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— | backstory:the-speaker-of-truths [2020/11/10 13:51] (現在) – 外部編集 127.0.0.1 | ||
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+ | ====== 真実の話し手 ====== | ||
+ | 転載元:[[https:// | ||
+ | 原文:[[https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | Copyright © CCP 1997-2017\\ | ||
+ | 原文はCCPに著作権があります | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{https:// | ||
+ | |||
+ | ---- | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 引きずっていかれた2人の娼婦が鞭打たれて泣き叫び、彼女たちの赤ん坊を引き裂くために取りあげたとき、アリッツィオは満足げに玉座へ体を沈めた。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | And when the two harlots had been carted off, thrashing and crying and screaming, and their baby sent to be cut in half, Aritcio leaned back on his throne and was pleased. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「[[: | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | "I like being Heir," he murmured sotto voce to his military advisor, a thin man in tight-fitting clothes and a tight-fitting face. To his other side stood the religious advisor, a woman with her hair set up in a tight bun and held in place with two golden miniature spears. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 軍事顧問はうなずいて言った。「次の陳情者が参っております、殿下」\\ | ||
+ | 「おお、そいつは楽しみだ」 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | The military advisor nodded. "We have more cases, milord." | ||
+ | "Oh, good." | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 巨大な両開き扉がゆっくりと開かれた。青銅製のその扉は、あらゆる種類の宗教的象徴で飾られていた。見る者が予想するとおり、意匠はドリアム2世が熟考の末に考えだしたもので、両方の扉が彼自身の姿と治世における様々な出来事で埋めつくされている。扉は陳情者を招き入れるときのみ開かれ、すぐに閉じられるのが伝統だった。例外的に開いたままにされるのは、陳情者が宮廷から溢れるほど多い場合のみだ。だが、陳情者が訪れることは滅多になかった。今日びアリッツィオに運命を委ねようとする者など、銃を突きつけられて無理強いされた者くらいしかいない。一応はアリッツィオの沙汰を拒むこともできるが、すぐに処刑されるのは目に見えている。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | The gigantic doors opened slowly. They were bronze, and decorated with all manner of religious icons. As might be expected, Doriam II figured quite heavily; his appearance and highlights of his reign dominated the aeneus reaches of both doors. It was tradition that they be opened to let in each new complainant but closed right after. The only exception was for those cases where the grievance was so vast that the horde of plaintiffs would fill the royal court, in which case the doors were kept open for onlookers. Those cases were rare: These days, the only people who put their fate in the hands of Aritcio were the ones who'd been practically forced there at gunpoint. You could refuse his judgment, of course, and you would be summarily executed for your trouble. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 若い男がためらいがちに入ってきた。男は貴族らしい格好をしていたが、髪はボサボサで、目の下には暗いくまができていた。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | A young man walked in, hesitantly. He was dressed as a Holder nobleman, but his hair was unkempt and there were dark patches under his eyes. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「貴様、見覚えない奴だな」アリッツィオが言った。\\ | ||
+ | 男はアリッツィオの前にひざまずき、「私はファジアン・シャラーフと申します。殿下にお目にかかるのは今日が初めてです」\\ | ||
+ | 「それで何を申し立てたいのだ」\\ | ||
+ | ファジアンは顔を上げた。「殿下、私は…」 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | "You, I don't recognize," | ||
+ | The man kneeled in front of Aritcio and said, " | ||
+ | "And what is your complaint?" | ||
+ | Fazian rose again. " | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 窓の外から響いてきたかすかな騒音に、ファジアンは一瞬気を取られたが、すぐに言葉を続けた。「殿下、私は破滅の淵にあります。財産は没収され、銀行口座も凍結、すべての事業を停止せざるをえなくなりました」 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | He was momentarily distracted by a noise outside, a faint roar dopplering on the windows, then continued, " | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | アリッツィオはうっすらと笑みを浮かべた。「何故そうなったのか?」\\ | ||
