第１８２９堀：彼女の思いのあり所 (Part2)
"I had no power of my own," she had said.
Well, it is true that you never know until you try. Perhaps Canaria is on the verge of doing something extraordinary. But still...
"In that case, you should consult with others first. Just as you’ve consulted with me, try seeking the opinions of those around you."
"By 'others,' you mean...?"
"There are many. First and foremost, I would suggest speaking with Yuki."
"Yuki-sama? Wouldn't that be an imposition?"
"Not at all. It’s far more troublesome to have someone vanish on their own accord. Besides, he’s been supporting the bento shop; you might as well use the progress report as an excuse to ask for his counsel."
"Indeed. Then, might I request an appointment?"
"Consider it done."
And so, I immediately reached out to Yuki. He told me I could come by right away, so I headed straight for the Weed administrative office.
"Pfft! Why are you so angry? Everyone said it turned out well!"
"Quiet. I’ve told you time and again: if you’re going to act, tell me first. How many times do I have to say that if I can’t cover for you, your own neck is on the line?"
"You sound just like Sota and Enor. What, are you in love with me or something?"
"Listen, Enora. Can’t we just frame Hairen’s situation as an accidental death? You know, like she slipped during soldier training, hit her head, and kicked the bucket?"
"Impossible."
"Hey! I would never die in such a pathetic way! I mean, I did hit my head on a rock once, but I cracked that thing wide open!"
"Tch."
It seemed a lively commotion was unfolding, with Hairen at the center of it. I had already heard what she had done, of course. As I was pondering this, Yuki seemed to notice my presence.
"In that case, I think Ria’s Heroic Strike could handle it."
"Wait just a minute! You’ve shifted from 'accidental death' to 'homicide'!"
"It might be a viable possibility."
"Enora, what are you saying too!? Ria, you wouldn't actually attack her, would you?"
"Ahaha, I wouldn't dream of it. Not unless she was causing trouble for Yuki-sama."
"She won't, so we're safe!"
Truly, Hairen-sama says these things with such earnestness that it’s almost impressive. Beside me, Canaria stood there, utterly dumbfounded.
"Hah... well, let’s end the lecture for Hairen. At least things have settled down safely."
"Yep, yep, I’ve reflected. Now, I’m heading home."
"Wait. We aren't finished yet."
"What is it now?"
"Canaria here has a consultation for us."
"Yes?"
"Eh?"
At that, everyone’s gaze finally shifted to Canaria. I see—Yuki had intentionally maintained this atmosphere for this very moment. The topic was a bit heavy, perhaps even opaque, so having Hairen, a sister of the church, present was actually quite convenient. Oh, and Enora is a bishop, so that works too.
"Was I mistaken?"
"Oh, no, that is correct. But aren't you all in the middle of something?"
I answered Yuki’s question honestly, though given the situation, it was only natural to ask.
"It’s fine, it’s fine. The talk is over."
"Not a line you should be saying, but fine. The matter is indeed concluded. Now, has something happened at the bento shop?"
"The flowers at the bento shop are still thriving. The people who have migrated here visit often, to the point where we frequently sell out."
"That’s good to hear. So, is it something else, then?"
"Yes. I have already consulted with Ria-sama, but seeing the smiles of the people there... the more I stand from the perspective of the common folk, the more I realize just how terrible the old Vinosia truly was."
"Is that something to be happy about?"
Yuki offered a wry smile at Canaria’s words. It is, after all, difficult to find joy in the recounting of bitter memories.
"Yes. For me, it was a reaffirmation of the feelings I hold now. I possess no power of my own, but if there is anything I can do, I wish to help in aiding the people."
Canaria stated this with absolute clarity. Upon hearing her answer, Yuki simply replied with another wry smile.
"I see."
It seems Canaria truly intends to return to a position of leadership—or perhaps, politics. Even so, the question remains: what exactly should she do? And to what extent will Weed permit such a thing? Still, perhaps it is a good thing that she has decided she must act.