第５４３堀：会談はスムーズに (Part1)
### Chapter 543: The Talks Proceed Smoothly
**Side: Yuki**
The talks between the Weed Kingdom and the Findarl Empire have finally begun.
There was a slight hiccup regarding Princess Stasia at the start, but things have been moving smoothly ever since.
First, we explained the sequence of events.
When the Empire invaded Baide, Princess Carrie and the daughter of Duke Kamishiro—two of the Three Houses—realized they couldn't win with their existing forces. Believing conventional means wouldn't suffice, they performed the legendary summoning ritual. That was how we—or rather, how I—was brought here.
The reason they were so fixated on the summoning was fear. The artifact used for the ritual was a national treasure brimming with magical power; Princess Carrie feared it would be captured and misused, so she refused to let it be used as a mere battery for Kagura’s magic. Consequently, we were summoned and forced to participate in the conflict between the Haiden Kingdom and the Findarl Empire.
However, an unprecedented situation occurred—not just for Princess Carrie, but for everyone involved.
We were supposed to be summoned as heroes of Haiden, but because there were so many of us and our power was so overwhelming, we ended up capturing Princess Carrie and Kagura, who had summoned us. We then subdued Catherine and successfully seized control of Baide. From that moment on, Baide’s allegiance shifted from Haiden to Weed. Well, it was conquered, after all.
With that fact established, we sought to negotiate with the Findarl Empire, which had been marching on Baide. They didn't believe us—though I hadn't expected them to—so the conflict between Haiden and Findarl simply transformed into one between Weed and Findarl. Left with no choice, I used my terrain manipulation ability (*Dig, Doggy, Dig*) to successfully trap the entire Baide army underground.
With that, the battle at Baide reached its conclusion, and we shifted to negotiations.
During a follow-up meeting, Prince George accepted a ceasefire and agreed to stand as an emergency envoy to the Findarl Imperial Capital. In the meantime, the Weed members established contact with our home country and successfully opened a gate. Furthermore, we interrogated Princess Carrie and Kagura, listened to both sides, and began moving toward a resolution.
Initially, due to the pinpoint targeting of the locations where Princess Carrie and the Duke’s daughter were staying, we thought it was a meticulous operation by Findarl. In reality, it appears to have been a plot by the remnants of the Lira Kingdom, disguised as an internal power struggle within Haiden, with the goal of occupying Baide, securing the Princess and Kagura, and annihilating the invading Imperial army.
The evidence for this lies in the fact that a massive army was mobilized against the Imperial forces immediately. While it’s unclear if Baide could have held out, if they had occupied it, the Empire would likely have ended up besieged, using the exhausted Baide as a shield. The direct attacks by the Lira remnants also confirm this.
The Lira remnants struck in two places: first, to eliminate Duke Kamishiro—one of the Three Houses and Kagura’s father—to suppress opposition within the Haiden Kingdom. Second, they targeted Baide, which would have remained a battlefield if Weed hadn't intervened, to secure the Princess and Kagura.
We identified them as Lira remnants because they were using monsters. Currently, they aren't calling themselves the Lira remnants, but are operating under the name "Assembly of Wisdom," a department that used to create magical tools within Haiden. However, based on the insights of Georgin, who accompanied us, it is highly probable they are indeed the Lira remnants. I decided to bring this up because it was appropriate for these talks and necessary for future cooperation.
I’ve talked about a lot, but it’s only been about half a month since I arrived on this new continent. You can see just how busy I’ve been. Plus, I had my duties back in Weed to attend to.
"Well, we need to discuss the Lira remnants issue with the Haiden representatives present, so let’s finish the business between Weed and the Findarl Empire first."
"Yes. I have no objections. Is that alright with you, sister?"
"…Yes. First, we establish friendship with Weed. Then, we must seek to bridge the gap with Haiden. Now that it’s clear the Lira remnants may be involved, if we move carelessly, the Findarl Empire could be rumored to have used the Lira Kingdom to attack Haiden."
Hmm. Princess Stasia is still wearing her helmet, but her judgment is sound.
I see—I can only frown at this. Everything about her is perfect, except for the helmet.
Even during the greetings, perhaps aware of her own rudeness and lack of decorum, she treated me with as much humility as a royal possibly could. Her walk had an aura of "Oh, a noble!?" combined with crisp, efficient movements, and even the way she sat in her chair carried a certain weight. Perhaps she does these things to ensure no one can complain about her.
It’s the classic case of not knowing how to handle someone who is pointlessly perfect when they finally break.
Well, I’m staying out of that. I want to avoid unnecessary flags. I’m insanely busy; I don't have the time. These kinds of problems should be solved by family and kin. They can go play out their own home drama and solve it themselves.
What I need to do now is finalize the ceasefire between Weed and Findarl, and sign a treaty for friendly exchange and trade. The final details are still a long way off, but I have to lay the groundwork here. If they don't fully recognize Weed’s position, another war could break out. And if that happens, we’ll be chased by even more work.
Actually, if it comes to that, I’ll just go all out without holding back. I’ll seize the capital in one go with our air power!!
Wait, no. This isn't about war. It’s about talking. Talking.
"Then, can I take it that the Findarl Empire no longer wishes for war with Weed?"
"Yes. We believe that you were dragged into this, and above all, the fact that I am alive and Georgin is safe is proof enough for anyone to see that you desire friendship."
"Then, although it is a simple document, please sign here."
"Very well."
With that, we signed the Weed-Findarl ceasefire agreement and exchanged copies.
With this, the war between Weed and Findarl came to an end.
Well, it’s not like it was really a war to begin with, but let’s not get into that.
"Now, let’s take another record."
"Another one?"
"Yes. It’s called a photograph—a tool that can create a picture that looks exactly like the scene before us."
"Ho, such a thing exists?"
Thanks to the quick setup by Ria and Samantha, we captured a scene like those you see in meetings between big shots. You know, the kind of staged-looking footage where important people shake hands or hold up signed agreements. Since we’re using a digital camera that doesn't require developing, we can print it immediately. We handed the prints to the Findarl delegation to demonstrate our technical prowess and to subtly imply that throwing away the agreement would be meaningless.
Well, I doubt a nation would do such a thing, but there are idiots everywhere who think of foolish things.
"Oh! This is magnificent!! With this photography technology, it seems we could even use it to discover suspicious individuals!"
"Indeed! As expected, Weed’s technology is truly wonderful!"