第１２０３堀：告げるという責任 (Part1)
Chapter 1203: The Responsibility of Telling
Side: Fiora
“……Noriko and I both felt this way after watching the footage: she,” I began, “Hivia, is likely already well aware that she is dead.”
“““What!?”””
My and Noriko’s assessment drew a chorus of shocked voices from everyone, starting with Yuki-sama. That reaction, in turn, was quite unexpected for us. Just as I was thinking this, Yuki-sama turned to us with a grave expression.
“Fiora, Noriko. Would you mind explaining the basis for that conclusion?”
“Certainly. However, this is merely speculation based on the impression I received from the footage earlier...”
I had intended to couch my explanation in polite, softened terms, but Noriko cut in without a hint of hesitation.
“No, no, it’s nine times out of ten that she’s aware. You should explain that part thoroughly, Fiora.”
“Honestly, Noriko. You really ought to consider the situation and your phrasing a bit more,” I sighed.
“It’s not like it’s something we need to hide. Besides, everyone here only sees what they want to see.”
“Only see what they want to see? What do you mean by that?”
Agil—no, I must remember to call her just Agil—tilted her head in confusion.
“...Well, I became acquainted with Noriko-san, and out of curiosity, I asked her about the ‘memories of ghosts.’ And then...”
“Generally speaking, ghosts have very faint consciousness. You know that, right? Actually, shouldn’t Souta-san understand that well?”
“That is true. It is precisely because they cannot properly grasp their own existence that they continue to wander this world. Yet, to have such a clear sense of self is far more… ah, I see what you mean.”
“I see.”
The moment Souta-den, prompted by Noriko, said that, he and Mizu-den exchanged a look of realization. It wasn’t just them; Yuki-sama and Agil also wore expressions of sudden understanding. It seemed they had grasped the implication.
“Clear memories, yet not a vengeful spirit, meaning she isn’t being consumed by raw emotion. In other words, she possesses a clear recognition of her own state. Does that mean there is an extremely high probability she understands she is dead?”
“Exactly. I, for one, remember the circumstances of my own death perfectly.”
“Your case is a bit too special, though. But indeed, Warrant Officer Yamada, who serves under Taizou-san, did remember being struck by bullets.”
“Yes. I was introduced to Yamada-den and the others, and they each shared their final moments with me.”
“So that’s it. I see. I suppose I had a blind spot there, as I’ve never had to deal with a ghost that maintained such a clear sense of self.”
“That is certainly true. Furthermore, for us, it was somewhat difficult to ask someone to recount their own death, given the risks involved.”
“Indeed. Forcing a ghost to speak of their own ‘end’—if you tried to make a typical vengeful spirit or wandering ghost do that, their emotions would inevitably spiral into rage, and they would run wild.”
I see. So that was the reason Yuki-sama and the others refrained from asking about her final moments. It is indeed unsettling to make someone recount their own “end.”
I felt relieved to have the reasoning clarified, but Yuki-sama looked at me with a sharp gaze.
“Even so, that cannot be said for certain. People are surprisingly good at deceiving themselves; they have a nature of seeing only what they wish to see. Especially with ‘intense memories,’ there are many cases where people seal them deep within to protect their own hearts. What do you think about that?”
“Hmm. That is certainly true, but...”
“I’m more worried about that possibility. The reason I think so is that Hivia had blue hair while she was alive, but now it is stark white. While it’s not inherently strange for hair color to change, the fact that she disappeared into the Great Tree Sea, where many monsters lurk... well, I hate to say it, but I don’t think she had a pleasant end. What do you think?”
“...I believe that is likely the case. However...”
If we were dealing with the living, it would often be better to remain silent rather than reopening old wounds. But we came here for the express purpose of moving time forward for Hivia-den, who is a ghost. That is the task Noriko and I were given.
“However?”
“I do not believe it is right to simply stand by and watch time drift aimlessly. If she were to become a vengeful spirit, we could simply suppress her, and if she is already aware, then the conversation can proceed. Am I wrong?”
“Yes, that is certainly true.”
“Agil. But still...”
“Yuki-sama. Perhaps you find it difficult to say because you have already come to know Hivia-den’s character. In that sense, I believe it is appropriate for Noriko and me to deliver that truth. Or rather, was that not your intention all along?”
Yes, when considering the meaning behind Yuki-sama bringing Noriko and me into this situation, this seemed the most plausible reason. Telling someone a truth they do not wish to hear is a difficult task.
Under normal circumstances, those with a personal connection should be the ones to tell her with sincerity, but in this case, the situation is far too unique. Depending on the outcome, Hivia might be driven to madness and kill us, or we might be forced to kill her simply because we told her the truth. It is understandable that anyone would want to avoid such a situation. And above all, it is natural to want to avoid being the one to utter the words that cause such a tragedy.
That is precisely why you entrusted the role to Noriko and me, who have had no prior involvement with Hivia-den. It is an unpleasant duty, but it is one that is often necessary for those in positions of power.
“Ah, no. I didn’t intend to push such a burden onto you, Fiora... but looking at the situation, it seems that is how it turned out.”
Unexpectedly, Yuki-sama’s gaze wandered as he responded to my question. Oh? I had assumed Yuki-sama chose me specifically because he anticipated this role, rather than choosing the other wives or Orelia. Was I mistaken?
As I pondered this, Noriko leaned in close to my ear...
“Fiora. Yuki had absolutely no intention of dumping the responsibility on you. If anything, he really just thought that having new people involved might provide a much-needed stimulus.”