第１０６１堀：皇帝たちの見解と目指すもの (Part2)
"Indeed. If we were to intervene and stop what we have already permitted, that would be the reason. After all, the Seraphina Church has not only been treating me but has also dispatched exclusive healers to my ministers. We are well-connected. The 'means to stop them' are right before our eyes."
"And you feel compelled to use them, don't you? Especially if you have something to hide."
"Exactly. I suspect Yuki-dono is aiming for just that. Besides, this visit resulted in nothing more than the simple healing of patients. There is no reason to refuse that. And later, I imagine he expects to bring Rurua-dono—was that her name?—into the fold."
"I see. Certainly, if he can recruit Rurua-dono, the reputation of the Seraphina Church will soar even higher. It is far more constructive to co-opt her than to carelessly stand in her way. Well, in the first place, we lack the strength to simply refuse her."
To add to that, no matter what conditions were offered, Rurua-dono would never be swayed by the likes of the Seraphina Church.
If there were even a one-in-a-billion chance she could be persuaded, I would have used every trick in the book to welcome her as my subordinate already.
After all, she is the greatest healer I have ever known. She possesses both medical knowledge and the ability to heal through magic.
"That is true. It would be foolish to consider a healer with such wide-ranging and potent recovery magic an enemy. Moreover, she has already demonstrated her prowess to the people. Are you aware? Even now, many in the castle town are singing the praises of the 'Saint who performed a miracle.'"
"That is only to be expected. After all, not only did she heal the dying patients in those rooms, but she also restored everyone else who happened to be seeking treatment at the church, those who were merely there to pray, and even those who just happened to be passing by on the street."
Truth be told, Rurua-dono is a genuine Saint. She would likely just offer a wry smile if she were to be hailed as one now.
"Thanks to Hans, I understand the objective. Now, I wonder what kind of reaction the folks at the Seraphina Church will show?"
"Personally, I hope this doesn't come to pass. If we were to crush them, it would cause significant chaos, given that they have numerous branches not only in Hein but in other countries as well."
"…Hmm, that is indeed a difficult problem."
Indeed. That is the troublesome nature of a massive religion. You cannot simply 'crush them because they are hostile.' If we handle this poorly, it could ignite fires across every nation. Think of how much time it would take to bring that under control.
…Did Yuki-dono feel this same way when he had to deal with the Haire Church? No, he managed to resolve that quite skillfully, so perhaps I should consult him?
"I see. So that is why Yuki-dono went out there himself."
"Yes. If any trouble arises, he can claim it is 'Weed's responsibility.' And by us providing protection to the Seraphina Church, we can avoid that trouble. I see—no matter which way it turns, he has a plan."
"No, in the end, if the Seraphina Church turns out to be an 'enemy,' it will be just as much of a hassle. That is why I pray that nothing happens."
Yes, all we desire is for nothing to happen. I pray that the enemy has not established their base within the church. And yet, if that is the case, we will be unable to grasp the enemy's movements.
…Hmm. This is difficult.
"True. Well, an opponent that is easy to handle would be convenient for us, but… it is unlikely to be that simple. After all, the Zurable Empire existed. It wasn't just Eupia and her ilk who were dissatisfied with our country."
"…Indeed. We were the greatest power, but that does not mean others were not lurking in the shadows."
Yes, Princess Palfil of the Gusdo Kingdom comes to mind, in particular. That reminds me, once this handover is complete, I must also consider the matter of the Princess. What I strive for lies beyond that.
…What is this? In the end, nothing I must do has changed.
"Indeed. It was a simple matter. If there is a problem, we address it. What I aim for is 'lasting peace.' Even if I know it is impossible, I must strive for it. No, making the impossible possible is exactly what humans should aim for."
"Ah. Indeed. And that is exactly what I could not achieve. If you are aiming for that, I have no complaints. Hmph, it is regrettable that I was too much of a fool to understand that… but it was good fortune to meet Eupia in this same land."
"Don't go dying on your own, old man. I intend to work you to the bone until the very end."
"Hmph. You don't have a good death coming to you."
"That is nothing new. The same goes for you, old man. Nevertheless, I have many subordinates and good friends who support me. No matter how many rebel forces there are, I cannot allow the 'peace' I have grasped to be disturbed. I am the Emperor. I stood up to bring peace and tranquility to this land, and to ensure it continues. This is the beginning of our dream."
Yes. We have only just reached the threshold of what we aimed for. I will not give up here. Even if that man, Yuki-dono, were to fail, I can simply follow up. Let whatever may come, come.
This is my, the 'Zurable's resolve.'
Both sides aim for peace. They fight and struggle for the sake of peace. It is a contradiction, but that is how people grow. Person to person, village to village, town to town, country to country—now, I wonder what comes next?