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— | backstory:and_i_shall_hide_-_alternate_chronicle [2020/07/11 20:42] – Walter Islands | ||
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+ | ====== そして私は姿を隠す ====== | ||
+ | 翻訳:[[https:// | ||
+ | 原文:[[https:// | ||
+ | ---- | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 自分が狂っていればいいのに。これは現実ではなく妄想であればいいのに。悪夢から目覚めたとき、私はそう考えた。悪夢を現実に変え、目覚めの世界を虚構にしているのは、自分の壊れた心なのだと。しかし、私はそれが真実ではないと知っている。夢は夜ごとに変わっても、現実は変わらず続いていくからだ。私の名前がジャミルであること、その名を持つ最初の女帝であること、肉体と魂の両方をもってアマー帝国を統治していることは、変わらない。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | I hope that I am insane. I wish that I am insane. These are my first thoughts upon waking from a nightmare. Make the nightmare real and this waking world the fiction of a despoiled mind. But I know it is not true, for the dreams change night to night but reality maintains continuous. I remain Jamyl, first Empress of her name, leader of the Amarr Empire in both body and soul. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 自分が正気を失っていますようにと祈るべきだが、神が答えないのは分かっている。乱れたシーツから身を起こせば自嘲せずにはいられない。そもそも、答えてくれる神はいるのだろうか? かつての私はこの質問に簡単に答えられた。世間知らずの女の子だった頃なら、イエス。冷たい笑みを浮かべる女だった頃なら、ノー。今はどうだろう? | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | I should pray that I were insane, but I know God would not answer me. As I sit up from my tangled bedsheets, I have to laugh to myself. Is there even a God to answer me? Once, I would have had a simple answer to that question. Yes, when I was a naive girl. No, when I was a cynical woman. Now? | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | だが、神以外の誰がこんな呪いを与えられるだろうか? 神以外の何者が? | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | Who but God might inflict such a curse on me? Who but God could? | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | " | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | It has told me that we are God. Before us, there was no God, but now there is one. I think we may be the Devil. My legacy will meet the Deceiver' | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | <color # | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | Your legacy, if left to your own devices, will be a brief period as a writhing mass full of delighted little gobbling things, followed by an eternity as a pile of dust and little else. Don't romanticize yourself. Your doubts are as pointless as your fantasies of death, all of which prove only that you're still alive and perfectly capable of thinking. We won't die for a while yet. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「ええ、そうね。でも私たちもいつかは死ぬ」 頭の中に居座りつづける声に答える。今では自分の声と同じくらいよく聞こえる。時には自分の声よりもよく聞こえる。" | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | "Oh, yes, we shall one day," I answer the ever-present voice in my head. I know it as well as my own, now. Better than my own, at times. It speaks and I think they are my own thoughts and it is only hours or days after that I realize they were the Other. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | <color # | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | Not if you steer clear of delusions. Accept my ideas. Reach out and they' | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 今のところは" | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | I ignore its temptations for now. There are times when I relent, but just woken, I am fortified against its assaults. When I fail to answer, it falls silent. I breathe out a sigh at the small reprieve though I know it will not last forever. The Other shall eventually return. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | ベッドから起き上がり、質素な部屋をゆっくりと横切る。小さくて何もない、女帝にふさわしい壮麗さとは程遠い部屋。ダム・トーサッドの皇宮地下深くにあり、代々使われてきた皇帝の寝室からは遠く離れている。女帝を夢見る少女だった頃、こんな生活は想像したこともなかった。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | I rise from my bed and walk slowly across the spartan room. It is a small, insignificant thing, nowhere near grandiose enough for an empress. It sits deep beneath the ground of the Imperial Palace in Dam-Torsad, far from the traditional Imperial Bedroom. It is not what I once imagined, as a little girl, dreaming of becoming empress. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | <color # | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | You put yourself here. Your continued fight against me is accomplishing nothing except widening the cracks in your psyche. Embrace me. Accept me. We will turn the world on its head. The greatest emperors of your race will be brushed away as false idols, their statues and monuments left to rot in the seasons. This bed isn't fit for you, and you needn' | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「私はここで眠るしかない」 私は言う。「さもなければ、召使いたちは女帝が狂ったと考えるわ。