第５６３堀：みんながしあわせになるほうほう (Part2)
"It means they're staying here. Prince George spends his days in Weed, taking his guards along for what he calls 'inspections,' but is really just sightseeing. Princess Stasia found out when she returned yesterday, so now she's out sightseeing with Hiiro, too."
"What is that? I'm jealous."
"Don't tell me you're jealous. Nothing can be done until the meetings in Haiden conclude. As for the Findar side, Princess Cleena and Duke Kamishiro have already relayed the situation to the King of Haiden, including the complaints from other nations, so there shouldn't be any issues. The claim that Findar attacked Baide can be sufficiently explained by the detection of monsters during the recent Gathering of Wisdom. If they can't accept that, then war between Findar and the other nations is the only remaining option. They’ll just have to be satisfied with that explanation."
"I know that. That’s why the meetings are in such turmoil. Even if the fault lies with us, they’re arguing that attacking Baide was shortsighted and that we should demand compensation and concessions for it."
"Well, debating things like that is exactly what meetings are for."
Since they caused so much trouble for me and the people of Weed—or rather, for all the participants of the intercontinental exchange—they can suffer through the hard work.
After that, they’ll have to participate in the intercontinental exchange even more, and I hope they get a headache from the sheer scale of the situation they’ve dragged Weed into!!
In other words, my revenge isn't actually over yet.
Once they participate in the intercontinental exchange, they’ll likely be nagged incessantly by the bigwigs from other countries.
In fact, it seems things are quite delayed because I haven't been able to participate.
Well, I suppose that’s what Kagura is there for as a diplomat...
I suspect the intention was to push Kagura into Weed ahead of time, have her meet the folks from the Rogari continent, and make it easier for her to maneuver later on.
For the people of the Rogari and If continents, opening up the New Continent as a market is surely welcome, and having a point of contact is helpful, too.
In short, Kagura’s future is one of work so intense it would make a black company blush.
Yeah. I should probably set up an office and a private room for her to make it easier for her to work.
If I wait until she comes crying to me later, I’ll end up having to give her work advice, too.
And thinking about it, the time until the Haiden meetings end will be a brief moment of rest for Kagura.
"Kagura. If you're jealous, you should just enjoy yourself in Weed."
"Eh? But, as a diplomat..."
"You’re going to be stationed in Weed anyway. You can just report it as a site visit, but really, just go sightseeing. Besides, once the meetings in Haiden are over, Kagura, your breaks will likely disappear. You understand at least that much, don't you? The importance of Weed?"
"...I'm going to go play."
When I said that, the light vanished from Kagura’s eyes, and she declared her intent to play.
Kagura is by no means unintelligent. If anything, she’s a genius.
It’s just that she’s been tossed around by everyone lately, so she hasn't been able to show her true potential.
So, by giving her a little hint, she was able to predict her own miserable future and become honest with her desires, just like that.
One might say, "Isn't a genius someone who avoids such a miserable future?" but she has to do it for the sake of her country. With her high level of patriotism, the word "avoidance" probably wouldn't even cross her mind.
"Oh. That’s the spirit. Do you want someone to show you around?"
"...I want Amanda and Eoid."
"Understood. I’ll send word to have them called back, so wait a moment."
"Yeah. ...Yeah. ...Why did it end up like this!? Waaaah!? I’m still a student!?"
Ah, I went too far.
She realized the reality of the situation and started crying.
"Yes, yes. Let’s calm down, Kagura. It’s okay, it’ll be alright."
Ria said that, comforting Kagura with a pat.
At the same time, she shot a look of reproach in my direction.
*You’re bullying her too much.*
*My bad.*
I can’t have Kagura saying she’s quitting as a diplomat, so I have to find a way to make her keep at it.
"...Yuki. I understand you’ve had a hard time, but I don’t think it’s right to take it out on Kagura."
"Deryu. I know. That wasn't my intention."
"Hmm. For now, shall we leave Kagura to Amanda and Eoid? There’s no doubt those two are her closest friends."
"True. It wasn't the original purpose, but I’m glad I brought those two from the Lancer Magic Academy."
"Popuri will probably give a bitter smile. She likely wanted them to gain experience and grow, but their main job is just cheering up their schoolmate."
Plus, Eoid and Kagura will get very close in Weed!! And since Amanda will be there too, there’s a high possibility it’ll be an officially recognized relationship!!
What a way to kill two birds with one stone!!
"...Sigh. Things won't go that conveniently. Well, if you’re fine with that, Yuki, then so be it."
Hm?
Did Deryu just read my mind?
But this flow of events is something no one can change.
Once Amanda and Eoid arrive, I’ll take them to Weed, I’ll head off to the intercontinental exchange work with peace of mind, Kagura will get a moment of rest to sightsee in Weed with Eoid and Amanda, and they’ll deepen their bond—everyone’s happy!!
Success.
A perfect plan. Everyone will be happy with this!!
And, as you can probably guess, the next installment will be a pitfall.
You’ll understand when you think about the 28th, the day before the 29th.
See you next time.