第１１０６堀：完璧という言葉は人の甘えである (Part1)
Chapter 1106: The Word "Perfect" is a Human Indulgence
Side: Kirika
"Do you think Amanda and Eoid will be surprised when they hear what those two have to say?"
"I wonder. They might be startled at first, but I doubt they’ll dwell on it. After all, they’ve been on quite a few adventures with us."
"Fair point. Now that you mention it, you’re right."
This was the first topic of conversation as I walked alongside my Master after seeing the two of them off.
We had provided Amanda and Eoid with extensive guidance, treating them as essential personnel for the upcoming intercontinental exchange. I didn't think they would be particularly shocked to hear about Narjia and Wazfi. They had worked hard to reach this point, after all.
Though, they might be genuinely surprised by the fact that they were the families of those who had once stood against my Master.
"Well, the next order of business is meeting up with Zargis."
"Yes. He has never been here before. And above all, he is a Demon."
"A race that doesn't exist on this continent. If we aren't careful, he might be attacked by guards or students from the academy as a suspicious individual."
Indeed, the reason we were going out of our way to meet Zargis was to prevent such trouble. While he was a brilliant researcher and engineer, he was a Demon—a species non-existent on the If Continent. There was a high probability that people at the academy, seeing him for the first time, might label him as a "demi-human" to be discriminated against, leading to unnecessary conflict.
If that were to happen, it could cast a shadow over future intercontinental relations. Thus, we had decided it was only proper to welcome him as a comrade.
"I told Zargis to contact us before he arrived, but he hasn't shown up yet, has he?"
"No. I haven't received any word either. We are less than twenty minutes away from the scheduled time. It shows a lack of consideration for an adult."
"Now, now, he isn't exactly late yet. No need to be so harsh."
"Hmm. Is that how it is?"
"You’re always strict with yourself and your subordinates, Kirika. Besides, researchers are usually the type to show up at the very last second. Agil would probably be late for one reason or another, wouldn't she?"
"Ah, that is true. Agil, Comet, and Narjia often have that tendency."
In fact, I suspect the concept of "punctuality" simply does not exist for those people. Though, to be fair, Agil was a general once; if you call out to her, she does eventually show up...
"It’s cruel to expect Zargis to show up thirty minutes early when he’s surrounded by people like that. He isn't even a soldier to begin with."
"Ah, you have a point. However, Zargis-dono spends so much time with Steve and the others that he seems to have picked up some of their habits."
"Right. That does happen, doesn't it? He’s quite close with Steve, John, Mino-chan, and Surakichi-san. Is it because they’re all involved in monster research?"
"That is a possibility, but they often go out drinking together as well."
Seeing them like that, they seem more like ordinary friends than research subjects. Not that there is anything inherently wrong with such a relationship. If anything, it is a good thing for colleagues to get along. After all, there is nothing more wasteful than internal infighting.
As we discussed this, we arrived in front of the gate installed at the academy.
"This place hasn't been utilized to its full potential, has it?"
"Principal Popuri would surely love to make more use of it, but the Lancer Magic Academy cannot simply act on its own, bypassing the major and minor nations."
"True. Though, behind the scenes, they are actually our biggest collaborators on the If Continent."
"Rather than collaborators, their standing is that Principal Popuri and Vice Principal Lara are your subordinates, Master."
As always, Master dislikes the master-servant dynamic. Perhaps it is because he places such high value on coexistence and mutual prosperity. After all, an organization that cannot function if Master were to fall would be meaningless. He believes it is vital for people to stand on their own two feet and think for themselves.
I understand his philosophy, yet I still feel joy and gratitude in being "Master's subordinate." Because of him, I, a monster, am able to live like a human, have been given a name, and even gained a wonderful older sister who loves us. That is precisely why I wish to serve as his subordinate.
But, setting my own desires aside...
"Well, subordinate or not, we can't make that public. If we did, Comet’s identity might be exposed, too."
"Indeed. I understand that it is better to maintain the facade of being mere collaborators."
After all, Principal Popuri’s mentor was Comet, the former Dungeon Master of this land. This academy began as an orphanage built by Comet. Furthermore, Peace, who was once branded a Demon King here, and the Holy Sword users were all part of the same inner circle—the very people who plunged this continent into a great war.
Well, that is ancient history, but even in this modern era, Holy Sword users have been operating in the shadows of this continent, causing significant casualties. And above all, the Goddess herself tried to conquer this continent by using Comet. If all of that were to come to light, Principal Popuri and the others would find themselves in a precarious position. And so would we, for shielding them.
As I was lost in these thoughts, the gate activated, and Zargis stepped through.
"Oh, did I keep you waiting?"
"No, you're right on time. Don't worry about it."
"Yes. We just happened to arrive a little early."
"I see. So, this is the Lancer Magic Academy."
Zargis-dono looked around as he spoke, but since this area was merely a gate and its auxiliary facilities tucked away beneath the academy, there wasn't much to see.
"The real fun starts once we get outside."
"It seems so. This place doesn't look much different from Weed."
"That just goes to show that the base design of the defensive walls was perfect."
"I’m not sure if I should be happy about that, or lament the fact that I can't think of any way to breach it."
"Why not just be happy about it and disappointed at the same time?"
"What do you mean by that?"
I didn't quite understand their conversation, so I asked. Why would they lament that Weed’s defensive design was perfect, or call it disappointing?
"Hm? Ah, well. You see, there is no such thing as 'perfect' in this world."
"Indeed. Nothing is more of a human indulgence than the word 'perfect.' Everything has its flaws. No, finding those flaws and pursuing the truth is the very reason humans are human."
"Hmm???"
"Ah, to put it simply: is it really wise to be completely at ease just because we’re at the gate’s location? Places like this are meant to be adapted and changed as we see fit."
"I see. But isn't that because the defensive plan for the gate is already so close to ideal that there’s no need to tinker with it?"
In truth, as far as I could see, the defensive mechanisms at this gate were nothing short of perfect.