第５２９堀：本当に忙しい半日 夜明之部 (Part2)
Seeing Kagura tilt her head in confusion, Princess Carrie’s expression hardened, and she began to speak in a sharp, forceful tone.
"Kagura!! We forcibly abducted Yuki-sama and his companions from a place that had nothing to do with us. And they are royalty, no less!! Even if they weren't of noble status, it is only natural that we should return them as human beings!! Have you not heard enough stories about how lonely the first head of your Kamishiro family was?!"
" " "Ah..." " "
With those words, everyone finally realized Princess Carrie’s misunderstanding.
"E-eh? Everyone, what is the matter?"
That was right. Since this princess was such a massive headache to get involved, she was still unaware that Weed, this Baide, and the Kamishiro Duke’s mansion were already connected.
And so, Kagura, having experienced the overwhelming disparity in technology and the fact that Weed could summon reinforcements at will, showed the Princess the tools she had brought back to explain the situation.
Upon hearing the explanation and seeing the cheat-tier equipment, Princess Carrie’s face turned pale. Incidentally, the Kamishiro Duke, who had only known a little about the situation, also turned pale.
"P-please, I beg for your forgiveness!! I know that an apology is not enough. But please, I implore you, please!!"
"I-I am terribly sorry!! Kagura!! Why didn't you tell me about such an important matter... No, I understand. I understand, but... what should we do..."
The Princess, who understood her country well, and the Duke, a pillar of the nation, finally realized after hearing Kagura’s story that they were in a desperate situation.
Well, the Princess did say things that implied she would just use them and then send them back. With such an overwhelming difference in military strength and technology, and knowing that we have backing from other major powers, there really was no way out.
"Well, calm down. My wives were furious about being summoned, but I have no intention of starting a war and causing harm to innocent people."
"...In other words, you will settle for just the heads of the three families responsible? B-but if that happens, it could still lead to a war with Weed!? If that is the case, I will offer my own head, so please..."
As she said this, she pulled out a hidden knife and tried to pierce her own throat, but I quickly stopped her.
"Calm down. I know that demanding your head would only cause more problems. I’m not asking for that. Even though there were some troubles, I should be grateful that I was able to establish a connection with an unknown land. I would appreciate it if you could peacefully cede some territory to us."
"...I see. So you mean Baide? ...Ugh, but that is a trade city. Will the surrounding areas be so easily convinced?"
"I’ve already discussed that a bit with the Duke. Right?"
"Yes, regarding the leased territory. That would certainly not be a problem, but... are you truly sure? I have seen with my own eyes the tools Kagura showed me and the power and ability of Yuki-sama and his people. If you wished, now that reinforcements from the Weed mainland can arrive, you wouldn't need to go through such troublesome measures, would you?"
"As Princess Carrie said, even if I take the land, I don't have the manpower to maintain control and occupation. Honestly, it's a hassle. Oh, but if someone picks a fight, I’ll finish it. Keep that in mind. If you want us to eliminate those who oppose you, I’ll be charging a 'nuisance fee.' Make sure you handle the negotiations properly."
"Y-yes. I will handle it accordingly!!"
"I apologize for my repetitive words!! Please leave the matter of Baide to us!!"
The two of them nodded. Good, good. It seems like securing Baide will work out.
Well, that’s fine, but let’s get to the main point.
"Alright, setting the preamble aside, can I assume that the reason you harmed Clay and his companions was to obtain information?"
"Y-yes. I intended to gather information and, together with my uncle and mother, eliminate those within Haiden who are connected to the Assembly of Wisdom. So, if you would allow me, please leave the... not 'gou-mo,' but the activities to obtain information to me. I cannot let Yuki-sama do such things."
"Is it also because you want to settle a personal grudge?"
"...Yes. I do not believe they were involved in the Age incident, but even so, I ask for your permission."
Princess Carrie bowed her head. That incident with the Princess must have been truly painful for her. However, I couldn't allow it.
"No."
"Why not? For the sake of Haiden, we must obtain information from those scumbags. Therefore..."
"No, I’m going to let them run loose. It’s the easiest way to reach the mastermind. We have some convenient tools, after all."
"Tools, you say?"
That’s right. Torture is a hassle. It’s always better to let those kinds of people run free. Especially since people at this technological level don't know about wiretaps or tracking devices.
Still, since I have a detailed meeting later, including with Georgin who is observing the prisoners, it looks like dawn is going to break before we're done.
After that, the Princess and the Kamishiro Duke will have to prepare to guide us through Weed, and there are reports from the Core and Riza-chan’s group to attend to...
And before that, there’s the preparation for the meeting with the Empire.
Wait? I still can't sleep?
It was here that the Princess finally realized that Weed was already operating on a national scale.
Now, with Weed on the sidelines, how will Haiden, Findarl, and the Assembly of Wisdom—the remnants of Lira—move?