+ | 「私めは…その…正直に申し上げますと、ひどく酔った末に過ちを犯してしまったのです。セルード・サケクー様について、極めて無礼な言葉を口にしてしまいました」\\ | ||
+ | 軍事顧問が身を乗りだし、主人に囁きかけた。「セルード・サケクーは宰相府の大物です」 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | Aritcio gave a thin smile. "And why is this?" | ||
+ | "I, uh ... in all honesty, milord, it was a moment of stupid drunken revelry. I made a rather impolite comment about Serude Sakekoo." | ||
+ | The military advisor leaned in and whispered to the heir, " | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | アリッツィオは眉を上げて尋ねた。「極めて無礼な言葉だと?」\\ | ||
+ | 「左様です、殿下。本当に礼を失していました」\\ | ||
+ | 「ここでもう一度口に出してみるつもりはないか?」 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | Aritcio raised an eyebrow. " | ||
+ | "Yes. Well. Very." | ||
+ | "Would you care to repeat the comment?" | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | ファジアンは聞きとれるほどの勢いで息を呑んだ。「畏れ多いことですが、それだけはご容赦ください。サケクー様が身につけていらっしゃる額の飾りがどう見えるか…ただそれだけの話でした。しかし、もう二度と口にするわけには参りません」 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | Fazian swallowed audibly. "In all honesty, milord, I'd rather not. It had to do with the forehead decoration she wears, and what I think it looks like. But I'd really not want to repeat it." | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「結構。それで良いのだ」アリッツィオは面白そうに指を振りながら言った。「1つ教訓を得たということだからな」 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | "Good. That's good," Aritcio said in amused fashion, wagging a finger at him. " | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「私にとっては日々が教訓の連続です、殿下。しかし今は心の底から後悔して、生きるために足掻いております。誰も金を貸してくれず、友人縁者からも援助を断られ、このままでは子供たちを養うことさえできません。殿下、お願いでございます、どうかお力添えいただけないでしょうか」 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | "Every day, milord. But I'm repentant now, and desperate. I cannot feed my children, no one dares loan me money, and none of my contacts are of any use. Milord, I beg you, please intervene." | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | アリッツィオは宗教顧問のほうをチラリと見た。「どう思う、お前? この男のために執りなしてやるべきだと思うか?」\\ | ||
+ | 「臣は殿下が正しき判断を下されるものと確信しております。いつもどおりに」彼女は諦めたような口調で答えた。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | Aritcio glanced at his religious advisor. "What do you say, dear? Should I intervene?" | ||
+ | " | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | その答えに明らかに満足した様子で、アリッツィオは破滅しかけの貴族へ向きなおった。「宰相府にとっては軽いお仕置きだったのだろうがな。私はここに宣言する。貴様の銀行口座の凍結は解かれ、財産は返還されるか、あるいは没収者によって相応の金額で払い戻される。第三者が必要と認めるあらゆる償還請求を通じ、貴様の名誉と地位は回復されるであろう」 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | Apparently pleased with the reaction, Aritcio turned back to the Holder. "I think it was petty revenge by the Imperial Chancellor to put you through this. I hereby proclaim that your accounts shall be unfrozen, your property returned or you be reimbursed by the claimants with an equivalent monetary sum, and that you be restored in full glory to your former place through whatever other recourse deemed necessary by an independent party." | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | ファジアンは再び崩折れた。「ああ、ありがとうございます、殿下。なんとお礼を申し上げればよいのか。この御恩は生涯忘れません」\\ | ||
+ | 「そうだ、貴様は一生覚えていることになるだろう。立つがいい。この一件から礼儀と慎みを学んだと信じているぞ」\\ | ||
+ | 「確かに肝に銘じます、殿下」感謝の念をいっぱいに表しながら、ファジアンは立ち上がった。「お慈悲に感謝いたします」 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | Fazian fell to his knees again. "Oh, thank you, milord. Thank you so much. I shall remember this forever." | ||
+ | "Yes, I do believe you will. Stand up, please. I trust you have learned your lesson in manners and discretion." | ||
+ | "I have, milord, I have," Fazian said, standing. "Thank you so much." | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「礼には及ばん。だが、この教訓を確実なものにするため、貴様の唇を切り落とすことにする。次の陳情者を呼んでこい」\\ | ||
