第５７２堀：イフ会談 談笑 (Part1)
**Chapter 572: The If Conference – Pleasantries**
**Side: Noble, King of the Ex Kingdom, God of War**
When Yuki-dono suddenly brought up the matter of the New Continent, I wondered what he was thinking. But once I heard his explanation, I was impressed—it was a truly masterful stroke.
With this, the other nations—who had been suspicious of my possession of gate-installation technology and the original "Magic Sword Incident"—were forced to nod in agreement. If they continued to bicker here, they would lose out on all the potential benefits.
The Rogari Alliance, which had already established exchange with the New Continent, didn’t need to force a relationship with the If Alliance.
One of August’s subordinates had spouted nonsense, but that was almost certainly under King August’s orders. King August does not truly understand the scale of Yuki-dono’s influence. He tried to use his subordinate to shake things up, hoping to gain an advantage in the upcoming intercontinental exchange.
However, the unexpected existence of the New Continent turned that minor provocation into a situation where a blade was pressed against his own throat. Instead of successfully casting blame, the August Kingdom found itself the target of criticism from every other nation.
Yuki-dono, seizing the opportunity, declared that if he was so disliked and distrusted, he would not force himself to act as a mediator. He said he would simply focus his efforts on the New Continent instead. Choosing what benefits one's own nation is the only logical decision.
Admittedly, it was a mistake for them to try and suppress Yuki-dono without first learning the benefits of trade with the Rogari Continent. Had they been patient, they wouldn't have ended up in a position to criticize him at all. Then again, King August doesn't know Yuki-dono very well, so perhaps it was an inevitable judgment.
...Well, it’s better than having them work behind our backs later. So, he flushed them out, did he? And now he expects us to keep August in check.
Fortunately, the issue of magic power depletion has already been addressed by the proposal for magical technology exchange with the Rogari Continent, and Popuri-dono and Hifie-dono have been tapped to lead it. This, too, was likely according to plan.
The goal for the remainder of today’s meeting is to find a way to keep August’s head down. The biggest headache at the If Conference right now is the prospect of Yuki-dono turning his back on us. If August, the source of that friction, isn't dealt with appropriately, the rest of us won't be able to rest easy. We cannot afford to have our legs pulled.
"Regarding the magical matters, there are no objections to leaving them to Popuri-dono and Hifie-dono, correct?"
"None."
Before I knew it, the King of Zilba had taken on the role of chairman for this conference. As expected of a nation that, despite its youth, managed to topple ancient powers to earn the title of Empire. None of the other kings have complained about him taking the lead; he possesses that much intimidation and persuasive power.
If there hadn't been anyone to take charge, I would have stepped up, but I am grateful that the King of Zilba did it instead. Although I provide gate installations for free, I am still viewed with caution as the nation that holds the technology. I was also the one who caused the Magic Sword Incident. If I were the one presiding, they wouldn't have given me a pleasant look.
In the first place, I was the one who stoked their sense of crisis by revealing that Yuki-dono was a person from a different continent—the Rogari Continent—and rushed to organize this meeting. If I handled it poorly, I might have been accused of bringing the seeds of conflict for no reason. It is better for me to remain quiet.
With this, the scheme between Yuki-dono and myself has largely succeeded. Both Ex and Weed no longer need to act arrogant just because we possess gate technology. There is no longer a need for us to stand on the front lines and take the heat. We can now calmly observe the situation within the If Continent and respond accordingly.
As the previous incident made clear, August is in a poor state. They have very little information regarding Weed. They know far too little about Yuki-dono. No, I had heard that August had intentionally ceded the war merits to Amanda-dono... but August was completely deceived.
No, looking at the situation, they were *used*.
If they had shown sincerity, it would have been fine. But they tried to suppress Weed earlier. Yuki-dono immediately exploited that. It was as if he had told them: "From now on, resolve your internal dissatisfactions like August did before coming to talk to me."
Between nations, one cannot carelessly pick sides due to conflicting claims, but in this instance, the intercontinental exchange is at stake. If they cause trouble, it becomes one nation against many. And time is short. Yuki-dono is busy with the New Continent as it is. If they bicker carelessly, there is a possibility that the intercontinental exchange will fall through.
Since Yuki-dono does not desperately desire this exchange, if a nation complains, he can simply withdraw, and that would be the end of it. But for the nations that *do* desire the exchange, that is an outcome they cannot afford.
Because of this, the blame will no longer fall on Ex or Weed. Any nation that complains, doubts, or interferes with the intercontinental exchange—in this case, August—will be met with unanimous criticism from the surrounding nations. As the nations cooperate to embark on this intercontinental exchange, any country that refuses to participate or acts as an obstacle faces isolation. That leads to national decline.
Perhaps King August understands this, as he has remained silent since the meeting regarding magical technology exchange.
"...Well, the matter of magic has been settled. August. Have you decided what to do yet?"
"..."
The King of Zilba asks this with an expressionless face.
"Do not think you can participate in this meeting in silence. August’s careless actions have created the possibility that the intercontinental exchange itself might collapse. For the nations that wish to have exchange with the Rogari Continent where Weed exists, your previous actions cannot be ignored. You have had enough time to think, haven't you? Decide whether you are leaving or participating."
"...I have already apologized."
"An apology, yes. Do you think that is the end of it? We cannot tolerate similar behavior in the future. Furthermore, August’s careless actions have delayed the intercontinental exchange. Do not think you can participate without taking responsibility for this blunder."
When the King of Zilba said that, the surrounding nations nodded. Well, that is how it would go. We were on the verge of letting a massive fish slip away. They wouldn't be satisfied unless August took some form of sincere responsibility.
"...I have caused trouble for the various nations. As an apology, if you will accept it, I shall cover the expenses for all future grand meetings."
The answer he finally squeezed out was, well, reasonably appropriate. If they were to suggest restricting what August could gain from the future intercontinental exchange, it might lead to dissatisfaction within August that could eventually explode. It is not a decision a king can make on his own. We also want to avoid August leaning toward collapse, as that would only delay the exchange further.
Therefore, covering the costs of future meetings is a reasonable compromise. Even so, since the kings of the six major powers are gathering, it is not a trivial sum. I, too, spent a fair amount of money just to attend this meeting.