第１３９４堀：外部？協力者 (Part2)
"Ah, that much is fine, though we'll need to coordinate our schedules."
"I'll leave that to you."
"Actually, why don't you stay and eat today?"
"Hmm, will it be like that time when Kaya and the others ate?"
"No, that was for the members heading to the front lines, so I made it a bit more extravagant."
"In that case, save that for another time. Today, let's just have a normal meal with everyone."
"Right, that works. It’s perfect timing—Fiora and the others are eating too, so I might as well explain things to them."
"Yeah. Let's get to it, then."
With the discussion concluded, I stepped out of the reception room to find Fiora and the others waiting. I hadn't let them sit in on the meeting, likely to avoid any friction or anxiety should I have refused to cooperate. These girls still clung to the motto that giving their all for Yuki was the only way to live. Ah, so that was why he wanted me to lead them.
"Has the talk finished?"
"Yeah."
As Yuki answered Fiora’s question, Orelia and the others turned their eyes toward us, their curiosity getting the better of them.
"Um, Yuki-sama. To have us step away and leave only Kirika-sama to speak with Nina-sama is..."
"As those of us who also serve as your escorts~, we really can't help but wonder~, especially with the wives in mind~."
"Y-yes. W-what could you possibly be..."
*Ugh.* Am I really that untrustworthy? Honestly, I’ve known Yuki longer than Fiora and her group have, though I suppose they are speaking from the perspective of their duties as guards.
"Refrain yourselves."
Just as I was wondering how to handle this, Kirika spoke up—her voice quiet, yet sharp as a blade. Orelia and the others froze instantly.
"I understand your concern, but Nina-sama was summoned by the Master himself. You should realize there was a reason he did not permit your presence. Above all, know that Nina-sama has been associated with the Master far longer than any of you. Understand that it is disrespectful to harbor such base suspicions."
Kirika didn't hold back, delivering the rebuke with clinical precision.
"..."
The weight of that fact made Orelia and the others bow their heads. It must have been a shock. They take a great deal of pride in being his close aides, after all.
"Yuki-sama, Kirika-sama, and Nina-sama, please forgive Orelia and the others for their rudeness. It is my fault for failing to convince them. If there is to be punishment, let it be mine."
Fiora stepped forward, offering an apology. Ah, that’s right—I recall Fiora being the one to teach me about such formalities. Though, surely Kirika and Kirue should have taught them these basics as well... Perhaps she was simply taking responsibility to shield Orelia and the others.
"No, it's natural to be worried since you're usually together. It’s my fault for not explaining beforehand. We’re both at fault here. That settles it, right, Nina, Kirika?"
"It’s fine by me. It’s better than anything that they’re so aware of their duty to protect Yuki."
I think this every time I hear it, but the very idea of Yuki needing protection is absurd. Does it even make sense to guard someone who I suspect could remain unscathed even if the entire military might of Weed descended upon him?
"Hah. If that is what the Master says. However, you should have been taught by Fiora-sama, as well as by us and Asu-dono, how to conduct yourselves according to your station. Reflect on your positions once more."
"Yes!"
They answered Kirika’s words firmly. Have they regained their composure? Seeing that, I caught Yuki’s eye, and he gave a slight nod.
"Now, regarding the secret matter between Nina and Kirika—I’ve asked Nina to support us in the investigation of the dark guild. She’s quite the capable scout, after all."
"The 'after all' was unnecessary. I have my own work, so there was a chance I would have refused. I was worried that if Orelia and the others saw me rejecting you, they might have reacted poorly."
"I see. Indeed, given Orelia’s current level of loyalty, she would likely have been furious if you had turned down Yuki-sama’s request."
"Ugh..."
Fiora’s words made Orelia and the others look visibly uncomfortable.
"So, the fact that you’ve explained this means..."
"Yeah, she’s agreed to cooperate with the dark guild investigation."
"That is wonderful news. Well then, there’s no point in standing around chatting here. Nina-sama will be joining us for the meal back at the inn, correct?"
I turned toward the voice to see Prol standing there. I’m acquainted with her through Kirika and Kirue. Surprisingly, this little one is quite capable, too.
"Are you able to talk to Yuki now?"
"I have grown at least that much."
"You two seem to be having fun."
"Yeah. While the preparations are underway, go ahead and talk with Prol and the children."
"Understood."
And so, I headed to the inn to spend some time relaxing. Orelia and the others were running around frantically preparing the meal—I suppose they haven't had to help out much until now? Well, I suppose they can consider it penance for their earlier blunder.
The Holy Sword users, Nina and the others, are officially treated as a special unit under the command of Hifie, who is under the umbrella of Noble of the If Continent. In reality, they are essentially Yuki’s fourth intelligence network.