already on the side of the Zurable Empire. What we should be concerned about is the Empire losing. If the Zurable Empire falls, Weed and Sea-Cypho will find themselves in a very difficult position."
Exactly. Rather than worrying about weapon exports, we have to consider that if we don't act to ensure the Zurable Empire doesn't lose, we’ll be the ones suffering the consequences.
"So that's what you meant by 'my hands or someone else's hands'."
"Exactly. Even without our Magic Gear, the Empire might still win. But our level of cooperation will change our relationship with them. And if they lose because we didn't support them, we’ll end up fighting the old imperial faction ourselves. Either way, we’re involved."
In the end, it’s a choice between the Zurable Empire fighting or us leading Weed into the fray. If one can look at the situation calmly...
"Phew. I see. We aren't capable of fighting a war across this vast continent ourselves. Which means we have no choice but to rely on the Zurable Empire to do their best."
"We could deal with the enemies ourselves, but that would only fuel the chaos. That is precisely why we are supporting the Zurable Empire. I see. So that’s the meaning behind the alliance..."
"Exactly. We are bound by a common fate."
Yes, forming an alliance with the Zurable Empire means that if we don't support them and help them win, we will suffer the damage ourselves. It’s a necessary step to protect our own lives. That’s all there is to it. Whether we actively participate in the fighting later will depend on how our relationship develops from here.
Fight fire with fire.
Fight war with war.
Yuki uses the Magic Gear if he believes it will lead to a resolution. Whether that is right or wrong is for each person to decide.