第６６０堀：御社の事業説明をしてもらってもよろしいでしょうか？ (Part2)
The content was absolutely staggering.
No, when I really thought about it, it was only natural.
The land where we of Haiden reside, and the land where Weed is located, are on different continents. It wouldn't be strange at all for other continents to exist as well.
That land is the If Continent.
And now, intercontinental exchange with that place was about to begin.
In other words, our diplomatic routes were on the verge of doubling in a single stroke.
In a sense, this could be called the most appropriate time to create a Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The idea was to use this opportunity to organize everything related to diplomacy at once.
The talk about wanting to train proper diplomats rather than relying on personal connections, and wanting to delegate the resolution of troubles and document approval to a Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was actually secondary...
"Fortunately, the concept of a 'Ministry of Foreign Affairs' does not yet exist in other countries. Diplomacy is primarily handled through connections. If that’s the case..."
"So, the issue at hand is that this is a problem that could occur not just in Weed, but in other countries as well. Are you saying that you want to take this opportunity to discuss it with other nations and promote the establishment of Ministries of Foreign Affairs there too?"
"You hit the nail on the head."
I see.
So, they want to request the establishment of such ministries in other countries to prevent anticipated troubles or to resolve them swiftly.
This isn't just about helping other nations struggle less with diplomatic affairs; there is a massive advantage in that we—or rather, by discussing it now, just as intercontinental exchange is beginning—can create a unified standard.
"Standard" might be a difficult term, but it means regulating the submission of necessary documents, official seals, and the like, thereby preventing troubles caused by handling documents with different contents, formats, or sizes for every trading partner, and avoiding confusion when diplomats from each country visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to handle procedures.
There is nothing easier than having a unified understanding of what needs to be done.
Back when I was active, I, too, was often bewildered by the differences in diplomatic rules when visiting other countries.
Using parchment, having specific opening greetings, bringing gifts for the sake of etiquette...
The plan was to rectify and unify all of that.
"By the way, as things stand now, Haiden, Findarl, and the Haire Religion will not be involved in this intercontinental exchange. However..."
"If we cooperate in the establishment of Weed's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we can pass that know-how directly to our homeland! And we can also introduce our homeland to them!"
Princess Arge raised her voice, as if to say this was amazing.
I see. Working here would also benefit Haiden.
It could be said that Haiden has found us a good position, rather than just letting us go to waste as heroes of the past.
"Well, it would be problematic for Princess Arge to work as a diplomat for Findarl, but a few introductions shouldn't be an issue. It will likely help Kagura and the others, who are diplomats for Haiden."
"I see. That’s a fine plan that seems capable of killing three birds with one stone."
"That is, if the talks proceed smoothly. To help push that along, if you and your group agree, I would like you to cooperate in establishing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs immediately. Or rather, if we don't build it, our diplomatic affairs will be dead in the water."
Indeed, I understood that if we didn't establish a Ministry of Foreign Affairs now, ahead of the exchange with the many countries of the If Continent, it would lead to a catastrophic situation.
"However, it’s not that I’m unwilling, but unfortunately, I have no practical experience. I graduated from university, but I never held a job. Is that alright?"
"Yes. There is no one in Weed more capable of accepting the differences of other countries and foreign cultures than you, Souta-san, a Japanese person. Or rather, didn't you move around quite a bit during negotiations back in Haiden? As a staff officer?"
"Indeed. Souta’s negotiation skills are incredible. I, his wife, can vouch for that."
"With Enol-san’s guarantee, it’s impossible to say you lack practical ability."
*Sigh.* It would be rude to refuse after being expected this much.
"I would like to contact Haiden, at least."
"Naturally. We will contact them immediately."
"If I receive permission, I would like to work under you and your people, Yuki-san, as a citizen of Weed. I am an old man, and a corpse at that, but I look forward to working with you."
"Indeed. If Souta says so, I shall work alongside him as well. Besides, I did feel a bit guilty about eating for free."
"I, too, would like to participate as an assistant for the time being."
It seems both Enol and Princess Arge were skillfully persuaded by Yuki.
"Oh, come to think of it, why is Hairen so quiet?"
With the discussion settled, Enol suddenly said that, and I realized it too.
At the beginning, she had been wandering around, insisting that we include her and explain things to her...
Thinking that, I searched the area...
"Zzz... zzz..."
"Ah, she said it was all too difficult, so she went to sleep."
"Sigh. I have my reservations about Yuki-san's way of putting it, but..."
"In Hairen's case, she needs basic education before she can even be considered a goddess."
Even after receiving that judgment from the three goddesses, she was still fast asleep.
And so, Yuki gained his personnel, and the useless goddess slept soundly.