第１２３９堀：もう覚悟は決まっている (Part2)
"I appreciate your sentiments, Yuki-sama, but I cannot simply let your previous words slide. When you say it was 'too early to talk about this,' are you implying that we lack the resolve to follow you? That is simply not the case. We have already committed ourselves to following you, no matter what may come."
I spoke with a rare, unwavering clarity, and Hovis and Orelia nodded in firm agreement, adding their own voices.
"That’s right~. I’ve intended to follow you, Yuki-sama, from the very beginning~."
"Indeed. And more importantly, do you truly believe, Yuki-sama, that you could simply return to the life of a commoner so easily? If we were to abandon the one who personally selected and mentored us, do you think we would find a respectable place to exist elsewhere?"
Indeed. If we were to leave Yuki-sama of our own volition, we would undoubtedly be ostracized by all of Weed.
"I suppose I can't exactly say that wouldn't happen..."
"Mm. If Yuki says so, the surface-level hostility might vanish. But you’d certainly be bullied in the shadows."
"Precisely. In fact, you would likely be branded as incompetent or disloyal, and you would find few places willing to accept you. Rather than dwelling on that, shouldn't you have something to say to Yayui and the others, who have expressed their intentions so clearly?"
With that, Samantha-sama shifted the sharp gaze she had been directing at us toward Yuki-sama.
"I understand. Yayui, Hovis, Orelia."
"Yes!"
Called by name once more, we answered in unison.
"I understand your feelings clearly. I look forward to working with you all from here on out."
"Yes!"
"That said, I’m always busy, and I dislike being exhausted, so I will be sure to take proper breaks. If you feel the load is too heavy, don't hesitate to tell me. My ideal is to ensure we can all work while maintaining our well-being."
Hearing Yuki-sama say this brought smiles to our faces. Ah, of course—a person as kind as him could never treat us with anything but care. It was precisely because he worried too much that those words had slipped out earlier.
"Mm. As I thought, Orelia and the others are fine."
"Indeed, just as expected. Now, let us be off. Everyone is waiting."
"E-everyone, you say?"
"Well, when it comes to my personal history, it’s effectively the secret history of Weed as well. We’re all going to hear the full story together. Besides, it’s not just you three; Wazfi, Nairua, and others have arrived as well."
I see. So, it wasn't just for our sake after all. Well, when I think about it, that is only natural. I’m not so arrogant as to think otherwise. But perhaps that is why Yuki-sama felt apologetic, as if he were treating us as an afterthought.
"I feel a bit relieved that it isn't just us."
"That’s true~. I would have felt quite intimidated if it were only for us~."
"Under normal circumstances, I would scold Yayui and Hovis, but honestly, I feel the same way. My apologies, Yuki-sama."
"No, no, don't worry about it. It is a rather troublesome story, after all."
"Mm. Besides, even if there were more people, I don't think anyone could truly keep up."
"That is true. You will likely be left in a daze, unable to comprehend it all. But rest assured, we will support you."
"?"
What could that mean? Unable to keep up? In a daze? Unable to comprehend? Wasn't the whole point of this talk to explain things so that wouldn't happen? I tilted my head, puzzled that not only Yuki-sama but even Cleena-sama and Samantha-sama were operating under the assumption that we wouldn't understand. Regardless, we stepped into the inn where Yuki-sama and the others resided.
Yes, this was the place—the very place where our fate would be sealed. Usually, I might have hesitated, but today, I walked straight inside without stopping. I had decided to follow Yuki-sama. No matter what the story was, I would accept it and make myself useful.
Besides, if kings, queens, or people from other continents were to suddenly appear, it would just be another day of "Oh, this again." Surely, even gods wouldn't just pop up. Thanks to Yuki-sama’s training, I had developed a certain peace of mind.
Yayui and the others had steeled their resolve. As long as it wasn't a god!
And before we knew it, it was November. Everyone, have you finished your preparations for winter?