Imperial VI-9

"Why can you open it!?"

A voice comes from right next to the closed door—probably someone speaking with their back to it.

"Well, I just had a feeling. I thought it might open like this, and... it actually did."

"Are you serious? You just opened it like that? Are you a genius or something!?"

"Sorry about that... I haven't lost my love for making things."

"...What are you talking about? I've already given up on development and research."

He answers after a brief pause. Even now, deep down, he still wants to continue his research.

"You shouldn't say things like that. Emma must still want to keep researching."

Daniel seems to realize it too. He tries to express his feelings.

"Feelings alone aren't enough. We shouldn't have made something like that."

Emma speaks with a trembling voice. "Something like that" refers to the Arcane Quadracycle.

"Because of the existence of the Arcane Quadracycle, wars have intensified and people are dying!"

"But thanks to the Arcane Quadracycle, imperial soldiers are able to come back alive!"

"I—I didn't want to create something like this!"

Emma's anguished cry echoes through the air.

For her, who had dedicated her research and development to peaceful uses and the betterment of humanity, this outcome is unbearable.

But that's not all. The world isn't just full of suffering.

"Emma, have you seen the magic-powered four-wheeled vehicles racing through town?"

"Yes, I've seen them many times... but what about them?"

"Then have you noticed the expressions on the people riding those magic four-wheelers?"

"I... didn't pay much attention. I couldn't bring myself to look, knowing they were being used to create weapons..."

"Everyone looked cool and comfortable, or happy as if enjoying driving. Your desired world has surely arrived. Please don't focus only on the negative aspects."

"That's... but..."

After a brief pause, they begin telling an old story.

"Emma. In the country I once lived in, something similar happened. It wasn't just that one country—many nations, throughout their long histories, repeatedly experienced failures and successes, gradually developing ethics."

"Ethics?"

"Yes, in the country where I lived, we were taught that technology and ethics go hand in hand. That is... well, let's say, with magic four-wheeled vehicles, if the accelerator represents technology, then ethics is the brake."

"The brake."

"Exactly. Humanity can never truly suppress its desires. Technology, too, cannot avoid being influenced by desire. Ethics is the method used to restrain such desires."

"Then, this country must lack a developed sense of ethics..."

"You're probably right that I can't catch up to Emma's skill."

"Then, maybe I really shouldn't do anything at all..."

"One option is for Emma to cultivate ethics within the Empire."

"That's impossible. I don't even know what ethics are myself."

"No one has the answers. But Emma can't stand the inhumane use of magic four-wheeled vehicles, can she? Then just spread that idea with clear reasoning."

"If I spread this... if we develop such a method... and promote its peaceful use further, and teach it to everyone, they'll surely use it peacefully... Could it really work that smoothly?"

I opened the door and spoke directly to Emma.

"It won't be that simple, I'm afraid. Education and learning take time, after all."

...

Emma gazed into the void, lost in thought.

She's talented and persistent. No doubt she's already mentally mapping out what needs to be done.

The pile of scattered books throughout the room was proof of her capabilities.

"Emma, I'll help you too. Let's work hard together."

Daniel took Emma's hand, encouraging her.

Instantly, light returned to Emma's eyes.

Then, both I and Daniel were suddenly pushed out of the room.

"Why are you coming in! Don't look at me like this! I can't handle it like this!"

The door slammed shut and locked.

"...Yes, you're right. I think I'll continue a little longer. Daniel! I'll be back at the lab within a few days. Mr. Taro, please go home for today. I'll contact you again."

Daniel and I looked at each other and smiled.

When leaving the Fujiwara residence, I was stopped by Marie.

"Tarou, one more thing. The merchant group..."

"Marie! I just heard about that matter directly from the deputy commander. My condolences on your loss."

"You're strong. Even if you go to the battlefield, as long as you don't let your guard down, you'll surely return safely. Then one more thing—protect your comrades. Once they're gone, there'll be no one left to scold."

"I understand. I'll do my utmost."

Marie returned to the room. A few minutes later, a knock sounded at the door.

Emma entered, her messy hair hastily tied back.

This was Emma's countless request in life—but also her greatest one.

Marie was stunned by the sheer magnitude of the truth.

But I saw the resolve in her eyes, and pledged myself based on that gaze. No, it wasn’t just that. I decided to work together with her. This time, to navigate things more skillfully, to avoid danger, I’d teach her my own ways of dealing with the world. It would benefit her new ambitions, too.