Chapter 87

3/6

"Princess, do you have that resolve?"

Dida's expression was unusually serious.

"If it comes to a battle, you will be required to kill the enemy, and there's also the possibility that you might be injured or even die. Everyone will be put in such a situation at the princess's command."

"……Dida"

Lyle called out her name, as if reprimanding her.

"Can you order the princess to kill with the resolve to be killed yourself?"

"Dida!!"

Despite this, Dida did not close her mouth, and Lyle's sharp voice echoed through the room.

For a moment, the room fell silent.

"If you go to war, everyone must have the resolve. The possibility of losing one's life and the fact that these hands holding the sword will be stained with the enemy's blood. The princess doesn't have to bear this alone."

Lyle's words resonated in the silent room.

For a moment, I wavered at the sweet sound of his voice.

"Of course, I am prepared. However, the resolve the princess needs is not just that. The battlefield can change in any way at the princess's command. Even if she doesn't lead the troops directly, the princess's orders are our guiding principle. We bear the lives of ourselves and the people standing behind us. However, the princess must take responsibility for all those on the battlefield and for what comes after. …Is that not so?"

Lyle fell silent at Dida's question.

"And if the princess signs the order, even though she doesn't directly take a life, her hands will be stained with blood just the same."

Dida's words were true… and that's why they pierced my heart.

I cannot pretend I don't know.

…Even if the people think differently.

With my single command, things will happen.

I order them to fight and to take lives, all in the name of protection.

With my single command, lives will be exchanged.

Including those who do not wish for conflict.

…If a battle were to break out, could I really order them to fight?

"…I'm not saying you need to show that resolve right now. But if you're going to give the order to prepare, the princess should also look ahead and decide on her resolve now."

I asked myself, but there was no answer.

"You're right… Dida."

My voice was pitiful.

But there was nothing I could do.

Truly, it was pitiful.

I had given the order to Dida and Lyle to prepare, yet I myself was not prepared at all.

"I still cannot answer your question. Please give me some time."

"Understood. We'll prepare in advance then."

I thought they wouldn't act until they heard my answer.

I was a bit surprised by Dida's words, promising to prepare in advance.

"…Yes. Thank you."