第１５５５堀：香り (Part2)
Before I knew it, I was face-to-face with Yuki.
Setting aside the matter of my chest—it couldn't be helped, after all—I focused on the reason we had come to see him.
"From Canaria? Could you be more specific?"
"To put it simply, Canaria feels that nearly half of the people coming for the food distribution seem out of place. She has a gut feeling that they aren't actually from Vinosia. Right?"
*Phew.* Dressa didn't tease me about my earlier embarrassment; she simply relayed the details to Yuki as requested.
"Yes. If you ask me why, I can't offer any concrete proof."
"I see."
Yuki wore a thoughtful expression, his gaze shifting back to Canaria.
"Your intuition is likely correct."
"You understand, Yuki-sama?"
"Well, I can't tell if someone is a local just by looking at them. But given the circumstances, I’ve suspected from the start that members of the Dark Guild might be lurking here. Still, I’m surprised to hear they make up half the crowd at a food distribution."
"I see. But will we continue the food distribution and medical aid? Isn't it dangerous?"
Canaria’s expression remained stoic, yet her words clearly betrayed concern for our safety. After all, she hadn't said a single word about needing protection for herself.
"Judging by that, Canaria, you don't seem to feel your own life is in immediate danger."
When Yuki voiced the same thought I’d had, Canaria fell silent for a moment before answering.
"Not for the moment. I had expected that my identity would be discovered during the distribution, causing a scene, but that hasn't happened. That is precisely why the sense of unease has grown."
"Ah, I see. True, you were a princess in this country only a few years ago. Even if your appearance has changed slightly, it is strange that not a single person recognizes you."
"Yes. However, Ria-sama and Dressa-sama suggested that since most of the residents have evacuated, and those remaining are primarily from the slums and the like, perhaps they simply don't know who I am."
"That’s a possibility. Regardless, we must remain vigilant. Both of you, don't assume tomorrow will be the same as today. Stay alert."
At Yuki’s instruction, Dressa and I nodded.
Well, our mission remains unchanged: to support and protect Canaria.
As I was thinking this, Canaria uncharacteristically spoke up on her own.
"Um... if it turns out that the people I mentioned—that nearly half—are indeed members of the Dark Guild, what will happen to them?"
"What will happen, you ask? That’s a difficult question. It largely depends on the situation."
"The situation?"
"Yeah. Even among guild members, there are plenty of people who just handle the finances or low-level grunts who haven't committed any real crimes. If we were a nation, it would be like asking if we should hold every commoner living in a city responsible for the crimes of a few. You understand that, right?"
"I do. In other words, those who are merely coming to receive food will not be punished."
Yuki was right, of course. Being a member of the Dark Guild and actually committing a crime are two different things. Some might argue that simply belonging to the guild is a sin, but Yuki has always been soft on that front. There’s a good chance some of them are just caught in circumstances beyond their control, though for Yuki’s safety, I’d prefer... no, that’s too violent a thought.
"That’s how it is. By the way, I’m not planning on stopping the food distribution. Looking at the state of this place, it’s clear they’re struggling to survive. Canaria, are you alright with this? You’d effectively be feeding nearly half the Dark Guild."
"No, I am fine. I feel no hostility from them, and I am happy to be able to do something for my people upon returning here. If I may continue to act as a decoy..."
"Very well. Then I’m counting on you. But, as I’m sure you know, while you are acting as a decoy, if you ever feel you are in danger, tell Ria or Dressa immediately."
"Understood."
"For now, I intend to continue gathering information here in the church and throughout the royal capital of Vinosia for the next few days. Keep that in mind."
With that, the conversation concluded.
Yuki clearly had no intention of punishing people simply for their affiliation, and Canaria seemed genuinely pleased, as if this were a way to offer salvation to her people.
"Well, in any case, it means we have to stay on our guard."
"Exactly. Canaria, you be careful too. If you feel something is wrong, tell us or Rurua and the others, just like Yuki said."
"I will. I won't hesitate."
She’s so honest when it comes to things like that, which makes this situation a little easier to handle. Still, I’m no closer to finding the answer as to what is truly best for her.
It’s one of those things, isn't it? That feeling when you recognize a scent, or when the atmosphere just feels... different.