+ | ファジアンは自分が耳にした言葉が信じられず、唖然としていた。アリッツィオ・コルアゾールの裁きを受けた者の一般的な反応だ。が、すぐに衛兵に引っ立てられ、彼を引きずり出すために扉が開いた刹那、外から鈍い轟音が入ってきた。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | " | ||
+ | The Holder, stunned in disbelief - a fairly common reaction in Aritcio Kor-Azor' | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「何の音だ?」アリッツィオは尋ねた。\\ | ||
+ | 軍事顧問はかすかに肩をすくめた。「ご心配には及びますまい」そう言うと、軍事顧問は部下を見やり、意を受けた衛兵が部屋の隅の小さなドアから出て行った。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | "What is that?" Aritcio asked.\\ | ||
+ | His military advisor gave a faint shrug. " | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 青銅の扉が開きはじめた。\\ | ||
+ | 「殿下、次の陳情者は黙劇の道化師で…」\\ | ||
+ | 「そいつの舌を切り落として食わせてやれ。次!」\\ | ||
+ | 扉は再び閉じられた。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | The bronze doors started to open.\\ | ||
+ | " | ||
+ | "Cut out his tongue and make him eat it. Next!" | ||
+ | The doors closed again. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 軍事顧問が送り出した部下が戻ってきた。衛兵は軍事顧問に何事かを耳打ちし、彼も早口で囁き返したが、アリッツィオによって遮られた。\\ | ||
+ | 「何か私が処理すべき問題が起きたんじゃあないのか?」 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | The guard sent out by the military advisor returned, walked to the advisor and whispered into his ear. The advisor whispered hastily back, but was interrupted by Aritcio.\\ | ||
+ | "Is there anything I should be concerned about?" | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「いえ、決してそのようなことは」軍事顧問は答えた。「しかし、少々特別な来客があったようでして」\\ | ||
+ | 「なに?」\\ | ||
+ | 「< | ||
+ | 宗教顧問は凍りついたが、何も言わなかった。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | "No, not in the least," | ||
+ | " | ||
+ | "A Speaker of Truths." | ||
+ | The religious advisor stiffened up, but said nothing. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 外の轟音はもはや無視できないほどになっていた。まるで宮廷を洗い流そうとする津波のようだ。衛兵たちはしっかりと持ち場を守っていたものの、心配そうに顔を見合わせた。そして扉の外から聞こえてくる音は、悲鳴でもなければ絶叫でもなく、雑音の奔流と化していた。まるで、今にもその最初の波が流れこんでくるのではないかと思わせるような。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | The roar outside couldn' | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 扉が無数の拳に叩かれ、何千というノックの乱れ打ちが巻き起こった。\\ | ||
+ | アリッツィオは玉座のなかでわずかに身じろぎした。「扉を開けたほうがいいと思うのだが」 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | There was a thunderous roll of staccato knocks on the doors, made by innumerable fists.\\ | ||
+ | Aritcio shifted slightly in his chair. "I suppose we had better open," he said. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 扉が動き、おびただしい数の群衆の姿が見えると、衛兵たちは武器に手をかけた。だが、軍事顧問が手を上げて部下を制した。「まだ待て」\\ | ||
+ | 群衆から小柄な人影が進み出て、部屋へと入ってきた。伝統的な高級聖職者のローブをまとった、干からびた灰色の老人。彼は先端が円形に渦を巻いた高い杖によりかかりながら歩み寄ってくる。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | The doors slowly parted, revealing an agitated mass of people outside. The guards put their hands on their weapons, but the military advisor raised a hand. " | ||
+ | A small figure detached itself from the group and walked into the court. It was an old man, wizened and grey, in the traditional robe of high religious officials. He walked with the aid of a tall staff, the head of which curled into a circle. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「< | ||
+ | 「いかにも」老人は優しげに微笑みながら、彼女に言葉を返した。「ここを訪れるのは、おお、少なくとも1世紀ぶりになるのう。どうせなら非公式な立場で来られればよかったのだが。しかし、拙僧とともに来た者たちを見れば分かろうが、まことに深刻な問題を扱わなければならなくなったのでな」 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | " | ||
