第１１６４堀：そこまでしてやってきた理由 (Part2)
I had heard tales of war—of enemies being tortured or toyed with in unspeakable ways—but during the conflict with the Findar Empire, Stasia and her younger brother were people of reason. They never once stooped to humiliating their foes.
The closest I’d come to such depravity were the followers of Aquenoki, the ones who had tortured Enora and her companions.
...But their goal had been to keep their victims alive just long enough to siphon their blood for magical energy. Perhaps, compared to *her*, they were almost merciful?
No, that’s a cruel way to put it. Enora had simply fought hard to endure, and there were countless others who had ended up just like that girl.
It was the same.
Ah, no—perhaps it was different. She was *still alive*.
Yes. The girls we had found before were already nothing more than corpses.
As I recalled "that time," a wave of nausea washed over me. Then...
"Hm? You’re asking about her? We’re useless when it comes to healing. I mean, it’s not that we *can't* do it, but I don't know anything Yuki doesn't already know. My specialty is more on the enhancement side."
"And I’m more into experimentation than medicine. Like Agil, I’m capable, but it’s better to leave recovery to Hifi."
It was true. Agil’s recovery skills were a gift from Lilishe, and she wasn't particularly adept at healing magic herself. And as for Comet, there was no reason for her to use healing magic when Hifi, a literal goddess, was the master of it.
"Ah, I’m not asking you to use healing magic or teach me how. Her body is already recovering, thanks to me. It’s her heart—that’s what I want to fix."
"Her heart, huh? I understand your sentiment, Yuki, but do you really think people who have been through that can ever go back to who they were? Lilishe was saying the same thing the other day—is that even what happiness looks like for them?"
"Exactly. It sounds harsh, but I understand wanting to keep her alive, but it’s impossible unless *she* wants to live. I don't think you’re oblivious to that, Yuki."
Right. I couldn't imagine Yuki-sensei being ignorant of such a fundamental truth.
I knew her body was healing; Yuki-sensei had treated her himself, so failure was impossible. But the heart... that was a different matter entirely.
"I told him that very thing, but Lord Yuki insists that if it’s her right to die, then it’s his right to keep her alive."
"Huh?"
Mikos and the others tilted their heads in unison, completely unable to grasp the logic behind Principal Popuri’s words.
"It’s not a mystery. I went through the trouble of saving her, so I’m going to find a way to keep her alive. That’s my prerogative. It’s her prerogative to despair and want to die, but there’s no rule saying I can’t exercise my own prerogative to keep her breathing."
"..."
Well, yes.
I understood the words coming out of Yuki-sensei’s mouth.
It was true that it was her choice to despair after being tortured, to lose sight of the meaning of life and wish for death. And it was Yuki-sensei’s choice to search for a way to keep her alive so that his efforts wouldn't go to waste.
It was her life, and he wanted to save her—both were just acting on their own whims.
Yes. It was just two people being stubborn.
And yet...
"Yuki-sensei, surely you see that keeping her alive while she continues to suffer like that is a bit... much?"
Exactly. If she were to be haunted by those unbearable, unforgettable memories until she lost her mind, wouldn't keeping her alive be no different from what her torturers did?
"Ah, I don't have a hobby like that, so don't worry. Besides, don't you think it would be better if she could overcome that and find happiness?"
"Eh? Well, I mean, that would be wonderful, but..."
If she could overcome her past and live a happy present and future, that would be ideal. But if it were that easy, anyone could...
"Ah, so that’s it."
For some reason, Agil slapped her palm against her hand at Yuki-sensei’s words.
What? What was the hint?
"Hey, Comet. The sword."
"The sword? Ah, the sword!! The 'Convenient Sword'!"
"Exactly."
Excuse me? The "Convenient Sword"—the one they called the "Legendary Holy Sword" in the If Continent? It was just a weapon, wasn't it? I’d heard Comet made it, but what did that have to do with anything?
"That’s the thing. Defes and the others used it to do *that*, didn't they? I was wondering if we could repurpose that technology."
Huh? What did he mean? Did that sword have some kind of heart-healing function?
"I see. Hypnosis doesn't work if the subject isn't conscious, so it has to be something that functions just by holding it. Hmm, hmm. I understand. I’ll get to work immediately. Agil, will you help me?"
"Leave it to me. After all, my husband found a way to save someone whose heart was broken. A good wife should help see it through."
"I’m counting on you. And Mikos, send out a summons to the Holy Sword users scattered across the lands."
"Understood! Leave it to me!"
Hm? Why was Mikos the one calling them? Couldn't Yuki-sensei or Comet just use a call?
"I’m being watched with suspicion because of everything that’s happened."
"Haha. Yeah, well, I did use the fact that I cut you down as a shield for a lot of things."
Ah, I see. That’s how it is.
The perfect person to call them. Because she was also a reporter, "Mikos."
And so, the Holy Sword users were gathered.
As if walking willingly into the mouth of a monster.