“Do not create history”

"Do not create history"

　For me, it's like being told to live without questioning a life that has become a corpse living without any joy.

　In this country, the concept of history has been abandoned, and if you try to write down your casual days in a diary, you will be treated as a major criminal and given a gruesome death.

　I don't understand why the empire takes such a law so seriously.

　It's like Article 1 of Japan's constitution, which is pushing the collective will of the people to the forefront.

　In the case of the Empire, unlike Japan, it is not a "consensus" but a "difference"...

　I can't help but feel that by not weaving history into a valuable asset for humanity, we are actually acting against the will of the empire, which hopes for the progress of the country.

　I wonder what kind of regrettable thinking went into creating such a law...

"Today, when I get home, I have to help in the field, do you guys want to help too?"

　Haiku suddenly started talking to me, against my conscious awareness.

"That's right. I'll help you when I get back today."

"I guess I'm a weaver. Since the demand has increased, I have to help my mother."

"Taxes are also increasing. The land is getting leaner due to overdoing double cropping, so it would be nice if we could get a period of land rest soon, and during that time, we should be able to cultivate new land, but that's impossible. kana?"

"I don't think it's possible. I don't know if it's necessary for the military's invasion to spread further, or for the battlefield where we're currently fighting, but the food supplies my father makes and the military uniforms my mother weaves have been improved year by year. The percentage of people being affected by this is only going to increase.The fact that it's probably going to continue to increase means that now is the decisive moment for the Empire.''

　I can't say for sure, but I have a feeling that soon this village will be involved in the war.

"That's true. But how long will that last?"

"As expected, I don't know that much either. Three years... five years... ten years from now?"

"Ten years is going to be tough. I wonder if it'll be over by next year."

"I don't think it will be possible next year."

"...Why do you think so?"

``Recently, I've been seeing a lot of people passing through this village's grounds to go to the neighboring country.''

"Certainly. They were all merchants. It would be nice if merchant men could stay in this village."

"That's right. If the number of merchants increases, I think the day will come when the empire will recognize our village as a city."

　I hope that such a day will come.

　However, I fear that the situation will change before that day comes.

"... Maybe, but those people aren't merchants."

"...!? What do you mean!?"

"This is just my guess, but there are several reasons. I'll be at school soon, so I'll talk about this another time... No, I think it's better to keep it a secret..."

"Hey, tell me!"

"That's right! It doesn't bother me."

　...Okay!

"If I tell you the reason, it will be long and troublesome."

"The reason why Kai didn't tell me isn't the reason in the first place!...Okay, we can just take a less popular road on the way home, right? Tell us then. Then we won't have to worry about anyone overhearing, and we can... I can be satisfied with.

"There's no point in me talking..."

"Well, it can't be helped since it was my fault for cutting off the conversation when Kai was concerned. I'll keep this a secret from everyone at school, so please tell me."

　Sigh...I'm glad that I was able to get Haiku and Irene's attention on this topic.

　Because I was arrogant and gave off a hint of a secret topic, I don't think I would talk about it recklessly at school.

　If the two of you can be even a little wary of people like that merchant, that will be an advantage for me.