第１１４３堀：彼女の甘えと勇気 (Part2)
"So, the fact that you’re convinced by that explanation means you were actually listening to the meeting, then."
"I heard it, sure, but the idea that anyone would be foolish enough to summon a ghost into Kagura is absurd. Especially since Yuki would never allow such a thing. Everyone knows it well enough—that man is a devoted husband to the core."
"Exactly. Why, when he came to our country, he had Kagura-senpai and the others bound alongside the enemy forces just to protect his wife."
*Guh.*
At Solo’s words, Stasia and I clutched our chests, metaphorically coughing up blood.
"Wait, Kagura was the one who started it, but didn't Stasia arrive after the fact?"
"W-well, that is true, but the mere fact that my own kin stood in hostile opposition to Yuki-sama without a word of negotiation is a grave stain upon my honor. In any normal circumstance, that would have been grounds for a full-scale war between nations. That goes for both Kagura and my country."
"…Exactly. Yuki was so incredibly kind that he let such an outrageous incident pass without consequence. That is precisely why I feel it is wrong to take advantage of that kindness."
In the first place, Yuki’s power alone could reduce the Haiden Kingdom and the Findall Empire to ash in an instant. If he had brought out the modern weaponry of Weed, the question would have been how many of our countrymen were left breathing at all. The only reason that didn't happen was because Yuki was considering the future—or, well, that’s the polite excuse; in truth, he was just incredibly kind.
Back then, Seraria and the others were absolutely livid. But that is water under the bridge now, and yet, that very kindness is now…
"What’s wrong, Kagura? You know perfectly well you’re just being spoiled. If you realize it, then overcome it."
"If it were that easy, I wouldn’t be struggling."
"Honestly, this is why noble daughters are so insufferable. You’ve been coddled your whole life."
"Excuse me? *I* was coddled? Are you mocking me? I graduated at the top of my class at the academy through my own merit!"
The sheer audacity of her words made my blood boil. I may be the child of a high-ranking noble, but I have never once neglected my efforts.
"No, no, that’s not it. I’m not saying you haven’t worked hard. But it’s a fact that you’re being spoiled."
"And just how am I—"
"Because there are countless 'ways to solve this' scattered right before your eyes, and yet you refuse to move. Isn't that the definition of being spoiled?"
"..."
"Not only that, but Yuki, myself, and even Mikos have all said it’s unavoidable, yet you’re the one insisting that 'that won't do.' You just keep dragging your feet, whining and hesitating. If that isn't being spoiled, what is?"
"B-but, who on earth am I supposed to ask? And it’s not like I can just master it in an instant..."
She’s right. Who could I even ask? Even the first Sota-sama said it was no different from the training of a shrine maiden, and Sui-sama mentioned that it wasn't something one could simply become.
"Are you really serious? You start by investigating, don't you? Instead, you just sit there, not lifting a finger, muttering about how it’s impossible or useless. Aren't you just insulting Yuki-san and Master Eris? Who do you think you’re with?"
"..."
"Alright, alright, that’s enough. Amanda’s life and Kagura’s fate are both on the line here. Cut her some slack."
Mikos intervened to stop the argument, but Amanda’s gaze remained as piercing as ever.
"You’re the one who started this, yet you’re getting cold feet and hiding behind your best friend? What did you build up your strength for? A life-or-death crisis? That’s a given. If that’s not enough, you’ve been thinking and trying all sorts of things, haven't you? So don't you dare stop thinking now. Or rather, isn't that exactly the time you should be praying to the gods?"
" " "Ah." " "
Ah, I truly still have so much to learn. It was only when she said that that I finally saw the light.
"Eh? What? You haven't tried relying on Sui-sama?"
"No, Sui-sama is quite serious, so she wouldn't help with something like this."
"True. But Mikos-chan has a very good idea of a god who might be willing to listen to such an unreasonable request."
"…I do as well. Though, honestly, that is a level of divine intervention I would prefer to avoid."
"However, Amanda is right. It might be a last resort, but to avoid a path that could be called safe simply because it’s daunting is nothing but cowardice."
Ah, it seems everyone else has realized it too. I wondered about Solo, though.
"Eh? You mean Hairen-sama? No, I’m sure she’d be happy to grant Kagura-senpai’s request, but… that feels a bit like walking straight into a suicide mission…"
" " "..." " "
"Kagura. I’m the one who goaded you into this, but… relying on that goddess might actually end up being a hindrance to Yuki-san and the others."
"I’m going! Since Amanda told me to."
"Wait, hold on!?"
Yes. I know exactly what I need to do now.
How about that. Isn't this exactly the time for it?