第１０９９堀：国家のためと個人のため (Part2)

第１０９９堀：国家のためと個人のため (Part2)

"I agree with that sentiment. Not only did the children of Enaria’s traitors hide in the shadows, but while I was confined within the Lancer Academy of Magic, Yuki single-handedly repelled and captured the very Holy Sword Users who had orchestrated that entire catastrophe. Looking back, it’s infuriating—I had accompanied Yuki, yet I was nothing more than a bystander. If I had only pushed myself a little harder back then, perhaps I could have… no, that’s impossible. At the time, my mindset was essentially, 'Marriage? Is that something you can eat?'

But enough of that. We must decide how to handle Nairua.

It makes sense that I couldn't meet her back then; Principal Popuri knew of the Enaria incident and kept her hidden. But the question remains: why is she surfacing now?

'Well, there’s only one way to find out—ask her directly. She chose to approach me while I was in the middle of a lecture. If she truly held a grudge, do you think she would have bothered to strike up a conversation?'

'She could be trying to lower your guard, you know,' one of them countered.

'Mikos-chan agrees. That’s a distinct possibility.'

'Exactly. If she knows Yuki’s true strength, she wouldn’t dream of a direct confrontation. She saw how easily he dismantled that Ardes fellow, didn't she? Perhaps that’s precisely why she hasn't made a move yet.'

'I agree. Lady Nairua is the academy’s finest mage. It is only natural for her to be cautious when gauging an opponent’s power.'

Kagura and the others voiced their concerns, and rightfully so. It is standard practice to stop someone from walking straight into the den of a potential enemy.

'Even so,' Yuki mused, 'given Nairua’s current strength, there is no way she could break through my defensive barriers.'

The room fell silent. They were right. This academy was already under the dungeon’s dominion; I had access to the data of every living creature on these grounds. I had already gathered information on Nairua the moment I recognized her. Her level was only around forty. While that is terrifyingly high for her age, it was still weaker than I was back when I served as a general in Enaria. Honestly, that Minister Noku—the claim that she was stronger than me was clearly a lie.

'She might have a hidden ace up her sleeve, but she doesn't strike me as the type to resort to such things. More importantly, she only just realized I was here and began gathering intel. Her threat level is negligible. That is precisely why I believe it’s better to hear her out now. Besides, leaving it to Popuri only risks her disappearing into the shadows, which would be far more troublesome.'

'Ah, I see. You’re preemptively securing a potential seed of future chaos, aren't you?'

It was a sound judgment. In fact, it felt like the best course of action.

'Popuri’s suspicion regarding the academy’s current state suggests that poaching is likely occurring. She also mentioned that the Gate has brought in a surge of talented students. While that is a blessing, it inevitably means those without talent are being cast aside. And among those rejected, there are undoubtedly children of powerful figures who have always expected a place here.'

'…You’re right. The standards for entry haven't changed, but there have always been those who insist their children be admitted simply because of their noble lineage. It’s no wonder they’ve turned into an anti-Lancer faction.'

'Principal Popuri, please, do not lose heart. The academy we have strived to build is not a place for those who hide behind status and power to push others aside. We exist to welcome those who truly desire to study magic.'

'Thank you, Lara.'

Principal Popuri’s shoulders slumped at Yuki’s observation, but Vice-Principal Lara was there to offer immediate comfort. It was a good relationship.

'Popuri, I don't mind you being disappointed, but consider the possibility of Nairua joining that faction…'

'Indeed. If it means preventing such a disastrous outcome, I would rather grant her whatever request she has, no matter how difficult.'

'Exactly. Do you understand now, Kagura?'

'…I understand it logically, but accepting it emotionally is another matter.'

'Mikos-chan is still worried, too. Though, I suppose it’s a bit rich coming from Kagura, who kidnapped Yuki-sensei in the first place.'

'Guh.'

She had a point. In some ways, Kagura’s methods were far more malicious. But such is Yuki; when he lays out the cold, hard logic, we find ourselves with nothing left to say.

'Right. It’s settled. We’re going to speak with Nairua. I’m sure she’s waiting for us.'

And so, we headed off to meet her. Agil remained opposed to the idea, but Yuki insisted it was necessary for the future. After all, turning potential enemies into allies is a common enough strategy.

My health is holding up, so I’m writing as usual. I don't have much of a buffer, but I’ll do my best."