第５７０堀：イフ会談始まる (Part2)
"Well, you can leave Cleena to do as she pleases, but what about those idiots? Are the high-ranking officials and the magic sword users accompanying them also part of it?"
"No, that's not the case. My old man has likely already conveyed our true strength to the high-ranking officials. As for the magic sword users, take Laraina, whom Milly handled with ease—they wouldn't dare underestimate us. The core of those idiots consists entirely of high-ranking nobodies who came along as 'helpers' without knowing a thing. They don't even know that I’m going to become a princess."
"If that weren't the case, they wouldn't be giving orders to Cleena, would they?"
"Mhm."
Once I had finished hearing the general state of each nation, a report came in that preparations for the IF summit were complete, so we began to move.
The kings of each nation and their attendants were already gathered in the grand conference hall. As planned, I headed toward the hall at a leisurely pace. When I opened the doors, I saw the kings seated at a central round table, with tiered seating—much like a theater or cinema—surrounding them, where the officials from each country were gathered. Those "high-ranking nobodies" we had just been discussing were also sitting there, participating.
We used the grand conference hall this time to allow even the somewhat important figures to attend, which also served the purpose of weeding out the idiots who couldn't grasp the situation. I didn't think there would be any fools who would fall for such an obvious trap, though.
Interrupting a summit between kings is usually a capital offense.
Thinking such trivial thoughts, we proceeded toward the round table.
The surrounding crowd buzzed at our movement, but when they saw the kings at the round table remain silent, they realized I was affiliated with Weed and fell quiet.
Now, how should I greet them?
Well, I’ll check to see if any of those idiots are here, just as planned.
With that, I waved one arm and called out.
"Hey there. Sorry I'm late."
A murmur rippled through the grand conference hall.
However, as expected, no one dared to complain.
What a shame. Or should I be relieved that there were only sensible people here?
"Yo. You look well, Yuki."
"Oh. You look good too, old man of Lode. Don't go acting like you own the place in Betan. Samantha reported that your guard, Doju, was having a rough time because of you."
"Don't say that. With the food yesterday and that massive bath, how could I not enjoy myself? Right, Enaria?"
"Ah, uh. No, I think you should calm down a bit, Lode."
The Holy King of Enaria, suddenly addressed, almost agreed before quickly denying it.
The old man from Lode’s relentless energy was still going strong, I see.
"And, my apologies. My greeting was late. Lord Yuki, thank you for your help during that commotion."
"No, it's good to see you're doing well too, Holy King of Enaria. And Agil, thanks for your hard work as a guard."
"Yes."
I said that as I took my seat.
"Now then, this is supposed to be a meet-and-greet, but has the purpose been achieved? As you can see from having visited Betan, I hope you’ve been able to feel the culture of the separate continent where the nation of Weed exists."
I looked around at the kings as I said this.
No one opened their mouth.
Well, once you see it with your own eyes, you have to acknowledge that it's a different culture.
"...Wait a moment, Lord Yuki."
Just as I was thinking that, King August suddenly spoke up.
"Yes?"
"The existence of the nation of Weed and a separate continent is something I can understand as a fact, judging by the reactions of the other kings. However..."
"However?"
"Why did you not welcome the kings of each nation, and furthermore, why were you late for the grand conference? This is discourteous."
"Wait, King August..."
"No, King Zilba. Let me speak. Doesn't this treatment suggest that Weed and the nations of that continent look down upon us?"
He brushed off King Zilba’s attempt to stop him and criticized my handling of the situation.
Hmm. What is he aiming for?
Well, under normal circumstances, it’s a valid complaint, but...
Hmm. I think I’ll drop a bomb here. We’d have to talk about it soon anyway. It would be a good way to move the conversation toward the issue of magic depletion.
"No, that is not my intention."
"Then why did this happen? Give us an explanation we can accept."
"Hmm. So, if you are satisfied with the explanation, you will provide your assistance?"
"...Is this a matter that requires assistance?"
Hmm. It seems he didn't realize there was something going on behind the scenes.
He just wanted an apology from me to keep the complaining group he brought along in check.
*Sigh.* I left August to Amanda, so I suppose this is the price for that.
"It is, in principle, a state secret of our nation, but what about the other countries? Honestly, I think it’s too early to talk about this."
"Too early? Does that mean you were planning to reveal it soon?"
King Zilba asked.
"That’s right. Sooner or later, it would have come up."
"...Then let us hear it. I’m sure the other kings also want to know the reason for your tardiness. I cannot make any promises regarding assistance."
"Well, I won't ask for the impossible. What about the other countries?"
When I asked, Ex and White Forest were the first to agree, though they wore bitter smiles. They already knew what I was about to expose.
Before long, Enaria and Lode nodded as well.
Being looked down upon is a matter of national pride, and they naturally want to know why I was late.
But that is a move that will step on a landmine.
"If everyone agrees, then there should be no problem. The reason I was late is that the world is vast, and it turns out the IF continent and the Rogari continent were not the only ones."
As I dropped that bomb, the kings—and the people around them—looked as if they couldn't comprehend what I was saying.
"Ahem. That was a bit too indirect. Another continent has been discovered, and I’m incredibly busy over there. Could you handle the IF-Rogari summit on your own, with my mediation kept to a minimum? It seems the newly discovered continent is still plagued by endless wars, and I cannot afford to slack off. You’ll help me out, won't you?"
I said that with a smile.
The grand conference hall remained silent.
Now, now, I wonder what will happen to August, who poked the hornet's nest.
The IF summit finally begins!!
And I’m starting it off by throwing a bomb as a jab to keep them in check.
I wonder how each country will react.