第１４４１堀：束の間の平和と暗躍 (Part1)
Chapter 1441: Fleeting Peace and Shadowy Maneuvers
Side: Deryu
"Yawn..."
Hearing that sound, I looked to my side to see Ria letting out a massive yawn.
"Are you sleepy?"
"Ah, sorry. It’s just that the scenery never changes. It’s not like I’m sleep-deprived, but I wonder why?"
*Tilt.*
Ria tilted her head, looking adorable.
I felt a small smile tugging at my lips as I decided to answer her question.
"That is because you are at ease."
"At ease?"
"Indeed. It is proof that you trust those around you. If you didn't, you would be too tense to sleep."
In this dangerous world, being able to sleep while traveling is a testament to how much you trust your surroundings.
And to do so even when it isn't night—that speaks to the blessing of the environment we are in.
When I was wandering the Rogari Continent alone, I could never afford to sleep carelessly in front of others.
After all, I was quite the beautiful young girl back then.
And men are wolves; if you show even a moment of vulnerability, they pounce immediately.
As I thought this, Ria smiled.
"Yeah. If that’s the case, then I trust everyone, not just you, Deryu. I love you all."
"Ah, I love you too, Ria. *Nuzzle, nuzzle.*"
"Ah, stop it. You’re messing up my hair."
I couldn't help but smile at Ria’s honest response as I ruffled her hair.
"You’re so cute. I thought you’d become more 'motherly' after having a child, but you haven't changed a bit."
"That goes for you too, Deryu. But you’ve definitely grown more motherly, haven't you?"
"I suppose so. Though, that applies to you as well, Ria."
"We can’t show our children anything unsightly, after all."
We are both mothers now.
We are also good friends, and we share the same wonderful man as our husband.
There is no bond stronger than this.
And to think, a Demon Lord forming a bond of friendship with a Hero.
I’ve thought it many times, but it truly is an interesting relationship.
As I was pondering this, Ria turned her gaze toward the window...
"Phew. It’s been three days since we left Kinauf. I wish we’d reach the royal capital of Irinau already. It’s boring."
"Indeed. We’ve been confined to the carriage for the last three days. We can’t just leave everything to the Doppelgangers, so we have to show our faces, but there isn't much to see. There’s no necessity to stop at any villages or towns, either."
"Stopping by in a carriage would just invite unnecessary trouble."
Normally, one might stop at villages or towns to oversee Irinau or for sightseeing, but this time, the purpose is to settle the score for the invasion of Suurus. We are avoiding detours to ensure that if the Dark Guild or other shady elements decide to attack, the surrounding areas won't be caught in the crossfire.
It helps that there is no need to resupply, as we only need to gather information.
The speed and durability of this carriage, combined with the sheer amount of supplies packed into our Item Boxes and Item Bags...
I know it well, but it would be a nightmare to have this group as an enemy.
And this is still just the "normal" level.
If we were in more of a hurry, we could have units already infiltrated deploy Gates, or have Wyverns, Dragons, or even airborne troops drop in from the sky.
Yes, even though I’m the one saying it, it’s completely absurd.
Well, being a group that defies common sense like this, stopping at villages or towns would only cause a commotion.
Ria says that other troubles would arise from that as well.
And I agree with her.
"Well, the lack of trouble is proof of peace. We must be patient for that sake."
"I guess you're right."
As I was talking with Ria like that, Enola, who was sitting nearby, spoke up.
"Peace, huh? Does it still feel like peace to you, Deryu?"
That was a loaded question.
I thought for a moment about how to answer, but I decided to be honest.
"It is peace. In the era of constant, indiscriminate war, corpses were scattered everywhere. Compared to those days, at least, this is peace."
"I see. Well, maybe you're right..."
"What’s the matter?"
I asked because Enola didn't seem convinced...
"It’s just... for us, knowing that organizations are moving in the shadows... it’s hard to ignore."
"That’s true. It inevitably reminds us of home."
"It was really tough, wasn't it~"
Kagura and Mikos, sitting in the back, replied with bitter smiles at Enola’s words.
"Ah, I see."
"It was hard for all three—no, all four of you, wasn't it~"
In the Haiden region, there had been the "Assembly of Wisdom" and the fanatic cult hidden behind the Haire religion.
Thinking of that, the peace visible before our eyes must look like a mere facade to them.
However, worrying about it too much is also dangerous.
Perhaps I should offer a word of advice.
"Enola, Kagura, Mikos. And Stasia in the passenger seat. It might be rude of me to say I understand your feelings, but I can tell there is stagnation in your hearts. However, do not let that spill over to those around you. There are people here who are enjoying this peace. It is true that there are shadowy movements, but that concerns us, not the people living on this land. There is no need to cause them anxiety. Besides, staying constantly on edge is exhausting. You’ll make Yuki worry."
"..."
The three of them fell silent at my words.
However...
"That very tension is what creates an opening. Your mental instability will be exploited. More than anything, the machinations of such organizations are a constant. And the anxiety of those at the top is transmitted to the people. Smiling is part of our job, too. Enola, Kagura, Mikos. Above all, as Deryu said, we don't want to worry Yuki-sama. Isn't that right?"
The reply came from Stasia in the passenger seat.
"You're right. Being on edge is definitely exhausting, and more than anything, I don't want to worry Yuki."
"Yes. It feels like he’s always worrying about us too much as it is."
"Fufu~ That just means Yuki-sensei cares about you all so much~"
Perhaps because they heard Stasia’s words, the prickly atmosphere around the three of them dissipated.
Phew, well, they’ve been worried about when the Dark Guild might attack, and at the banquet in Kinauf, they had to deal with people trying to curry favor with them.
They must have been on edge because of that.
"Yes, yes. Yuki-san cares about everyone. You heard, right? How Samantha and the others were being openly approached in Kinauf, and he was worried about that."
"I heard. I’m a bishop of the Haire religion, so they didn't really come near me."
"I had quite a few approach me. But thanks to Samantha, they backed off quickly."
"Mikos-chan was in a position like an attendant, so it was easy for her~ Ah, but how were things for you and Ria, Deryu?"
The conversation took an unexpected turn.