第１１６８堀：助けたらその次 (Part2)
"Well, I know full well you're doing this for the sake of the common folk. But here's the thing: Princess Fiora was always more driven by a sense of tragedy and duty. In that regard, Seraria, you seem to be the type who walks the path of your own choosing, don't you?"
"Indeed, Seraria does have that quality. I, for one, was much more like Princess Fiora, I believe."
Ah, Rurua is right about that. After being consumed by a crushing sense of responsibility only to be betrayed in the end, she certainly had her fill of tragedy.
"Hmph. I won't deny that, but in the end, it’s all about one’s mindset. It’s a choice between convincing yourself that you must sacrifice your life for the people no matter what horrors you face, or protecting the people so that you can live your own life happily and comfortably."
"Ahaha, I like that, Seraria. I really do. It’s much like the feeling I get when I’m deep in my research."
"I’m more of that persuasion myself. I didn't rise to this position out of some heavy sense of duty, after all."
So, Seraria’s point is that the perspective is what matters. Well, I suppose that’s true for Comet and Agil. They both simply ended up in their positions while pursuing what they loved.
"Master. May I offer some advice, coming from a similar background?"
"What is it?"
"Yes. My world was turned upside down the moment I married you. My purpose as a Saint, what I truly wanted to do—everything changed. So, I believe it is perfectly fine for marriage to be the starting point. From there, one is allowed to find happiness. If Princess Fiora has spent her entire life living for her country without a shred of enjoyment, then please, Master, teach her what a new kind of happiness feels like."
Ah, I see. It’s not about starting with love, but starting with marriage.
"That sounds wonderful. Ever since I met you, I’ve been having the time of my life. Far more than back when I was leading armies and swinging a sword, which was my own ambition at the time. It’s true that Princess Fiora lacks that breathing room. You just need to teach her that."
As Seraria says this with genuine amusement, Stasia, who had been relaxing nearby, joins the conversation.
"Yes, I believe that is the best approach. After I married you and came here, I finally understood the meaning of my own existence. I am truly happy. It is a testament to my own folly that I was once called 'Iron-Face'."
Stasia smiles as she says this, no longer wearing the iron helmet she once refused to take off for even a moment. In fact, I haven't seen her wear that helmet once since we were married.
Incidentally, it seems the classes at the Lancer Academy of Magic have ended and she’s returned here. Even so, Kagura and Enora are nowhere to be seen—are they off keeping Havia company? Ah, right. It’s because I’ve taken Comet and Agil out with me.
"Therefore, as Lady Seraria suggested, you simply need to show Princess Fiora a 'new path,' Master. In any case, we are in a bind unless you marry her."
"Sigh. If it’s unavoidable, I suppose I should at least strive to make her happy."
*Nod, nod.* Everyone agrees with me in unison.
"You are irreplaceable. And if we don't do something about the mana depletion phenomenon, this world will become one where magic can no longer be used. The monsters will vanish. And eventually, the various races will disappear as well. Our information gathering has made that clear. You are the only one who can resolve this. Well, perhaps that isn't strictly true in the grand scheme, but you are the only one capable of standing on equal footing with Luna."
"That’s the crux of it, isn't it."
I can never step down from this position—or rather, I’ve decided not to. My promise to Luna is to devise a solution to the mana depletion phenomenon. Judging by her past behavior, if I don't produce results, she’ll cut off my abilities one day, and Weed will be wiped out. I’ve been having them develop technology to prevent that, but if I can avoid such a fate entirely, I should. That is why I must see this job through to the end.
...Honestly, I’d love to find a successor and dump the whole thing, Luna included, onto them.
*“Ahahaha. If you find someone that interesting, do let me know. I’ll make sure their retirement is well-provided for.”*
Damn it. I’ll find one, just you wait.
With that vow in my heart, I turn my gaze back to Seraria.
"Starting tomorrow, I’m taking Orelia and the others to check on the situation in Dafaio and return to touring the other continents."
"That sounds fine. I’ve heard from Tori and the others that the introductions with Weed’s key figures are mostly finished."
"Yes. It’s about time they learned how to work by your side, Master."
And so, I began planning my schedule for the days ahead. Unfortunately, Yuki’s job isn't the kind where saving an unhappy girl leads to a simple "happily ever after." Next up, I have to figure out how to approach Princess Fiora.
Man, it really is a hassle. Though, I suspect there are plenty of people who find it quite entertaining.