+ | "The same," the man replied and smiled kindly to her. "I wish this were an informal visit, seeing as how I haven' | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 老人の言葉とともに、群衆から何人かが進み出た。全員が宮廷に入ることを認められた貴族たちだった。法によって定められているので貴族の立ち入りは拒めないが、入れたからといっても、宮廷の主は気まぐれによって追い出すこともできる。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | As he spoke, several members of the mob marched in his wake. They were all Holders and as such were allowed to enter the court unimpeded; refusal of entry to a Holder was considered an offence, although once let in, the Holder could be removed at the Heir's whim without consequence. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 20人余りの貴族が< | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | The Holders, roughly two dozen, formed a half-circle around the Speaker. All faced the throne, staring fixedly at Aritcio. The doors were kept open, as per tradition when a full house was at hand, and several members of the mob held activated video cameras. In deference to the Heir's presence, they kept their hands over the camera lenses, but the microphones were very much active. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「いったい何の騒ぎだ?」アリッツィオは言った。「貴様は何故ここにいるのだ?」\\ | ||
+ | 「拙僧もここにいることを驚いております」< | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | " | ||
+ | " | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「質問の答えになっていないぞ」\\ | ||
+ | 「そうですな、確かに答えになっていません。しかし、殿下は既に拙僧の質問に答えてくださいました」\\ | ||
+ | 「どういうことか説明しろ」 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | "That doesn' | ||
+ | "No, milord. It doesn' | ||
+ | "Make sense, man." | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「よろしい」< | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | "Very well," the Speaker said. He gestured at the people behind him. "These men and women have grievances which must be righted. The ones in the corridor have ones of their own. And that roar you hear outside, that's from the ones who heard of my trip here and decided to follow. I have travelled a long way, milord, and the journey has been fraught with danger, even more so than I expected when I set out." | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 彼はいったん言葉を切り、さらに玉座へ近づいた。そして、失われた魂の帰還を歓迎するかのように、あるいは魂の追放を宣言するかのように、両腕を広げる。< | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | He marched closer to the throne, stopping short of the steps that led up to it. He spread his arms, opening them as one might when welcoming back a lost soul, or equally when proclaiming its banishment. His voice, though far from loud, was heard clearly; it was the only sound in the room apart from the hum of recorders and the muted noise of the people outside. "As to why I am here, milord, it's really quite simple. I have come to kill you." | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 誰も何も言わなかった。何秒かのあいだ、息さえ止まる沈黙が流れた。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | No one said a word. For a few moments, no one even breathed. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 沈黙はやかましい音によって破られた。窒息しそうな甲高いクスクス笑いから始まり、やがて耳障りな低い笑いとなり、最後に馬鹿笑いへ変わった。アリッツィオはあまりに激しく笑いすぎて、もう少しで玉座から転げ落ちるところだった。「貴様が?!」アリッツィオは吠えるように< | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | Then the silence was punctured by a noise: a choked, high pitched giggle that turned into a rasping neigh, then a guffaw. Aritcio laughed so hard, he nearly fell out of his chair. " | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「それはそれとして、ここにいるのは拙僧だけではありませんからな」< | ||
+ | |||
+ | アリッツィオは真剣な表情を取り繕おうとしたが、結局失敗した。「で、貴様を送って寄越したのは誰だ?」 | ||
+ | |||
+ | 「何を…他ならぬ殿下ご自身です」 | ||
+ | |||
+ | 「何だと? おお神よ、こいつはますます傑作だ」 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | "Be that as it may, I appear not to be the only one," the Speaker said, quite calmly.\\ | ||
+ | Aritcio, trying unsuccessfully to put on a serious expression, said, "Who sent you?" | ||
+ | "Why ... you did, milord." | ||
