第１２４６堀：頼るのをためらうモノ (Part2)
I understand that feeling all too well.
Even if someone were to appear before you, radiating a divine halo and exuding absolute majesty, and casually announce, "I am a god," no one would believe them.
Personally, even if they were even more luminous or solemn, I would never buy it on a first meeting. History has proven time and again that anyone who calls themselves a god is rarely worth the trouble.
Still, we couldn't just leave things as they were.
"For now, though I hate to admit it, it’s the truth. She’s just a useless, good-for-nothing goddess with this kind of personality, so don't let it bother you."
"H-huh..."
Only Fiora managed a faint, bewildered response.
"Hey! You’re still not trusting me? Being a god is seriously hard work, you know."
"True enough. I’ve complained about Luna plenty of times, but if you asked me how to make people trust you, I wouldn't have a clue. You might as well just be yourself."
"I suppose you're right. Besides, the only blessing I can really offer is 'good health and safety.' Any real power just ends up spiraling out of control. So, *Sharan-la*!"
As Luna chanted this 'spell,' star-shaped effects rained down upon Fiora and the others.
Seriously? What kind of magical girl act is this?
"Isn't that a bit dated?"
"What are you talking about? I’m practically the progenitor of the magical girl trope. Anyway, setting that aside, didn't you have something to discuss with me?"
"Ah, right. You probably heard, but it’s about Hivia."
"Hivia? Oh, the ghost from this world, right? You want to stabilize her because she’s unstable?"
"Exactly. Can you do it? And what’s the price?"
There was no need for roundabout negotiations with someone like her. Getting straight to the point was the greatest benefit I could reap.
"Well, I *can* do it. But keep in mind, that’s all I’m promising—that I *can*."
"Um, Lady Luna? What exactly does that mean?"
"Hmm? Yayui, was it? I can grant Yuki’s wish, sure. But I’m talking about her feelings, not just her existence."
"Her feelings?"
"Exactly, Orelia. Like Yuki said, if you stabilize her, she won't just pass on, but that also means stripping her of her 'end.' Do you understand?"
"Isn't the person herself worried about that?"
"Hovis, human feelings change quite easily. Well, I suppose your feelings for Yuki won't waver no matter what happens, but the reverse is also true. For every feeling that stays the same, there are countless others that shift. Human answers aren't singular; they are fluid things."
Wow. Luna was actually giving a serious, thoughtful response.
"What?"
"Nothing. I just appreciate it when you actually talk to me like a normal person."
"Ha! You knew all of this already, didn't you? I’m just teaching these girls the problem with relying on us so easily. You have no idea how many people come crawling back to me in tears after the consequences of their 'help' go wrong."
"Exterminating an immortal monster, huh? That sounds like a headache. Well, in my case, I’ll make sure to have a contingency plan."
"I’m sure you will. In that case, I’ll just hand over the tool for stabilization. Here."
Luna tossed me a pill package that looked suspiciously familiar. I took it and read the label...
*'The ghost won't pass on! Stabilize them and prevent them from turning into an evil spirit—The Afterlife Drug.'*
Yep. It still looks like a dangerous, sketchy drug.
"Don't come begging for help and then dump the cleanup on us. We aren't a handyman service."
"I can't say I don't understand your perspective, but... *sigh*, well, there’s no point in arguing further. I’ll talk to her myself. Thanks."
"Yes, do your best. The living and the dead. On Earth, they might be incompatible, but here, that shouldn't be much of a problem."
"By the way, what’s the price?"
"Hmm? This is something you lot could probably handle if you really tried, so don't worry about it. Oh, I’ll add it to the DP shop list, so I’ll take the payment from there. About 10,000, I suppose."
Is that... expensive?
Hmm, it’s the same price as a Gate.
Well, I could probably figure something out by consulting with Sota-san or Miu. But if I can get it done quickly, that’s all the better.
"Then, I’ll leave the negotiations with Hivia-kun to you, Yuki-kun."
"Indeed. It’s best if the employer handles it. Miu and I will provide support."
"Understood. Leave it to me."
"Yes, please. Agil will observe from here."
"Got it. Don't do anything reckless."
"Noriko, come with me."
"That goes without saying."
And so, having secured the item, I headed off to find Hivia.
For people from Earth, relying on a god usually comes with a heavy price.
Or rather, as the saying goes: if a deal sounds too good to be true, there’s always a catch.
Everyone, be careful out there.