第１８９０堀：こっちも同じような悩み事 (Part2)
That said, a soldier who refuses to follow orders is far more troublesome than one who has lost the will to fight. After all, to an outside observer, they still appear perfectly capable of combat.
The issue isn't that they ignore every command, but rather specific ones, which makes it difficult to discern. The most dangerous scenario is when they are ordered to capture a high-value target, only to ignore that directive and kill the individual instead. To extinguish the very life that could have ended a war—it is a tragedy beyond words.
"Is that really going to be alright?"
"……I believe it will be. After all, I’m using my fists; I won't go too far. Unlike swords, spears, or guns, the restraint is entirely up to me."
"Well, I suppose that’s true, isn't it?"
Deep down, I suspect that when emotions run high, even that restraint becomes impossible to maintain. But then again, I suppose that could be said of any weapon. Regardless, Enola—my superior—has made her judgment, and there is little point in me arguing against it.
"Exactly. Though, I do intend to consult with Seraria about it as well."
"I see. Will Seraria be able to handle it?"
"She has more experience leading armies than I do. And if Seraria feels uneasy about it, we still have Jessica, Stasia, and Fioria to fall back on."
"True. Though, those three are quite busy, aren't they?"
"Yes, that’s why—it might sound strange to put it this way—but if Seraria and I agree that it’s fine, there shouldn't be any need for further consultation."
I understand what Enola is getting at. Seraria is not idle, given her duties as Queen, but she possesses more leeway to consider the soldiers' morale than Jessica and the others, who are buried in the day-to-day management of the front lines. More importantly, as Queen, her position allows her to push decisions through without debate. It also prevents Jessica and her team from overextending themselves to fix things on their own—something those three are more than capable of doing.
Satisfied, I begin the leisurely walk with Enola toward the General Government Building where Seraria is stationed.
"So, what was the reason for that ominous talk earlier? I haven't heard that Carrie and Kagura are on bad terms."
*Tch.* She remembered. Well, trying to hide it would only invite strange suspicions, so I decide to be honest with Enola. She is, after all, in a similar position to me.
"We aren't on bad terms. It’s just that she keeps meddling in my marriage, and it’s becoming a source of frustration."
Once I say that much, Enola seems to grasp what I’m being told and offers a wry smile.
"Ah, that. I can certainly see why that would be frustrating."
"Right? Aren't you being told the same thing, Enola?"
"Well, I have been told things, but it hasn't been quite that severe. Children are a gift, after all."
"I suppose so. But for me, it’s every time we cross paths lately."
"Oh—that sounds exhausting."
"It is. It makes me feel as though I’m failing as a woman."
"I can see why you’d want to voice a complaint or two."
Enola seems to truly understand my feelings.
"And because that happens right after I see Seraria, it’s all the more grating."
"I see. That is troublesome. Would you like me to say something to her?"
"Hmm, I don't think she intends to be malicious. She has her own position to consider. You know, it’s not just the Hayden members—everyone is asking about the lack of children."
"True. There’s a possibility she’s being pressured from above about that... It’s a complicated situation. I suppose you can't say it’s entirely Carrie’s fault."
Indeed, this is a truly difficult problem. For Hayden, a child between Yuki and us carries immense significance. After all, Hayden is in a position where they could be attacked by Weed at any moment. They had, after all, tried to summon Yuki—a member of the royal family—to use as their vanguard. Under normal circumstances, that is an act of war. Thinking back on it, a chill runs down my spine.
"Anyway, let’s leave the heavy thinking for after we see Seraria."
"Agreed. Let’s finish the work at hand first."
With that, we knock on the door and enter, finding Mikos, Rurua, and Lyushi already in conversation with Seraria. Like Mikos, Kagura is also struggling with the issue of children. No, while one could say Princess Carrie is at fault, one could just as easily argue otherwise. It is, truly, a difficult problem. And as for Enola’s subordinates, we must ensure they don't push themselves too hard.