Wait a second…
Could Holly actually perform such a tender act for Shion?
Was Shion so trusting of Holly to accept such care?
Massages are ticklish if you don’t trust the person doing it, right?
Weren’t these two always at each other's throats, calling each other names like 'damn old hag' and 'bratty kid'?
"What do you want me to wait for? This is just the usual for us," Holly added.
"Usual!? You mean you always massage Shion?"
"When she's tired, yes. Recently, her shoulders have been stiff from studying. Today, she seems exhausted from training, so I thought I'd let her skip studying."
"You're letting her skip studying…"
Her words were filled with such compasshion. Taking the time to massage a tired young girl thoroughly, and even suggesting she take a break from studying for the day.
I felt a surge of emotion, nearly bringing me to tears. I had been worried about how to improve their relationship, but it seems my concerns were unfounded. These two were actually awkward, shy companions who truly trusted each other.Holly and Shion had built a proper relationship as a hero and a divine sword.
That's great. One less worry for the battle against the Demon Lord.
"Hehehe... she's fast asleep..."
At that moment, Holly gazed down at Shion, who was lying face down, and smirked. She then stood up and casually placed her foot on the back of Shion's head.
"Kukuku... always so cheeky when I give her a massage. She always falls asleep. Always so arrogant, this brat..."
Holly was pressing down on the back of Shion's head, who was lying face down on the bed.
I realized then that the relationship between the two was still problematic.
"Uh... Mmm..."
Shion seemed uncomfortable and turned from face down to lying on her back.
"Hehehe..."
Then Holly grabbed Shion's hands and pressed her own chest against Shion's face.
"…Mmmph... Mmmph!"
"Is it hard to breathe? It's hard to breathe, isn't it, Shion? This is the power of an adult woman. The art of using the symbol of beauty, the breasts."
That's not it.
What is she talking about?
"Stop it! You always do this!"
"Then watch your mouth when you talk."
"Shut up, old hag! No matter what I say, you're never satisfied!"
"Yes, you understand well."
I left the room, leaving the two of them arguing.
Katourea-sensei and Iris were in a terrible situation, and Shion and Holly were always fighting.
I was just tired today.
I had left the issue of whether to dry up the lake in Blue Dragon unresolved, and after being scolded by Katourea-sensei and Iris, I literally had a fire under my butt, so I decided to really consult with Platanus.
Honestly, I never thought I'd have to ponder such a national-scale issue.
I thought that finding and discovering a hero would lead to a life of luxury, but then I was attacked by people holding divine swords other than the Holy Light Sword, a fantastical crisis. Just when I thought I'd managed to fend them off, I now have to deal with a food problem.
What's with my life?
Sure, I had the embarrassing dream of longing to be a hero and saving the world.
But such political, realistic issues don't seem like something a hero should handle."Heroes, basically, are unemployed except when they're fighting the Demon Lord or his minions."
Well, I'm not a hero, so I wouldn't know.
"In conclushion, this reclamation project is reckless."
I had invited Platanus to my room, and we were discussing this matter alone.
Honestly, I didn't feel like talking to the ladies right now. They're really exhausting.
"Reckless, as in we should stop it?"
"Yes. I haven't visited the site myself, but logically, drying up rivers and lakes that serve as water sources for the surrounding areas is dangerous. It could lead to irreparable consequences."
"Huh. You agree with Iris? I heard this country has a lot of successful reclamation projects, though."
"Of course. They publicize only the successes and ignore the failures."
Platanus' words made me frown.
"True, there are cases where reclamation and land development have expanded farmland and increased food production. On the other hand, thoughtless deforestation has triggered landslides and disasters, leaving many lands desolate."
"Deforestation leading to landslides?"
"Trees in forests and mountains stabilize the soil with their roots. Thoughtless cutting leads to landslides and floods. This isn't just true for land development but also for reclamation."
Ah, how nice.
I don't understand half of what he's saying, but talking with someone intelligent and calm like him is not tiring at all.
Not like those women who make you suffer if you're not careful.
"So, is it impossible for this country to increase food production anymore?"
"Not at all. It all depends on how it's done. There are still opportunities for safe land development and reclamation that don't deplete water sources. You can also reclaim swamps that aren't water sources or coastal areas."
"Reclaiming coastal areas? That can be done?"
"You build barriers to prevent waves from coming in, increase the size of the beach, or use excess soil from construction to create reclaimed land."
"Sounds like it would make salty soil."
I muttered that, and for some reason, Platanus burst out laughing.
What's so funny?
"Salty soil, you say? That's quite an apt description. Indeed, it's difficult to grow crops on newly reclaimed land due to salt content."
"So, what do we do then?"
"Initially, you should grow plants that are resistant to salt, like cotton. Doing this for a few years should reduce the soil's salinity, allowing normal crops to grow."
"A few years, huh... that's a long-term project."
"Isn't it said, 'a nation's plan spans a hundred years'? National politics should consider not just the present but a hundred, two hundred years into the future."
"Right now, I think you're the only one in this world thinking that far ahead."
I just casually shared my thoughts, but suddenly Platanus stopped his fake smile, opened his eyes which had been closed, and stared at me.Platanus, as usual, is intimidating when he opens his eyes.
"True, all my opinions are meaningless. They're nothing more than armchair theories."
"Why's that?"
"No matter what opinion I give, it's never been adopted."
"Really? Did you fail at something?"
"I have joined forces with Instructor Cattleya several times as a commander to subdue rebellions. Instructor Cattleya typically doesn’t command troops but takes the front line herself, so I was effectively the supreme commander."
"I get it, Platanus. You didn’t fail; you were too successful, weren’t you?"
Platanus stopped responding while still looking at me with his eyes open.
I thought it was strange.
How could a man who graduated top of his class from the Royal Officer Academy, and tutors the hero Shion, just settle for that?
Logically, he should be leading armies or assisting Cattleya during crises.
If Platanus really is a genius in military and political strategy, not just academically accomplished, it’s no wonder others envious of power would try to hinder him.
After all, even I, who am pretty incompetent, have almost been assassinated.
Maybe the power-holders in this country are completely corrupt.
But at least he seems to be in a better situation than me, constantly targeted by assassins.
"I get your point, Platanus. Thanks."
"Why thank me? Even if you propose my idea to His Majesty, it won’t be adopted. My suggestion of reclaiming swamps or coastal areas would require more time and money than draining a lake. There's no way they'd accept such a plan."
"I don't have to say it, Shion can. Any proposal will be accepted if she says it."
At that moment, Platanus glared at me fiercely.
"That method is not correct... Using force to push through an opinion, regardless of its success or morality, is not right."
"Huh? Is pushing your reclamation plan going to lead to bad results?"
"That's not what I'm saying. I'm confident that I can increase the country's food production if I lead the project over several years. However, I don't believe that the ends justify the means."
"So you’re saying it's okay to stick with the current situation, where the right methods lead to terrible outcomes, forever?"