第６５７堀：溜まっているお仕事 (Part2)
"Ah, so the smaller nations that wanted to expand their influence by riding on Zilba's momentum are feeling dissatisfied. But it's just complaints, right?"
"Just complaints, yes. They know for certain they would lose if they tried to start a war. At worst, they fear intervention from Ex or Enaria to suppress them."
"Right, an intervention to quell the unrest. They have the perfect justification of 'international exchange' to fall back on, too."
"Well, knowing His Majesty, I’m sure he’ll settle things without any particular issues."
"That old man would, wouldn't he."
I shifted my gaze to the next country.
・Holy King Enaria VII
While their border disputes with other major powers have calmed down, the sudden appearance of Weed has left the smaller nations in a state of confusion, much like in Zilba.
The issue seems to be that there are those questioning why they are pursuing peace and alliances after having gone through the trouble of bringing out the Holy Sword.
Well, that’s a standard, expected reaction.
"So, Agil. What about your country?"
"Nothing in particular. It’s a common issue in war, after all. I expect they’ll quiet down once the trade and exchange results from Weed—or rather, the Rogari Continent—start showing. Unlike Zilba, we haven't gone around promising rewards to enemy nations, after all."
"I see."
Now, for the next one...
・Kingdom of Roday
This country is openly keeping a secret alliance with neighboring White Forest. Furthermore, because their other neighbor, Enaria, had intense border conflicts with Zilba, they’ve been maintaining friendly relations with them as well. The smaller nations have also agreed to the If Continent Alliance, so things are calm there.
As for the problems...
"His Majesty Blade keeps sneaking off to Betan to play, so Father and Chancellor Ronri have asked if you could do something about it..."
"Not my problem."
"I figured you'd say that. *Sigh*."
You just have to leave an old man with too much energy alone.
I suppose I can't just say, "Well, his son is working hard," can I?
Anyway, moving on.
・Kingdom of White Forest
No problems. It’s Comet’s vassal state.
That’s putting it too simply. The issue is that they still face frequent trouble in meetings with other countries due to being demi-humans.
I’ve sent word to Comet to cooperate in softening the negative sentiment toward demi-humans in White Forest by promoting exchanges with the demi-humans, beastmen, and elves of Weed and the Rogari Continent.
Next, Noble’s country.
・Kingdom of Ex
Thanks to the exclusive use of Gate technology, the domestic economy is quite vibrant. Since they were originally planning to pick a fight with the entire If Continent but never actually moved, they’ve been receiving applause for improving the environment of ordinary households using magic tool technology.
As for problems, there is the issue of the Gate technology monopoly, but they are showing enough restraint that it hasn't caused any trouble. As for the smaller nations, they are providing solid support, just like in Dressa’s country, so things are stable.
Yeah, Noble is serious and admirable.
You could say he’s completely mastered the job of managing the If Continent from the shadows.
Well, I’ll have a private debriefing with Noble later.
Now, for the last one, Cleena’s homeland...
・Kingdom of August
They are getting along well with their neighbors, Ex and White Forest, and there are no notable conflicts with the smaller nations.
It looks like there are no problems, but because a knight went rogue at the last If conference and disparaged Weed, they are being glared at by the other five major powers. Hearing this report, the nations of the Rogari Continent are also on high alert.
Because of this, the Rogari-If conference hasn't been held yet without my mediation.
The domestic backlash is more intense than I thought, and they seem to be struggling quite a bit.
Cleena even got called back home because of it.
"...Cleena. Have you heard about August?"
"...Yeah. It sounds pretty bad. My grandfather and my master have told me not to show my face there yet. I should probably consider it quite dangerous."
"Signs of civil war? Is the problem that they didn't see Weed's true power?"
"That's part of it, but that knight who complained has more influence in the country than I thought, and he's putting pressure on the current administration. Either way, they just don't realize they can't beat Yuki. The problem is that they weren't taught that clearly enough."
Cleena is right, but if things continue like this, August will definitely be left out of international exchange circles.
That would lead to a vicious cycle where the current royal family is criticized further for failing to show results from international exchange.
I need to intervene somewhere.
"Actually, if it turns into a civil war, other countries won't be able to just sit by and watch, which makes it a problem for us too. Let's gather more detailed information. Kirika."
"Yes."
"There you have it. Put more effort into the investigation of August. Send reinforcements."
"Understood."
*Sigh*, the If Continent is getting rowdy too.
Things just won't proceed quietly, will they?
Or is it better that a war hasn't broken out yet?
As a review, these were the reports from the six major powers of the If Continent.
I wonder how many countries everyone remembered?