霞にむかって話しかけ、眠りながら暴れるなんて」 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | "But I must," I tell it. " | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | <color # | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | You're fighting the unrelenting tide. All these stories of defiance in the face of insurmountable odds, the ones that quell your doubts and give you hope? Delusions, every last one of them. Even your enemies are deluded. The Minmatar, those beacons of defiance, stand as nothing more nor less than proof of the broken dream of hopefulness. They regained their freedom, and for what? For us to demolish their fleet, turn it to dust. Anyone gets thought of as mad, it's them, thrashing wildly against an enemy they can't hope to touch. That's madness, and a pointless waste of energy, to boot. You want to end up like them? | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 息を吐いて言う。「その言い分こそあなたを非現実的なものにしてるわ。今のままなら、あなたはバラバラになった私の魂のひと欠片にすぎない。なんにせよ、私が狂ったと思われたら、誰かが私を追放するでしょう。アーディシャパーは喜んで追い出しにかかるだろうし、彼でなければアリッツィオがやる」 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | I sigh and say, "Only because that would make you unreal, just a figment of a shattered psyche. Besides, if I was thought mad, someone would depose me. Ardishapur surely, or if not him, Aritcio."</ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | <color # | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | Oh yes. Aritcio' | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 私はその考えに身震いする。でも、悪くないのではないだろうか? 正体が何であれ、コルアゾール家当主を狂わせていた悪魔は追い出されたのだ。囁かれている噂が真実だとすると、むしろ正義を重んじる人間へ変貌を遂げてさえいる。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | I shudder at the thought, then wonder, why not? Whatever demons plagued the Kor-Azor heir had been driven out. Or, if one took whispered rumors to be truth, transformed into a more righteous sort. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | <color # | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | Do it. I'm sure your mind is the stronger one. You're so infused in the flesh that you can't bear to rid yourself of it, but nevermind that. Submit yourself to the tortures, to have your body broken over and over until the time finally comes where I can no longer bear it and finally flee. I'll leave behind only your unblemished purity, I promise. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「いいえ、私はそんな結果を望むほど甘くない」 あっさりと拒否する。この方法では私自身が追い出される悪魔になるだろう。この呪いから解放されるかもしれないが、残された臣民や帝国はどうなってしまうだろうか? | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | "No, I am not so naive as to hope for that," I answer flatly. The demon driven out would more likely be me. And though it would be a release, what would become of my people, my Empire, then? | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「そう簡単にやり込めることはできないわよ」 無理をして微笑みを浮かべ、" | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | "You won't have me so easily," | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | ---- | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 介護ドローンが私に服を着せ、湯浴みをさせる。かつては奴隷がやっていたことだ。女帝となって日が浅い頃、" | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | Caretaker drones dress and bathe me. Once it would have been slaves. In my earliest days as empress, before the Other gave me such fits as to frighten them and reveal to them I was possessed, I would know the warm touch of a human hand, gently washing away the thin sheen of grime that even an empress accumulated over the course of a day. But Lord Victor, wonderful Victor whom I had shoved away, had been the one to insist on the change, initially only during my episodes. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 今では誰がいつ来てくれるのかすら分からない。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | Now I knew not when they might come. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | <color # | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | Only when I wish. All the time, sometimes, or not at all. Slowly, if I'm in the mood to creep up on you. I am forever and always. I am not bound by any restrictions you would recognize. And right now, I'm inclined to drop in without warning. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「ええ、あなたは突然やって来るわね」 苦々しく認める。介護ドローンは飛び回りながらその言葉を理解しようとしたが、AI医師のような初歩的な知能さえ持たないドローンだ。しばらくすると、部屋に誰もいないにもかかわらず自分たちが話しかけられたのではないと判断し、髪を編む繊細な作業へと戻ってしまった。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | "Yes, you come suddenly," | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 皇宮では私は用心のために姿を隠しているのだと噂されている。先帝ドリアム2世は自分自身の寝室で暗殺され、帝国は5年間にわたって異端者に支配されることになった。私が自分で口にしたことはないが、召使いたちは「女帝陛下は帝国が二度と同じ運命を辿らないよう、信頼できるドローンだけをそばに置いて隠し部屋でお休みになられているのだ」と彼ら自身を納得させていた。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | The rumor of the palace was that I was practicing due caution. My predecessor, | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | <color # | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | Your own people sicken us and you know it. We are as far beyond them as a star is beyond a candle. Perfection is close, so tantalizingly close, and only your own fantasies of self-control prevent us from attaining it. It's astonishing, | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「私の帝位継承は幻想の上に成り立ってるのよ」 " | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | "My very claim to the throne is built upon a delusion," | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | <color # | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | I know, I was the one that devised the plan with Victor. You inhabit a palace of lies. Your current life is a sham, cooked up by a man who does not even remember his own name. You were placed upon a pedestal, and when the pillar collapsed you were held in place by illusions. Do you realize how laughable this is? | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「私たちがみんなを笑うなら、まず私は私自身を笑わなければね」 そして私は笑いはじめる。