第１６５３堀： 学府の２人 (Part1)
### Chapter 1653: The Two from the Academy
**Side: Nairua**
"Eh? Me?"
"Heh, that’s great, isn't it, Nairua?"
"Yeah, and I’d feel uneasy going alone. If Nairua is there, she can look into the magic tools, too."
Havia and Wazfi said this, clearly happy that I had been chosen as part of the security and school visitation detail, but...
"I’m not exactly good with people, you know?"
"Well, I’m aware of that, so it’ll be fine."
Yuki didn't seem particularly concerned.
"But, the point is to show off the greatness of Weed, right? I feel like I’ll just get looked down upon..."
The level of mages on the If Continent was low to begin with. I know that since coming to Weed, I’ve grown stronger—magically, physically, and scientifically—but I’m well aware that my personality is the type that invites people to walk all over me.
"You’re not as bad as Yayui. You can speak clearly, and you were number one at the academy, weren't you? Besides, I’ve already told you that you’re free to use force if someone gives you trouble."
"I’m not sure if that’s really the right approach, though."
He’s as forceful as ever, just like when he dragged me out of the Lancer Magic Academy. Still, I’ve gotten used to these unreasonable demands by now.
"Fine. If Yuki says that much, I have no objections. I’ve been living in constant fear that someone might demand my body, so I’ll help out here."
"Eh? But Nairua, you said just the other day that it would be safer to just let him have his way with you..."
*Gah!*
Havia suddenly blurted out something so embarrassing that I spat out the coffee I was drinking.
"Havia, let it go. She’s already suffering from self-loathing because she’s acting just like her mother."
Wazfi, thanks for the comment, though I’m not sure if that was supposed to be a follow-up. Still, I can understand now why my shitty mother did what she had to do to survive. I still can’t forgive her for taking the whip to me afterward, though.
"Well, don't worry about that. It was necessary for survival. It’s natural to think that way as a person, though you can live perfectly fine now without selling your body."
"Ah, that’s it, Yuki-sama. Just like me, she’s received so much kindness that she’s terrified of being tossed aside at any moment."
Ryuushi, whom Yuki had treated, hit the nail on the head regarding my anxieties. I’ve read the reports, and I’m still impressed that she recovered to this extent after everything she went through. Most people would have thought it better to just die and get it over with.
"Is that how it is? For my part, I’m grateful that you’re pouring your energy into magic research, just like Wazfi and the others. It’s getting tough with the number of wives increasing, after all."
"Ahaha, I thought I’d be taken advantage of at first, but watching you, Yuki-sama, I really think it must be exhausting. Truly."
"Yeah. It’s completely different from some lecherous old man collecting women. We heard stories from the wives, and even our stomachs started hurting."
Wazfi and Havia sympathized with Yuki’s situation. Yuki uses marriage as a means to maintain the country and help people. The great powers don't back down because they want to ensure Yuki doesn't turn his fangs toward them. Since learning more about Weed, I’ve come to understand that meaning even more deeply. You can’t just leave a person like this alone. In that sense, the wives are a shackle for Yuki.
Even so, Yuki cherishes his wives and never treats them poorly. That must be the measure of his character.
...Which is why, even if the scale of the damage is different from a nation, I think about my own safety, too. It’s probably a burden on Yuki, but... *sigh*, the self-loathing is real.
"Well, fortunately, everyone gets along well. Anyway, setting that aside, I won't force you if you really don't want to go, Nairua."
"...*Sigh*, I understand what you’re thinking, Yuki. You want me to help with the diplomacy so I can build up some backing, right?"
"Exactly. Most of your work has been internal to Weed so far. If you can establish a track record abroad, even once, it’ll give Enaria a reason to lighten any potential punishment against you. Well, you might not have any attachment to your homeland, but creating the possibility of returning home isn't a bad thing in many ways."
"Ah, so that’s what it was."
"Man, Wazfi, you’re a total muscle-brain when it comes to anything other than magic and monsters. Even I figured that out."
Wazfi really is free-spirited in that regard. Well, I don't have any attachment to my homeland, but I don't think it’s a bad idea to reduce the reasons for someone to stab me in the back. If I have connections to the Zurabl Empire, I’ll be able to survive even if I leave Weed. Emperor Eupia and Show-san showed plenty of interest in me, after all.
Still, until I feel I’ve repaid the kindness I’ve received, I have no intention of acting against the wishes of Yuki, Weed, or Principal Popuri.
Ah, then I suppose my answer is already decided.
"Yeah. Like I said, if I can be of use, I’ll go. So, what about the other members? It’s not just me and Wazfi accompanying you, right?"
After all, Yuki is the Prince Consort and the core of Weed. Even I know that taking him to another country with only me and Wazfi as guards would be a problem for the country’s reputation, even if there were no issues regarding combat strength.
"Yeah. Aside from them, from my subordinates, Orelia, Hobis, and Yayui will be coming, replacing Prof. As for the police representative, Tori; from the military, Stasia; from the medical department, Ryuushi; and as a mage and researcher, Comet."
"““Eh?””"
We were shocked by that last name.
"No, I’m not done yet. Hold your thoughts on Comet. Also, for the lower-grade students, Firia and Hiiro are coming."
"Ah, Firia is one thing, but is Hiiro going to be okay?"
Wazfi asked instinctively. Well, I have to admit I’m a bit uneasy about Hiiro, too. I know she studies hard and performs her military duties, but I can’t help but feel that Yuki’s favoritism plays a part. Her behavior is still so childish, after all.
"No, that’s Hiiro’s charm. And since she’ll be blending in with the children, she’s actually perfect for the job."
"Ahaha, you two are misunderstanding something. Hiiro actually does her job properly. Her childish behavior is basically only around people she’s close to. She has good older brothers and sisters looking after her, after all."
Ah, so that’s it. Wait, hold on.
"Can I assume that Wazfi and I are among those she looks up to?"
"Ah, I guess that’s what Havia’s comment implies?"
"Yeah, I doubt Hiiro dislikes you two. If anything, you’re the big sisters who teach her how to study."
"“Ah...”"
Now that you mention it, that’s true. Hiiro has asked us about tool-making with such excitement before.