第５６５堀：大陸間交流動き出す (Part2)
Taizo is here too, after all. If we had left things as they were, we might have seen fighter planes appearing before long.
Indeed. It’s a good thing we intervened when we did. If we had been ten or twenty years later, we might have been dragged into a war on the scale of the Second World War.
"So, the kings of the various nations on the If Continent will first stop by Zilba or Enaria—which are closer to Betan—before moving on to Betan itself?"
"Yes, that is correct."
"But while I understand the kings of Rogari, why would the kings of the If Continent go out of their way to visit Betan as well?"
They could just send a representative, couldn't they? They don't even know much about us yet. Aside from hearing my information from Noble, some countries are likely still half-doubting. As I’m thinking this, Jessica, acting as the Zilba diplomat for this occasion, speaks up.
"As I have mentioned several times, it is because Yuki’s position is awkwardly unique and difficult to handle. In our Zilba, after much negotiation, he has been officially recognized as having royal blood ties, even if he lacks the right of succession. Furthermore, he resolved the Magic Sword Incident that occurred on the If Continent. King Noble of the Ex Kingdom himself has named him a benefactor. In other words, he already holds the position of being an acquaintance and relative of kings. By having their own monarchs appear, Zilba and Ex can flaunt their intimate relationship with Yuki to other nations. By doing so, they can make it clear that it is only natural for them to receive preferential treatment in exchanges via the Gate."
Ah, right. I did have a position like that, didn't I? And I suppose it’s partly because Noble announced that the Magic Sword Incident was resolved thanks to me. That gave the kings a reason to come out themselves. If it serves the national interest, they’ll do at least that much. Tsk, back then, that position as a royal without succession rights was convenient because it made it easier to move around, but now it’s becoming a hassle.
"Roday is the same. We cannot afford to miss out on the national benefits brought by the Gate. And besides, Yuki-sama and I are already married. We have ties to the Roday Ducal House, and I am already acquainted with the members of the Roday Royal Family. There is no way they wouldn't come."
"Nod. August is the same. Since Yuki and I are married, the royal family will use that connection to make an appearance."
Samantha is the second daughter of a duke, and Cleena’s foster parent is a court magician advisor who serves as a consultant to the princess. Every country uses the same kind of tactics, don't they?
"…*Sigh*. A contest of posturing and exaggeration between kings. It’s not as if the content of the discussions would change regardless of who shows up."
"That is something only we can say. From the perspective of the nations on the If Continent, if they were to offend Weed, it could lead to an all-out war with the Rogari Continent. Considering the national interests and more, this connection is the most important matter to maintain."
I know. What Eris says is true. That is precisely why every country must demonstrate through their actions that they recognize and favor me to the greatest extent possible—all to secure better conditions for the upcoming intercontinental exchanges.
"Come to think of it, what’s happening with Enaria and White Forest, who don't have diplomats here?"
"Regarding Enaria, after several exchanges of communication, it seems General Agil has become the Weed diplomat. General Prism was sparring with Seraria-sama, so, well..."
Well, that makes sense. Even if she didn't know Seraria was the Queen of Weed, she had crossed blades with her. The upper echelons of Enaria must have turned pale. That leaves Agil, who got along well with us at the Lancer Magic Academy.
"No, White Forest is basically our vassal state anyway. I’m worshipped there. Besides, we can go back and forth to that place via Gate anytime."
Comet is present at this meeting as a liaison for White Forest, but if I’m not careful, she might say something reckless, acting as if she’s the representative of the whole place.
"It’s not a vassal state; we have a proper alliance. Don't get it wrong. If Comet goes around calling it a vassal state, their king and the heavyweights there will just go along with it. If that happens, other countries will become suspicious! Make sure you convey that they are participating in the meeting as equals, understood?"
"Ugh, I know, I know. I’ll spare myself the trouble, don't worry."
She waves her hand to show she understands, but Comet is always like this with these things.
"Sigh. Well, I have a general idea of the situation in each country. I’ll contact Zilba and Enaria once, and then the remaining major powers will likely be contacted through the Gates, so the If Continent preliminary meeting will be in about a month, right?"
"That sounds about right. Usually, it would take longer, but the countries have already begun their preparations. In the meantime, we will finish the preliminary meeting for the Rogari Continent."
"That’s the fastest way. ...Does anyone else have anything to discuss?"
I look around as I say this, but no one has any particular questions.
"Alright!! From here on out, we move all at once. I’m counting on you all!! Let’s get started!!"
" " "Yes!!" " "
Watching everyone leave in a flurry, I feel a sense of melancholy, wondering if even more hell awaits me. But if I don't do it, the work won't get finished. I have no choice but to do it one step at a time. That’s about all a person can do.
"Well, let’s head back and summarize what we need to discuss."
I call out to my guards, Ria and Deryu, to get to work, but they don't react and are facing the other way.
"What’s wrong?"
"Ah, Yuki-san. Um... I don't even know what to say."
"First of all, let’s wake her up."
"Wake her up?"
I wonder what they’re talking about, and when I look at the spot they’re peering at...
"...I don't understand. If Continent? Six Great Powers? Yuki has royal blood ties in other countries too? How am I supposed to report this..."
Kagura was muttering that to herself before collapsing.
"Yeah. Listening to it, it is pretty incomprehensible."
"Indeed. I cannot help but sympathize with Kagura, who has to summarize all this for her report."
...I see. The time will come when I have to explain the details of the New Continent, Rogari, and the If Continent to others, just like Kagura. I’ll have to make sure Kagura does her best so that it’s a little easier for me when that time comes.
"Alright, let’s carry her carefully. We’re going to need Kagura’s help in the future. Let’s use this opportunity to do her a favor so she can’t run away."
"Wow. Yuki-san, you’re a demon."
"Well, as Deryu says, there’s no one else who can handle this job. For now, we must treat her kindly and gently so she doesn't abandon her post as a diplomat."
"I agree with Deryu. It would just be a hassle if a new diplomat came from Haiden. We have no choice but to have Kagura do her best."
Hang in there, Kagura!! I’m rooting for you!! For the sake of my peaceful daily life!! It’s not like we can just say "okay" and hold a summit meeting easily. The adjustments for that are tough. The real work finally starts from here. Summer is in full swing, too. It’s so hot.