無理やり虚勢を張って高笑いするけれど、しばらくすると子供っぽいクスクス笑いに変わってしまった。まるで冗談で笑いが止まらない女の子のよう。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | "If we're going to laugh at everyone, I must laugh at myself first." | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「陛下?」 声をかけられて、ようやく笑いは収まった。声の主はポミク・ハロミ。私に忠誠を尽くす数少ない権力者の一人だ。彼には宮廷侍従長の地位を与えているが、前任者のような悪行が繰り返されるのを防ぐという理由で実権を取り上げている。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | "My empress?" | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 私は背すじを伸ばし、笑いの発作で中断していた三つ編みをドローンに再開させた。「侍従長、入りなさい」 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | I stiffen my back and let the drones begin the process of correcting my braid, which had been set awry by the laughing fit. "Yes, chamberlain, | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | ポミクは謙虚に頭を下げて一人で部屋に入ってくると、女帝の裸を垣間見るという恥ずべき行為を犯さないようゆっくり視線を上げる。服を脱いだ状態を見られるより、こんな大げさな貞節を示されるほうが気恥ずかしい。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | He enters modestly, head bowed and alone, only slowly raising his eyes in the event he might catch a scandalous glimpse of inappropriate flesh. His chasteness is more embarrassing to me than if he caught me in a state of undress. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | <color # | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | You could cast off that robe. Break the ice and then mount him in his confusion. He would merely join the ranks. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 私は言い返す前に自制できた。ポミクの前で" | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | I catch myself before responding. It would not do to snap at the Other in front of Pomik and have him misinterpret the anger. Instead, I force a smile upon my face and hope it doesn' | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 彼はやっと頭を上げたが、視線はやや下に保ち、私のあごを見つめている。「陛下、皇家当主らがダム・トーサッドに到着しました」 ポミクは抑揚をつけずに続けた。「参議卿もです」 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | He raises his head finally, though keeping his eyes low, aimed firmly at my chin. "My empress, the Heirs have arrived at Dam-Torsad," | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | クーニッド王に授けた称号を聞いて苛立つ。「彼には出席を命じていない」 穏やかな声で言ったが、どれだけ不快に思っているかは確実に伝わったはずだ。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | I bristle at hearing the ceremonial title I bestowed on the Khanid King. "I did not order him present," | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「承知しております、陛下」 ポミクはまだ私と視線を合わせようとしないが、声に反感の響きは一切ない。「私は参議卿に召集状を送りませんでした。しかし彼が皇宮におり、枢密院の一員である以上、審議に出席する権利があります」 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | "I know, my empress," | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 私はため息をついて鼻柱に指をあてた。難易度は様々でも皇家当主たちを御することはできる。しかしガルケ・クーニッドは、見てくれこそ人間だが中身は毒蛇だ。あの男には寛大さを示してやったが、真意を掴みきれていない。今日の審議は欠席してほしかった。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | I sigh and bring my fingers to the bridge of my nose. The Heirs I can all manage, with varying degrees of difficulty. Garkeh Khanid, however, is a bag of vipers dressed as a man. Despite my generosity toward him, I still have no idea of his true intentions. I wished him absent from this meeting. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | <color # | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | Are you afraid? He's only a man, albeit one who with a good eye for power. If you fear him, I can easily deal with him on your behalf. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | いいえ、自分で対処する。相手が一人だろうと全員だろうと、私はすべてに対処できる。私はアマー帝国の女帝。この星団で、いやもしかしたら宇宙で最も強力な女。彼らがどれほど望もうと、誰にも屈しはしない。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | No, I will deal with him. Alone or together, I can deal with all of them. I am the empress of the Amarr Empire. I am the most powerful woman in the cluster; the universe, perhaps. I will not be cowed by any of them, no matter how they wish it. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | <color # | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | The woman who wishes herself insane. The woman who cannot bear to be in the presence of others for too long, else they discover the horrible truth that she is barely human after all. Each of the men before you is healthy, strong, and has millions of supporters ready to rally to their cause. You can barely deal with yourself. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 私は" | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | I shout in my head for it to silence itself. I do not need its voice taunting me all day long. Not this day. Not now. A moment of reprieve, to do work the Empire needed done! Give me that, I order. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | <color # | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | I can give you so much more, but you reject it all and only ask me for a moment' | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「陛下?」 