第１４１７堀：たらればを考えてしまう (Part2)
"That’s a bit too logical, isn't it?"
If things were really that simple, I’d have as many bodyguards-slash-wives as I could handle. There are plenty of people who would gladly serve and offer their gratitude if I guaranteed their livelihood. It’s a natural human emotion, after all. But there’s something about exploiting that dynamic that sits uneasy with me—it’s just not my style.
In society, it’s all give-and-take. It’s no different from a contract or employment. I wouldn’t go so far as to say marriage is the same, but for people in our position, the distinction is often paper-thin. And relationships built on such hollow foundations never last.
"Without genuine emotion, betrayal is inevitable, and that hurts both sides. People don't just move based on what’s 'correct'."
If the world were truly governed by pure logic, there would be no conflict, no mistakes. Criminals wouldn't even exist.
"That’s... fair enough. It’s not something you can just increase at will. But isn't that exactly why a girl like Ryushi is the perfect fit? You saved her with your own two hands, after all."
"I know. To you, it looks like Ryushi is just a convenient choice for me."
From that perspective, Ryushi swearing her loyalty to me is a boon—not just for me, but for my wives, and surely for Ryushi herself. But...
"When I think that, had it not been for this incident, she would have lived out her life as a simple village girl... well, my side isn't exactly a path of peace."
That’s the crux of the problem. Being with me means walking a thorny path. For someone as straightforward as Ryushi, there will undoubtedly be cruel moments ahead. It’s expected that she’s prepared for that, but still...
"Talking about 'what-ifs'—isn't that what you told Elju?"
"Suppose so."
"What if." "If only." Talking about hypotheticals won't change the past.
"Besides, you can just ask her, can't you? Tell her that if she wants to live a normal life, you’ll lend her a hand. I’m sure you’ve thought about it, but you haven't said anything because you don't think she’d accept, right?"
"Exactly. I’ve piled up so many favors that she feels she owes me her life. From my end, it was just a test of Extra Heal’s specifications, but to her, it’s a debt she intends to repay with her entire existence."
"You know the market value of Extra Heal. Even in Weed, let alone anywhere else, a commoner would never get access to that. Without it, they’d just die. It’s a debt worth a life, by any standard. Besides, if she went back to being a commoner now, she’d be looked down upon for turning down a position at your side."
"That’s the truth of it. Well, I suppose I have no choice but to shift my perspective."
"Exactly. You’ve never had someone like Ryushi before, have you? Why not take her along and see what you can do together? That’s a much more forward-thinking approach, isn't it?"
"You're right. Thinking about how to color the future with joy is a far more positive way to live."
Since I’m undoubtedly going to be carrying the weight of another life, it’s better to find gratitude and joy in a new encounter than to waste time sighing. In other words:
"So, should I raise her as a comrade-in-arms for gaming and plastic models?"
"Wait, is that really okay? Isn't that just forcing your hobbies on her?"
"She’s my bodyguard. I’ll just call it 'essential operational training.' I won't force her to entertain me, though. Playing Momotetsu as a service is just boring."
"Gaming as a job? If she likes it, it’ll be heaven. But do you even have the time for that, Boss?"
"I don't. But I’ll make the time. And then, I’ll make Eris and the others recognize gaming hours as a necessary professional requirement. You know, as a 'recreational team-building exercise.'"
"I think that’s going to be a hell of a lot harder than dealing with Ryushi."
"I think so, too."
Still, I have a track record. Look at the model shop—I managed to get that built on the national budget. I’m confident I can make this work along the same lines.
As we were talking, Ryushi finally reached her limit. Her strength gave out, and she slumped onto the ground. Seraria rushed over to her side—more of a recovery potion than a healer, really. As I watched, I thought:
"Well, I suppose I should join in on the recovery efforts. We’re going to be spending a lot of time together, after all."
"Yeah, that’s for the best. Oh, should I hand her a cucumber?"
"I don't know... I think I'll have to try handing it to her to find out."
I had been handed the most difficult problem of all—far more complex than Ryushi or my gaming business plan.
"What-ifs" and "if-onlys"—they are things that are inseparable from human existence, aren't they? Wishing you had done something differently at that moment, or wondering what would have happened if you’d been just a little bit later.