第１７７８堀：奥様たちと側付きと (Part2)
"To be perfectly honest, I am against it. While I believe Kagura and I should reveal our true forms and attempt to negotiate, I fear..."
I felt the same way, but Stasia-sama seemed to be hedging, her words trailing off into an uncomfortable silence. There was clearly something more she wanted to say.
"And the rest?" I prompted.
"It is doubtful that someone of our station could truly win their trust. The issue lies in dispelling the deep-seated anxiety of the Church, which seems to be the root of this entire conflict. After all, they have been holding demi-humans hostage and treating them with such cruelty. Even with a man like Baron Siana, who appears to be a person of reason, we are, to put it bluntly, mere subordinates. No matter what we say, if those in power decide otherwise, our words will be overturned. The prisoners surely understand this as well."
"Yeah, you're right," I muttered. "They’re committing atrocities in the name of the Church. Since they’re the ones acting without honor, they have no reason to believe we wouldn't do the same. They assume that because they’ve abandoned their own integrity, it’s only natural for us to do the same."
It’s a truly insulting perspective, isn't it? Still, I understand their apprehension. Succumbing to the whims of power is a tale as old as time.
"I hate to admit it, but I agree with Stasia," Kagura added. "I’m sure if Stasia and I were persistent enough, we could eventually extract the information. But the question is whether it’s worth the time it would take."
"I see. You both believe the Church holds more absolute power than we anticipated, and that dragging this out will only lead to further complications."
"Exactly. It isn't that I believe we would lose, but I have no desire to see a mountain of corpses piled up in our wake."
Indeed, even if they are our enemies, watching them be disposed of so easily doesn't sit well with us, either. We would prefer to avoid such slaughter if at all possible.
"True. If the death toll climbs that high, it’ll tarnish the reputation of Weed and Oue."
"Yes. If rumors spread that we refuse to accept surrenders and execute our enemies, they will only resist more fiercely. That is not a path I would recommend for our future operations."
"Precisely," Kagura continued. "They’ve already allowed their own people to slaughter one another, and they’ve been starving them out as well. The rumors aren't entirely unfounded. That is why we believe it would be more beneficial for the future if you, Yuki—as the Prince Consort—were to step forward and settle things with Baron Siana quickly."
"It’s a necessary move to gain allies. I don't have a problem with it, but..."
Yuki-sama, as always, shows no fear in standing face-to-face with the enemy, but...
"I understand how you and the wives feel, Yuki-sama, but as your personal attendants, we cannot permit it. There is a very real possibility of harm coming to you."
Prol-san stated this with absolute finality. I, along with Orelia and Rushi, nodded in hesitant agreement. She wasn't wrong, after all. Still, it’s awkward for us attendants to object when Yuki-sama himself—and his wives—are in favor of the plan.
"Prol is right, of course. There is a risk to Yuki-sama. However, I believe it is a risk worth taking."
"Indeed. We have judged that there is enough value in this to justify putting Yuki in harm's way. That said, your concerns are perfectly valid. Fortunately, we have a meeting with Seraria shortly; let us leave the final decision to the Queen."
"...Understood."
Prol-san looked frustrated. It’s clear she simply cannot bear the thought of exposing Yuki-sama to any danger. Given her past, I suppose it’s only natural.
"Well then. Even if I get the green light, I’ll have you and the others protecting me, so I’ll be fine."
Yuki-sama placed a hand on Prol-san’s shoulder as he spoke, and the tension in her face began to melt away.
"Yes. In that case, leave it to us."
We all nodded at Prol-san’s response. One might ask if Yuki-sama even needs our protection, but for Prol-san and the rest of us, that isn't the point. And, of course, the wives feel the same way. It’s simply that he is too precious to us to let him walk into danger.
"Though, it seems the danger has a habit of coming to us regardless..."
The enemy’s situation—or rather, their iron-fisted control—is proving to be more troublesome than I thought. Are they truly fanatics? Or is this just a case of rational minds running wild?
Either way, it’s a headache.