第１３８０堀：弱音を吐くのは (Part2)
"Yes. Thank you."
My brother remains exactly as he has always been. He hasn't changed a bit since those days long ago. Back then, he told me that I didn't have to push myself so hard, that he would protect me from now on, and that it was alright to cry. Most people would have told me to endure it, to hold it in like everyone else, but my brother is simply not that kind of man.
"I see. Well, I’m feeling a bit lonely, so I think I’ll call the wives over. They must be bored of traveling by carriage anyway. That alright with you?"
I wondered who exactly my brother was asking, until—
"Okay. We were getting sick of the endless work anyway. We need to blow off some steam; otherwise, it’s hard to maintain a healthy, perfect execution of our duties."
"Indeed. I’m not as hardworking as Vilia, so I’m quite in the mood to simply enjoy a meal with Yuki and the others."
"I, too, would like to relax and chat for a change. Is Hiiro doing well?"
"Mm. Hiiro is doing well, Sta-onee."
It seems they had been listening to our conversation all along. I felt a mix of embarrassment and joy.
"It’s alright, Vilia. Mikos was trembling over here, too. This is partly to soothe her nerves."
"Hey!?"
"There’s no need to be embarrassed. Being afraid of war is a perfectly natural reaction."
It appears Mikos-oneesama had been feeling anxious and unsettled as well. My brother had suggested this with that in mind. No, even if it had just been for my sake, I’m certain he would have found some excuse to bring everyone together.
"Ah, I’m scared too~."
"Ria. I think that was a bit too blatant."
Ria-oneesama and Deryu-oneesama joined the conversation as well. Watching them, I realized that I felt a sense of relief. Everyone was acting just as they always did. They surely had their own anxieties, yet they wore expressions that made me feel as though everything would be alright.
Still...
"But, aren't you currently with the princess of Suurus?"
If I recall correctly, the representative for this mission was the Third Princess of Suurus—wasn't it Lady Hasnia? I couldn't help but think it might be improper to leave someone of such high standing unattended.
"Oh, don't worry about that. She’ll be sleeping through the night anyway. The envoys and the Suurus soldiers are all together."
"Seraria-oneesama."
Now Seraria-oneesama had chimed in as well.
"If we’re going to talk, it’s best done while it’s light out, for the sake of everyone's safety. No one will notice if we slip away at night. Besides, a doppelganger will remain behind to handle any matters, so there’s no issue. More than anything, we want to hear from those of you who are actually on the front lines."
"There are things you can only understand by being there, after all."
I see. So that was the reason. However...
"I’m sorry for worrying you, Vilia. I wasn't being very considerate."
"Her Majesty is simply too tough for her own good."
As everyone laughed at Quar’s remark, a voice suddenly cut in.
"Hey now! I’m not a doppelganger, you know!"
It was a complaint from Lilishe-sama. Indeed, Lilishe-sama is a goddess; she wouldn't be using a doppelganger. Just as I was wondering how to handle this, my brother spoke up.
"Ah, you're right, it wouldn't do to have everyone leave. Lilishe and Steve, you two will stay behind. Don't worry, just have Steve order whatever food you like. I’ve left plenty in his care."
"Really? Yay!"
...I’m not sure how I feel about her being won over so easily. But then again, there is no shame in voicing one's weaknesses. Everyone has them. Perhaps it might dampen the mood, but letting those feelings out can change things for the better. That is the nature of being a family, after all.
It’s alright. It’s okay to show your weakness. And then, once that’s done, you can keep moving forward.