第１３１７堀：緊張を克服するには？ (Part2)
"Yes. I believe that would be for the best. And, I have one request."
"Hm? That’s rare. What is it?"
It is truly unusual for Kirika to ask me for anything. Is it a request for a day off to play with Aslin? If it’s just that, I wouldn’t mind at all, but...
"Prol works at the General Government Building, but she is also a member of my shadow unit. Given her personality and our current circumstances, I have kept her out of the spotlight until now. However, looking toward the future, I believe it is necessary for her to become capable of communicating without relying on you, Kirue, or myself."
"That makes sense."
It’s far too inconvenient if she can only converse through Kirika or Kirue.
"Therefore, I would like you to head to the meeting with Seraria and the others while keeping hold of her hand."
"I see. A trial by fire, then?"
"Ehh!?"
Prol let out another strange noise. However, she isn't particularly tall. To be specific, she's about the same height as Cleena. Which means...
"Won't it look like I'm forcibly dragging a child along?"
"Yuki, have no fear. I am here."
Cleena said, giving me a thumbs-up. I suppose that means it’s too late to worry about appearances?
"In the first place, Yuki-sama, you are the Prince Consort of Weed. A matter of this scale is of no consequence. Though, I suppose dragging a crying child along might invite some unfavorable rumors."
"But Yuki-san, you do scold children when they are being mischievous. I’m sure it will be interpreted as an extension of that."
"If anything, making a scene would be worse for Prol’s reputation. People might say she spurned an invitation from the Prince Consort."
"Th-th-that would be..."
Prol’s face turned deathly pale. Yeah, if a rumor like that started, people would suspect her of treason, and she’d likely be fired from her job. Even so, seeing her like this, I have my doubts about forcing the issue. Kirika asked me to do it, but this kind of thing...
"Alright. First, I’ll ask Prol directly. I don't mean to be harsh to Kirika, but if she’s too overwhelmed, she might end up being a hindrance. I want to hear her own will. Is that alright?"
"Understood."
Kirika bowed immediately and stepped back. I turned to look at Prol again and posed the question.
"I’m planning to discuss countermeasures regarding the intruder we mentioned earlier with Seraria and the others. I’d like you to come along and participate in the meeting. What do you think?"
"Ah, hi, fu..."
Is this a lost cause? I don’t have the leisure to babysit a child who can’t do her job. Education is already a handful with my wives and Orelia handling it. Thinking that, I loosened my grip, intending to let go, but Prol gripped my hand firmly in return.
"I-I’ll do it!"
She shouted, her face turning bright red.
"I-I want to repay my debt to you, Yuki-sama! I don't care if I'm used and discarded, but I don't want to be thought of as useless!"
As I stared at her, eyes wide with surprise, Kirika, standing behind Prol, bowed deeply.
"Very well. Then, let’s go."
"Y-yes!"
And so, hand in hand, I headed toward the place where Seraria was waiting. Along the way...
"Hey, Yayui."
"Yes? What is it?"
"Give me your hand."
"My hand?"
Yayui didn't seem to understand, but she didn't defy my request and reached out. I took her hand.
"Uhyaa!? W-what are you doing all of a sudden!?"
"Ah, I thought so. Prol and Yayui are surprisingly similar."
When I said that, everyone nodded in agreement.
"Well, let's cure that stage fright of yours too, Yayui."
So, holding hands with both Yayui and Prol, I walked into the meeting room where Seraria was waiting...
"What are you doing? Are you guiding children?"
Seraria asked with complete seriousness, and everyone burst into laughter. To overcome nervousness, there is truly no way but to gain experience. You get used to it. Humans are creatures of habit.
(Note: There has been some talk about whether Dressa in Volume 17 should be dark-skinned, but since a sun-tanned complexion and naturally dark skin are different, I have kept it reserved for future use. I am using the game version of Dressa.)