+ | "What? Oh heavens, this keeps getting better." | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | < | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | The Speaker turned to the people with him, pointing at a man standing to his right. "This is Rakban Vennegh," | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「これを招いたのはあなた自身です」< | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | "You created this," the Speaker continued. "If I am here, milord, it is because you called me here, even if you were not aware of it. The Speakers are arbitrators second only to the Emperor, and we go where we are needed." | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | < | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | He adjusted his cloak slightly, and said, "Right now, milord, there' | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「馬鹿を言え」アリッツィオは一蹴した。\\ | ||
+ | 軍事顧問も付け加えた。「殿下は畏れ多くも帝国の相続人であらせられます。平民はおろか、貴族といえども玉体を傷つけることは出来ません」\\ | ||
+ | < | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | Aritcio said, "Fat chance." | ||
+ | The military advisor added, "He is an Heir to the throne. They cannot touch him." | ||
+ | The Speaker of Truths fixed him with a steely glance. "As a matter of fact, milord, they can." | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | アリッツィオ達は言い返そうとしたが、< | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | Before they had a chance to respond, he said, " | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 宗教顧問が反駁した。「私たちもその法は存じています。太古の時代、怒れる神々の文言ですね。本件には何の関係もないと思いますが」\\ | ||
+ | 「ところが、関係あるのだ」< | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | The religious advisor said, " | ||
+ | "Oh, but it does," the Speaker said. " | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「結局、貴様は私をどうしようというのだ」アリッツィオが言った。\\ | ||
+ | 「彼にはどうすることも出来ません、殿下」宗教顧問が答え、彼女は< | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | "You are not touching me," Aritcio said.\\ | ||
+ | "He can't do a thing to you, milord," | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「確かに、そなたの言うとおり」< | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | " | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | アリッツィオが噛みついた。「では何が問題なのだ? 外の連中がこぞって訴えたところで、貴様が手に入れられるのはせいぜい髪一束くらいのものだろう」\\ | ||
+ | < | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | Aritcio said, "So what's the problem? Even with the people outside, you'd hardly have enough to give me a haircut." | ||
+ | The Speaker replied, "These are just the ones who joined in my march. Word is reaching us from everywhere in the area. There are a lot of people who are very angry at you, milord, and should they all stake their claim at once, you will be reduced to atoms." | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | だんだんと陰鬱な口調になってきていたアリッツィオは、宗教顧問のほうを向いて尋ねた。「こやつが言っていることは本当か? 本当にこやつは…この…この< | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | Aritcio, who had grown increasingly sombre in tone, turned to his religious advisor. "Is this true?" he said. "Does this man, this ... this Speaker of Truths," | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 宗教顧問は何も言わず、ただ目を閉じたままうなずいた。\\ | ||
+ | アリッツィオは軍事顧問のほうも振り返る。「確かか?」\\ | ||
+ | 顧問はぎょっとした。「いえ、臣には、これは、その…」\\ | ||
+ | 「答えろ。こいつには私を処刑するだけの力があるのか?」\\ | ||
+ | 軍事顧問は頭を垂れ、床を見つめたまま答えた。「…はい、殿下。臣は彼の者の言うことが事実だと考えます」 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | The religious advisor said nothing, merely closed her eyes and nodded.\\ | ||
+ | Aritcio turned to his military advisor. "Does he?"\\ | ||
+ | The advisor was stunned. "Well, I don't, that is, well-" | ||
+ | " | ||