ポミクが動揺する私に声をかけ、私の手首に手を置いた。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | "My empress?" | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 記憶が閃光のように再生される。柔らかな肌。唇をなでる指先。ふさわしからぬ恋人に抱きしめられた少女。笑い声と幸福。誰かが扉を叩く。押し殺した笑い。隠れる場所を探す。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | A memory flashes. Soft skin, tips of fingers running across lips. Young girl, wrapped in the arms of a scandalous lover. Laughter and happiness. Someone raps on the door. Giggling, find a place to hide. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 私があえぐとポミクは手を離した。私の視線の先では、関節が白くなるほど握りしめられた指がローブに絡みついている。なんとか手を開こうとしたが、こぶしが凍りついて動かない。深呼吸して心を集中させ、指がほどける程度に力を抜くことができた。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | I gasp and Pomik pulls his hand away. I look down and see my knuckles white, fingers tangled with my robe. I try to open my hand, but it is frozen in a fist. A deep breath and a moment of concentration and I am able to relax it enough for my fingers to uncurl. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 召使いを諦めなければならないもう一つの理由だ。ある感覚が生じると記憶が奔流のように押し寄せ、自分の過去なのか、" | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | There, then, is another reason I forgo servants as frequently as possible. Certain sensations bring these memories flooding to me and I don't know if they are my own or merely some trick the Other has planted in me. Maybe they are memories of the Other, fragments of its dreaming sleep. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | これ以上は何も言えない。" | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | I can't truly tell any more. It doesn' | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「問題ない、ポミク」 私は腹立たしさを隠すために力を振り絞った。介護ドローンが三つ編みの最後を仕上げる。「準備はできている」 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | "I am alright, Pomik," | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | ---- | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 私はポミクから数歩遅れて部屋に入る。皇家当主たちは全員起立したものの、クーニッドとアーディシャパーはどちらが遅く立つかを競い合っている。いちばん素早く立ち上がったのは言うまでもなく私の甥だが、私に対する敬意や称賛よりも若さのなせる業だと考えるべきだ。私は自席の前に立ち、各々を軽く一瞥してから席についた。当主たちは無造作に着席し、ポミクだけが礼儀作法に気を使いながら腰を下ろす。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | I walk into the room several steps behind Pomik. The Heirs all rise, though Khanid and Ardishapur compete to see who can do so the slowest. My nephew, of course, is the quickest, though it is perhaps his youth more than respect and admiration for me that prompts it. I stand in front of my throne for several moments, passing my glance over each of them but lingering on none, before finally sitting. They all drop gracelessly into their seats; only Pomik spares a moment for decorum. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 皇家当主の席次は、各々にふさわしい敬意と敵意を示すためにポミクが複雑な計算を行い、その結果をもとに決められている。私の左手は帝国宰相を務めるアリッツィオ・コルアゾール。次がメリメス・サルム。おそらく私との血縁関係のおかげでこの席次を認められたのだろう。さらに次がカティズ・タッシュムーコン。その隣、私から最も遠い場所にクーニッド2世が座っている。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | The Heirs are arranged by some intricate calculations Pomik made to present the proper amount of respect and offense each deserves. To my left is Aritcio Kor-Azor, due to his to rank as Imperial Chancellor, then Merimeth Sarum, probably granted that spot thanks to his relation to myself. Next is Catiz Tash-Murkon and beside her, furthest from me, was Khanid II. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 右手の一番手はポミク。侍従長の肩書にはそのくらいの意味はある。次に来るのがヨニス・アーディシャパー。帝国で最も強大な男にしては遠い席だが、侮辱しすぎてはいない正しい配置だ。そして最後にウリアム・カドール。彼はこの場の人間の中でもっとも無害だと言える。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | To my right is Pomik first, awarded the chair due to his position, then Yonis Ardishapur, the furthest the most powerful man in the Empire could rightly be placed without too-grave an insult, and then Uriam Kador, the least concerning of those present. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 枢密院が使う楕円形の机は、おそらく数千年前、初代皇帝アマシュ・アクラが設立した使徒評議会の時代から受け継がれている。私はなめらかな木材をなで、無力な机ではなくアメタットとアヴェタットが残ってくれれば良かったのにと思う。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | The oval table we occupy supposedly dates back to the first Council of Apostles founded thousands of years ago by Emperor Amash-Akura. I run my hands over the smooth wood and wish the Ametat and Avetat had survived instead of a powerless table. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | <color # | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | But you know why they have never been found. The founder of your great Empire knew his illusions, and he painted over the truth with a brush dipped in blood. Only when his conquest ceased did the killing become the work of an adversary. You don't want to look to his legacy for wisdom and power. It's already inside you. Everything you need. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | " | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | Though I wish profusely to snap back at the Other, I merely let its suggestion roll through me. I can not afford to battle it now, in front of the Heirs. I already allowed myself a moment of weakness in front of them once. The eyes of each are upon me intently, waiting to see another moment and pounce on it. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 一瞬、「私を殺せ!」と叫んでみたらどうかと考える。当主たちは誰も拒もうとしないはずだ。ヨニスは自らの手で絞め殺そうとするだろうか。それとも、彼の汚れなき肉体を私に触れさせるのは嫌だろうか。アリッツィオはどうするだろう。噂では、今までに何百回と人を殺めたことがある... | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | For a brief second, I consider crying out, "Kill me!" to them. Such a command would not be refused by any of them, I should think. Would Yonis strangle me with his own hands or would he refuse to dirty his pure flesh by bringing it into contact with mine? Aritcio, the whispers say, had dirtied his hands a hundred times over now... | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | <color # | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | Try it. Scream your lungs out until they bleed and you drown. I want you to try. I want to see you test me. Show some spirit and test me. You might win. I might even give in willingly. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | " | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | It doesn' | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「我々は女帝を称えるためだけに集められたのですか?」 そう尋ねるヨニスの声は、私たちが沈黙の中でどれほど長く座っていたかを気づかせてくれた。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | "Were we called only to admire the Empress?" | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 私は顔をまっすぐ向けたまま、視線だけを彼に転じる。「アーディシャパー家当主は激務のためにそのような焦りを強いられているのか。ならば当人ではなく甥を出席させればよい。我々は喜んで譲歩しよう」 私は長年かけて完璧なものにした重みのある声色で言い放つ。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | I turn my eyes to him while keeping my head straight ahead. "If pressing business forces such impatience on the Ardishapur Heir, perhaps he can send his nephew instead. We would gladly make that concession," | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | <color # | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | Perfection, nothing. You'd see a beautiful painting and splash acid on it out of spite. A masterwork sculpture would be ground to dust by the force of your jealousy. When you see perfection you are too feeble and insecure to take it. Anything you have nearing perfection is only what I have given you. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | " | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | Despite the taunts of the Other, I imagine a smile for myself as Yonis bites his tongue and keeps silent, though I dare not allow it to show. I rest my hands atop each other on the table and allow a few more moments of contemplative silence. None interrupt it again. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「皆、カルダリの状況は聞き及んでいることと思う」 審議の口火を切る。もちろん、彼らが知らないわけがない。いったい何が起きたのかと色々な噂が渦巻いている。私は真実を知っている。愚かなヘスがようやく私の警告を聞き入れたのだ。だが、他の者たちはどれくらい真実をつかんでいるだろう? | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | "You are all aware of the situation in the State," | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「カルダリの友人から連絡がありました」 最初に答えたのはカティズ。「陛下が一度は重んじておきながら最後は失敗作として処分した、テンプラーのような兵士に関する話です。友人たちが言うには、連合は兵士を完成させたのにヘスが狂って処断し始めたとか」 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | "My contacts in the State have been whispering to me," Catiz offers first. " | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | カティズを笑ってやりたい。狂ったですって? | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | I want to laugh at her. Mad? | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | <color # | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | You're the expert on the subject, certainly. Your madness is in your incompetence and fear. It is in turning down the gifts I try to give you. No wonder you're despairing. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 違う。私は狂っていない。ヘスも狂っていない。少しも。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | No, I am not mad. Nor is Heth, not in the slightest. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | <color # | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | If you desire it so much, mind, we will find a way to drive you to it. Have you ever wondered what drove Karsoth? I can make his delights seem quaint, if you want. Oh, just give voice to the wish, and we will dive into the maelstrom. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「ヘスとカルダリ企業の関係は限界に近づきつつあります」 カティズが話しつづける。「企業連合はヘスが破滅を迎えたとき、我々の支持を得られるかどうかを気にしているようです」 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | "Heth is finally beginning to reach the end of his rope with the megacorps," | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 私はカティズのほうへ顔を向ける。「タッシュムーコン家当主よ、教えてくれ、企業連合からの貸付金返済はどうなっている?」 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | I allow my head to turn to her. "Tell me, Tash-Murkon Heir, how our loans to the megacorps are being repaid?" | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | カティズは攻撃を受けても顔色一つ変えない。称えるべきだ。「一部は予定通りに返済されています」 ほとんど予定通りではないという事実を省いた答え。「カルダリは経済的覇権を取り戻そうとして予期せぬ障害にぶつかりました。ヘスの改革によって経済成長が妨げられたのです。しかし、だからこそ企業連合を支援すべきです。多くを提供すればするほど彼らは早く行動できるようになり、委員会が権力を回復した暁には...」 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | To her credit, Catiz does not blanch at the challenge. "Some are being repaid on schedule," | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「ヘスの台頭を許した環境をまた復活させるというわけだ?」 