第１１９７堀：意外と平気そう (Part1)
Chapter 1197: Surprisingly Unfazed
Side: Yuki
Well, I’ve had her face off against Noriko in full vengeful spirit mode, but how will Fiora react?
The reason I brought Noriko Suzuki here was to gauge Fiora’s reaction to a ghost.
I wanted to see how she would perceive an unknown, inexplicable existence like a "ghost" without any prior information, and furthermore, how she would act when faced with hostility and lingering resentment.
I am well aware that what I’m doing is incredibly rude, but this is something that must be done.
After all, there’s talk of having her meet Havia.
Depending on how she handles this, it could lead to a direct threat to Fiora’s own life.
That is something I must avoid.
Since the opponent is a ghost, she’s likely adept at killing adversaries in unexpected ways.
That is precisely why I am conducting this test.
Noriko continues to ramp up her oppressive aura as a vengeful spirit.
The lucky thing is that Noriko can adjust this mode at will.
Apparently, she received this skill—modeled after famous Japanese horror tropes—when Luna summoned her.
Getting a "cheat" upon arriving in another world is standard procedure, so that’s fine, but I do wonder about the nature of a skill that turns you into a ghost.
Well, that’s neither here nor there. As Fiora faced the vengeful spirit Noriko, her expression was one of shock—or rather, she seemed paralyzed by fear—but... oh, just as our eyes met for a brief moment, she took a shallow breath.
"P-pleased to meet you. You are Noriko-dono, correct? I am Fiora, from the Dafaio Kingdom."
To my surprise, she offered a perfectly normal greeting.
That said, she hadn’t lowered her guard.
I see. She observed the surrounding situation and judged that Noriko was not an enemy.
Yes, that’s rational. If it were Seraria, she would have drawn her sword in an instant and likely intimidated her right back...
Noriko, having received such a mundane greeting, replied:
"Oh, a normal greeting? Sorry about that. Yuki told me to get into this mode. Anyway, I’m Noriko Suzuki. Nice to meet you."
She returned the greeting just as normally.
Well, that is the standard reaction.
Setting aside the fact that one of them is a "ghost."
"Ah, yes. A pleasure to meet you."
Even though she had managed the greeting through sheer grit, Fiora, who had been completely stiff, seemed surprised in a different way; her eyes widened into perfect circles as she gave a proper response.
Watching this exchange, Dressa and the others chimed in one after another.
"I think we can leave it to Fiora."
"Yes, I believe she will be fine as well."
"Hiiro also thinks Fiora-onee-sama will be okay."
They all agreed that Fiora was up to the task.
The only ones left were Seraria, Kirika, and Quar...
Perhaps sensing my gaze, they spoke up.
"I have no objections, either. If Noriko is there to support her, there shouldn't be much of a problem."
"Yes, I agree. If she can remain this calm after suddenly facing Noriko-dono in that state, she should be able to respond coolly if any trouble arises."
"Indeed. I agree with Kirika’s assessment. That state of Noriko’s is at a level that would cause even well-trained soldiers to lose their minds."
As Quar said, most people will panic and lose their composure when faced with an "incomprehensible threat."
That holds true even for those who have trained extensively.
Even for those called masters, they are mere amateurs when faced with something for the first time.
That is precisely why humans study their opponents and devise countermeasures.
However, it is impossible to be fully prepared at all times.
In such moments, the quality of being able to judge things calmly is what mattered most here.
As I was thinking this, Fiora turned her gaze toward me...
"Yuki-sama. May I ask the reason for introducing me to Noriko-dono?"
"Ah, my apologies. As you can see, Noriko Suzuki here isn't an ordinary person. She’s someone who used to be human."
"That’s right. I’m what you’d call a ghost."
"A ghost? If you mean a monster, I understand, but Noriko-dono possesses a strength that clearly sets her apart from such things..."
"It’s different, Fiora. I’m not a monster-type ghost, I’m more like... a spirit."
"I see..."
Noriko’s explanation was circular and didn't clarify much.
"In any case, I think you felt it in your skin that she isn't a normal ghost."
"Yes, I certainly did. I felt an immense sense of dread from Noriko-dono’s eyeless state."
"The job I’m thinking of asking you to do involves contact and interaction with this type of 'ghost'."
"I understand. So, you were testing whether I could properly handle Noriko-dono."
As expected of the sharp-witted Fiora. She understood my intentions.
"I know it was a rude thing to do, but with this kind of thing, there’s no point unless I do it suddenly."
"Please, do not worry about it. Had I been given sufficient information about Noriko-dono beforehand, I would have braced myself and perhaps allowed myself some mental leeway. Therefore, I understand why you chose to introduce her to me suddenly, while I was exhausted from training. So, do you believe I am suited for the work you intend to entrust to me?"
Fiora asked, looking genuinely concerned.
"Yeah, from my perspective, it looks like you can handle it. The others seem to share that opinion."
"Then, please, leave it to me!"
The moment I gave my approval, she became enthusiastic and insisted I leave it to her, but there was something I had to say before that.
"Wait a moment. We’ve finished the introduction with Noriko, and we’ve decided you’re capable of the work, but you don't have to take it if you feel you’re pushing yourself. After all, everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. Your main job is the window-service work for the smaller nations that comes directly to me. This, however, is a completely different kind of task, and I have no intention of forcing you."
That’s right. Even if she *can* do it, if I force a job on her that she finds painful or unpleasant, not only will efficiency drop, but in this case, it could literally cost her her life. I have no intention of forcing her.
"Well, even if I say that, it might sound like a demand coming from me."
"It’s alright. You can say no if you don't want to. For example, Labyris or Deryu would absolutely refuse this kind of thing. Right, Noriko?"
"Yeah, those two are still scared of me even in my human mode. Though, I think that’s understandable. Scary things are scary. Especially since there’s a risk to your life. So, Fiora, you don't have to force yourself out of a sense of duty. In fact, if Yuki tries to force you, I’ll be the one to stop him. Your Queen won't force you either, right?"
"Of course. I have no intention of interfering with my husband’s decisions, and I know full well that forcing someone is meaningless. I would be the first to stop you."
With that, my wives and the ghost herself chimed in to support her.
"That’s how it is. So, Fiora, are you still okay with taking on this job?"
After making sure I respected her will, I asked her once more.
"Yes. Please let me do it. Working with Noriko-dono sounds quite interesting. Of course, I will not push myself beyond my limits, so please do not worry."