+ | The military advisor lowered his head, stared at the floor. "Yes, milord. I do believe he does." | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | それを聞いて、アリッツィオは再度< | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | Aritcio turned back to the Speaker. "I don't see why I should act according to your demands. Why shouldn' | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「拙僧に手を出す者は破門されるだけでなく、歴代記から名を消されるでしょう。そうなれば、その者の生命と人格は無に等しくなる。殿下も例外ではございませんぞ。< | ||
+ | < | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | "If they attack me," said the Speaker, "not only will they be excommunicated and their names stricken from the Book of Records, their lives and personas becoming nonentities, | ||
+ | The Speaker closed his eyes, breathed in deeply, then said, "This is it, milord. This is the end of the road. This is the sins come back to ruin." | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「だから何だと言うのだ、たかが暴動にすぎん」\\ | ||
+ | 「暴動ではありません、殿下。これは革命です」 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | " | ||
+ | "No, milord. It's a revolution." | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 再び沈黙が降りてきた。今や、耳に入るのは外の騒ぎだけではなくなっていた。ビデオカメラの稼働音もはっきりと聞こえる。それが宮廷の外で待ち構えている民衆、そして領内の家々にこの様子を中継していることは疑いようもない。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | Silence descended again. Not even the roar could be heard now. There was the hum from video cams, whose recordings were undoubtedly being broadcast to the hordes outside and to a myriad of homes elsewhere. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 軍事顧問が沈黙を破った。「我々は…どうにかして事を収めなければ。御当主が廃位されるにせよ、革命が起きるにせよ、いずれにしても御家が滅んでしまう。外の軍勢は…」彼は他の皇家には触れなかったが、誰もがすべての皇家を巻きこむ可能性を考えていた。「外の軍勢は我々を討ち果たすだろう。確かに御当主の統治は民衆の怒りを買うものだったかもしれないが、我々は何とかして彼をお助けしなければならない。何としても。もし反乱と弑逆を民衆の欲しいままに許せば、アリッツィオ様であろうが、他の誰であろうが、コルアゾール家は二度と帝位継承者を輩出することはなくなってしまう」 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | The military advisor stepped forth. "We ... can't let this happen," | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | < | ||
+ | 「もしも…いや、私にも民衆が考えなおす可能性はないと分かっている」軍事顧問は続けた。「だが、少し説得することは出来ないだろうか?」 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | The Speaker leaned on his staff. "And what do you suggest, then?" | ||
+ | "Is there ... no, I know there is no chance that the people will be dissuaded from this," the advisor said. "But are there some that might be persuaded to wait?" | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | またも外から轟音。\\ | ||
+ | 「分かった、望み薄なのは認める」軍事顧問はすぐさま負けを認めた。「しかし、あえて言わせてくれ。民衆は本当に流血の惨事を望んでいるのか? ひとたび武器を手にとれば、経済はめちゃくちゃになり、やがて軍が出動するだろう。彼らは自分たちの生活どころか、命そのものまで賭すつもりなのか?」\\ | ||
+ | 「もはや民が思いとどまることはない」< | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | There was a roar outside.\\ | ||
+ | "All right, perhaps not that many," the advisor conceded. "But still. Are these people willing to risk the repercussions of a bloody revolt? Will they suffer through the economic turmoil that's sure to follow, and the possibility of military interaction? | ||
+ | "They will not be dissuaded from their claim," | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「なら、こうしよう」顧問は別の提案を持ちだした。「せめて最も重大な陳情を抱えている者たちに限らせてほしい。彼らにだけ復讐させるんだ。しかしお願いだから、コルアゾール家と御家につらなる人々のため、彼の命だけは」\\ | ||
+ | 「まぁ、それならいいだろう」アリッツィオが口を挟んだが、誰も聞いていない。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | "Then grant us this," the advisor said. "Have those people come forth who have the most grievous claims. Let them have their retribution. But please, for the love of the house and everyone in it, let the Heir live." | ||
+ | "I agree," | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「民が認めるかどうか怪しいものだのう」< | ||
+ | 「認めてくれることを願う。御当主が死なないにしても、彼が二度と顔を出さないよう私たちが処理するから」\\ | ||
