第１１６掘：各国の勇者への対応 (Part2)
Charl of Gartz was holding her head in her hands.
In order to acknowledge the military movements of Ranks, Gartz had to permit their passage through its territory and designate the specific routes they were to take. Furthermore, measures had to be implemented to ensure that the villages near their encampments would not suffer any collateral damage. Even though the war had ended—or rather, precisely because it had ended—this expenditure was a painful blow to their coffers.
"Since this is also our problem, we don't mind providing the funds," Seraria offered.
"That is a kind offer, but the situation with Ranks is a failure on Gartz's part," Charl replied.
Despite Seraria's attempt to assist, it would be detrimental to Gartz's reputation to accept aid. This was especially true if Ranks were destined to lose. If they were to receive help from Weed so clumsily, it would invite suspicion and cast doubt on Gartz's national strength.
Moreover, this mobilization by Ranks was a direct consequence of Gartz having guided Ranks to Weed in the first place. It would look terrible to push the consequences of a guest they had invited onto someone else—especially the very host that guest had offended.
At the same time, they couldn't exactly lend a hand to Ranks. Gartz knew firsthand of Ranks's misdeeds, and if Ranks were to collapse here, it would be a welcome outcome. Therefore, Gartz had to handle this matter entirely on their own.
"I see. In that case, how about providing technical assistance through the Hero after the matter is settled?" Ratz suggested.
"Oh, that’s a good idea, Ratz," Seraria said. "That way, it won't look like Weed provided the aid, and it can be framed as a return gift from the Hero to Gartz. What do you think?"
"I cannot give you an official answer right now, but I suspect it would be acceptable," Charl replied. "However, technical assistance... what exactly would you provide?"
"My husband and the Hero will figure that out," Seraria said with a wink. "Well, providing existing technology would be fine too, but I think it's better to wait and see what my husband and the others come up with. Their ideas tend to come from completely out of left field."
That was a harsh way to put it. *Manufacturing Japan.* What was wrong with that? Vegetable peelers are convenient! And graters, too! Wait, if I made those, would they sell? There are plenty of general goods, but for kitchenware, they only sell the basics like knives, cutting boards, and pots.
"Look, he seems to have thought of something," Seraria said, looking at me with a delighted expression. Seeing my dissatisfied face only seemed to make her smile wider.
"Come to think of it, Seraria," I interjected. "We've heard the responses from the other nations, but what will Weed do? Well, I have a general idea, but I'd like to hear it officially."
"Right. As you say, Father," Seraria replied. "Weed expects that the Demon race will use this incident to send scouts, so we will strengthen the security at our entrances. We will focus particularly on the town outside the main gate and warn the citizens. As for Ranks, since we don't know the scale of their force, we will avoid making a public statement, but we will certainly crush them. Regarding trade, we will suspend it the moment we receive word that the Ranks army has arrived in Gartz. We plan to resume it one week after the Ranks army has been annihilated. Furthermore, we intend to capture or eliminate every last one of them, but some may flee. Since there is a possibility they could become bandits within Roschur or Gartz, we ask for your vigilance."
With that, the discussion on the various nations' responses concluded, and the meeting shifted to trade. Since it involved money, the debate became quite heated. It was understandable, as it concerned the prosperity of their nations.
"Now then, what should I do next?" I muttered, looking over the documents and contemplating my next move.
With this incident, there is a possibility that the Demon race will also begin to move. Ranks is truly a nuisance.