第１２３９堀：もう覚悟は決まっている (Part1)
Chapter 1239: The Resolve is Already Set
Side: Yayui
"..."
We waited at the designated spot, our nerves frayed.
The fountain plaza in the commercial district is a common enough place to meet, but being summoned by Yuki-sama long after his shift had ended—and for a matter that didn't seem to be an emergency—had us on edge. Especially given the nature of his message:
*"To the three of you, what I’m about to say isn't a command. If you choose not to hear it, you won't be fired or anything of the sort. I just want you to listen with an honest heart. If you intend to involve yourselves with us even more deeply, come to the fountain plaza around dinner time—let's say nine o'clock. As for the content... well, look forward to it."*
The last part was typical of Yuki-sama, but it was clear that something of great importance awaited us. Because the details were so vague, my stomach had tied itself into knots, making it impossible to even think about finishing my dinner.
"...I-is it time yet?"
"Geez, it's only eight-thirty. Honestly, Yayui, I think you're way too tense."
"She’s right. You know Yuki-sama’s character, don't you? There was no lie in those words. He’s offering this to us because he trusts us."
"I-I know that, but..."
Yes, as Aurelia said, I know better than anyone that Yuki-sama is kind and incapable of deceit. Ever since he bought me, he has worked alongside us, guiding us with such thoughtfulness—a truly good man who treats even us slaves with genuine care.
But... still.
"I-it's just... being summoned by someone so important... it makes me nervous."
It’s true that he is kind and trustworthy, but our stations are worlds apart. I am a slave, while Yuki-sama is the Prince Consort of Weed. He is the number two in this land. The gap between us is as vast as heaven and earth. I couldn't help but worry: had I committed some grave, unnoticed blunder that incurred the wrath of such a gentle man? Or had he decided we were no longer useful due to our lack of ability?
And besides...
"You two didn't eat your dinner either, did you..."
"Well, I'm... sort of on a diet."
"Oh, my. I simply felt that since those were Yuki-sama's words, I needed to face them with the utmost sincerity."
Saying that, it was obvious they were just as nervous as I was. Realizing we were all in the same boat brought me a small sense of relief, and my head began to clear.
"But what does he mean by 'involve ourselves more deeply'?"
I mean, aren't we already involved in the internal affairs of Weed to an extent that would be unthinkable anywhere else?
"Hmm. Yuki-sama has so many secrets, doesn't he? Maybe he's finally going to tell us about them?"
"Perhaps. 'Involve deeply' can also mean 'to become more intimate.' It just shows how much he has come to trust us."
I was still pondering whether I understood what they were saying when...
"Oh, you're all here."
A voice from behind made me jump. I turned around to find Yuki-sama standing there, accompanied by his guards, Cleena-sama and Samantha-sama.
"Sorry, did I keep you waiting?"
He said this to us, even though it was only natural for us to be waiting for him. The clock at the fountain showed it was still five minutes before nine.
"N-no! It isn't even nine o'clock yet!"
"Yes! We just arrived early on our own accord!"
"That is correct. Please, Yuki-sama, do not concern yourself."
"I see. Thanks. Alright, let’s go. Follow me."
We trailed behind Yuki-sama like lost lambs. I wondered where he was taking us, but as we walked, I realized I recognized the path. It was the same road we had taken yesterday.
"U-um, Yuki-sama? Where are we headed...?"
"Ah, to my home."
Of course. This road leads to the inn where Yuki-sama—and Seraria-sama and the others—reside, doesn't it? I knew that from when we went to eat curry yesterday!
"By the way, what exactly do you mean by 'involve ourselves more deeply'?"
"To put it simply, I'm going to tell you my life story. We're about to start an international student exchange program, and things are going to get busy. If you know who I am and why I do what I do, I think you'll find more motivation in your work."
"'Motivation'? If it’s for Yuki-sama’s sake, we would gladly give our lives!"
Yes. Just as Aurelia said, we would work as hard as we could for Yuki-sama. That is what we have lived for until this day.
"I don't doubt your dedication, Aurelia. But there is a significant difference in one's mindset when they know the truth versus when they don't. That’s why Seraria and the others told me it was time."
"Hmm. Yuki is being long-winded. I will be brief. Yayui and the others are still at a point where they can 'turn back.' In other words, there is still time."
"That is correct. As mentioned before, once you hear what comes next, you will no longer be able to walk away. So, let us ask you once more. What will you do? From this point forward, you must live as 'pillars of Weed,' carrying the weight of every responsibility that entails. If you turn back now, you can continue to live as ordinary citizens of Weed."
Samantha-sama stopped walking and turned to face us, looking each of us in the eye. Her gaze demanded that we make our resolve clear. We were so taken aback by the gravity of her expression that we held our breath, but then...
"Ah, look, Samantha. Maybe it was too early to talk about this after all?"
Hearing Yuki-sama say that with a troubled look on his face, our resolve solidified.
"We will listen."
"Huh?"
Yuki-sama blinked, clearly surprised by our response, but we had things we wanted to say as well.