第１２３８堀：彼女たちに決断を (Part2)
I didn't mind, but I cast a glance toward my husband and Ratz and the others to gauge their thoughts.
"I don't mind," Yuki said.
"Neither do I," Ratz added.
"Yes, that’s fine. Talking things over like this is important, isn't it? Though, if we’re going to do that, why not call Orelia and the others as well?"
"Ah, that’s a fair point."
If we are going to talk about how we all came to be together, it would certainly be better to have Orelia and the others present, wouldn't it? However, my husband hasn't quite clarified their standing yet. Firia has already heard the behind-the-scenes stories as his wife, so that isn't an issue, but Orelia and the others are still on the outside looking in. That is a decision that rests solely with my husband...
"Hmm. I suppose I have no choice but to leave the decision to them. Though, it feels a bit too soon..."
"I don't think it's too soon at all. Isn't it better to confirm their intentions here and now?"
"I agree with Seraria and Firia. We’ve already involved them this deeply, so it would be difficult for them to step away now. And if they did, finding replacements would be a nightmare."
"I agree as well. If we are truly considering their best interests, now is the time."
My husband, as always, was waffling over the matter, but everyone—myself included—was in favor of it. To us, it felt like this was long overdue, but for my husband, there was still a lingering hesitation about pulling them fully into our fold. Still, since he intended to leave the choice to them and hear their resolve, it wasn't a bad thing.
"Then why don't you just ask them? If they’re prepared, tell them to gather after dinner."
"Right. Let’s do that. Besides, they might be more honest when they’re tired."
"Yes, I believe that would be best, my lord."
Kirue chimed in, offering her quiet support. She had been involved in Orelia’s training, after all. She likely believed they would come, but she wanted to confirm their true feelings just as much as he did.
"Understood. I’ll step out for a moment."
He could have easily sent a message from right here, but he insisted on leaving the banquet hall. I suppose he wanted to make the call from the privacy of his own room. As for the rest of us left behind...
"I don't think Orelia and the others will mind, do you, Firia?"
"No, I feel the same. However, Yuki-sama is their master, and he is in a position to command them. Even if he has a duty to inform them, there is an unavoidable element of 'compulsion' in that. That is precisely why Yuki-sama is so concerned."
"Ah, he really does worry about those things, doesn't he? I mean, he’s still incredibly considerate even toward us."
"Indeed. He’s always told us to let him know if we ever felt uncomfortable."
It was very much like him, in a way. I suppose it stems from his 'Earthly common sense,' but I really wish he would learn to interpret things more conveniently for himself. We exchanged wry smiles, but then I noticed Wazfi and Nilua tilting their heads in confusion.
"I wonder this every time, but why is Yuki-sama so considerate toward us and the slaves?"
"Y-yeah. I know he’s kind, but... he knows the 'royal road' of things, doesn't he? It’s a bit strange."
Ah, right. Wazfi and Nilua don't know about my husband's origins. They don't realize that his fundamental 'common sense' is entirely different, nor do they understand that he believes solving the mana depletion phenomenon requires willing collaborators rather than absolute subjects. That is why they are so puzzled.
How should I explain this? Or perhaps, should I even be the one to explain it? Should I leave his origins for him to reveal? Just as I was pondering this...
"Haha, that’s simple, Wazfi-sama, Nilua-sama. You know what the Master is working on, don't you? After all, you’ve been helping him directly."
Sasari appeared, carrying tea snacks.
"Ah, yeah. Of course."
"The mana depletion phenomenon. Heh, heh. It’s incredibly fascinating, isn't it?"
"Exactly. And while you two understand the gravity of the situation, do you really think those three—who are neither experts nor anything of the sort—truly grasp it?"
"..."
They both seemed to understand, at least vaguely. Even I don't know the exact extent of it, but I know it is a monumental task. If even I, and experts like Wazfi and Nilua, feel this way...
"For now, they know he’s working on it, but they don't understand how vital it is. After all, those three are merely 'diplomatic assistants.' But if he calls them here..."
"Right. They’ll learn about the mana depletion phenomenon, and things will get even more intense."
"It’s going to be a headache-inducing conversation, isn't it? That’s why Yuki had such a difficult look on his face..."
Indeed. It means taking responsibility for the lives of others. My husband is delicate when it comes to such things, which is why he carries such a heavy burden.
Now then, is it right to explain Yuki to them? Can they even understand? And more importantly, will Wazfi and Nilua be able to keep up with all of this? Explaining things to others is truly a difficult task.