第１８０６堀：イフ大陸での亜人差別排斥の経緯 (Part1)
Chapter 1806: The Origins of Subhuman Discrimination and Exclusion on the If Continent
Side: Samantha
"If we’re talking about the If Continent, you should be calling on us."
Cleena-san stood with her hands on her hips, declaring this with a firm stance. I couldn't help but agree.
"Or rather, you should be calling on those of us who were actually persecuted, like Dia and me."
"Well, it’s hardly a pleasant story to tell."
"We Holy Sword wielders are the best suited for this. Though, even then, Kishua, Sia, and the others didn't come."
That is true.
The Holy Sword wielders, having been the ones subjected to discrimination and exclusion, are indeed vital sources of information.
"It’s a bit late to bring this up, but we certainly were excluding them, weren't we? Jessica."
"Being asked for my agreement makes me feel a pang of guilt toward the subhumans, but as Agil says, it is the truth."
Those who were part of the military, like Jessica-san and Agil-san, must have frequently heard of such policies; their input is necessary here as well.
"I am terribly sorry, my ladies. My own information on the matter is quite fragmented."
Sasari, being a former knight, would have had access to such intelligence, but she hails from our Lodey, where there has always been interaction with subhumans. It is only natural that we would desire information from other nations as well.
"No, it’s quite alright. Sorry to interrupt your work with such a heavy topic."
We had moved from the employee breakroom where Sasari and Kirue were, to a conference room.
Perhaps Yuki-sama had initially wanted the general perspective of a maid, but when it became clear that wouldn't suffice, he gathered us all here.
Regardless, it is only natural for a wife to assist her husband, Yuki-sama, and it should be our top priority; there is no issue with doing so during work hours.
Well, to be honest, the issue of subhuman discrimination and exclusion is incredibly deep-rooted.
I think it is a commendable mindset to try and understand the troubles in the New Continent by investigating these origins.
It isn't as if it will take up an excessive amount of time, and it is almost strange that we haven't touched upon it until now.
"So, to ask again—though it feels a bit redundant—why is the If Continent trending toward the exclusion and purging of subhumans? Sasari, with her perspective as a commoner, says that’s just how she was taught, or rather, that was the prevailing atmosphere. But among the nobility, has anyone heard anything specific or know the truth?"
When he asked this, we all looked at one another, wondering who should answer first.
Seeing this, Yuki-sama seemed to grasp the situation...
"I see. Jessica. That Zilba of yours was carrying out operations to drive out subhumans when we first met, wasn't it?"
"Mmph... That is correct. Still, being asked about it directly is... difficult."
Jessica-san wore a rare expression, as if she had bitten into a bitter bug.
That is to be expected.
Even if it was an order from the state, driving out the populace is a contradiction too cruel for someone who originally held the aspiration to protect people.
"Shall we drop it, then?"
"No, I came here to be of use to Yuki. It is only natural that I answer for my own thoughts—no, for the thoughts of Zilba."
Jessica-san took a breath and began to explain.
"Rather than just 'discrimination,' the mindset of exclusion has existed for a long time. Originally, they were a race with low numbers and high rarity, primarily bought and sold as slaves. There was a deeply ingrained perception that they were inferior to humans."
"That’s right. It was the same in Enaria. After all, there were more human Holy Sword wielders, and half of the subhuman Holy Sword wielders had already perished. Because they possessed those swords, other nations were wary of them, and the nations of the subhumans were destroyed."
As the two of them say, subhumans are few in number and highly rare on the If Continent, leading to their trade as slaves. In the legends of the Holy Swords, most subhuman wielders fell in battle, and the nations that held those swords were viewed as threats and subsequently wiped out.
"That is the root of it. The danger posed by subhumans possessing numerous Holy Swords. Well, humans are as foolish as ever, but that was the start of viewing subhumans as a threat."
"That is true. Lodey had relations with White Forest, so it wasn't quite as extreme for us, but generally speaking, for humans, subhumans are seen as enemies."
"I see. The If Continent is quite clear-cut. It started with the Holy Swords, but the fear of subhumans as a military force was the catalyst."
"That’s right. When I was active, humans and subhumans were fighting in cooperation. Otherwise, we wouldn't have been able to stand against the monsters spawning from the dungeons."
Comet-sama appeared suddenly.
Indeed, if we are talking about those involved, she is the one.
And also...
"I remember those days, too. We were desperate."
"Yes, everyone worked together to face the threat."
Kaya-san and Claudia-san, who literally fought with Holy Swords—no, with their own blades—spoke up. Their words are the greatest evidence.
"After that, they started persecuting us."
"The influence or numbers of the subhumans had dwindled, so perhaps they decided to thin out the enemies while they were at it."
"I see. Starting with the most obvious enemies... is that it?"
Yuki-sama muttered this after hearing their words.
Hmm...
"Yuki-sama, is something bothering you?"
"Yes. Regarding Claudia’s point about 'thinning out the enemies.' I was thinking that rather than just reducing the opposing military force, this might be preparation for a war in the north."
"May I ask the reason for that?"
"First, what I found strange about the claims of the Northern Coalition was the assertion that subhumans—including those from the Oe nation—were allies of the Demon King and the monsters. Isn't that a bit too late? Even if they are few, there are subhumans living in the north. What is the benefit of making such a claim now?"
At those words, everyone fell silent, lost in thought.
The first to speak was Comet-sama.
"Well, they must have some objective, right? It was a mistake to unite the north by making subhumans the enemy. If it’s war preparation, wouldn't it be primarily for the sake of exterminating subhumans? What’s the problem with that being the goal?"
"I said 'of the north,' didn't I? What is the point of moving them to suppress the south?"
"What do you mean, 'what's the point'? The stated goal is to defeat the Demon King, the monsters, and the subhumans who are cooperating with them, isn't it?"
"Exactly. They are targeting a Demon King that hasn't even been confirmed. Regarding the increase in monsters, it is true that they are passing through the forests, but is the north actually being affected?"
"Well, I don't know about that... But if they are heading north, wouldn't there be at least some impact?"
"I wouldn't say zero, but do you think the damage is significant enough for the northern nations to be making such a fuss, ignoring the southern nations?"
"When you put it that way, it’s almost impossible. They might notice an increase, but..."