第１６９２堀：先輩女神に話を聞く (Part1)
Chapter 1692: Consulting the Senior Goddess
Side: Hairen
"Huh?"
The sheer absurdity of what I’d just heard made me raise my voice right there in the staff room. The other teachers immediately turned their gazes toward us.
"Now, now, Hairen, don't shout. My apologies, everyone. We’ll discuss this in the principal’s office," Yuki said, addressing the staff before—
"Yes, of course. Right this way, Yuki-sama."
"Even though I’m just a principal in name only now."
"Not at all. You will always be the head of this Weed school, Yuki-sama."
I followed along as they chatted, and we made our way to the principal’s office.
"I’ve never actually been in here before. It’s kept in such good condition, even though you never use it."
It wasn't just the topic of our current conversation; I’d rarely seen Yuki actually working at the school. I saw him playing with the children often enough, but that was about it.
"Well, it’s easier to handle paperwork in my private office than here. Unless there’s a major crisis at the school, the vice principal handles things quite well."
"That’s true. Hasn't that teacher been here since you founded the school, Yuki?"
"Indeed. I know her as well. She was originally a refugee who came to Weed, and she’s been looking after the orphans ever since."
Labyris answered my question. Come to think of it, Labyris had been around since before Weed was even established, so of course she’d know.
"Anyway, that’s enough of that. Keep your voice down. You’ll worry the other teachers."
"Oh, right. But seriously, what was that about?"
Exactly. There was a reason I’d shouted. I wasn't the type to make a scene in front of everyone, but the content of his proposal had been that egregious. After all...
"What do you mean you want to use Holy in the next operation? Do you really intend to make her do even more?"
Yes, Holy had suffered enough. To say she’d had a hard time would be an understatement. She had certainly done terrible things to others, but it was also people who had driven her to that point, and I couldn't exactly claim the moral high ground myself...
Having worked with Holy at this school and the church, I understood her temperament well. At her core, she was a truly kind person. That was precisely why I understood why she had been unable to forgive the world. And yet, Yuki’s operations were always drenched in blood...
"It’s not like I’m forcing her. You’ve been close with her, Hairen—you’ve heard the talk, haven't you?"
"…True. If you had just gone and sprung this on her out of nowhere, I would have already introduced my fist to your face."
I jabbed a fist forward for emphasis. I’d been trained by the likes of Deryu, after all.
"Even so, Holy is the most qualified. This will likely involve political maneuvering followed by a test of martial strength. I’ll be sending some of my subordinates from Weed, but none of them are quite as versatile as she is."
"Ah, well, I suppose there aren't many people who can boast a resume that includes being both a Demon Lord and a Goddess. But sending your wives, like Kagura and the others, is too dangerous—and it would bring Weed to a standstill."
Yuki would never put his wives in danger, and I knew full well how incredibly vital their work was. If they were pulled away, the burden would fall on me, and I already had enough trouble with the likes of Carrie fawning over the documents I had to write.
"Exactly. So, you’re right—it’s not wrong to say this might put Holy in danger, or at least in a very unpleasant situation. We’re dealing with forces on the other side that we know almost nothing about."
He knew exactly what he was asking, which made him all the more wicked. Still, it was a fact that Holy was the only one with the availability...
"Fine. Come with me."
I led Yuki out of the principal’s office and toward one of the classrooms.
"Is that the home economics room?" Yayoi asked, having guessed our destination.
"Yes, that’s right. Holy teaches domestic arts here at the school."
"Wait, home economics? Like sewing and cooking?" Hobis asked, looking puzzled.
Well, I had wondered myself why someone whose original purpose was to destroy humanity was teaching such things.
"I’m the one who suggested it. I figured if she taught home economics and helped out at the Litea Church, she’d get a better grasp of the environment here in Weed."
"Ah..."
Right. This strange arrangement was Yuki’s doing. As for the reason, once he explained it was for her to understand Weed, I had no choice but to accept it. Monitoring Holy would cost money, so having her help with work was a practical solution. I’d been worried about how it would turn out at first, but...
"What’s wrong, Hairen? Oh, Yuki, you’re here too?"
While I was lost in thought, Holy emerged from the home economics room.
"Yeah. Looks like you don't have a class right now."
"Indeed. I’m just here to help out. I’m preparing for tomorrow’s cooking practical."
I see. The children would be cooking tomorrow.
"So, you have business with me? Please, come in."
Holy welcomed us into the room. Unlike a standard classroom, this one was equipped with stoves and sinks for each group to cook. It was quite convenient.
"My apologies for not having any refreshments to offer."
"Don't worry about it. It’s not like we’re supposed to be serving snacks and drinks in a classroom anyway. It’s not the principal’s office, so don't give it a second thought."
It wasn't that bringing in snacks was strictly forbidden, but it was expected that you’d do so in your own classroom and keep things tidy. If people were eating and drinking everywhere, the place would become a mess.
"So, did you come to check on me? You’ve been getting reports from Hairen and the others, haven't you?"
"Yes, I’ve heard the reports. Things have been busy lately."
"When are you ever not busy, Yuki? Coming all the way here... has my sentence finally been decided?"
"..."
Ah, damn it. Holy was sharp; she’d realized the unnaturalness of his visit the moment he appeared.
"Not a sentence, exactly. It’s a consultation."
Yuki replied, his expression not changing in the slightest.
"A consultation? No, I have no right of refusal, so shouldn't you just tell me what has been decided?"
"No, I’m not here to crack a whip and force you to work. If I don't have your consent, the operation will fall apart."
"The operation will fall apart? What are you talking about? I am, for all intents and purposes, a prisoner—or rather, an enemy, am I not?"
Holy tilted her head, clearly confused. Yuki’s words were true, which made the whole situation feel rather surreal.
"Enemy or ally? Right now, you’re somewhere in between, Holy. You aren't hostile toward us, but you aren't exactly an ally either. Our interests happen to align, so you’re spending time in Weed. Thanks to that, we’ve even managed to find ways to counter your berserk state."