第５６９堀：両大陸の責任者によるトップ会談 (Part1)
### Chapter 569: Top-Level Summit Between the Leaders of Two Continents
**Side: Yuki**
"Yuki-dono, I am so relieved you are safe!"
As I arrived in Betan, Horst approached me with tears in his eyes and enveloped me in a bear hug with his thick, muscular arms. It was so powerful I honestly wondered if he was trying to fold me in half.
Still, since he was genuinely celebrating our reunion, I couldn't just brush him off. After all, I had left the preparations for Betan entirely in his hands until now. His contributions were immense.
...And so, I endured. *My muscles and bones, hold on just a little longer!*
After an agonizingly long minute, I finally managed to stand firmly on my own two feet.
"I’ve caused you a lot of trouble. I probably should have told you on the day it happened, but I was worried that if the panic spread, it would be bad. I’m sorry for the delay."
"Not at all. Your reasoning is sound, Yuki-dono. If I had been told on the very first day of the visit that you had been summoned away and vanished, the panic would have been inevitable. The royalty from the various nations of the Rogari Continent would surely have sensed it."
I had only told Horst about the summoning accident—the cause of the delay in this summit—a few days ago. As I told him, the reason was to avoid the chaos that would ensue if my disappearance became public knowledge. It could have derailed all the progress we’d made on intercontinental exchange. Fortunately, I returned in just a month and a half, so no major harm was done.
"I heard you have already held talks with the kings of the Rogari nations..."
"That part is fine. They’re practically family, and they have no complaints as long as Weed handles the summoning incident firmly. Besides, it’s a new market for them."
"That is a relief. ...However, it would be best not to mention it to the kings of the If Continent. I heard as much from Popuri-dono; they are still constantly keeping each other in check. If you carelessly mention your summoning incident, they will surely see it as a chance to curry favor. If that happens, there will be no containing them."
Horst said this with a wry smile.
"Yeah. It’s natural for a nation to prioritize its own interests, but it’s a pain to have to deal with issues that have already been settled."
"Indeed. But remember, Yuki-dono, you are royalty in Zilba and Enaria, and you have taken wives of significant standing from other nations as well. They will use their status as a shield to muscle their way in. Unlike the Rogari Continent, they haven't even established a proper alliance system yet, and they are likely desperate for tangible results like 'war achievements'."
"Well, it’s only been about half a year since we opened up gate distribution from Noble’s territory. Was it too soon to hold a summit when they haven't even formed a proper alliance?"
"Hmm, I cannot say for sure... I am merely a local lord."
Ah, that wasn't a question for Horst. I hadn't told him about the grander strategies—like using gate distribution to avoid war or managing intercontinental relations—only that he was on good terms with Noble, Hifie, and Refest.
*Was I too impatient?* I was wondering this when a voice called out from behind me.
"No, I actually think it is precisely because of the situation on the other continent that we were able to deploy the gates so quickly."
"Your Majesty Noble!? W-why are you here!?"
"Calm down, Horst. I believe I mentioned this before, but I have a secret connection with Noble. I’ve made it so he can fly directly into this office."
"A-ah, I see. My apologies for the unsightly display."
"No, I was the one who lacked courtesy. Horst-dono, I apologize."
"N-no, please, a man like me doesn't deserve an apology from royalty..."
"A king doesn't have to be arrogant. If I show a lack of respect to a loyal subject of another nation like you, Horst-dono, I should apologize sincerely. That is only natural for a king, and as a person. And above all, I am impressed by the courage you showed, standing to protect Yuki-dono the moment you heard my voice. You have a wonderful subordinate, Yuki-dono."
"Envious, aren't you? Well, if anything happens to me, make sure to help him out."
"Leave it to me. I have seen Horst-dono’s capabilities here in Betan. He welcomed the kings of six nations with such dignity. There are few men of his caliber."
"I am unworthy of such high praise."
"So, Noble, what did you mean by saying the situation on the other continent allowed for the rapid deployment of the gates?"
"Ah, right. Shall we take a seat?"
"Feel free. Ria, could you bring some tea... that’s fine, right?"
"Indeed. I am fond of green tea."
We ordered tea and sat down to continue our conversation. Naturally, I had Horst sit with us as well. Normally, Deryu would be by my side, but this time she was relaxing at a table in the back. Horst and Deryu are both combat-oriented, so they actually get along quite well. They respect each other’s strength, which is why I often leave the protection of Betan to them. Though, in truth, Deryu usually stays away, claiming, "It’s fine during combat training, but they’re just too stifling in everyday life."
"Now, let’s talk before the tea arrives. In my view—and I don't mean the New Continent where you were caught up in that summoning incident, but the Rogari Continent—the situation there was the catalyst for our rapid gate deployment."
"The reason?"
"As you can likely guess, Yuki-dono, it was a sense of crisis. The criminal organization supposedly using the gates to operate in various countries, and your existence, which I personally declared came from another continent via those gates. This gave the nations a sense of urgency, which was the factor that led to the quick negotiations. If it had been just one of those things, they might have treated it as a tall tale, but because I opened the gates for free and they saw the evidence with their own eyes, they became convinced that the Rogari Continent situation was also true. Honestly, without all that, I suspect the If Continent would still be in the middle of adjusting relations between nations."
"Well, it’s mostly going according to the initial plan, then."
"Yes. There were opinions from the start that it was too hasty, but it’s within an acceptable range. Though, I never expected the various nations to be so desperate to bring you into their fold. Well, it’s natural under normal circumstances, but knowing your personality and policies, I know that having any more status than you already have is just a hindrance."
Exactly. All I want is the status to move freely between nations; I don't need to be entangled in their politics. Like being royalty, for instance.
"I understand. So, how are the other kings currently in Betan doing?" I asked, turning my gaze to Horst.
"Yes. They arrived at noon, and after lunch, I guided them to the open-air baths we built specifically for them, which they seemed to enjoy. Afterward, they returned to their respective rooms to rest. That was when you arrived, Yuki-dono."
"By the way, was it intentional that you didn't go out to meet them?"
"It was intentional. Horst, I know they liked the hospitality in Betan, but how did they react to my absence?"
"Yes. The kings themselves haven't shown any particularly obvious reactions, but the ministers and knights accompanying the royalty from Zilba, Enaria, August, and Roday have been voicing their dissatisfaction that you haven't shown your face. I have received reports from the maids assigned to attend to them."
"Specifically?"
"It varies. Some are suspicious of the existence of the other continent and Weed, some look down on Weed as being inferior to their own nations, and others despise us as mere upstarts."
"Are any of them likely to cause trouble?"
"Not at the moment. They are behaving properly as attendants to their kings. I don't think they will interfere while you are present, Yuki-dono."