Rikimaru (5)
“Insult to use against Naruhito.”
When I think of Combat Dolls, that's all that comes to mind.
Sai’s mouth curled into a slight smile, amused.
Hirosue came in, placing a pudding without caramel in front of Naruhito and a larger one in front of me.
So they did have mine!
"Thanks, Hirosue!"
"Yeah, yeah."
"Thank you."
"Sure."
As we eagerly began eating, Sai turned to Dr. Ikumatsu.
"Dr. Ikumatsu, what comes to mind when you hear 'Combat Doll'?"
"A terrifying weapon."
Huh? I looked at Dr. Ikumatsu.
"That's my understanding too. Among guns, tanks, and similar things, it’s the most formidable weapon."
"......"
"And Naruhito was that very Combat Doll."
"I witnessed how terrifying Combat Dolls were on the battlefield. Many people were killed by this weapon. When His Highness brought back a broken Combat Doll and started treating it, everyone was simply terrified. Being of low rank and forced to take care of it, I touched it trembling with fear. It was utterly terrifying."
Dr. Ikumatsu spoke matter-of-factly.
I looked at the Naruhito, who was eating the pudding little by little, almost licking it.
"I'm sorry."
Naruhito said. The pudding that was not scooped properly fell back into the dish. Soft, very soft pudding. For Naruhito, who was clumsy with the spoon, it was difficult to scoop up.
He had no hand to lift the dish closer to his mouth.
A broken Combat Doll.
Was that perhaps referring to the injured Naruhito?
“Being able to use weapons that don’t use much fuel is much more efficient. Hence, a small body that moves with minimal fuel. Time is of the essence in war, so they were probably chosen because they could be replenished quickly. Adjusted to exert power despite their size, trained for quick movements. Made obedient, with minimal education to endure the battlefield, equipped with devices for receiving orders, and body hair and fluid secretion minimized for easy maintenance."
"That's enough!"
I shouted without thinking.
That's enough.
I understand. I get it.
"Combat Dolls don't shop. They don't play. They don't sleep in beds."
What do you think about this chapter?
