第６６３堀：事前の相談と確認 (Part1)
Chapter 663: Prior Consultation and Confirmation
Side: Yuki
"Well, it’s good to see you."
Greeting me with those words was Noble, the King of Ex, one of the six great kingdoms of the If Continent. However, his true nature goes beyond that of a mere king; he is one of the gods tasked by Luna with maintaining this continent. He is also the commander-in-chief regarding the magical energy depletion phenomenon occurring on the If Continent, and one of my collaborators.
Today, before I speak to the various factions of the If Continent about the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I came to discuss it with Noble, my ally, first.
"You look tired. You do realize this is Betan, my territory, right?"
"Haha, so it is. But as an administrator of this continent, that’s not wrong, is it? Though, I’m not the only one who’s tired. You’re the same, aren't you, Yuki-dono?"
Noble replied with a dry laugh. If someone were to ask whose complexion was better, mine would undoubtedly look healthier, making Noble’s exhaustion all the more apparent. He looked like a salaryman who hadn't slept in days.
"Well, for now... why don't you take a seat, Yuki-dono? And your wives as well?"
"Ah, right. Let's sit for a moment."
Prompted by Horst, we took our seats on the sofa.
"Still, Sacri, you seem to be doing well."
"Thanks to you. I’m grateful to Yuki’s wives."
The one speaking beside Noble was Sacri, his partner and a Dungeon Master. During the Demon King conflict on the If Continent, he had been wounded, losing one leg and both arms, and had been supporting Noble from the shadows ever since. When Noble entered into a cooperative relationship with us, we performed a regenerative experim—er, treatment, which was a success.
It was only his right arm for now, but if this went well, the rest of his missing limbs could be restored. Until then, I had assumed he was managing to walk with the prosthetic limbs provided by Narjia-san, but...
"I can even run now."
"Is that so?"
I suppose when that person makes something, the specs end up being absurd.
"Though, my right hand still doesn't move quite right."
As he said this, Sacri tried to move his regenerated right hand, but his fingers only twitched.
"You're still in rehabilitation. Let's take it slow."
"True. It’s been 400 years since I lost them, so I’ll take my time."
Apparently, when a limb has been missing for so long, even if the nerves are reconnected, it’s difficult to move it—perhaps because the body has accepted the missing state as the norm. Lulua and Elju had mentioned something similar. Incidentally, when we first healed his injuries, Noble and the others had wept with joy.
And then there was one more person, standing silently by Noble’s side without taking a seat...
"Job, you look tired too. Why don't you sit?"
"No. I am, above all else, His Majesty’s Chancellor. A subordinate. I should not be treated as an equal. Please, do not concern yourself, Yuki-sama."
As always, Job the Chancellor was stiff. I exchanged a wry smile with Noble and Sacri.
"Well, the pleasantries are out of the way. Did you hear about my side of things?"
"Yes. I’ve read the report. You’ve taken on some unnecessary trouble in the New Continent, haven't you?"
"You’ve had a rough time, Yuki."
"It was a hassle and a disaster, but leaving it as it was would have caused more trouble later. I only acted to ensure it would be to our benefit."
I don't fall without picking something up. I’m not the type to just swallow my tears and move on.
"As strong-willed as ever. It’s reassuring."
"Indeed. I was worried, but seeing your face like this puts me at ease."
"I only sent a message to Sacri, after all."
"It couldn't be helped. I was in the middle of rehab."
We laughed together. This kind of ease is nice. But we couldn't just keep chatting forever.
"Right, I’d like to get to the main point now, if that’s alright?"
"Of course. What is it you’ve come for today?"
When I said that, Noble’s expression turned serious, and Sacri stopped talking. As expected of a long-time duo; they have that perfect, unspoken rapport. Now, time for me to get to work.
"Actually..."
I spent about an hour explaining the establishment of a unified diplomatic agency—the Ministry of Foreign Affairs—and how, by gaining the consent of many nations to make it a unified project, we could standardize diplomatic protocols and eliminate the hassles caused by differences in culture and etiquette.
"...Indeed, the proposal itself is not bad. What do you think, Job?"
"Yes. I have looked through the plan, and I believe it is very logical. It clearly outlines the issues, and while there is concern that those who have held diplomatic positions through nepotism might fear losing their status, the plan includes provisions for their re-employment as instructors in the diplomatic training curriculum. If they are stripped of their status after that, it would simply prove they lacked the talent to begin with."
Chancellor Job seemed generally favorable. Incidentally, I had handed out the plans to everyone beforehand. Dressa had been busy distributing them, and she seemed to be getting along well with Noble and Job, chatting with them with a light smile.
"Indeed. I agree. What do you think, Horst-dono?"
"Eh? Me? I’m not a diplomat, though..."
"I want the opinion of someone who can welcome and entertain the dignitaries of the six great kingdoms here in Betan..."
Faced with that, Horst couldn't refuse and turned his gaze toward me.
"I’d like to hear your opinion too, Horst, so go ahead."
"Understood. If that is the case... from an overall perspective, I agree with Chancellor Job that Yuki-dono’s plan to establish a Ministry of Foreign Affairs is wonderful. However, I have concerns about whether it will be accepted smoothly given the current situation on the If Continent."
When Horst said that, all three of them nodded.
"I believe Horst-dono’s opinion hits the mark. The plan itself is excellent, but infringing on existing vested interests is difficult for a nation to swallow. Moreover, with the formation of the alliance on the If Continent for the sake of exchange with the Rogari Continent, the domestic and international situation is already quite chaotic. If we bring up this plan now..."
"Job is right. Those who have been reaping the sweet rewards of diplomacy until now might raise the banner of rebellion. At worst, even ordinary lords might move against it, fearing their own interests will be seized."
"The scale of the undertaking is massive. If it’s perceived as a purge, that would be quite problematic. How do you intend to handle that?"
Well, as expected, they arrived at the same concern. The backlash born from the fear of losing existing interests. It’s a common occurrence everywhere.
"That will be handled through careful explanation. I intend to summon the families who have handled diplomacy until now and tell them to lend a hand in establishing this Ministry—or rather, have them lead it. They would be the heads and executives of the new department. If they’re worried about profit, they should realize that not getting on board with this would be a greater loss. As Job said, it would only expose those who lack the talent."