第１５８２堀：貴女の好きな事はなんですか？ (Part2)
To delve carelessly into Ria's past would be to unearth the colossal bomb of her being a Hero, a topic I cannot broach lightly. In that sense, perhaps Ria's place beside Yuki was the most inevitable of all.
"Something I like?"
My words, uttered to steer clear of Ria's story, struck Canalia more profoundly than I had anticipated. Her expression, too, was a mirror of my own past. Bereft of the purpose of revenge, I had spent a period adrift, contemplating what my next steps should be, living listlessly for a time.
Well, Ria is the same in that regard. She lost her family and village, was enslaved, and emerged as the sole survivor. Surely she, too, must have wondered how she should live. But now, here she is. To pursue what she believed was her calling. Thus, I believe Canalia, too, can find her way.
"Yes. Something you like. It probably won't be easy to find, but you can take your time to think about it. Yuki will allow it, too."
Just as Yuki and everyone else had watched over me, offering their guidance.
"Yes, Dressa is right. After you return to Weed, you can calmly think about it. Everyone who became Yuki's wife is doing various things they like."
"The wives are?"
Canalia's voice held a note of surprise at Ria's words.
"Ah, indeed, normally when one marries, one follows the husband's policies, or rather, it's generally fundamental not to meddle in politics, isn't it?"
"That's right. Otherwise, it could become a cause of disorder in the country."
"Ah, is that how it usually is?"
Ria tilted her head as if in thought and spoke. Indeed, Yuki's methods for managing people certainly diverge from the conventional wisdom here.
"Normally, yes. Rurua, Shera, and Fiora, being from the Logari Continent, make it easy to understand, but they are mostly intermediaries for their respective countries."
"Yes, I understand that. The fact that princesses and daughters of important retainers from various countries come here means that direct communication is possible. Smooth communication will surely be required."
"Ahaha, speaking of that, more than half are liaisons with their respective countries, aren't they? From the If Continent, there's Agil, Jessica, Samantha, and Cleena. And from the Heiden Region, Kagura, Mikos, and Stacia, right?"
"Hearing it again, it's surprising that half of them are princesses from various countries. Normally, that's the level for even a major power, but considering Weed's position, it seems natural."
Canalia, too, was privy to our inner workings, and thus seemed to grasp the profoundness of our bonds.
"But everyone else is busy too. Ratz and Eris are currently mainly the principal and vice-principal of the International Exchange School, and they also serve as vice-representatives for commerce and finance. Milly is the representative of the Adventurer District. Tori and Riel are the police vice-chief and special duty officer. Firia is producing weapons and such in the Blacksmith District. Aslin is training monsters and gathering information disguised as a student..."
As I listed everyone's duties, I realized that I, too, while attending school, held the position of Commander-in-Chief of the Weed Navy. Vilia and Hiiro, too, juggled multiple responsibilities.
"Even those who are not princesses are incredibly busy, aren't they? Is that what they like?"
"Ah, it's not wrong, I suppose, but many of them also have other hobbies, you know?"
"Hobbies?"
"Let's see. To put it simply, Ratz owns her own shop, Eris likes reading books, and Milly collects alcohol. So, everyone does various things, and generally, what they like is games, I suppose?"
"Ah, yes, yes. Everyone gathers to play, don't they?"
"I see. Jobs one can choose, hobbies one can choose..."
Canalia spoke, her gaze drifting into the distance. Likely, judging from our conversation, she had only ever been instructed on what constituted a 'good' job and a 'good' hobby for the sake of the nation.
"Well, you can go back and decide slowly. There's no guarantee you'll find something good just by rushing to look for it."
"But even if I search slowly, there's no guarantee I'll find something good, is there?"
"Well, that's true, but perhaps it means you'll have more choices if you experience many things?"
"Ah, I see."
My explanation seemed to resonate, and Canalia nodded repeatedly. As this conversation unfolded.
"It sounds like the conversation is lively, did something happen? Are you ready to go back?"
"Oh, Yuki. Getting ready to go back will be quick. We were just talking about what Canalia will do after she returns."
"That's right. We were asking if Canalia has anything she wants to do after she returns."
"Ah, I see. Well, once we return safely, let's discuss that."
"Thank you very much."
In that way, Yuki also seemed concerned about Canalia's future, and said he would make time for her. Well, that's only natural. We couldn't simply leave her to her own devices.
"Oh, Dressa, when we get back, there's a survey of the Logari Continent's coast, so please take care of assessing the state of the navy and such."
"Ugh."
Ah, that's right. The escaped, or rather, separated Dark Guild members had headed for the coast of the Logari Continent, where surveillance was sparse. There's no way we wouldn't pursue them. And the sea is the domain of the navy I lead. No matter how I looked at it, it was unequivocally my responsibility.
Oh, dear, was I to be busy from now on? Damn it.
There are some things that trouble me when asked about my preferences. Especially when it comes to hobbies, beyond mere food. Yuki, on the other hand, could clearly declare his love for games and similar pursuits.