第１１６３堀：幸せと正しさの違い そして勝手 (Part2)
"Otherwise, I cannot make this proposal to Yuki-dono. Conversely, I would have to stop it, arguing that intentionally manipulating a person's consciousness through thought-guidance is wrong."
"Even if it were a medical procedure, it could easily cross the line into an act that defies the moral path. Applying suggestions to someone without their consent, for instance."
If this were Japan—or Earth, for that matter—human rights organizations would be raising a massive outcry. I’m glad this is another world.
"However, is it really possible to apply suggestions or brainwashing that would prevent suicide so conveniently? What about Designated Protection?"
"No, that’s a bit... problematic. It’s invincible against mere external harm, but that’s all it does. Plus, if they step outside the dungeon's designated range, it’s useless."
Designated Protection is certainly a candidate, but in the end, it does nothing to soothe the pain in a person's heart. And more importantly, it has a fatal flaw.
"And if we go that far, it ends up with Yuki-dono having to look after them until the very end, doesn't it?"
"Exactly. Besides, Designated Protection lacks any function to actually heal the mind. We’d need to prepare other measures as well."
"But they wouldn't be leaving the dungeon, and while it may not be a method to heal the heart, wouldn't it still be effective in preventing self-destruction?"
"That’s the thing. Before we even get to that, do you honestly think the person in question would accept Designated Protection?"
"Ah..."
At my remark, Lara’s face shifted to one of realization, as if she had completely forgotten. Right—Designated Protection requires the consent of the other party. I highly doubt someone who wants to commit suicide would agree to it, and above all, it’s unclear if they even have any consciousness right now.
"So, aside from Designated Protection, we need suggestions or brainwashing that can forcibly bind the mind and body, regardless of the person's own will."
"That’s the situation. But with conditions this strict, we just can't find anything."
For example, the classic trick of dangling a five-yen coin on a string—that relies on the premise that the target is actually looking at it. In other words, it requires the subject to have a conscious desire to be hypnotized or to try it out. If the person doesn't want to do it, they won't even look, and the premise of hypnosis collapses.
Well, history on Earth has seen cases of it being applied without the subject's knowledge, but that, too... it feels like it requires selecting people who are already susceptible.
Anyway, despite setting all these conditions myself, it’s difficult. Truly difficult. I was just about to give up, thinking even Popuri wouldn't know, when...
"Hmm. In that case, I have one idea."
"Eh? You do?"
"No, I’m actually surprised that you haven't realized it, Yuki-dono. Well, the answer is simple: Master."
"Master? You mean Comet-sama?"
"Ah, I see."
While Lara tilted her head in genuine confusion, that single word brought something to mind.
"I see. The mental control of the Holy Sword."
"That’s it. Master created that to reduce the mental burden on those girls. It’s not about applying suggestions. It’s equipment—well, as long as you have it on hand, it works."
That’s right, that was the technology. However, since it was the type of thing used to brainwash people, I hadn't been interested at the time and simply deactivated its functions. I had considered that such tools might be useful if Steve and the others ever found the battlefield too taxing, but I hadn't felt the necessity for it until now.
"Alright, let's go check it out immediately."
"Yes. Fortunately, Master is here at the Academy."
That’s right; she’s currently preparing for the Great Sea of Trees survey alongside Agil. Until the training for Nilua and Wazfi is finished, she’s been looking after Hivia. There haven't been any reports, so it must have ended as usual today.
With that, Popuri and I headed straight to the laboratory, and...
"Hmm. Magic really can be used in so many ways. I mean, you wouldn't normally think to use it for something like this."
"Ah, well, Yuki is the one who thought of it. He comes up with all sorts of methods."
"His way of thinking is a bit unique. Well, even I can manage that level of creativity now, though."
"Comet, you should show a bit more restraint. You and Narjia-san are making some truly outrageous things together."
"Ahaha. I strongly agree with Kagura. Well, you should probably stick to games."
"Games? Micos, what’s that?"
"Ah—well, a game is a game, but—no, maybe it’s better to call it a manga?"
"Manga?"
"That’s right. It’s a fun story written using both pictures and text."
"Enora, isn't that just called a picture book?"
"Ahaha. Indeed, picture books use both pictures and text as well."
There they were, Comet and the others, chatting away in a peaceful atmosphere.
Both sides are selfish. It’s a question of who will see their conviction through to the end. Otherwise, no one can make a choice. You just do what you believe is right.