“Gaius at the top…? So basically, you want him to be king?”
“Yes. When we were deciding the name and flag of this country, I figured now that it’s a country, Gaius should be at the top. This all started with Gaius wanting to create a place where we don’t have to lose anyone. Without that, I wouldn’t have thought to make a place like this.”
That was how it started for us.
I remember the day we decided our goal. Gaius and I made a vow, and talked about it with everyone.
And that got us here.
“I see… I also don’t think we would have thought about something as grand as making a country if you two didn’t talk about making such a place. Then again, if it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have left my country.”
“Yes, we influence each other a lot. If it wasn’t for you Miss Lan, I wouldn’t understand myself as well as I do now. It’s because of you that I’m like this now.”
“I see, I feel the same way. I am here because of you. But about what you said, I guess Gaius might be a perfect fit if we were to install a clear figure like a king. But the same can be said about you.”
“Me?”
“Yes. If this place started with the two of you, then maybe you two can be at the top.”
I’m surprised to hear that.
I want Gaius to be at the top, but I can’t imagine being there with him. It’s scary to think of myself in that position, but maybe it would be good if Gaius was with me.
“…I can see Gaius not wanting to be in that position alone, so it’s probably best for us to be together.”
I say, and Miss Lan smiles.
That’s just me, but I think maybe it would work if we were together. I haven’t talked to him about this yet, so I’m basically just getting carried away on my own…
“That might be true. I can’t imagine Gaius completely rejecting your idea… But we don’t know if he has any intention of being a king. If he doesn’t like the idea, we could also make it so the country has a different form of government, without a king… But which would be better?”
“A country without a king?”
“Yes. There are such countries in this world. But no matter what form they take, there is always someone standing at the top. So even if it’s not in the form of royalty, you and Gaius could still be at the top.”
“I see, so there’s lots of options. And we’re still building this place, so we can shape it.”
“Exactly. But if you don’t like it, one of the adults can take the helm.”
Says Miss Lan with a smile.
She doesn’t look worried about the future. I can tell she thinks it will be all right if we’re all together.
When she smiles at me like that, it makes me feel like there’s no problem.
“Also… This is just my personal opinion, but… If Gaius was king, I think you could be queen.”
“Queen?”
“Yes. I really like seeing you together. If you two could stay together, I would be happy.”
“…Queen… Does that mean getting married?”
“Yes. Walk forward together, or choose someone else… The decision is yours, but I would like it if you were together.”
She says while looking directly at me.
…I don’t really get this sort of thing.
I’ve seen people being married, and I think that’s wonderful. They look happy, so that’s nice.
“I see… Gaius could be married to someone too.”
I’ve never really thought of that. It just feels natural to me to be friends with him.
And I intend to stay close to him from now on, but… I see.
As the population grows, we’ll spend less and less time together.
If Gaius forms that kind of relationship with someone else, I think we’ll have even less time together.
…It feels lonely to think about that.
—The completion of the castle – Part four
(The miko speaks with the educator, and one thought leaves her a little lonely)
