第５４３堀：会談はスムーズに (Part2)
"I certainly hope we can begin trade as soon as possible!!"
Yes. As expected of their elite status, they understood the implications behind the photographs I’d shown them.
"It’s incredible... If we had had this back then, we wouldn't have let the remnants escape," Princess Stasia murmured, her voice laced with regret.
...I’m not saying a word.
Offering comfort might just touch a nerve, so in times like these, I stay hands-off! I’d decided that from the start—hands-off!
"Now then, since the unfortunate misunderstandings have been cleared up, we will release the Imperial soldiers currently held as prisoners of war, free of charge."
"Eh? Are you sure about that? I mean, you must have incurred costs for their detention, and we have prepared appropriate compensation..."
It seemed like an unexpected offer. Prince George’s eyes widened, and Princess Stasia remained frozen, her helmeted gaze fixed on me.
"Of course, I could charge for the detention costs, but unfortunately, you’ve already covered your own expenses. Besides, they have already been helping with the reconstruction of Baide under the command of Lord Georgin, so in a sense, we have already received our payment."
"……However."
"Fortunately, Weed has suffered no human casualties. We will likely need to negotiate damages regarding the battle between Baide and the Haiden forces that occurred prior to this, but since the opposing party is Haiden, there is no further issue for us to pursue."
"Ah, I see. But isn't the ransom for prisoners the appropriate reward that you should be receiving?"
"Indeed. If you handle it this way, Weed might be looked down upon. I humbly suggest that you should accept the ransom."
It seems Prince George and Princess Stasia share the same opinion. Well, I suppose that’s the culture here. I had anticipated this, so I’ll just proceed with the plan to return them.
"Haha. I understand what you’re saying, but this ransom—it wasn't the state covering it for everyone, was it?"
"Ah, yes. For capable commanders like Lord Georgin, we have received ransom funds from the state, but for the lower-ranking nobles, we are holding funds they prepared themselves."
"That means not everyone was able to prepare the money, right? Especially the common soldiers?"
"That is... true. For the common soldiers, we were planning to hand over a portion as slaves and receive the ransom for the rest."
"In that case, those who had to scrape together their own money will be in a very difficult position. Furthermore, those who couldn't pay and were reduced to slavery would end up harboring hatred for Weed, which would be troublesome for us as well. If that’s the case, it’s better to release them for free under the guise of establishing friendship. It avoids future problems and allows them to use that money for trade with our country instead. Besides, the fact that Findal paid a massive ransom to Weed could be interpreted as a sign of defeat. That would lead to instability in the surrounding nations."
"……Indeed. That is a valid point."
"So, you are emphasizing that the misunderstandings have been resolved?"
"Exactly, Princess Stasia."
"However, it doesn't look like Weed is gaining much from that..."
"That’s not necessarily true. As I mentioned earlier, we in Weed know absolutely nothing about the political climate or culture of these lands. We want your help in those areas. No one would believe that a country like Weed just popped out of nowhere, after all. Without an intermediary, everything is an uphill battle."
"……I see. Certainly, I understand because I am here talking to you, Yuki-sama, but it would be troublesome to hold discussions with other countries."
"So, you are asking us, the Empire, to act as your intermediary?"
"Yes. Well, you can decide the finer details in future discussions. For now, I just want to increase the number of friendly nations and gather information. We have the administration of Weed to worry about, after all."
Exactly. Weed is already insanely busy, so expanding our business here is something for the distant future. I don't need slaves that could become a source of future conflict. Being on friendly terms is the most beneficial thing for us. If they could just cooperate with our research on the decline of magical power, that would be even better.
"Understood. I will convey this to His Majesty. Oh, and about the rear-guard soldiers waiting outside, I would like to have them guided to the underground area..."
"Ah, that’s fine. I’ll have Lord Georgin guide them later."
"Thank you."
As we were enjoying this harmonious mood, Princess Stasia suddenly spoke up.
"Come to think of it, you mentioned that a means of transportation to Weed’s mainland has been established. If that is true, would a visit be possible? If we take records with the photographs we saw earlier, I believe we could convince the Empire to accept your proposal."
Yes. As Princess Stasia suggested, I had intended to guide them there after this. But using the photographs as a pretext to create a reason to visit Weed in order to persuade the Empire? That was a brilliant move.
Still, seeing her hold a digital camera while wearing that bucket helmet... it’s going to be quite a surreal sight. Or is this just a cosplay photoshoot at this point?
Yuki is playing it safe!! Will it bear fruit!!