+ | 「何だと?」アリッツィオは予想だにしない言葉に愕然とした。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | "I don't know if the people will agree to that," the Speaker said.\\ | ||
+ | "I hope they will. Because even if the Heir won't die, we will bring him to the point of oblivion." | ||
+ | " | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 軍事顧問は気にも留めず、言葉を続けた。「もし100万人が声を上げれば、私たちは彼の腕を切る。さらに100万人が声を上げれば、今度は足を切る。切って切って切りまくって、肉を裂き、血を流させる。ただし生きのびるのに最低限必要な部分だけは見逃してくれ」\\ | ||
+ | 「貴様、正気か?」アリッツィオの声は再び無視された。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | The advisor continued, "If a million comes forth, then we shall remove an arm. If another million comes forth, we shall remove a leg. We shall cut and cut and cut, we shall rend flesh and drain blood until there is nothing left but the bare essentials." | ||
+ | "Are you insane?" | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「お願いだ。頼むから、御当主が生きながらえ、多少の務めを果たすための肉体は残させてくれ。言ってしまえば、領地を治めるのに腕や足が絶対必要というわけではないし、五感が完全でなくてもいいだろう。目が1つ、耳が1つ、あとは舌が少しと、歯と皮膚さえあればいい」 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | "All I ask, for all our sakes, is that there be enough for the Heir to live, and continue functioning to some degree. After all, a person needs not limbs to govern, nor all his senses. One eye suffices; one ear; and some remains of tongue, teeth and skin." | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「そんな仕打ちは耐えられん」アリッツィオが言う。\\ | ||
+ | そこで、やっと軍事顧問は主のほうを振り返った。「では、殿下はお命を落とすより他にありません。彼らはあなたを細切れにしようとしています」\\ | ||
+ | 「そうしようとしているのはお前ではないか」\\ | ||
+ | 「この方法なら、少なくとも一部は残せます。そこから残りの部分を再生成することもできましょう」 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | " | ||
+ | The advisor turned to him and said, "Then you will die, milord. They will tear you to pieces." | ||
+ | "You will tear me to pieces." | ||
+ | "At least this way, there will be something left, milord. And we can regrow the rest." | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | < | ||
+ | 「それは本人が死んだときの話だろう」軍事顧問が言う。「私たちは彼を生かす。生かして、加速再生装置を使う。そうすれば私たちは法を犯さずに済むし、民衆も彼の肉を手に入れられる」 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | The Speaker said, " | ||
+ | "Only if the person dies," the advisor said. "But if we keep him alive and put him through accelerated cellular regrowth, we violate no law, and the people can have their pound of flesh." | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | < | ||
+ | 「いや、正直言ってそうは思わないが」軍事顧問は答えた。\\ | ||
+ | アリッツィオが2人の会話を遮った。「貴様ら、私がまだここにいるのを忘れるなよ」 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | "Do you think that's enough?" | ||
+ | " | ||
+ | " | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 軍事顧問はもう一度アリッツィオのほうを向いた。「殿下、心からの親愛と敬慕の念をこめて申し上げる。御家が革命の危機に瀕しています。このままでは殿下の首が落ちるのも時間の問題です。この状況をご理解いただけておりますでしょうか? どんな不満があっても、それを我慢しなければ殿下は死ぬしかないという状況を?」\\ | ||
+ | アリッツィオは黙りこんだ。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | The advisor turned to him, " | ||
+ | Aritcio fell silent. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 軍事顧問は< | ||
+ | 「そして、それには生命も含まれる」< | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | The advisor turned back to the Speaker. "If he should make any kind of decision that the people greatly disfavour," | ||
+ | "And, with it, his life," the Speaker said. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「生命も含まれる」顧問も繰り返した。「これで民衆は了解してくれるだろうか? 古き統治者は消え去り、新しい統治者が現れる。まったくの別人だ。あらゆる意味で、まったくの別人だ」\\ | ||
+ | < | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | "And his life," the advisor said. "Do you think the people will settle for that? A new ruler, to replace the old. A new man. In every sense of the word." | ||
+ | The Speaker gave this due thought. Aritcio had fallen silent. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 「よかろう」ついに< | ||