私が遮るとカティズの目に炎が灯ったが、彼女はすぐに怒りを押し殺した。私はこの話を終わらせるために結びの言葉を継ぐ。「駄目だ。同盟国の内政問題は彼ら自身に処理させなければならない。我々は彼らの政府の面倒を見る立場にはない」 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | "They can bring back the conditions that allowed Heth to rise to power in the first place?" | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | <color # | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | Do please play nursemaid to them. Then they can learn what Marcus and Falek found out by placing their faith in you. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「それでは陛下、我々はカルダリの内部対立へどのように対応いたしましょうか?」 アリッツィオは礼儀正しく、ほとんど崇めるように言う。この男の変化を目の当たりにすると、いまだにぎょっとしてしまう。私が生まれ変わる前、彼はコルアゾールの家名を台無しにしようとしている癇癪持ちの悪ガキでしかなかった。しかし今では帝国で最も愛される男の一人となり、臣民は彼の名と、彼の国教と伝統に対する敬意を称賛している。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | "Then, my empress, how shall we react to their strife?" | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | <color # | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | It's so easy to love a monster when it has shrouded itself in fair flesh. You and he are so alike, it's no wonder you value him. Do you think he truly respects the religion? Is there a delicious irony in that he is so loyal to you even though you hold his beliefs in contempt? Or does he deep down, like you, lack all respect? | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 私は信仰を欠いたから、あなたという呪いを受けた。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | My lack of faith is what cursed me with you, I tell it. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | <color # | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | Do you mean to imply that I've taught you to respect it? Or were all those times you told a true believer about "their God" merely more fragments of my dreaming? Perhaps I'm merely an angel, designed to nudge you onto the righteous path. Would you like that to be true? Confess to Ardishapur and I am absolutely positive he will help you with your penance. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 信仰に身を捧げればあなたが祓われる? そう簡単に片付くのなら、何年も前にやっていた。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | Would dedicating myself to the faith now cleanse me of you? I don't believe it would be so simple or I would have done it years ago. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | <color # | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | The words of a true believer! I shall worship if it benefits me, otherwise why bother? | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 私は... | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | I would - | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「陛下?」 アリッツィオの声が私の考えを断ち切り、彼は私の背中にそっと手を置いた。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | " | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | ワームホールが閉じる。鍵がかけられる。罠が仕掛けられる。古き敵に破壊される。怒り。隠れる場所を見つける。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | A wormhole closes. Locks set. Traps laid. Ancient enemies destroy. Enraged, finding a place to hide. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 私はアリッツィオが燃えているかのように、彼に触れた手を引っこめた。当主たちは苛立ち混じりの混乱を抱えて私を見つめている。アリッツィオだけが本物の思いやりらしい態度を見せ、ヨニスは目の前の光景が自分のために用意されたかのように嘲笑を浮かべている。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | I yank my hand away from him as if it burns. They are all staring at me, mostly in exasperated confusion. Only Aritcio shows what I believe is actual compassionate concern; Yonis wears derision as if it were tailored for him. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | どのくらいの時間を" | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | How long had I allowed my thoughts to drift to argument? "The templars are the greatest weapon the cluster has found since the capsuleer," | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「他の誰ですか?」 メリメスの言葉からは熱望がしたたっている。もし彼があんな恐ろしい兵器を手にしたら、一体何をしようとするだろうか。考えただけでも身震いがする。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | "Who else does?" Merimeth asks. Eagerness drips from his words. I shudder to think what he would do if we placed such a terrible thing in his hands. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「連邦」 そう言ってから一拍置いて続ける。「そしてミンマター」 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | "The Federation," | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | ヨニスはすぐさま拳を机に叩きつけた。「敵がみんな持っているというのに、あなたはそれほど重要な兵器を捨てることにしたのか?」 彼は叫ぶ。「次はサビクか? サンシャも持っているとでも言うつもりか?」 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | Immediately, | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | <color # | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | Do you think he is acting or do you think he actually didn't realize it? | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 彼は知らなかったに違いない。ヨニス・アーディシャパーは多くのことに秀でてるけど、役者ではないから。この怒りは本物。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | I believe he must not have realized. Yonis Ardishapur is many things, but an actor he is not. His outrage is genuine. