第５６３堀：みんながしあわせになるほうほう (Part1)
Chapter 563: How to Make Everyone Happy
Side: Yuki
"I, uh... I would like to offer my sincerest congratulations on the birth of your daughter, and on the safe delivery of your wife."
Kagura of Haiden bowed as she spoke. She was stiff as a board.
The reason for her tension was obvious: Kagura herself was the one who had summoned Milly, the mother in question. It felt a bit like a case of "you're the one who caused this, don't act like a stranger," and she likely understood that herself. There was always the lingering fear that I might be angry about the whole ordeal.
Well, since both Milly and Yumi were safe, I had no intention of complaining. If I were to reprimand Kagura now, it would only cast a shadow over the birth of Yumi. Ultimately, this was a problem with Haiden as a whole rather than the fault of Kagura or Princess Carrie, and it would be wrong to take it out on an individual.
Besides, this was essentially a successful expansion into a new market. While it did cost some DP, looking at the long term, the discovery of this new continent and the numerous nations within it was incredibly beneficial. It was something to be happy about.
"Thank you for your kind words."
"A-and, as a modest token of celebration from our nation of Haiden, please accept these gifts."
As Kagura spoke, Eoid and Amanda, who had been waiting behind her, began pulling various items from their item boxes. Gold and silver ornaments, expensive-looking fabrics, daggers bearing royal crests, and so on...
...It’s a bit over-the-top, considering this isn't even the child of Seraria, the Queen of Weed. As Taiki-kun said, they’re likely trying to secure a connection here, given everything that has happened and everything that might happen in the future.
Once they finished presenting the gifts, Eoid and Amanda excused themselves. This was, after all, a matter between nations.
After confirming they had left, Kagura pulled out a letter.
"These are letters from Princess Carrie, Duke Kamishiro, and His Majesty the King."
Whoa.
Princess Carrie and Duke Kamishiro were one thing, but even the King of Haiden? I thought they were too busy dealing with internal strife to pay attention to us, but it seems they’ve been moving behind the scenes after all.
I looked through each of the letters. The content was mostly the same. First, the standard "Glad the baby was born safely, congratulations." Second, "We’re too busy to visit, so please accept these gifts and this letter." And finally, "Let’s continue to get along well in the future."
Translated, it meant: "We gave you a gift for your concubine's birth, so if we need anything, lend us a hand, okay?"
Well, with the investigation into the mana depletion ongoing, it wouldn't be good for us if Haiden—which was finally showing signs of stability—fell into chaos again. I intended to help where I could.
"I have read the letters. I will gratefully accept the gifts. However, there is a problem."
"What might that be?"
"How should I respond to these? You mentioned these are gifts for a concubine, but is it appropriate for me to send an official reply?"
"Regarding that, since these are personal gifts and letters from His Majesty, my father, and the Princess, no written reply is necessary. I have been instructed to simply convey your thanks verbally."
That makes sense. If the King officially acknowledged sending a letter to the concubine of another nation, it could lead to all sorts of trouble. It might look like they were providing direct support. At worst, some idiot might start claiming they were trying to take over Weed. That would be a massive headache.
This was meant to be personal, a matter between friends. That’s why no letters were needed—just words. If I left behind written evidence of a thank-you letter to Haiden, it would be nothing but trouble. The gifts could be excused as compensation for past services.
Well, they weren't of much value to Weed anyway. We’d already established our connections, and giving Milly more gifts would just be a nuisance. She might have been happier if they’d brought some alcohol, though.
Ultimately, these gifts were likely an advance payment for Haiden’s request for cooperation from Weed, kept under the table. Regardless, on the surface, it was a celebration for Yumi’s birth. And a celebration it was.
"Then, convey this message: 'I thank you for your heartfelt gifts. I look forward to our continued cooperation.'"
"Yes. I have received your message."
Kagura replied, but her duties as an envoy didn't end there.
"Lastly, as you might have guessed from the fact that I brought these gifts and letters, I would like to introduce myself properly. I, Kagura Kamishiro, though I am still inexperienced, have been appointed as the diplomat from Haiden to Weed. I look forward to working with you."
I knew it.
"That helps us, too. It would be a hassle for a newcomer to get used to Weed. Please do your best to ensure smooth relations between our two countries."
"Yes. However, given the situation in Haiden, our relationship with Weed must remain secret for the time being. Please understand that sending a Weed diplomat to Haiden is out of the question for now."
"I understand that, so don't worry. Is that all?"
As I spoke in a more relaxed tone, Kagura let out a sigh and dropped the formal act as well.
"That’s it. I look forward to working with you. Honestly, why am I the diplomat? And I’m all alone! I don’t even have a guard."
"Hey, you’re the one who said it had to be secret. If we start talking about Weed openly right now, things will just get chaotic again. I assume you’re sticking with the 'hero' cover story?"
"I know that. I’m the one who arranged for me to be a secret diplomat for Weed so that no one could interfere later, aren't I?"
If they invited high-ranking officials from other countries and then admitted that Haiden was effectively under occupation, Princess Carrie and Kagura would be torn to shreds. While the root cause was the "Gathering of Wisdom" (Tarkram and his group), the fact that they had summoned someone and invited foreign intervention was a major blunder. So, for now, the explanation was that they had summoned a hero, not that they were involved with Weed.
They decided to announce the truth about Weed only after Princess Carrie, the Kamishiro family, and the King’s administration stabilized. Sending Kagura as a diplomat was a sign of how much they valued the relationship with Weed. It was also a way to prevent others from interfering by establishing her as the diplomat from the start.
Well, they were probably most afraid of people saying "We must defeat Weed" before their government was stable. Haiden had no chance of winning, and the shadow of the Haile religion was lurking behind the Gathering of Wisdom. They were on the verge of being surrounded by enemies. But if they revealed everything, chaos was inevitable.
Haiden sure has it rough. As I was thinking that, Kagura asked:
"Oh, by the way, what about Her Highness Stasia of Findall and the General? I heard from Taiki-sama that they returned this way?"
"Hm? Oh, I didn't mention it? General Georgin is returning to Findall tomorrow to report on the situation. Prince George and Princess Stasia are waiting in Baide, and they said they would head out for discussions and meetings whenever Haiden settles down."
"I see. That’s good, then. But, the dangers on the road... Ah, they have the rings, and with Georgin’s skills, I suppose there’s nothing to worry about."
"Exactly. Well, if they want to hold discussions with Findall, they’ll basically be staying here in Baide."
"Basically?"