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While I find such ideals to be wonderful, it’s also best I explain why we disregarded Juerd and his party, so I continued, 「However,」 with a firm tone.

「No matter how great the intention or idea, forcing it on other people without any regard makes it, for me, utterly foolish. Even the greatest ideals are not infallible, after all.」
「Even the greatest ideals can be wrong?」
「I won’t say that they’re mistaken, but let’s see….」
『Just a bit, can I share just a bit about us?』
『I don’t mind. It shouldn’t be a problem to share things with Palra and Belltina.』
「If, for example, there was someone who was confined and abused for a good portion of their life, do you think they’d fully agree with you if you told them they *need* to help other people because that’s the right thing to do?」
「That’s… difficult, I think.」
「Do you find that individual a bad person?」
「No.」
「In other words, even with ideas that are generally accepted as morally right, there are people who don’t believe the same. In fact, if everyone in the world would only follow such great ideals, the world would be a kinder place.」

That’s why I don’t consider imposing your ideals on people to be wholly good. You must consider the possible backlash that doing so results in. And you must consider the possibility of people resenting you.
All that aside, it’s probably best that I warn her about the risks taken when helping other people.

「Besides, it’s not just about not having any merit; it can also put you in danger.」
「In… danger?」
「Let’s say you just saved a carriage from being attacked by monsters. It was in a precarious situation because they didn’t hire escorts―but in the end, saving them without second thought was a mistake.」

As I posed an implicit question, Palra began to contemplate.
From how the conversation went, she should understand that it resulted in a dangerous situation, but she probably can’t figure out what the resulting danger is. Rather, since it’s based on our personal experience, it’s not an exaggeration to say that it’s a very unique situation, so even normal hunters would probably have a hard time figuring it out.
Belltina seems to have thought of something, but she’s apparently not confident with her answer. In that sense, I’m really grateful that Belltina is proficient at protecting herself. She’s no slouch; she has the experience of avoiding her parents’ attention within her own house, after all.

「The reason they didn’t hire escorts can range from the carriage owner being stingy, inept, or lacking in funds. While there are established roads outside town, the outside world is fundamentally monster territory.
It’s different if they weren’t traveling far, but normally when traveling a distance that requires a carriage, not hiring escorts is unthinkable, isn’t it?」
「That’s… yeah, that’s fair.」
「Of course it’s possible that you’d simply be thanked for helping out. But if the said savior looks defenseless, some people may instead have unsavory thoughts in mind. They might, for example, attempt to sell the helper into slavery to replenish their funds.」

Palra’s eyes went wide open as if she couldn’t believe her ears; meanwhile, Belltina nodded without any hint of surprise.
There are other risks to unconditionally helping people, but from Palra’s reaction, mentioning them won’t be necessary.

「For these reasons, I cannot recommend thoughtlessly helping people.」
「… But it’s okay?」
「There are people who like helping others, and I think they’re doing good. However, I believe they should be prepared to protect themselves in case they encounter others with malicious intent.」

The Hero will eventually make the mistake of being unprepared and, hopefully, learn from it. Still, he’ll probably continue helping people; perhaps the royals are even making an active effort to keep it that way. It’s none of our concern.
Anyway, since I’ve said everything I wanted, I switched out with Ciel. It’s not my decision to make, but I really do consider Palra and Belltina to be trustworthy individuals.

「Um, Ailneige…」

As soon as Ciel finished taking control, a determined-looking Palra spoke up. Wondering what she wanted to say, I paid close attention as she began speaking with a glum tone.

「I’m sorry I couldn’t do anything back then.」
「As I said earlier, there’s no need to force yourself to help.」

Ciel continued from where I left. I don’t know Ciel’s honest opinion of what I said earlier, but no matter how Ciel decides to steer this topic, I wouldn’t mind it. I already relayed my thoughts to some extent, but the final decision is for Ciel to make.

「But whether I want to help or not is something I decide for myself… right?」

Witnessing Palra’s anxious response, Ciel was caught by surprise. But then, the ends of her lips curled into a small smile as she replied, 「That’s right.」
I don’t know if Palra wanted to help because it’s Ailneige in trouble or if she would want to help regardless of who it was, but I’d be happy if it’s the former. And I’m curious how Ciel interpreted and felt about Palra’s response.

『Ain,』 Ciel’s voice echoed in my mind, 『Never mind,』 but she immediately swallowed her words and fell into silent contemplation.

「I’m happy that you’re so concerned for me, but… right. The truth is, that much wasn’t really a problem for me.」

As Ciel found her own answer, seeing how she properly considered Palra’s perspective, I felt deeply moved. But at the same time, I felt somewhat lonely.

「Umm, what does that…」
「Let me tell you two a secret. Belltina probably has an idea of what I’m about to say, though.」
「Yesh!? Umm, Bell has no idea…?」

Suddenly being mentioned, Belltina was caught off-guard and timidly responded. She should have enough information about us to make various different conjectures. It’s probably why she is having difficulty figuring out which idea Ciel is hinting at.
Or perhaps she intentionally avoided thinking too deeply about it; that’s possible too.

I’m not certain about what Ciel is about to say either, but I do have a vague idea of what it could be.
Perhaps due to Belltina’s reaction, or perhaps not, Ciel continued speaking.

「I’m actually a high-rank hunter?」
「High-rank hunter…? Ailneige, E-rank isn’t considered high-rank, isn’t it?」

*Oh, that one,* as I nodded to myself, Palra asked a silly question in her confusion.
Meanwhile, Belltina is on my side, nodding to herself as well. I have no idea how much she can see, but since she is capable of perceiving our magic power, I expected her not to be too surprised.
However, it seems like something else came to her mind, as her eyes suddenly began swimming, and she’s now looking restless.

「That’s right. I’m not actually E-rank.」
「You’re not?」
「My real rank is much higher, at least more than C-rank.」
「Really!?」

With the mention of ranks, an aspiring hunter such as Palra should be able to internalize the information better, resulting in Palra’s surprise finally winning over her confusion.

「As such, I’m really happy that you wanted to help me, but I can handle hunter trouble on my own.」

Despite Palra’s reaction, Ciel plainly relayed her message and nothing more, which is quite in character for her. If she were talking to me instead of Palra, she’d probably be teasing me about it with glee. Considering this as proof of being special to Ciel, I feel happy but also conflicted.

「I can also handle myself during battles, so please focus on what you’re capable of doing.」

We can support, or rather completely protect, them, but that would probably remove all tension from the battles.
Ciel probably thought so.

「Right… I understand, but…」
「I don’t mind if you don’t feel convinced. I’ll just protect myself as usual.」

It’s understandable that she can’t digest the sudden reality of Ciel being a high-rank hunter. Reaching D-rank at 15 years old is already considered early in this world, after all.
It doesn’t sound like Palra is trying to deny Ciel’s assertion either. But Ciel does hold back when she’s Ailneige, after all. Maybe if we show her a glimpse of our power, she’ll finally be convinced. Ciel probably thinks it’s fine to show them anyway, since she revealed this much.

As I was thinking to myself, 「Umm…」 I heard a timid voice speaking up.

「What is it?」
「Umm, so that means… You have different Hunter Cards, no? Is that… you know… okay?」
「No need to worry. It’s okay in my case.」
「U-understood!」