第９５０堀：お姫様の迷い (Part2)
"No, that's not quite right. It is an undeniable fact that the Gusdo Kingdom was destroyed by the Zuraburu Great Empire. It is also true that much blood was shed as a result."
"……"
That’s right. That is what actually happened.
My homeland was burned to the ground; my parents, my friends—everything was taken from me.
Now, only a handful of soldiers and citizens remain in Aurelia Port.
"So, what do you want to do, Princess Palfil? You could remain under our protection as things are. You could also flee Aurelia Port and seek aid from the nations of the former Imperial faction. If that happens, well, I will have to have a talk with the Emperor. Or, to judge the Emperor for myself..."
He didn't say what came after, but he likely meant submitting to the Zuraburu Emperor.
...Impossible. To be told to serve them after they destroyed Gusdo?
My emotions reject the very notion.
Yet, a part of me understands that it is one possible path.
If I continue to fight as I am, I will only cause my precious people to be wounded in vain.
If I submit to the Zuraburu Great Empire, there is a possibility—however uncertain—that our land might be returned to us.
But that is a path of humiliation.
To serve the very people who stole my family and my country...
The thought makes my head spin, unable to find clarity.
"……May I have some time?"
"Of course. This isn't a matter you can answer immediately. You have your subjects remaining in Aurelia Port to consider, after all. It would be best to return and decide."
I am relieved.
It seems I have time to think, however brief it may be.
Having regained some composure upon hearing that, I realized there was something I had to confirm.
"Yuki-sama, how does Weed intend to interact with the Zuraburu Great Empire?"
Yes. After the discussions with the Zuraburu Great Empire—a nation we were supposed to fight—what choice will Weed make?
"Let's see. I believe you’ve already sensed it, Princess Palfil, but the interior of the Zuraburu Great Empire is quite peaceful. Proper governance is being carried out. Well, since we are hostile nations, it is only natural to spread information that disparages the other side. And it is also a fact that they committed brutal pillaging on the roads of Aurelia Port."
Yes, that is true.
That is why I don't know.
Is the Zuraburu Great Empire evil, or is it not?
"For us, it has become necessary to discern whose claims are correct. Above all, we do not engage in reckless wars with those with whom we can hold discussions."
I believe that is correct.
The only ones who rejoice in war are the soldiers and generals who gain military merit from it, or nations that desperately wish to expand their territory.
Under normal circumstances, war consumes vast amounts of wealth, supplies, and soldiers, so it is something to be avoided.
If it can be settled through discussion, there is nothing better.
"In other words, Weed will not fight the Zuraburu Great Empire."
"That's right. At the moment, there is no reason to fight. And it seems they have no intention of picking a fight with us, either."
"……I see."
Whether it was relief or disappointment, I could not tell, even as I accepted Weed’s answer—an answer that could be called natural.
Perhaps sensing my inner turmoil, Yuki-sama began to leave the room, but I called out to him.
"……Yuki-sama. What would you do, if you were in my position?"
"What would I do... The answer is already decided for me."
Yuki-sama answered my question sharply.
It felt as though he had no hesitation whatsoever.
"May I ask what that is?"
"I don't mind. First of all, as a nation, if we can avoid war, there is nothing better, so for the sake of the people, I would choose the path of peace."
"As a nation... But what about you personally, Yuki-sama? If your homeland had been stolen and your loved ones killed?"
"Well, that would depend on the situation. If the enemy were truly acting with unreasonable cruelty, I might try to fight. But, surely, there would be someone by my side. I highly doubt I would be willing to fight if it meant putting that person in danger. Well, it’s rare to find someone who can lose everything, after all."
"Eh?"
I didn't understand what he meant.
Even though I, in fact, had lost everything.
Perhaps noticing my confusion, Yuki-sama continued as he took a step into the hallway.
"Why did your parents let you escape? Is it right to treat the lives of the subordinates who followed you so carelessly? Before you throw your life away, I think there is still much to consider. Have you truly lost everything?"
"……Everything that remains?"
"Well, if you can figure that out, the means you should take will naturally become clear. Now, take your time to think."
With those words, Yuki-sama departed.
Is there truly something left for me?
I have hatred. But what if my premise was wrong?
What will she choose in the end?
Vengeance, or the path of survival?
Which is correct depends entirely on her.