第１１５６堀：ここにとどまる理由 (Part2)
It seems Yupi had finally snapped, crushing the enemy into oblivion.
"Ahaha. Thank you. I’m quite alright. I am building a world where people like Aslin-sama, who care for me so deeply, can find happiness. I cannot afford to let my feet stop for something as trivial as that."
"I suppose that’s true. You wouldn't stop now, would you?"
"Indeed. But what will you do from here? You surely don't intend to stay here until she wakes up, do you?"
"That’s the dilemma. I cast emergency recovery magic on her this time, but it wasn't the stable 'Extra Heal' that Rurua uses, so I’m a bit uneasy."
The 'Extra Heal' Rurua employs is backed by her experience as a saintess, her career as a recovery mage, and her knowledge of modern medicine—a combination that ensures safety and reliability. Mine, however, is nothing more than amateur knowledge and improvised magic. I worry that my lack of expertise might lead to complications. The thought of someone dying because of my own mistake is a heavy burden.
"I understand your sentiment, but won't the 'state affairs' stagnate? Especially matters like the Lancer Magic Academy or the selection of slaves. If I may be so bold, the number of people you could save by governing the nation far outweighs the number you could save by tending to a single individual here. You surely understand that, do you not?"
Ouch. That cuts deep. She’s right, of course. It is undeniably more efficient to focus on my duties than to play nursemaid here.
"Ugh. I’m concerned, but I suppose I’ve reached my limit."
"That’s right. I agree with Show. She certainly suffered a terrible fate, but that doesn't mean Yuki needs to take it so deeply to heart."
"Yes. Besides, Rurua-san has already confirmed there are no issues with her treatment. You don't need to worry so much, Yuki-san. The rest is up to her."
Labyris and Shera seem to be in agreement with Show. I suppose they’re right; the fact that a life which should have been lost has been pulled back from the brink is a miracle in itself. Perhaps it is arrogant of me to try and meddle in the rest of her life just because of that single thread of fate.
Still, though...
"Big Brother. We have to go choose those slaves properly, okay?"
"Firia and I understand. You’re only staying here because you don't want to go pick out slaves."
As expected of Aslin and Firia; they see right through me. Yes, while I am worried about her, there is also the undeniable fact that I find the prospect of choosing slaves to be a massive chore. In fact, that feeling might be the larger part of it.
"Onii-sama is a bit childish at times like this, isn't he? It’s cute."
"Onii, are you still resisting the idea of buying people?"
"...Ah, I don't know. When Labyris and the others arrived, I was happy to see such beautiful girls, but after what happened this time..."
She had been reduced to nothing more than a lump of meat. I know that was because she was an illegal slave and that ordinary slaves don't end up like that, but even so.
"Is that so? I suppose after seeing that, one wouldn't exactly feel eager to pick out slaves with a light heart."
Show seems to have understood my feelings, offering a wry smile. Honestly, the fact that I was lucky enough to buy beautiful girls like Labyris and the others in the first place was an anomaly. After all, Mauve had spent a significant portion of Weed’s fortune to acquire them back then.
"Come now, stop being selfish and let's go. Besides, you need to go hear what As has to say, don't you?"
"Ah, you're right. And I need to investigate the flow of slaves from Rogali as well. Alright, let’s make that the priority."
"In that case, please allow me to accompany you. As-dono is the slave merchant you favor, is he not? I was hoping to hear his account through your connections. Would you mind introducing me?"
"Understood. Let's call it payment for your help this time—though that feels like too little. If there’s anything else you want, just say it. I’ll grant it if I can."
"Thank you. Then, let’s see... how about you make one of the slaves from my country your right-hand person?"
"That’s impossible."
"Ahaha. A swift refusal. My apologies. Then, we shall discuss the reward for this time at a later date."
"Understood."
To think she’d try to casually slip in a request for a slave from Zurabl... she really is a dangerous one. Then again, it seems she expected to be turned down from the start. I wonder what her real objective is?
I fear I may have incurred a debt to a rather troublesome opponent. Well, as long as she doesn't demand anything that would cause a rift between our nations, I suppose it’s fine.
But first, the slave selection...
I stayed at the hospital for the sake of the injured, not because I didn't want to pick out slaves. There was definitely a deeper reason. You all understand that, right?