第６６２堀：根回し (Part2)
"It’s not that I missed my chance. I just need to keep building up my track record until I can create a situation where they can't refuse."
"I-I see."
Missed her chance? Can't refuse?
Was there some kind of negotiation going on?
Well, it’s a private matter between women, so it’s probably something trivial—like haggling over Popuri’s cakes or something similar.
I know better than to pry; that’s just asking for trouble.
Still, the fact remains that I’ve cut into their break time, so I should probably smooth things over.
Ah, right. So, the "after this is finished..." part meant she wanted time off.
No wonder she’s angry.
"It’s alright, Kagura. Since I’ve taken you away from your break, I’ll make sure you’re compensated with proper time off or other benefits for helping with such a major task."
"See? Yuki-san says so himself."
"……If Eris-san says so, then fine. I’ll help."
Hmm. For some reason, she seems to get along well with Eris.
Perhaps it’s because they share the common struggle of dealing with endless paperwork.
Now that I’ve secured her agreement, I might as well invite Eris and the others, too.
"Eris, Milly, and Ratz—you’ll likely receive word later, but we’ve decided to establish a new department, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to set unified rules for diplomacy. There will be a meeting regarding this soon, so be prepared."
"Understood."
The three of them respond without any particular sign of agitation.
They’re different from Kagura; it’s that sense of being perfectly in sync with one’s partner.
Having finished what I needed to say, I turn to leave, but Kagura tilts her head.
"Huh? Not right now?"
Ah, I suppose she’s used to me acting immediately after discussing things.
"It won't work like that this time. I have to coordinate with the representatives from the If Continent regarding this Ministry of Foreign Affairs business first. The actual, full-scale rule-making discussion is still a ways off."
"Oh, I see."
"Well, there’s plenty of prep work for Eris and the others, and I’m sure you’ll have your hands full too, Kagura. It won't be easy."
"Understood. I’ll steel myself for it."
Hearing Kagura’s reply, we head out of the embassy.
"Well, that settles it. Hayden won't be left out of the loop anymore."
"It’s exhausting having to be so careful about everything, isn't it? Diplomacy, I mean."
"Mm. Especially since Hayden is quite behind in exchanges compared to Rogari or If. If they get taken advantage of in negotiations, it could cause problems for intercontinental relations as a whole. That’s why I decided to involve them from the very beginning. As a fair and equal nation. That’s your goal, isn't it, Yuki?"
"Exactly. Besides, I’ve already told the folks from the If Continent that they can prioritize trade and exchange with the New Continent. If Kagura from the New Continent shows her face, they’ll be even more anxious."
"Ah, I see. You’re taking the chaos on the If Continent into account as well?"
"……Mm. That’s exactly why Princess Carrie had no choice but to agree. Including the fact that Elder Souta will be taking the top position at Weed’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs."
It’s painful to let go of such talented personnel, but Princess Carrie agreed because it serves the national interest.
Not to repay a debt, but out of necessity.
In a sense, one could say they’ve incurred yet another debt to Weed.
"Now, we’re going to have a discussion with Noble. We have the Ministry of Foreign Affairs matter to cover, and... we should have gathered enough information regarding August by now."
"Oh, right. Cleena, are you okay?"
Ria asks Cleena with a look of concern.
"……Mm. It doesn't matter to me what happens to August. I’m following Yuki. That’s all."
"……"
Ria and I exchange glances at Cleena’s detached reaction.
When the Holy Sword users were in danger, Cleena had begged us to save August. To see her react so coldly now suggests she is truly furious about the broken promises.
"You know it’s not Princess Inis’s fault, right?"
"……Mm. I know that. But this time, it’s not a problem caused by the Holy Sword users or other nations. It’s happening within their own borders because they couldn't trust my Yuki. I don't want August to be saved because of such a shameful affair. I’m sure Princess Inis feels the same. It would just be piling shame upon shame."
Well, that’s true.
From an outsider’s perspective, it’s just a family squabble.
It’s hard for someone from the outside to intervene...
For Cleena, the desire not to drag us into her family’s problems is likely very strong.
"……Well, regardless, we’re going to meet with Noble. We’ll rendezvous with Jessica and Samantha and head to Betan."
"Yes."
"Mm. Understood."
Hopefully, the establishment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will allow us to intervene in the August situation...
I can’t just snatch people away without permission, so I have to go through the proper channels with their superiors—a necessary step for any working adult.
To Princess Carrie, it might look like, "I'll take Souta and the others as compensation for all the trouble," or it could be seen as Hayden incurring a debt, thinking, "You’re having trouble handling Souta, so I’ll take him off your hands."
In the end, she has no choice but to accept it with tears in her eyes.
It’s not that I’m being particularly harsh on Kagura.
If anything, Princess Carrie is in the most difficult position of all.