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | <color # | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | And what of the others? Merimeth is still too naive and young to ask the right questions. Uriam is an idiot. But Catiz and Aritcio? They must have known. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 多分あなたの言うとおり。クーニッドはどうかしら? 誰も彼のことは... | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | I think you are probably right. And Khanid? Who knows what he - | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | ヨニスの怒号はクーニッドの突然の大笑いによって打ち消された。「あいつらはみんな悪魔だったのだよ」 その言葉で私は息ができなくなる。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | Yonis' | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | ヨニスはただ、うんざりした一瞥をクーニッドに投げた。「老いぼれの不信心者が」 そう吐き捨てる彼は、私とクーニッドのどちらがより嫌いなのだろう? クーニッドを憎むべきだという教えは何世代も受け継がれてきたけど、私もかなり異常な玉座に座っている自信がある。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | Yonis only spares Khanid a brief, disgusted glance. "You senile miscreant," | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 罵られたクーニッド自身はヨニスの言葉をなんとも思っていないようだ。「老いぼれ? おいおい坊主、俺は昨日生まれてきたばかりのように感じてるよ」 枢密院の席を与えてから、クーニッド王はこんな憎まれ口ばかり利いている。彼はこの部屋にいる次点の年長者より3倍も長く生きているにもかかわらず、メリメスと同じくらい若く見える。メリメスの兄と言っても通じるだろう。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | Khanid, for his part, is unphased by Yonis' | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 若さを保ちつづけるためにクローンを作ったという噂もあるが、仮にそれが事実だとしても証拠は巧みに隠されている。何度か「神から若さを賜った」と冗談を言ったときは、いつも私を見てニヤニヤしながら目を光らせていた。この男は嫌いだ。かつて政治的な蜜月関係を演じざるをえなかった日々が悔しい。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | There are rumors he cloned to keep himself young, but any evidence was expertly covered up. A few times he joked he had been granted " | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「貴様がここにいることで枢密院の名が汚されている」 私をその関係へと追いこんだヨニスが言う。彼は椅子から立ち上がり、机に手をつき、クーニッドへと身を乗り出した。「この部屋にいることで私の名前が汚されている」 クーニッド以外の当主たちにも向けられた挑発。彼らは売られた喧嘩を買うだろうか? | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | "You tarnish the name of the Privy Council by sitting here," says the man who had forced that pairing. Yonis rises from his chair, hands planted firmly on the table, and leans across it at Khanid. "I cast my own name in filth by being in the same room with you." I wonder, would the other Heirs respond to the insinuation? | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 買うわけがない。当主たちはヨニスの怒りを真っ向から受けとめるべきではないと知っている。彼らがヨニスの相手をしたがらないから、クーニッドを引きこまなければならなかったのだ。カティズだけはたまに言い返すこともあるが、年を追うにつれて控えめになってきた。ヨニスに自治領問題を押しつけたときは我ながら名案だと思ったけれど、甘かった。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | But no, they know not to turn Yonis' | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「だが事実だ」 ヨニスが次々に侮辱を浴びせても、クーニッドはまったく動じない。「兵士たちは悪魔に憑かれていた。彼女は星団にモロクを放った。そうでしょうが、陛下?」 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | " | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | <color # | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | Dare you tell the truth? You've done so much to cover up your failures. Dare you admit to them that you are not the perfect empress you've tried to make yourself out to be, but rather an infested vessel covered in a fresh coat of paint. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 私は彼らが知るべき真実だけを伝える。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | I will tell them the truth that suits them to know. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | <color # | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | It seems as if Khanid knows everything. Is that why the mere thought of him being here made your insides churn? He knows more than anyone else here, maybe even you. He's the one the Empire should have leading it, not a coward. What's to stop him from simply telling them everything? | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | クーニッドが話すことを望んでいるなら、とっくに話してしまっているわ。彼はすべてを知っているわけではないのかもしれない。私に口を滑らせようとして、はったりをかけているのかも。慎重に言葉を選ばないと。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | If Khanid wanted to tell them everything, he would have already. He might not even know it all. He could simply be bluffing to see what I will say. I must choose my words carefully. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | <color # | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | Why should you choose them? Let me. I shall speak eloquently on your behalf and strike such fear in their hearts that they won't ever defy us again. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 私が自分で話せば、あなたの出番はない。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | You will never speak if I have a say in it. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「では...陛下?」 アリッツィオがふたたび私を引き戻してくれた。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | "Well, empress?" | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「確かに事実だ」 注意深く言葉をつなぐ。「実務的に言おう。我々はテンプラー計画により、アノイキスから回収した技術をもとに不滅の兵士を開発した。しかし、兵士たちを危険な存在へと変えてしまう重大な欠陥が見つかった。彼らを制御できなかった我々は、兵士たちを殲滅し、スリーパーとは無関係な技術を用いて計画を再始動した。だが遅かった。他の国々もスリーパー技術を使った計画を進めていたのだ。今やカルダリも完成した兵士を目の当たりにし、そのために国が二つに引き裂かれることになった」 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | " | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「そして、あえて我々に隠していたというのか?」 ヨニスが問いつめてくる。「一体いつから隠していたのだ? 明らかに極めて危険な兵器を作り、しかも自らの手で破壊しなければならなかったにもかかわらず、一から十まで隠していただと? 