第１１６７堀：治療へ (Part2)
That said, it wasn’t just Shou who held Comet’s technical prowess in high regard; Eupia felt the same. In that sense, he wouldn’t want to sour their relationship, which explained his cautious tone. After all, while Comet created things that could only be described as "unique," she was equally capable of crafting tools that were genuinely functional.
"I see. With Agil, Comet, and even her acquaintance Nina present, may I assume you have truly found a way to save her?"
"Well, I can’t say for certain if it’ll actually save her yet. It’s one potential solution for the time being. If this works, she’ll be saved. I’d rather not be the one to find her after she’s taken her own life."
"A sentiment expected from her savior, certainly. May I ask what this 'solution' entails? You are all, at heart, technical experts. I had assumed that for matters of healing, Rurua—your wife, Yuki-sama—would be the foremost authority."
"Oh, you’re not wrong there. When it comes to mending the human body, Rurua is the best."
Beyond her, there were the airheaded goddess, the natural-born goddess, the serious goddess, and even my sister-in-law, but their methods were all brute force. Well, the sister-in-law had been studying quite diligently, so she might be just a notch below Rurua? Regardless, standing around in a hallway like this wouldn't get us anywhere.
"Well, if you have the time, you’re welcome to tag along. The sooner we save her, the better."
"Then I shall accompany you. I have no pressing orders to attend to, after all."
And so, Shou ended up joining us.
"Hey, Yuki. Are you sure it’s alright to let Shou see this?"
"It doesn't matter. If anything, if medical science advances because of this, I’d like him to pick up some hints."
"True enough. We’re just doing our jobs as technicians, after all."
"Though, you could spare a thought for those of us being used as test subjects."
"Hmm. I don't fully grasp the situation, but from what you’ve said, does this mean Agil and Comet have crafted a tool that might affect her condition?"
"Exactly. You could call it a form of brainwashing."
"Brainwashing?"
At my words, Shou’s eyes sharpened instantly. As someone who held the weight of a nation on his shoulders, he was naturally sensitive to such things.
"Yes. Brainwashing, or perhaps 'suggestion' is a better term. They’ve created a tool for mental control—specifically, to suppress the urge to commit suicide."
"What? Is such a thing even possible? Though, I suppose the fact that all of you are gathered here implies you believe it will work..."
Shou looked perplexed by my answer. It was understandable; to the average person, the idea of using mental control to prevent suicide sounded like a paradox.
"We’re here to test it, in fact. Nina has been experimenting with it to an extent, but we’re about to see if it can truly suppress someone who is genuinely determined to end their life."
"I see. If you can create such tools, you could save so many who have suffered through terrible fates."
"Exactly. This is the first step. Saving her will pave the way to helping many others in the future."
"Honestly, it’s that kind of talk that makes Rurua worry about you."
Despite his remark, Shou made no move to stop me, and we entered the patient’s room together. She was there, placed in a room of white walls and white curtains, devoid of any sense of life.
"..."
As always, she showed no reaction to external stimuli. If her heart were truly shattered, I wondered if even mental control could suppress the urge to die. Then again, what did it even mean for a heart to be "shattered"? One might say it happens when someone loses their sanity or descends into madness, but in her case, it was possible that even those emotions and thoughts had vanished entirely.
...There were so many things to worry about. But I couldn't afford to stand still.
"Hey. Same as always, I see. For now, try wearing this ring. Think of it as a bit of fashion."
I spoke softly, casting a glance at Agil, Comet, Nina, and Shou, signaling them to be ready to intervene if she showed any sudden movement. They understood and braced themselves nearby.
"Here."
I gently took her hand and slipped the ring onto her finger. I had considered a necklace, but discarded the idea immediately—the risk of her using a chain against herself was too high. After much deliberation, a ring had proven to be the safest option.
Now, how would she react?
"...Ah."
"Ah?"
Oh. She spoke.
"Th... thank... you."
"Don't worry about it. It’s just something I wanted to do. Get some rest for now."
"Un."
Whether it was thanks to the ring or some other factor, I couldn't say, but for now, I would simply rejoice that communication had been established. I prayed that the ring was functioning as intended.
A miraculous recovery.
Was it the suggestion from the ring, or something else entirely? There was a reason Nina and the others had been chosen for this. Having undergone brainwashing procedures themselves, they possessed a natural resistance, and being acquaintances, they were the best candidates to handle her without causing unnecessary distress.