第２２１堀：意外な交渉 (Part3)
"Hahaha!! I was trembling, thinking I was dealing with monsters who couldn't hold a conversation, but it seems you folks have your own share of troubles, too."
As we were having that exchange, the middle-aged man burst into hearty laughter.
"No, that’s only natural from your perspective. Just as we were terrified, it seems you were wary of us as well. My apologies for the trouble. You even went so far as to put on a comedy act to lower our guard. I thank you for that. 'Lich-dono,' I presume? I apologize for raising my guard just because I saw a skull."
"Not at all. I have this sort of face, so even my own kin are startled by it. Especially at night."
"Haha, that can't be helped. I think I’d lose my footing if I saw you, too."
After laughing like that, the man’s eyes turned sharp. Is this his face as a soldier, I wonder?
"Now then, let me get to business. I will be blunt: I would like you to vacate the collapse site."
"That is truly blunt. May I ask the reason?"
No, the reason is obvious—it’s to rescue their friendly forces, isn't it?
"I don't mind telling you. We received reports that 100,000 of our Enaria soldiers are at the collapse site, and we have come to rescue them. Therefore, I would like your cooperation if possible. I will not ask who you are. We simply want to save the lives of our comrades. We both raised our guard because we brought large armies, but as far as we are concerned, there is no reason to fight as long as you do not hinder the rescue."
Well, it’s just as I expected. But it’s also unexpected—I thought they would come at us in a head-on clash. If they do this, we can't collect their supplies unless we attack them first. Initiating the attack is a headache for someone like me who usually protects the peace.
"And, my apologies. I’ve only been stating our own wishes. It is unfair to state our desires without listening to your circumstances or wishes. If you don't mind, could you tell me? Why are you here?"
Uh, I can't exactly say, "We planned to crush you appropriately and loot your supplies." Well, I'll just change the strategy. Actually, it’s better than I thought; it seems like this might end peacefully. So, I...
"We are those who live in the ruins at the collapse site. The people who wandered in couldn't communicate and were rampaging, so we were on guard when people like you arrived."
"Ah, I see. They are young, after all. Wait—are they safe!?"
"Yes. I want to chase them out quickly, but I'm worried they'll just come back, and they’ve been raiding the food supplies inside. I can't just let them go for free."
"...That stands to reason. So, what must we do to have them..."
"Well, I would like them to return at least the amount of food they ate without permission."
"...Um, there are about 100,000 of them, aren't there?"
"Yes."
"...That is a month's worth and then some... I cannot decide on such a quantity by myself, so I would like to consult with my superiors..."
"That is only natural. For now, since rescuing them from this collapse site will take time, please take them out through another exit. Even if I wanted to guide you, they keep attacking us, so I can't lead them."
"...That is, well, my apologies."
"For now, it’s a nuisance to have any more of my kin harmed, so could you at least take them away? I will provide guidance, so the food issue can be settled later."
"...I am grateful."
The man who called himself Hein left, carrying a heavy burden on his shoulders. Hmm, was asking for 100,000 rations too much?
"...Hey, Mino-chan."
"What is it?"
"I feel like I'm doing something worse than just chasing them off in battle."
"That's true. Want to hear the boss's prediction?"
"It's scary, but I'll listen."
"It is scary. The boss's plan is..."
***
**Side: Yuki**
"Listen, Mino-chan. You and the collapse site unit might end up fighting the Enaria rescue army at worst."
"I know that, but I'm not really cut out for that sort of thing."
Well, Mino-chan basically looks after the children at school; he hates fighting. But being a Minotaur is important for the negotiations. If Mino-chan, whose name is legendary on that continent, is the opponent, the enemy cannot ignore him.
"But in the unlikely event that the enemy tries to negotiate, you, with your gentle nature, are the most suitable person for the job. That’s why you’re the commander, Mino-chan."
"The enemy... negotiating? To them, we are just monsters. The only ones who get along with us are the people of Weed."
Mino-chan shook his head sadly. Well, even in Weed, there are some who avoid Mino-chan, so I'm sure he's been through a lot. But my friend needs to grow even bigger. Well, I’m not saying he should become *that*, though.
"Mino-chan, the world is vast, so go see more things. There will definitely be people out there who will call you a friend."
"You think so?"
"Of course. I’m from another world, aren't I? And I get along with you, don't I? Anyway, that aside, here is how you handle it if they come to negotiate."
"I understand. Teach me, boss."
"Demand the expenses incurred so far. If you do that, since they were the ones who brought the negotiation to you, they can't just brush it off. This will leave them without provisions, making it impossible for them to fight. It’s a win-win since we don't even have to steal."
"What kind of expenses are we talking about?"
"Just tell them they came to save the people in the dungeon, and those people ate all the dungeon's food. Furthermore, if you say you'll hand them over, they can't say no, right? See, those are the expenses."
"...As always, that's a cruel strategy."
"Heh, call it a way to avoid fighting. Besides, since the wives seem to be planning to rampage in their own way, I can't just sit around doing nothing. It’s perfect—it gives us a foothold to investigate Enaria without any trouble. Oh, and if they attack you on the way, feel free to dispose of them."
Now then, what method will the other side take? Will they charge in and lose, or will they negotiate and retreat? Either way, I’ll get hostages as collateral, so the result won't change. They'll either be captured by the Zilba Empire without supplies, or captured by us Mino-chan-s as collateral for expenses—that’s all there is to it. The treatment will differ, though. Personally, I want to handle it entirely ourselves, so it would be better if they talk to Mino-chan.