第１４１３堀：やる気は満々 (Part2)
"Well, that’s only natural, isn't it? You never really had any desire to become an adventurer, a knight, or a soldier, did you?"
"No. I had never even considered such things."
I see. In that case, learning basic self-defense is the standard path. Still, it’s a bit questionable to act against the village’s policy without having any practical skills to back it up. Then again, given the environment, she probably never had the means to think about it in the first place.
To the village leadership, she must have been nothing more than a troublesome element opposing their agenda. It’s true that turning against Roschur, which offered them protection, is a betrayal, but the actual efficacy of a village’s protection is often dubious at best. It stands to reason that one would side with a party offering financial support or other guarantees, but failing to persuade the likes of Rushi and the others is a failure on their part.
Well, that’s neither here nor there.
"Alright, let’s just start with the basics for now."
"What do you mean by that?"
"I don’t have that much to teach, but I can at least show you the fundamentals and how to move. While we’re at it, Fiora and the others look tired, so let’s all get our bodies moving. Is that alright?"
"Yes. I’ve been doing nothing but desk work, so my body feels stiff. This is perfect."
"I feel the same as Lady Fiora. I’m not particularly skilled at combat, but I do want to move around at a time like this."
"That’s right! I want to move to my heart’s content!"
"I want to move, too!"
Fiora and Orelia are in favor. That leaves...
"What about you, Nina and Prof? I won’t force you, but?"
"Of course I’m going. I’ll keep an eye on Rushi. And I’ll take the opportunity to gauge the capabilities of Fiora and the others."
"I will join as well. Lady Rurua has suggested I serve as Yuki-sama’s secretary, but that is not a role one can fulfill so easily. I intend to drill the bare minimum into you."
"Easy on them, Nina, Prof. Alright then, let’s do some light exercise until lunch, and we’ll get into some serious training this afternoon."
"Understood."
"Okay."
With that, we left the office and headed to the military grounds to borrow the space for some light exercise. Along the way, however...
『Reporting. We’ve secured a hidden underground structure ahead of the messenger group, the adventurer survey team, and the inspection team currently heading to the western town. We’ve confirmed a number of survivors. They aren’t in immediate danger of dying, so we’ll proceed with the plan to have the local collaborators guide us to them for rescue. Is that acceptable?』
"Yeah, do that. What are the numbers?"
『We’ve confirmed twenty-three people. Unfortunately, we haven’t spotted the lord. It’s mostly non-combatants and civilians.』
"…So they either held out until the end, or they fled."
『Hard to say for sure.』
"I suppose so. Regardless, I’m counting on you to ensure the safety of the women."
『Understood.』
"Oh, and what about the emergence point?"
『Nothing there. We found a spot where suspicious ground is exposed, but after a meeting, we decided that survivors and reconstruction efforts take priority.』
"That’s only natural. Carry on, then."
The communication with Steve ended.
"Yuki-sama, are you ready?"
Orelia knocked on the changing room door to ask. Ah, right, I was in the middle of changing. I zipped up my jersey—which I’d left open—and stepped out.
"Sorry, kept you waiting."
"Not at all. But, I should have helped you dress..."
"Ah, well, I can manage that much on my own. I’ll let you know if I need help."
"You always say that, but you never call for us~"
"We can help, you know?"
"Yes! I can help you change, too!"
Orelia and the others are always eager to assist with things like this. It’s just not a habit of mine. I mean, I do have support when I’m in formal attire, but... And Rushi’s enthusiasm is something else, too.
"I’ve received your enthusiasm, so next time, I’ll be sure to ask for your help."
As I replied, Fiora, Prof, and Nina appeared, peering around the door.
"That is good to hear. We would be delighted to assist."
"Indeed. It is only natural as your subjects."
"Sounds interesting."
I’m not exactly a dress-up doll, you know. For now, let’s just get our bodies warmed up.