第５３６堀：謁見 (Part2)
"Indeed. Setting aside defense, when it comes to invasion, we only end up hindering one another. Furthermore, there is a treaty in place: once we crush the core of a hostile nation, we have them appoint a representative to rebuild it themselves. We have no desire to waste our own funds on reconstructing a devastated country."
"So, you mean that since incorporating it into your own nation would inevitably lead to a financial burden, you prefer to have them rebuild it themselves?"
I see.
Simply acquiring territory doesn't guarantee immediate revenue, and land taken from an enemy is often a liability.
There are no people, the buildings are in ruins—receiving such a place is hardly a cause for celebration.
It’s the same as when a newly appointed noble receives a remote territory and struggles to find the talent and funding to manage it.
I suppose a nation is no different.
In other words, it’s a matter of saying, "Rebuild your country on your own and do your best over there."
"Well, that is the general consensus of Weed, or rather, the Alliance. With that in mind, Weed has no intention of making unreasonable demands of Haiden. Much less would we want to conquer you; that would only increase our workload. I beg you to spare us from any further trouble."
"……However, reparations will be necessary, will they not?"
"Indeed. This matter cannot simply be glossed over. Well, you may discuss that when you have an audience with our Queen of Weed. We have arranged a time for tomorrow."
"……Understood."
"Now then, we should head back soon. You’ll get lightheaded from the heat."
With that, we finished our bath, and as I sipped my coffee milk, I pondered.
The Queen of Weed, huh?
What kind of person is she?
She is one of Yuki’s wives, and the people of Weed seem to adore her. Is she a very kind woman?
Since they are holding a formal discussion, I know she must be a reasonable person, so perhaps I don't need to worry too much?
……There was a time when I thought that.
I—no, we, the members of Haiden—rested comfortably at the inn, and the next morning, from early dawn, we went to the audience with the Queen.
"Welcome, people of Haiden. I am Seraria, the Queen who rules over Weed."
*Clang!!*
Standing before us with that sharp sound was not a woman of gentle disposition, but rather someone who felt like a warrior.
After all, she had appeared for this audience clad in half-plate armor with a sword strapped to her waist.
Moreover, she had deliberately drawn the sword, scabbard and all, and was holding it upright in front of her like a staff.
The atmosphere surrounding her was taut and prickly.
Yet, even with that demeanor, one could intuitively sense the dignity and aura of royalty.
"It is a supreme honor to be granted this audience, Your Majesty," my father said, starting with the customary greetings.
"And for what purpose have you come to Weed? Do you understand your own standing?"
As the Queen spoke, the air grew heavy in an instant.
Perhaps the prickly atmosphere wasn't just coming from the Queen; it seemed to be contagious, as murderous intent began to spill forth from the surrounding soldiers and maids as well.
Of course, they would be angry, wouldn't they?
Amidst that extreme tension, it was the Princess who opened her mouth in my father's stead.
"……I am aware. Your Majesty Seraria. Due to my careless summoning, I brought your country’s resident, Yuki-sama—your husband—and his family to our Haiden."
"To say you 'brought' them is, to put it mildly, a massive understatement. That was a blatant kidnapping; you should at the very least call it an abduction. I hear your goal was to put them on the front lines of battle. Is it standard practice in your country to kidnap people from abroad and force those who know nothing to fight for your own sake?"
"……That is not the case."
"Then why is my husband still running about, busy with your affairs!!"
"……"
"……I have heard of your situation from my husband. However, let this be clear: the current state of affairs is solely due to my husband’s mercy. Under normal circumstances, it would be no surprise if we had already crossed blades with your nation."
She’s right.
As the Queen said, if it were known that they had kidnapped royalty and were working them to the bone, it wouldn't be strange if war had already broken out.
"With diplomatic relations not even properly established, how does Haiden intend to compensate Weed for using my husband as if he were a mere tool?"
With those words, the Queen drew her sword from its scabbard, which she had been using as a staff, and pointed the tip at the Princess.
"Depending on your answer, I shall take your head here and now, and Weed will declare war on your nation, Haiden. Think carefully before you speak."
Wait, hold on?
Isn't this situation much worse than I thought?
Hey, didn't you say there was no merit for Weed to start a war!? Yuki, Ratz-sama!?
P-Princess, p-please offer a sincere apology!!
"……With all due respect, Your Majesty……"
Then, the Princess steeled herself and opened her mouth.
May it be a response that leads to a future for us all……
And so, the audience began.
Starting with the inevitable topics, how will this end?
Kagura’s stomach is churning with anxiety!!