第５６６堀：ロガリ会談 (Part2)
"As for Weed, we’ll secure tax exemptions and other concessions, ultimately winning through long-term policy. Ritia is young, so they’re looked down upon. I understand the desire for appropriate reparations since they were wronged, but you should try to be a bit more level-headed. If you poke them too hard, they might collapse. Ritia understands that well, don't they?"
"……Yes. However, in my case, I did pay reparations."
Ah, so that’s why they’re so hung up on reparations. True, when I crushed Ritia’s opposition, I did funnel the assets and funds of the defeated factions into Weed. Being sincere is a good thing, but they really are thick-headed about these sorts of things.
"The situation is different to begin with. Weed’s name is barely known on the New Continent, and we can't send a massive military force there. That’s why we can't use intimidation; we should lower our direct demands and use them as bargaining chips for tax exemptions and future national summits."
When I said that, the old men nodded in agreement.
"……I see. You intend to use a method where, before they realize it, you’ve already seized control. You have the tax exemptions for economic leverage, and you’re solidifying a foothold on the New Continent over time. Receiving land or money right now would just mean it sits idle, so you’re increasing your hand for future developments, aren't you?"
"Exactly. It’s a good market over there. Unlike here, it seems countries are still fighting each other, so we can just sell them food and supplies to make a profit. The countries on the Rogari Continent are expanding their fields, right?"
"Yes. So, it means our trade routes will increase. And by interacting over time, we can overcome the language barrier, allow people from the New Continent to immigrate to the Rogari Continent, and further cultivate the land. That’s why it’s convenient for us to be looked down upon—so they don't catch on."
"Well, I think the Rogari Continent will be quite developed by then, too. But, the general direction seems to be what Alstaire is thinking."
I don’t think it’ll go that smoothly, though. But because we’re engaging in healthy trade, there’s little resentment and plenty of trust. That kind of credit can’t be bought with money.
"Everything depends on how you handle it."
"Well, the biggest problem is that intervening clumsily costs money."
"……That’s right. To begin with, we don't have the funds to pour into the New Continent."
"That is exactly why it makes sense for Weed—or rather, my son, the Dungeon Master, who can use DP as a substitute for money—to handle the New Continent. I’ll leave it to you from here on out."
"Oh, do your best, son-in-law. I can help out a little if anything comes up."
"……That feels somewhat irresponsible, but since we lack funds, I’ll take you up on that. I will make sure to follow up on the intercontinental exchanges, so when trade with the New Continent begins, please make sure to include Ritia."
"For all that, Ritia is quite sharp."
"Indeed. I suppose it means they aren't just a little girl anymore."
"That’s rude. That makes me sound elderly. I’m still young, you know?"
"Hahaha……"
Phew. Looks like we managed to wrap that up. I was surprised at how keenly Alstaire took to it, but I suppose they’re growing as a leader of a nation. Now, what about the folks from the If Continent? What should I do about them? It’s a pain.
As I was thinking about all this, the old man from Roschur, having finished his laughter, suddenly spoke up.
"Hey. Son."
"What is it? Was there something you wanted to ask?"
"Aye, there is. There’s a woman I haven't seen before."
"A woman I haven't seen? Oh……"
When I looked behind me as he said that, I saw Kagura standing by with the usual members.
"I forgot. Kagura, come over here."
"H-h-hai."
'Hai'? Ah, right, these people here are all super VIPs. I’d better just get the introductions over with quickly.
"This is Kagura. Like I mentioned earlier, she’s the one who summoned us."
As I said that, the three of them narrowed their eyes in an instant.
"Hii!?"
"Yes, yes. Don't bully her. You’ve heard the story; it was an unavoidable situation. And now, this Kagura is also a diplomat dispatched to Weed for the sake of the future."
"……I-I have been introduced. My name is Kagura Kamishiro, a diplomat from Haiden. Please call me Kagura."
"And, as you can probably tell from her appearance, we’ve confirmed that she has Japanese ancestors. In that sense, too, it wouldn't hurt to get along with her."
"……I see. So that’s how it is."
"Hah. Say, son-in-law. Don't you get tired of having so many women around you who are all work, work, work?"
"That’s not a bad thing. If the number of women who can do proper work increases, the things we can accomplish will increase as well. I look forward to working with you, Diplomat Kagura. Ah, I must greet you properly. I am Alstaire, the Saintess who leads Ritia, one of the five great nations of the Rogari Continent."
"Y-yes. Saintess Alstaire of Ritia, I look forward to working with you."
"If it isn't too much trouble, could Diplomat Kagura teach us about the culture of the New Continent... or rather, Haiden?"
"I-if someone like me will suffice, I would be delighted."
Mm-hmm. Kagura has successfully made connections as a diplomat; should I call this a total victory? Kagura seems to be glaring at me, but she should be happy she got to know the leaders of each country.
Rogari is basically smooth sailing. Having family is convenient, isn't it? Now, for the If side.
I wonder if Kagura’s stomach will hold out!!