+ | 押し寄せた民衆がふたたび叫び声をあげ、宮廷の床がびりびりと震えた。だが、今度は怒号ではなく、歓声だった。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | " | ||
+ | The hordes outside raised their voices again, so loud that the palace floor trembled. But they were not roars this time. They were cheers. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | ---- | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | アリッツィオは手術台の上に縛りつけられていた。天井にはビデオカメラが据えられ、外科医も額に小さなカメラを装着している。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | Aritcio lay strapped down on a surgeon' | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 外科医は電気メスを使い、ゆっくりと慎重にアリッツィオの皮膚を切り開いていく。流れだした血はすぐにプラスチック管に吸いとられ、透析機に流れこみ、そのままアリッツィオの肉体へと戻っていった。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | Using an electric scalpel, the surgeon slowly and methodically cut off pieces of Aritcio' | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 麻酔は使われていない。アリッツィオはゴム製のマウスガードを革紐でくわえさせられ、額に青筋たてている頭をがっちりと固定されている。メスが少し動くたび、中継放送には耳障りなノイズが混じりこんだ。放送を見ていた人々は、初めそれは音声の乱れだと思っていたが、やがて正体がアリッツィオのしわがれ声だと分かった。喉から先には出ていかない、切り刻まれる帝位継承権者の絶叫だった。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | No anaesthesia was applied. The Heir had a rubber mouth guard affixed to his mouth with leather straps, and bit down on it with such force that veins stood out in his forehead. With each cut there was a raspy noise that onlookers had at first thought to be disturbance in the audio section of the broadcast, but turned out to be the Heir's hoarse voice, screams that got no further than his throat. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 外科医は切開部を瞬時に焼いて止血するため、時おりレーザーを使った。だが、レーザーを使えば神経も焼いてしまうので、民衆はそれが不満でならなかった。アリッツィオの肉体は鋼のメスで八つ裂きにされればいいと思われていた。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | Sometimes the doctors would use lasers, so as to immediately cauterize the wounds, but since lasers also killed nerves, the public had deemed it grossly unsatisfactory. Scalpels were now the tool of choice. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 軍事顧問と宗教顧問が手術室までやって来ることもあった。彼らは主がバラバラにされるのを淡々と見守った。宗教顧問は手術が始まってから何一つ語っていない。軍事顧問も言葉少なだったが、内科医長や軍人などの関係者にアリッツィオが死なないことを理解させるため、短い静かな会話を交わしていた。アリッツィオは死なないが、死んだも同然の状態になるので、監視者と世話人たちは然るべき手順を踏んで彼を復活させなければならない。まずはコルアゾール家の当主を蘇らせることが第一で、彼の人格や宗教法云々は二の次である、と。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | The military and religious advisors sometimes attended the sessions, watching dispassionately as their master was dismembered. The religious advisor had made no comment since the sessions started. The military advisor had said little, too, except for a brief, secret conversation with the head physician and certain military personnel, where it had been explained to the full understanding of everyone involved that the Heir would not die. And should he expire, well, his captors and caretakers were expected to take whatever steps necessary to ensure he would live again, regardless of personal morals and religious law. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | アリッツィオ自身もほとんど何も言わなかった。ここで必要とされているのは彼の肉体であって、彼の言葉ではなかった。 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | Aritcio himself said little as well. There was such demand for his elements that he hardly had any time to rule at all. | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP group> | ||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | 外科医はメスを洗い、カメラに向けてゆっくり話しかけた。「今、最後の指の皮膚を剥がしました。それでは腱に注目してください。次の作業に移ります」 | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||
+ | <WRAP half column> | ||
+ | The surgeon cleaned his scalpel, and spoke slowly into the camera. " | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | </ | ||
+ | |||