第５５０堀：再会とこれから (Part1)
Chapter 550: Reunion and the Future
Side: Carrie Hayden
"Princess. Are you truly certain we can trust them? If the remnants of the Lira Kingdom are involved in this matter, it wouldn't be strange if Findar was orchestrating it behind the scenes," Kagura said, looking concerned from the side.
I understand her point. If the current situation in Hayden is being caused by remnants of the Lira Kingdom, it is wishful thinking to assume that Findar—who was at war with them—is uninvolved. In fact, it would be more logical to suspect that Findar is the one pulling the strings. That is precisely why Kagura is anxious about the meeting with Findar’s envoy.
However, the idea of canceling the meeting simply out of fear is out of the question.
"Either way, we must speak with them. If we continue like this, it’s clear we’re heading into a quagmire. Or rather, if the core of Hayden continues to run wild and ends up in a war with Weed, that would be the end of us. Kagura, you understand that, don't you? That is the very reason you went to see your father, the Duke, to prevent such an outcome."
"…That is true, but what does Father think?"
Kagura turned to Duke Kamishiro, who stood beside us, to ask for his opinion. The Duke spoke without a moment’s hesitation.
"I support the Princess’s stance. Regardless, Hayden and Findar are effectively already in a state of war. Combat has occurred in Baide. We cannot simply pretend it didn't happen. We must arrange a place to talk with Findar eventually, but if we take too long, voices will inevitably rise to launch an offensive from our base in Baide, which faces Findar. If that happens, the existence of Weed will be brought to light. Once that happens, since they won't be able to accurately gauge Weed's true strength, they will likely send a subjugation force. That would be the end. Therefore, we must act first, speak with Findar, and if we can secure a ceasefire, they will have no reason to fight needlessly."
"Hmm. So Father is of the same opinion as the Princess."
Kagura still seemed uneasy, her brow remaining furrowed.
"Kagura, are you suggesting that Lord Georgin is connected to the Lira Kingdom?"
"No, I don't believe Lord Georgin would do such a thing, but there is no guarantee that those who have infiltrated the core of Hayden aren't also present in Findar. In fact, we should assume they are definitely there."
"That is correct."
Indeed, it would be too convenient to assume they are only in Hayden. It would be stranger if they weren't also present in Findar, a nation that holds a grudge against them.
"Exactly. If we hold this meeting now, the question remains: will the content be accurately conveyed to the King of Findar? If we speak carelessly, we might provoke the enemy. If Prince George, Princess Stasia, or Lord Georgin—who are currently in Weed—were to be assassinated on their way home, that would be an irreparable disaster."
"…I see. Is that what you mean? You’re saying that what happened to us could also happen to the people of Findar?"
"Yes. Judging by the events so far, they targeted the Princess, my magical power, and your father—one of the three great houses that could pose an obstacle—but all of those attempts were thwarted by Yuki and the others in Weed. There is no guarantee they won't change their strategy now. Especially if they realize their presence has been discovered…"
"They might try to strike before the Findar Empire and Hayden can join forces."
"Yes. If either Prince George or Princess Stasia were to lose their lives and false rumors were spread, avoiding war would be difficult. If that happens, Hayden might be finished."
"In that case, both Findar and Hayden would likely be crushed by Weed."
After all, there is no military force in this region capable of fighting against Weed and the allied nations behind them.
"I understand your concerns, Kagura, but Lord Georgin has surely already reported the Lira Kingdom matter to both Highnesses. Canceling the meeting now won't make the problem disappear. In fact, not talking would likely make things worse."
"Ugh. I know, but still…"
Kagura tilted her head again.
"Kagura, are you that worried about this meeting?"
"No, it’s a meeting in Weed, so there’s no chance of outside interference. But the subsequent movements seem like they will become very difficult…"
"What do you mean? Once we reach an understanding with Findar, we can focus on resolving the internal issues in Hayden quickly, and then hold a proper meeting with Findar later. It is highly likely that the Lira Kingdom remnants are the cause of this, and if we press that point, I don't think relations will deteriorate that much."
"Princess. That assumes, as a prerequisite, that we have Weed's cooperation, doesn't it?"
"That is true. It is precisely because Weed exists that we can take such bold actions. That is why I had an audience with Her Majesty the Queen of Weed and exchanged promises."
"…I see. That’s it. By formally discussing the Lira Kingdom remnants at this meeting, we are establishing a cooperative structure. If that happens, as you feared, Kagura, we must absolutely ensure the safety of both Highnesses. And there is only one group capable of ensuring that safety."
Ah, I finally realized it too.
"We would be spreading Weed’s military forces even thinner."
"…Yes. Honestly, that is a difficult request. No matter how strong Yuki and the others are, making such unreasonable demands..."
"…Our relationship with Queen Seraria will deteriorate."
We would be dragging them into matters we should have handled ourselves, and then potentially asking for even more difficult favors.
"…Hmm. Then, how about this? We tell them our concerns honestly and ask them to stay in Weed until the situation in Hayden settles down?"
"Father, they can't stay for a long time. Two or three months at most. Any longer and people might start saying that we are the ones plotting something."
"…I understand your concerns, Kagura. We must speak honestly and openly, and include the people of Weed in the discussion. However, before that, the most important thing is to hold an unofficial meeting with Findar to align our intentions. Therefore, we will not cancel the meeting."
"…Understood. If that is what the Princess says, then so be it. But will they accept this?"
"…I am not that worried about that."
"Eh?"
Kagura looked surprised. I know that is the most difficult part, but for me, it is not even a question. There is no way Sister Stasia would refuse.
"Now, the time is almost upon us. Let’s finish our preparations before the escort arrives."
Still, we must avoid spreading Weed's forces too thin. The problem will be how to persuade them of that. If they learn that their homeland might be being eroded by the Lira Kingdom, it will surely be difficult to stop them.
While I was thinking about this, we were guided to the conference room, and all that remained was to wait for the envoy from Findar.
…Seven years have passed since then.
Whether it was a long time or a short one, it feels strange to finally be facing them.
"The envoy from Findar has arrived."