第９５掘：重鎮達への対策
**Dungeon Excavation 95: Countermeasures for the Dignitaries**
**Side: Teague, First Prince of Gartz**
The general policy had been decided.
However, this alone would not be enough to convince the dignitaries—the vassals who support our nation. We have put our faith in Seraria, but there is no guarantee that others aren't harboring ulterior motives.
No, that applies to our own country as well.
Still, anxiety is inevitable.
To suppress that anxiety, we must secure favorable conditions or ensure the situation is advantageous; otherwise, the vassals' unease and dissatisfaction will only mount.
Above all, if Higil’s assessment is correct, refusing is not a wise move. Gartz would truly be left behind by the other nations. If there is malice involved, we must swallow it and deal with it accordingly.
"Now then, assuming we accept Seraria’s proposal, there will still be backlash."
"Yes. We are talking about building an unknown dungeon beneath the royal capital. There will certainly be an opposition faction."
"That is to be expected. However, with the official endorsement from the Adventurer Guild, can we not push it through?"
"Pushing it through is possible. But would that not create unnecessary resentment and lead to problems down the line?"
"That is true. Perhaps we should ask for their wishes so that we can keep those concerns in check. We have no choice but to consult with Seraria and find a middle ground."
"That is the most reasonable approach."
As I thought, it comes to this.
No matter what we do, there will be backlash. To minimize it, we must incorporate the opinions of the opposition and aim for stability.
"However, what if they are planning something untoward?"
I voiced my greatest fear, even though I knew it was rude.
"Hmm. It is not wise to exclude that possibility from our considerations... but."
"Brother. If the person capable of controlling Seraria and the dungeon associated with her holds malice, there is nothing we can do. In fact, there is no point in even discussing it. You saw it, didn't you? That doppelganger. A fake that was indistinguishable from the real thing. If they were serious, they could crush Gartz or replace us at any time."
"I am aware of that. But we must also consider other factors. For example, sabotage by those who do not wish for friendship between our nation and the dungeon."
"...I see. We must avoid turning a party we definitely don't want as an enemy into one, simply because of a third party's interference."
Exactly. We must avoid hostility with the dungeon ruled by Seraria at all costs.
However, those who do not welcome this friendship will inevitably appear. They will surely try to sever the ties between the dungeon and our nation. That, at the very least, we must prevent.
"Indeed. We must discuss that point thoroughly with Seraria as well."
"Yes. Then, I believe the best flow would be to discuss what we have decided with Seraria, obtain her consent, and then present it to the dignitaries to persuade them."
"Agreed. It will be easier if we clear it with Seraria first."
"Then, let us hold a conference with Seraria again tomorrow."
"Understood!"
***
**Side: Seraria**
"How do you think it will go?"
We returned to our assigned room and held a meeting with everyone via the Call.
We have no need for a table. I haven't told the Gartz side just how convenient this communication function is, but they would be shocked if they knew.
"Well, since we are an unknown entity, even if they trust us, they will likely attach various conditions to appease their surroundings... their vassals."
"I agree. I believe my father and brother will think the same."
"Indeed. Unlike with Litea, this is a negotiation from the very beginning. I expect they will have their own demands."
It seems Shera and Rurua share the same opinion.
"What do you think, dear?"
I asked my husband, whom I trust above all else, and who possesses the greatest intellect I have ever known. (A bit of maidenly bias, perhaps.)
"Well, I generally agree with everyone."
"Generally, huh? Where do you think there might be a discrepancy?"
"Hmm, if things go poorly, they might bring us out in front of Gartz's vassals."
"I think that’s to be expected, isn't it?"
"No, I mean all of us."
"...Ah, I see."
I understand now. If that happens, various troublesome things are likely to occur.
"Um, excuse me. Is there a problem with appearing before their vassals?"
"No, that in itself isn't the problem. But if, by some chance, the opposition faction attacks us as monsters, how should we respond?"
"W-what!?"
Oh my, Shera’s eyes are wide with shock.
"Well, even if we are 'fakes,' we have no reason to just take it."
"...I will resist. Or rather, I will annihilate them."
"Indeed. I agree with Kaya-sama. Even if we are fakes, we are envoys who are no different from the real thing. If they try to harm us, it is only natural to strike back."
"Well, I don't want to die either. I didn't become a Guild Master for nothing. I’ll at least protect myself."
"Exactly. If they try to harm my husband or us, we will respond with full force."
"That goes without saying. If they try to harm my husband or us, I won't hold back."
"I don't want to be attacked either. I shall show them the power of the Fairy race."
Everyone agrees on interception. Naturally.
"No, that’s not the point. Protecting ourselves is a given, but the question is what to do about the negotiations with Gartz if something like that happens. Do we continue? Do we leave? Or do we hold a grudge... well, maybe not a grudge, but just use it as a perfect excuse to pick a fight?"
Ah, that’s what he meant. But... what should we do?
"Ah, I’m in favor of leaving. A threat, if you will. We could publicize their treatment of us to other nations."
"...I also vote to leave. My job is to protect everyone."
"I agree with leaving as well. As a guard, I wouldn't want to stay in a country where such a situation occurs."
"Hmm, I have business with the Gartz guild, so I’d rather not leave and instead continue the negotiations."
Ratz, Kaya, and Quar would leave. Rock has business related to the guild, which is also understandable.
"U-um, I... I don't think such a thing will happen... but in that event, I would like us to somehow continue the negotiations!!"
"Indeed. Even after what happened with Litea, they still negotiated with us, so please, let us continue."
"I... they saved me, so I don't want us to abandon Gartz over such a minor scuffle."
Shera is a given, and Rurua is also in favor of continuing. Narjia agrees as well.
"And you?"
"If I give my opinion, my wives will likely change theirs in an instant, so no comment."
"That’s true, too."
I, too, would lean toward Yuki’s opinion, assuming he had some deep reason for it.
"So, it’s a tie between Seraria, an extended meeting, and the continuation faction. What shall we do?"
"Well..."
Our goal is to gain Gartz's support for the dungeon's independence. Without that, things will become quite troublesome. We know the damage will be minimal, so the option of leaving isn't very appealing.
"I vote to continue the negotiations. But if such a situation does occur, I will push them quite aggressively."
"Y-yes!! Of course!!"
For Shera, this is not exactly good for her heart.
Let’s end it here for today and see how they handle tomorrow.
"Well then, let’s discuss the details tomorrow. We’re tired today, so shall we get some sleep?"
When I said that, everyone agreed. I ended the Call, and we sank into bed, using my husband as a body pillow.
Now then, what does Gartz intend to do?
Apologies for the rather dull talk.
Next time, things might get quite lively and fun!