第５３０堀：爺は気を遣う (Part2)
Perhaps it was because those two were present at that time and place.
"Hmm. I understand the Princess's story well. It was a very meaningful discussion for the future. Now then, Duke, what is your business?"
When I asked, Princess Carry looked surprised for some reason and opened her mouth.
"Ah, no, the main topic starts here. My business and the Duke’s are the same. Please consider what was said earlier as merely my personal greeting."
"I see. It certainly did sound like a greeting. And so, what is this main topic? Does it have something to do with why Kagura-dono is dressed so strangely?"
"You could say it is related. The Duke and I, along with General George, wish to hear more deeply about the internal situation of Weed. It seems there are many things that cannot be understood from Kagura's account alone... General George, you also visited Weed, did you not? Could we ask for your assistance for the sake of future diplomacy with Weed?"
Ah, so both of them have come to know the true state of Weed.
It must have been a bolt from the blue for them.
To be honest, if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I would have thought someone was on drugs.
"Hmm. I understand your request, but I cannot provide an explanation much different from Kagura-dono's. You were both present at the meeting, were you not? Along with Taiki-sama and Ruth-dono here?"
"Yes, we were, but..."
"They are also people who have come from Weed. If there were any mistakes, they would surely deny them immediately."
Realizing this, they opened their mouths again with expressions of disbelief.
"...That, is it true that Weed is a nation with an unbelievably advanced level of technology?"
"It is developed to an unbelievable level. Compared to the standard of living of our country's nobility, it is quite possible that the average citizen of Weed is better off."
"T-that far... Then, is it true that there are vast public baths that wastefully use hot water..."
"There are. Public baths, hot springs that even commoners can use. No, those were quite atmospheric and wonderful."
"...And is it true that the food was unbelievably delicious?"
"There were delicacies unique to Weed, but even the bread was shockingly white. Moreover, they were quite ingenious, with some being sweet or stuffed with sausages, allowing one to enjoy a variety of flavors."
"..." "..."
"I told you it was true..."
Beside them, as they stood stunned, Kagura-dono muttered that.
Well, it’s not their fault; people who haven't seen the real thing can't be expected to believe it.
"A-and, what about their military power..."
"As I believe the Princess knows, Taiki-sama and Ruth-dono are warriors who can fight a thousand men, and Vilia-dono, Dressa-dono, and Aslin-dono—who remains in Baide—are all at a level where they could take on an entire army by themselves. In addition to that, Weed naturally possesses its own military, so you would do well to consider their military power to be several dozen times that of Baide."
"...What on earth are we to do?"
"By summoning Yuki-sama and the others, our country's reputation is at its worst. What on earth..."
The two of them held their heads in their hands as they spoke.
...Come to think of it, Haiden did kidnap Yuki-sama, the royalty and consort of Weed.
That is certainly a headache.
...I am glad that the Empire was able to reconcile so easily.
If I were in their shoes right now, I would surely be coughing up blood.
Wait. If I mediate between Weed and Haiden here, wouldn't that be even more helpful for repairing the relationship between the Empire and Haiden?
Even if Yuki-sama himself has no such intention, it is a significant concern for these two.
They must be feeling restless, wanting to show their intent to apologize by any means necessary.
If so, if this old bone intervenes, things might improve a little.
"Indeed. I understand your concerns well. Fortunately, Yuki-sama has been kind to me and Kagura-dono, so I shall arrange a place where you can properly have another meeting."
"Is that true!!"
"Yes. It would be troublesome if the relationship between Haiden and Weed were to worsen now."
"General George, thank you!! We must maintain a cooperative relationship with Weed at all costs!!"
"Kagura, you must do your best as well!! Listen to General George and assist him. You shall be the representative of the connection between the Empire and Haiden."
"Y-yes!!"
Hmm.
So I have regained Kagura-dono's trust as well.
Now, all that remains is the direct negotiation.
"And so, Taiki-sama. What do you think?"
"!? !?"
Only then did the two of them seem to remember that people related to Weed were present.
They must have been quite flustered.
"That sounds fine. It seems there are various discussions to be had in Baide anyway, so we can gather in Baide first and visit Weed on the way."
"That is a good idea. Fortunately, Princess Stasia is also heading to Baide, so it is perfect."
"W-wait, Sister Stasia is heading to Baide!? Why is that happening!?"
"W-what does this mean, Kagura!?"
"H-how should I know!?"
Well, that is to be expected.
The matter of the meeting with the Empire was kept secret from Kagura-dono.
Well, this means Yuki-sama's workload has increased even further.
...I will make sure to follow up with him later.
That man's workload has reached a terrifying level.
This old man is in this position because of his competence in doing his job well.
And those kinds of people are destined to be worked like pack horses.