第５７３堀：忘れられたモノたち (Part2)
"We’ve managed to avert a situation that would have spiraled into war. And we did it using the power of another country with which we have no prior ties. While the Lancer Magic Academy might have been satisfied with a thank-you letter due to the financial aid involved, the same can't be said for Weed."
Cleena and Samantha seemed to grasp why August had acted the way he did, while Seraria, Rurua, and Shera looked at him with a hint of pity.
"With this, August won't be able to hold his head high around Weed anymore. We stand to make a tidy profit, don't we?"
"Ratz, don't be so blatant about it. You'll stir up resentment. If Weed is perceived as a threat and we end up being treated as enemies, it’ll be a disaster."
"I know, I know. I’ll make the necessary adjustments, provide proper returns, and ensure they become even more dependent on Weed."
"That’s right. If we provide proper support, it will soften those sentiments and reduce the chances of hostility. Well, we still have to discuss technical exchanges and evaluate trade goods, though."
Ratz and Eris were the ones discussing this strategy of economic infiltration.
It would be difficult for August to refuse such a proposal. Since they were promising returns and aid, he might even end up happily leasing out his land if things went well. If that happened, the Weed Store, backed by the royal family, would officially make its grand entry into his territory.
"Well, putting aside the dream-filled talk, thanks to this conference, intercontinental exchange should move forward. That said, we can't let our guard down. Let's all keep paying close attention."
"Understood."
"If, by some chance, a war does break out, we can't rule out the possibility that the magic power depletion on the If Continent will worsen. If that happens, considering that intercontinental exchange has already begun, we won't be able to avoid intervening. That would be a hassle. If something is going to happen, we stop it before it becomes a major issue. This is also a matter of security for Weed and the Rogali Continent."
Indeed. The stability of the If Continent was vital for both the Rogali Continent and Weed. Naturally, it was also crucial regarding the magic power depletion. Therefore, thinking that Weed was losing out in this deal was simply short-sighted.
Well, once intercontinental exchange via the Gate progressed, refugees would easily begin to migrate, so the moment a war started, the countries would likely find themselves unable to function as people fled. In modern-day Earth, refugees were often unwelcome due to concerns about declining public safety, but fortunately, the booming Rogali Continent was suffering from a labor shortage. Every country would likely welcome them with open arms. There would also be many who would see it as a foothold for interacting with the If Continent.
For those reasons, I didn't think a war would escalate into anything too major, even if it did occur. For me, it didn't matter which way the wind blew.
"The rest will likely take shape gradually through the grand meetings between the Rogali Continent and the If Continent. Weed just needs to do its best as a mediator. You all know from the recent incident with Nogosh and Nonoa that moving too flashily only invites troublesome jealousy, right?"
When I said that, everyone gave a wry smile. Well, that incident with the gods wasn't so much about jealousy toward Weed as it was jealousy toward me and Taiki-kun. The point was that Weed needed to act as a small player under the shield of a major power to avoid getting dragged into unnecessary trouble.
The headaches of intercontinental exchange could be left to the major powers. The If Continent, which was wary of me—of Weed—would likely feel relieved to see us not actively participating in the exchange. It would prove we had no ambitions.
"So, we're leaving the intercontinental exchange to the Rogali Alliance and the If Alliance. Does that mean we're heading to the New Continent?"
Deryu asked, looking excited. Well, the New Continent was likely where Deryu could let loose the most.
"That's right. We've spent nearly a month here, so there should be some progress by now. Right, Kagura?"
As I said that and turned my gaze toward Kagura, everyone else followed suit. Kagura, suddenly the center of everyone's attention, flinched for a moment, but having grown accustomed to this group, she quickly regained her composure and opened her mouth as usual.
"...Yes. As Yuki said, things in Haiden are starting to settle down. Since a conference with the Findar Empire is scheduled, the Princess has contacted me asking for our help. She intends to make Weed's existence public at that time. What will you do?"
"What will we do?" For us, the New Continent was important. There was no way we wouldn't cooperate. With this, we would finally be officially recognized by Haiden and Findar, making it easier to move forward with the investigation of the New Continent.
Just as I was thinking this idly, a Call suddenly came through.
"Is that Mauve? What's wrong?"
"Armed groups are gathering at the demi-human village. What should we do? Should we scatter them?"
Ah, so that side was finally making a move. Was it strange that they had been silent until now? Or perhaps it was because the kings of various countries had gathered in Betan.
"You all heard that. Gather the defense forces at the demi-human village. Contact Horst, Noble, Hifie, Popuri, and Refest in Betan as well."
Well then, this was the real turning point for intercontinental exchange. And the demi-humans were about to make their move. But the ones waiting to intercept them would be...
Well, that aside, I noticed the number of comments had reached 8,888 when I checked earlier, which made me quite happy.