第１２９６堀：姉妹の近況 (Part1)
Chapter 1296: Sisters' Current Situation
Sisters' Current Situation
Side: Kagura
At Yuki's request, I am currently at the Heiden Magic Academy.
And the person I'm talking to is…
"I see. So, students, you say?"
"Yes, Sister. Since they are individuals who study alongside those from other countries, they should be understanding."
That's right, my older sister, Kanna.
My real sister.
She was previously dispatched to the academy as Yuki's support, but when Yuki left, she began studying materials from Taizo-san and others on science, and is now in a position to teach them to the students.
She possesses ample magical talent, and even from my perspective, she is a sister to be proud of.
And it is to her that I have come to ask for assistance in acting as practice partners for the exchange students, as requested by Yuki.
"Hmm. While I personally should be happy about this, won't the other selected members look unfavorably upon it? I don't want to be hindered later."
"I cannot deny that, but isn't it good to discover problems beforehand?"
"Well, that's true. I understand the merit of that. We will need to ensure thorough prior explanation and follow-up. So, what about compensation after the job is done?"
"I will certainly ask for that, but regarding compensation, we will have to inquire with the Heiden royal family. I do not have the authority to decide such matters."
"I understand that. Well, it's about Yuki-sama personally requesting it."
"...Sister. It would be problematic if you overtly asked for special treatment, wouldn't it?"
After all, the Kamishiro Duke family has gained further authority through their achievements in the recent Heiden conflict, and they have received considerable support from Yuki.
To seek even more special treatment on top of that, surely she understands it could incite jealousy from those around her…
"It's not about that. It's about wanting me to accompany them as their escort."
"I don't think there will be any problem with that."
"That's good. Then I will handle the selection of students."
"Actually, I wasn't planning on asking anyone other than you, Kanna-oneesama. Is there a reason for this?"
"Regarding the special treatment I mentioned earlier, I have been removed from escorting the exchange students to Weed. It was decided to refrain from preferential treatment for the Kamishiro family."
"Ah… But is this alright?"
"This time, it can be framed as a personal request from Yuki-sama, and ostensibly, it is to identify potential problems to avoid trouble. It's a sufficient reason for me, who is on good terms with them, to go. I haven't had the time to visit Weed lately due to being busy here."
Indeed, my sister is the only one teaching the knowledge from Taizo-san and the others at the Heiden Magic Academy, so she is quite busy.
The Princess herself has specifically instructed her to teach with great effort.
Well, knowing the power of science, I suppose it's only natural.
However, in Heiden, where magic can be said to have founded the nation, it is still a minor field of study.
After all, if science develops, it could be argued that anything other than large-scale magic can be accomplished with firearms.
This would undermine Heiden's prestige, and those in higher positions seem to be busy with various adjustments.
It's not as simple as dismissing the people employed as magicians.
It carries the risk of sparking a second Heiden conflict.
…Hmm, just from my own brief consideration, I can see how complex the situation is. I imagine the Princesses are dealing with even more issues.
As I was contemplating such matters, while sipping my tea.
"The higher-ups seem to be thinking of gradually disseminating the usefulness of science and technology starting with this exchange program… His Majesty and my father seem to be considering it."
"Yes. This exchange program is for that purpose. To experience firsthand the differences between other countries and our own. And to foster cooperation."
It is also to impress upon those fools that the idea of provoking a foolish war means ruin.
While the world perceives the Heiden conflict as having peacefully settled, the internal situation is far from stable.
The foolish nobles incited by Akueki have been purged, and their assets and lands confiscated, but the subsequent distribution has yet to be decided in many cases.
In other words, many are vying for the vacant positions, but this time, there are no tales of achieving victory in battle against enemies.
Well, we, the student soldiers, did engage with Findal once, but otherwise, it was akin to stopping an internal rebellion.
Indeed, Akueki's clandestine activities can also be seen as a failure of oversight by the Haire Church, but criticizing the largest sect in this region could lead to unforeseen consequences, so it must be handled as a separate matter.
Therefore, the dissatisfaction of the relatives of the students who died in the church smolders.
Most of the casualties were students of lower standing, but there were also children of nobles among them.
In this manner, Heiden's internal affairs still harbor numerous dangerous ticking bombs.
That is precisely why it is necessary for them to understand that any trouble now would be swiftly suppressed.
His Majesty and my father understand that this exchange student system is essential for strengthening Heiden's defenses, which is why discussions are progressing in this manner.
"Truly, the troubles never cease, do they? A nation."
"That's how it is. Weed also has one job after another."
I agree with Kanna-oneesama's shrug with a wry smile.
We are truly busy.
"I used to think that after getting married, I would live peacefully surrounded by a wonderful husband and children."
"It's not peaceful, but I live with a wonderful husband and children, and friends, in a lively manner. I am quite happy."
Kanna-oneesama murmurs, looking at me.
I, too, once dreamed of such things.
But reality surpassed it. That's all there is to it.
"I see. Then that's good. I often hear from friends about their husbands' infidelity, children's problems, and discord, so I was worried, but it seems there are none of those issues."
"Regarding infidelity, it's impossible with Yuki. He has properly secured his position with his consorts."
Besides, Yuki doesn't have the time to engage in infidelity; our children and we are his top priority.
"Wouldn't you normally dislike having so many consorts?"
"If it were for womanizing, then yes, but they all perform their duties properly. In fact, if they don't work hard, it becomes difficult for us. In that sense, they are absolutely indispensable friends."
She says this with utmost seriousness.
Especially if Eris and Ratz, who control the finances and supplies, were to become incapacitated, chaos would erupt within Weed.
Well, I suppose things could be managed somehow, but a decrease in operational efficiency is a foregone conclusion.
We would likely have to step in to support them, but even so, I don't think their replacements could be easily found.
"...Though it's not my place to say, is this kind of operational structure really alright?"