第５７２堀：イフ会談 談笑 (Part2)
While the costs will likely decrease as efficiency improves following today’s successful precedent, it remains a significant burden. The other nations seem to share this sentiment, and there is no particular dissatisfaction.
In fact…
"No, let’s say ten times at most. Or rather, five should suffice. One could view it as August VIII stepping into the line of fire to expose Weed’s true colors," suggested the King of Roday.
Indeed. That is one way to look at it. I understand the sentiment that Weed is not to be trusted. Had King August VIII not acted, another nation likely would have.
The King of Enaria spoke up, agreeing with the sentiment. "The King of Roday is correct. King August VIII, I shall assist with the conference expenses. Let’s say, if we cover five sessions, I will take on two of the remaining five."
"Wait, that would make it seem as though my Zilba is treating August VIII unfairly. Of Enaria’s two, Zilba will take one. As the King of Roday said, the distrust is understandable. He bore the brunt of that criticism. This is a small price to pay."
"…I can’t tell if you’re all being soft or harsh," King August VIII said, offering a wry smile as he looked at the other monarchs.
"I told you, didn't I? You’re too much of a knight, August. There is a certain way to handle these kinds of negotiations. However, if you had remained isolated, it could have sparked a real conflict. In the end, reconciliation was the only path. In that sense, it was precisely because you were 'too much of a knight' that you were able to offer an apology and take responsibility. That is your virtue."
When the King of Zilba said this, the other kings nodded. King August VIII, feeling a bit mocked, maintained his wry smile.
But the King of Zilba is likely right. If he hadn't apologized or taken responsibility, there would have been no way to forgive him. That would have left him with no choice but isolation, which could have eventually led to an invasion of a fertile neighboring land. If war had broken out, the other nations would have been forced to unite to defeat them, which would only have delayed intercontinental exchange further. In that sense, August VIII’s actions could be considered the best possible outcome.
Everything is a matter of perspective, it seems.
"Well, I assume there are no countries left that refuse to accept August’s participation?" The King of Zilba looked around, and no one dissented.
"Then, let us conclude today’s conference, and tomorrow’s..."
I thought the discussion was over, but the King of Roday suddenly interjected.
"Wait a minute. Based on what was just said, only Zilba and Enaria are supporting August. That makes my Roday, Ex, and White Forest look like we’re being stingy."
"That’s true. As Roday says. White Forest, what do you think?"
"Indeed. How about this? August was supposed to cover three sessions, and Zilba and Enaria one each. How about our three nations split the difference and cover two sessions each? This shows August’s intent to apologize, and it demonstrates that White Forest and Ex are more generous than Zilba and Enaria."
"Oh, that’s good. Let’s go with that."
The King of Roday happily jumped on the proposal from King Refest, but the Kings of Zilba and Enaria were not amused. In fact, it made them look like the stingy ones.
"Wait."
"That’s not right."
The Kings of Zilba and Enaria hurriedly interrupted the conversation between the King of Roday and King Refest.
"…Say, King of Ex. Wasn't this supposed to be about me taking responsibility?"
"Well, yes, but it’s a matter of reducing the burden. It shouldn't be a bad deal for you, King August VIII."
"…That may be true, but it’s a strange situation, to say the least."
"Isn't it peaceful? It is far more constructive to cooperate and grow together than to weaken one another through war."
"Peace, is it? I see. Are we truly at such a time now?"
"Yes."
From here on out, we will cooperate and grow. With the gates in place, not only intercontinental exchange but also local relations between nations will flourish. The hatred between nations will likely diminish as opportunities to understand one another increase. It is not so easy to invade and destroy a neighbor once you have come to know them as decent people.
Perhaps this was Yuki’s true goal for this grand conference—to plant the seeds of such sentiments.
And so, the figures of the If Continent began to build a cooperative framework with Weed—or rather, the Rogali Continent.
Now then, I suppose the If Conference was a success?
Is there anything I’ve forgotten?