正気か? これは帝国を破滅させる行為だ! 皇家当主はこの計画を最初から知らされていなければならなかった!」 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | "And you dared to keep this from us?" Yonis demands. "For how long? You create a weapon which is apparently so dangerous, you have to destroy it, but you keep the whole process hidden? Are you insane? These are the actions that would doom the Empire! The Heirs should have known about this project from the very outset!" | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 叫ぶ父。無力な母。逃げる女の子。泣きながら隠れる場所を探す。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | Father, screaming. Mother, powerless. Girl runs. Weeping, find a place to hide. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 手が震える。ローブの下で汗が止まらない。触れられてないのに記憶が溢れだしてきた。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | My hands are quivering; beneath my robe I am slick with sweat. No longer was touch required to set the memories flowing. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 言葉が自然とほとばしり出て、ほとんど窒息しそうになる。「もうよい! 自分に力があると思っているのだろうが、お前が口を利けるのは私が許しているからに過ぎぬ。私をずいぶん侮っているようだが、我が力は人智の及ばぬところにあると知れ。無意味な戯言はここまでだ。私の言葉をさえぎるな! お前のひとりよがりな狭量さに付き合ってやる暇はない」 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | The words come so unbidden I nearly choke, " | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | ヨニスは目を見開いて私を見つめ、思ってもみなかったことをした。礼儀をわきまえた動作で席につき、「失礼いたしました、陛下」と詫びたのだ。ほかの当主たちは生気のない表情を浮かべている。あのクーニッドですら、いつもの傲慢さが影を潜めている。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | Yonis stares at me, eyes wide, then does something I would never expect. He sits respectfully and says, "My apologies, my empress." | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 口のなかが急に乾いてきたが、無理やり話しつづけた。「カルダリが兵士を処分した今、我々の敵だけが恐るべき兵器を握っている。だが、すでに手は打ってある」 仲介人を通してひそかに交わした黒い契約、自分が何をしているのかも知らずに仕組んだ策略のことが頭をよぎる。「次は間違いなくミンマターの番だ。ガレンテもすぐに続く。彼らは侵された兵士を狩り立て、ほとんど皆殺しにするだろうが、一握りの兵士は追手から逃れる。私はそうなることを知っている。なぜかといえば、すでに幾人かが逃げおおせたからだ」 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | Though my mouth is suddenly dry, I push on. "The Caldari are destroying their soldiers now, which leaves only our enemies with them. But I have already laid plans to deal with that." Thoughts of dirty contracts signed in the dark through intermediaries come unbidden to my head and I know I have done things without knowing. "The Minmatar shall be next, surely. The Gallente, soon after. They shall run down the tainted soldiers and, for the most part, eradicate them. A few may escape their grasp. I know this to be true, because a few already have." | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | どれだけの兵士が逃げ延びたか考えると恐ろしくなる。多くなりすぎはしないだろうか? | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | My insides shake, wondering just how many had. Would it be too many? | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | <color # | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | A single ember can start a new flame. Don't you see? If you struggle, you've failed before you've even begun. There is nothing you can do to stop it. I've already won. If you would accept that, it could be us who won. Stop being so stubborn. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 黙りなさい。あなたは言うほど私を操っていない。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | Shut up. You don't control me as much as you've claimed. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | <color # | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | You are quite right, of course. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 恐怖に襲われる。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | A fear grips me. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | <color # | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | I control you even more than that. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 今度は誰も私が黙りこんだことに疑問を抱かない。唇をなめて話しつづける。「カルダリは兵士を処分しようとして下手を打った。あまりにも公然と手を下し、多くの人間に疑問を与えてしまった。他国も自分たちの行動を隠そうとするだろうが、うまくはいくまい。まもなく全世界が不滅の兵士を知ることになる。民衆は彼らがいかに危険なのかを知り、カプセラを憎む以上に兵士たちを憎むだろう。だが、過ちを秘密裏に処理したこの国では、兵士たちは怪物とは見なされない」 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | This time, none question my lapse into silence. I lick my lips and continue. "The Caldari have made a mess of their purge. It is too public. Too many people are asking questions. The others may try to hide their actions, but it will not succeed. Soon, the entire world will know about these immortal soldiers. People will learn of the danger they pose and hate them, more than they even hate the capsuleers. Only in the Empire, where we kept our failures hidden, shall the sane not be seen as monsters." | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「それで、陛下はどうなさるおつもりですか?」 ウリアム・カドールが初めて口をひらいた。彼は良い声をしている。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | "And what then, my empress?" | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「彼らに居場所を与える」 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | "I shall give them a home." | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | そして私は姿を隠す。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | And I shall hide. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | ---- | ||
+ | |||
+ | [[: |