落とし穴１５７堀：空へ挑む (Part2)
"Ah, come on, that’s just not true. I was watching too, and that was clearly a structural failure. I know you’re frustrated, but don’t blame the pilot. Besides, you directors need to be paying closer attention to that sort of thing."
As he said this, Yuki-san lightly tapped Popuri and the others on the head with a roll of documents he was holding.
"Ow, ow, ow."
"Honestly, setting aside Aju, what are you doing with Popuri and Princess Carrie here?"
"Ngh. It flew when I was the one piloting. It flew just fine when Samantha practiced, too. So..."
"Yes. It flew perfectly fine when I did it, and during Micos’s practice sessions as well. Cleena-san and Kagura mentioned something about chest size, but we certainly didn't say anything of the sort. In other words, the cause is..."
"I see. So you’re saying the cause lies with Samantha and Micos, then?"
The directors nodded in agreement.
"Um, Yuki-onii-sama. Why am I exempt?"
"Aju is small, and you’re my little sister. That’s a privilege."
"I-I’m not small! Well, I am, but please stop treating me like a child! Treating me like a little sister is fine, though!"
Aju protested, but to her older brother, Aju is just as much a child as Aslin and the others. And above all, since she is Stasia’s younger sister, he spoils her completely.
"Yeah, yeah. Regardless, it’s a problem if the machine breaks just because of a slight difference in pilot skill. Besides, this wasn't exactly a spur-of-the-moment thing, was it?"
"Ugh."
"I thought so. That means it was a maintenance failure. The frame must have been worn out from repeated practice. It’s not just the pilot’s responsibility; it’s everyone’s."
"..."
At those words, the Lancer and Haiden members slumped, completely deflated.
"I know you're frustrated. But this isn't the end. There’s always next year. You just have to make sure you fly it then. Your desire to fly through the sky hasn't changed, has it?"
"...*Sigh*. Well, you're right. I'm sorry, Samantha. I think I just got carried away."
"...I, too, let my assumptions about national prestige get the better of me and said too much. I'm sorry, Micos."
"No, I understand how you feel. As Yuki-sama pointed out, I failed to notice the irregularities in the machine myself. The responsibility is certainly mine as well."
"That's true. I said too much to Micos-chan, too. Everyone wanted to fly, I know that. I'm sorry we couldn't make it happen."
And just like that, the petty squabble came to an end.
Man, as expected of Onii-san. He’s so good at mediating things like this.
"Now, we have plenty of time for the next one. Besides, even Mauve and his group managed to fly it reasonably well. You’d be better off asking for advice than fighting."
"Oh? So this isn't the end?"
"We were under the impression that this was our only chance."
"Not if it’s popular, right? But that’s not the case here, is it? Look."
As Onii-san directed his gaze, he pointed toward entry number four...
"Alright! Final check on the Red Blaster!"
"Yes!"
It’s Taiki-san’s Ranks team.
What’s more, Ruth-san, the Chancellor, Airi, and Soel are all there in full force. They’re all having a great time checking over the machine together. The spectators are watching them with intense curiosity.
"This means we have to do another round, right?"
Leaving those words behind, Onii-san walked over to Taiki-san and began chatting.
Well, I suppose it’s time for me to get back to work.
"Apologies for the wait! Entry number four, the Ranks team is here! Everyone, take a look—the machine has been painted a brilliant red. What kind of meaning could that color possibly hold?"
"It’s something the Hero King thought of. It likely has many meanings. I’m looking forward to seeing how far it flies."
Eris poked at it, knowing full well there was no deep meaning. Hearing that, Taiki-kun answered the question with a smile for some reason.
"Well, you see. It’s a color I loved and admired. Just a foolish man’s hobby, you could say."
"That’s right. Good luck, Taiki-kun."
"Yeah, give it your all, Taiki-kun."
Before I knew it, even Taizo-san had joined in, watching the machine alongside Onii-san.
My, what wonderful smiles they have. I’m a little jealous; I wish they’d look at us with those smiles, too.
Oh, wait. The machine is already on standby.
"Takeoff permission granted! The Red Blaster, piloted by the Hero King Taiki! Launching!"
Now then, the challenge to the sky continues.
I can't wait for Onii-san’s turn.
Remember, if your chest is too big, the airplane will crash!
That’s going to be on the test!