第１８３０堀：彼女が選べる道 (Part2)
"Yes, that is a fact. But there is such a thing as laying the groundwork, you know! Truly."
"I see. So, while you were busy rescuing the populace of the former Vinoshia royal capital, you also managed to track down and crush the dark guild's hideout. At that point, your job as Canaria’s guide was finished. But to just say 'see ya' after that—don't you think that’s a bit lacking in humanity?"
"Exactly. If you had just tossed her aside there, I would’ve introduced my fist to your face."
The Goddess Hairen thrusts her fist forward with a *whoosh*. Having been trained by Deryu, her punch is sharp. She actually has a talent for combat, too. It’s a waste of high-spec ability. The painful part is that she lacks the brains to put that talent to proper use.
"What? I feel like you just insulted me. Are you looking to get punched?"
"I’m continuing the story. Since it didn't feel right to just abandon Canaria, I brought her under Weed’s protection and let her search for what she wanted to do."
"That would be the bento shop, right?"
"Yeah. I think it started when she helped with the food distribution in old Vinoshia, didn't it?"
"That was part of it. Also, the food in Weed was just so delicious."
"I see."
"Mm-hmm. She really did eat a lot while she was in Weed."
Well, it’s a common enough story for how someone starts cooking. You eat something delicious, you want to make it yourself, so you open a shop. Though, to be fair, I was the one who suggested the shop itself.
"So, she had been running a bento shop in Glass Port Town, but she came to me because she wanted to do something more useful for others."
"That is correct."
"I see~. So, what should she do?"
"You’re supposed to be thinking about this along with us. Canaria is under our protection, after all. She can't move without our permission."
"Oh, I see. But hey, isn't it fine to just ask Canaria what she wants to do? Setting aside whether it’s possible or not, shouldn't we start by asking about her direction?"
"……I suppose you're right."
"What’s with that look? Why do you sound so dissatisfied~?"
She really is good at cutting to the heart of the matter. She’s similar to Riel, but Riel is cuter and easier to forgive. Plus, Riel doesn't go on wild, uncontrollable rampages like Hairen.
"Well, with that said, Canaria says she wants to act for the sake of others, but is there anything specific you want to do? Like Hairen said, let’s put aside the question of feasibility for now."
"……Yes, I understand. What I want to do is…… the reconstruction of old Vinoshia. I understand that people might say it has nothing to do with me because it was brought about by my father, but as a member of the royal family…… I want to do something."
"I see. Yes, that’s only natural to feel that way. In fact, you told King Hinsua the same thing, didn't you?"
The Kingdom of Hinsua—a rare nation that accepted the territories of old Vinoshia and took on its debts as well. The King’s name is Siana. I just remembered, that’s the same name as Baron Siana of the New Continent. I wonder if the name "Siana" is prone to producing such remarkable people.
"Hmm, hmm. Canaria, you said you wanted to reconstruct old Vinoshia and help the people, but have you considered the restoration of the Vinoshia Kingdom itself?"
While I was lost in thought, Hairen asked the question that gets to the core of it. What does Canaria mean when she talks about the reconstruction of old Vinoshia? I had been wondering if it was appropriate to ask directly, but she really is straightforward.
"Vinoshia perished because it was destined to. Currently, the King of Hinsua governs it well. However, I have seen with my own eyes that there are still people who fall through the cracks. My goal is to help those people, even if only a little. I have no intention of restoring the Kingdom of Vinoshia."
"I see. Then, as a means to help those people, what do you want to do?"
"……Well, I have absolutely no funds, and I cannot simply go to the Vinoshia region of Hinsua, so I believe the best course of action would be to assist all of you in Weed, who have been providing the support."
"Well, look at that. You know exactly what you can do, don't you?"
Indeed, she has a firm grasp of her own capabilities, which makes it easier for us to make suggestions. Now, what will Canaria choose……?
Canaria seems surprisingly realistic and aware of what she is capable of. Since she shows no signs of going on a rampage like a certain useless goddess, I can rest easy. The only remaining problem is the question of who will take Canaria with them.