第５３４堀：仕事仕事仕事 (Part2)
I had intended to guide them eventually, but perhaps this current situation is a stroke of luck.
"This meeting, in a sense, could potentially become a secret summit not only between Weed and the Findarl Empire, but also between the Findarl Empire and the Haiden Kingdom. That is why it was desirable for the host location to be a third party."
It’s a basic principle when dealing with hostile nations. Since both sides face personal danger in each other’s territory, the logic is to simply hold the meeting in a neutral country. Though, for the country providing the venue, while it is an honor, the logistical burden of ensuring the meeting proceeds safely is an immense headache.
In this case, it was originally meant to be a reconciliation meeting between Weed and the Findarl Empire, and based on that, the Findarl Empire requested a summit with the Haiden Kingdom. Well, saying that, Baide is effectively Weed’s territory now, but as Georgin said, it also serves as a way to show off Weed’s power and implicitly warn them against starting any trouble.
This secret meeting must be a welcome opportunity for both the Findarl Empire and the Haiden Kingdom. It is rare to find a chance to hold proper discussions when dealing with hostile nations.
"In that case, do I need to guide Princess Carrie and Duke Kamishiro to Weed first?"
Once the Imperial delegation arrives, I’ll be tied up entirely with them. If I don’t guide them beforehand, I’ll be physically short-handed.
"…I apologize for making such unreasonable demands."
Perhaps feeling guilty that I’m about to dive back into a hellish workload, Georgin bows his head with a deeply apologetic expression.
"That said, we don't have much time, do we?"
As I mentioned earlier, the bigwigs from the Empire will arrive in Baide in just two or three days. That means I need to get the Haiden members to Weed before then.
"The Duke’s 'Collection of Wisdom' is moving to Baide anyway, so while we’re at it, I’ll have Princess Carrie and Duke Kamishiro come to Weed. For guides, how about Vilia and Dressa? They’ve already met at the Kamishiro Dukedom."
Taiki and Ruth have guard duties in Baide, and they were dispatched from the Ranks Kingdom originally. Since they came here with the lure of potentially forming friendships with other nations on this unknown continent, I can't pull them back to Weed.
"In that case, until the Empire arrives in Baide, shall I accompany them as a guide who knows Weed, supporting Duke Kamishiro?"
"Ah, that would be a huge help. In that case, should I have Kagura support Princess Carrie?"
"That would be for the best. Even though they are of the same gender, Vilia and Dressa are your direct retainers, Yuki-sama. Given the circumstances, it is inevitable that they would feel intimidated after seeing Weed with their own eyes. Having Kagura-dono there should alleviate that somewhat."
Even though Georgin is with the Duke, Kagura is his daughter. She’ll likely serve as his conversational partner as well; that girl has her hands full too.
"Well, if that’s decided, we can't dawdle. We have no time. Let’s have them move out within the day."
"Is that alright? It’s almost evening already, you know?"
"Delaying it won't change much, so let's get it done now. Georgin-dono, please return to the Duke first and inform him that you will be guiding them to Weed. I don't imagine he will refuse."
"That goes without saying. And you, Yuki-sama?"
"I’ll contact the members in Weed to prepare for their arrival. They’ll be expecting a guide, so please follow their instructions. I need to meet with Catherine to confirm the welcome preparations, so it’s impossible for me to join up with you today."
"…I was the one who proposed this, but please, do not push yourself too hard."
"I’m managing things so I don’t collapse, so I’ll make it work."
With that, Georgin and I parted ways to begin our tasks. While contacting the relevant parties, I checked the welcome preparations with Catherine. Ah, I’m so busy.
As Cleena and Samantha were also busy helping me with the communications, Cleena suddenly muttered as if she had just remembered something.
"Come to think of it, Yuki."
"What is it?"
"Did you get the hoodie you lent to Kagura back?"
"No, not yet."
I hadn't had the luxury of time for that. It’s been a whirlwind since then.
"In that case, this might be bad."
"Mm. This is bad."
"What are you two talking about?"
"She’s wrapped in Yuki-sama’s scent. She might get the wrong idea."
"Mm. She might fall in love with Yuki."
"As if that would happen."
What kind of easy-to-sway character is that? Does that really happen just because I lent her a hoodie?
"Well, you had her stripped down to her undergarments and then protected her…"
"Usually, that kind of casual kindness leaves an impression."
"Don't be ridiculous."
Would something like that really happen in that chaotic situation?
…It couldn't, right?
Holding onto that lingering shred of anxiety, I was chased by the busyness of the moment and promptly forgot about it. And so, between guiding a princess who didn't know Weed and preparing for the summit with the Empire, I remained incredibly busy.
I truly had no room to worry about Kagura. Honestly, being this busy with work is just the worst.