第１５７７堀：山登りのコツは無理をしないこと (Part2)
"Well, I suppose if Rurua says so, it must be true. I had assumed this lack of emotional fluctuation was simply because she’d been sold off."
"It’s news to me as well, but when you think about it, it makes sense. Even if she was sold by her own family, she wasn't exactly treated poorly, and she didn't seem to have much of an attachment to Vinosia, which fell during the civil war, did she?"
"Yes. It might sound heartless, but I was merely one of my father—the King’s—pawns. I was told to discard my emotions, and this is the result of my efforts to comply. As for the royal capital of Vinosia and its subjects, I had no direct involvement with them. Though, I must admit, I could still perceive the scent of it all."
Come to think of it, she’s right.
From Canaria’s perspective, the damage might be different, but it wasn't as if she had her family slaughtered right before her eyes, as I did.
I’ve heard from Bamy-san that even after being sold, she was treated with a certain level of decency. It was nothing like the life of a typical slave—though I suppose I’m not the best person to make that comparison, given my own experiences.
If she had been a princess or a young lady raised in the lap of luxury, perhaps such treatment would have shattered her spirit, but Canaria herself isn't particularly fussy about anything other than her meals.
I had thought the shock of being abandoned by her family was the cause, and while I’ve realized from her recent behavior that she wasn't deeply attached to them, so that was the reason behind it all...
"That’s just part of the etiquette for politics and such, isn't it?"
"I understand that now, in hindsight. But back then, I tried so very hard, and thanks to that, I ended up like this. Besides, the King would scold me if I laughed or showed joy, calling it a sign of weakness."
"Ugh."
That’s abuse, plain and simple.
Scolding a child for feeling anger or joy is just wrong.
But Seraria and Deryu have mentioned before that such things aren't uncommon among the nobility.
Seraria even said she ran away because she couldn't stand that kind of upbringing.
Still, having studied politics quite a bit since Yuki-san took me in, I understand that there are certain necessities to the craft...
But even so, I don't think it’s right to forbid Canaria from laughing, getting angry, or feeling sadness.
"Ah, I see. Well, while such an extreme case is rare, I suppose it’s not impossible for a king who let his country fall to ruin to go to such lengths, is it?"
Dressa doesn't seem as shocked as I am; she finds it plausible given the circumstances.
Indeed, if a man is capable of destroying his own country, I find it hard to believe he’d be capable of raising a child properly.
"I cannot say if it was 'going to such lengths,' but he was actually quite pleased with my lack of emotional fluctuation."
"Eh?"
"Well, I can understand that. Though it’s not for me to say, having a strong will and refusing to listen is quite common here in Weed."
"Ugh."
It’s true; there are quite a few members who move without waiting for Yuki-san’s instructions.
Yuki-san covers for them so perfectly that it doesn't become a major problem, but even he has been known to twitch at the way Hairen acts.
"Gulp... If I may say so, I believe it is fine for Ria-sama, Dressa-sama, and Yuki-sama’s wives to be that way. Since coming to Weed, I have realized that the caliber of a true king is different. The King back then took it for granted that everyone would bow to him. He ignored people and forced his own opinions upon them, and that resulted in the ruin of everything. *Munch, munch...*"
With that, she goes back to eating her sandwich.
Her expression, her emotions—they remain as unreadable as ever.
But the fact that she told us this much means she trusts us to a certain degree.
"Canaria, you really do appreciate Weed, don't you?"
"Gulp. Of course. Not only is the food delicious, but the standard of living and everything else is completely different. And above all, there is warmth here. Physically, too. I never imagined that sharing a meal with others could be this enjoyable. *Nom, nom...*"
"Yeah, you're right. It is fun, isn't it?"
Canaria says it’s fun.
That’s all that matters.
It doesn't show on the surface, but there are definitely emotions within her.
For now, I’ll just keep eating and pray that this search for the hidden treasure ends safely.
Good luck, Steve and the others.
Don't push yourselves too hard on the mountain climb.
Rest when you're tired.
Otherwise, it’s dangerous.
Let’s make sure everyone stays alive.