第６６４堀：久しぶりのジルバ帝国 (Part2)
"Avoiding war? In a strange land, and in a mere half-year? Most would laugh at the impossibility, but for you and your people, Yuki, it might actually be possible."
"I’m glad you’re convinced. Now, what was it you wanted to discuss?"
"Yes, about that. It concerns the generals currently stationed here..."
It seems that several small neighboring countries near the borders of Zilba’s territory are still resisting. The task of handling them falls to the Western Conquest Army, led by the power-type General Yokiel. He wanted us to provide some assistance.
I couldn't help but think he should just use the other generals, but... General Row, who guards the north, cannot afford to lower his guard against Noble—that is, the Kingdom of Ex. In the east, Marly is in charge, supported by Olive and Mist. However, both the northern and eastern fronts have shifted from conquest forces to defensive ones, as they are facing an alliance between the Kingdom of Ex and the Holy Kingdom of Enaria.
In other words, even though they are technically in an alliance, they don't fully trust one another. That’s only natural, I suppose.
The bigger problem is this:
"Whether the criminal organizations reported by Ex fled into these small countries or were based there to begin with, I cannot say. But they are resisting using mass-produced magic swords, and Yokiel is struggling to make headway. If we attack recklessly and the towns are burned, it will only breed resentment."
"I understand the situation. But what exactly do you want us to do? You aren't asking us to storm into these small countries and capture their kings, are you?"
"No, relying on Weed to that extent would be meaningless. Besides, if we did that, even if we brought them under our control, the surrounding nations would inevitably demand that we hand them over to Weed."
"That’s true."
It would be absurd for Zilba to claim dominion over lands that we were the ones to pacify.
"Therefore, I want to merge Row and Olive’s armies with Yokiel’s. But that would leave the border between Ex and Enaria thinly defended. Even with the alliance treaty in place, I don't want to be caught off guard. So, Yuki, could you speak to Ex and Enaria, explain the situation, and ask them to keep their hands off?"
"I see. You want me—you want Weed—to act as a mediator."
"Exactly. If it comes from you, neither Ex nor Enaria will get any strange ideas. It’s not that I don't trust them, but as a nation, these are the precautions we must take."
I see. I understand where he’s coming from.
"I don't mind doing that much."
"I see. Then I shall draft a personal letter immediately. You can take it to Ex and Enaria..."
"Wait a second. There are conditions for doing this."
"...I suppose you wouldn't move for free after all."
"Of course not. Honestly, you’d be more worried if I did move for free, wouldn't you?"
"Fair point. What are your conditions?"
And so, I explained our proposal for establishing a Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"Heh heh. Not bad at all. I pledge my support for the establishment of this Ministry of Foreign Affairs. With this, we can properly demonstrate that the six great powers have formed an alliance. If things go well, the small nations might hear of this and surrender. Besides, I’ve heard rumors of diplomats abusing their authority. I’ve turned a blind eye to their privileges because I was offloading troublesome work onto them, but I can't let that continue. I had already realized that some restructuring was necessary."
With that, Fionha declared his cooperation in establishing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"Alright, I'll bring it up as an agenda item at the next alliance meeting. Until then, please compile a list of potential issues."
"I see. Laying the groundwork, are you? Only natural. But it’s quite interesting to be laying the groundwork with all six great powers."
"The enemies of the great powers these days aren't the other great powers; they’re the opposition within their own borders."
"Indeed. Many are anxious about the sudden formation of the If Continent Alliance. This will be necessary to keep them in check."
"Actually, it might end up being a situation where the alliance suppresses the rebellion and leaves the administration to Zilba."
"Surely not... No, I suppose it isn't entirely impossible."
"It’s a straightforward suppression operation. The six great powers joining forces to eliminate a criminal organization armed with mass-produced magic swords. I think it’s the perfect way to show the continent that the alliance has been formed."
"...If it weren't my own country, I would have gladly accepted that proposal."
"Well, it is happening under your own jurisdiction, so I understand why it would be a stain on your reputation. Regardless, I’ll take the letter and inform them that we intend to suppress the rebellion. They might even offer reinforcements."
"...That’s a difficult prospect. I hadn't considered that possibility."
"It’s a way to earn favor, and it’s a perfect opportunity for them to show that the alliance is active."
"...For now, if the topic of reinforcements comes up, please tell them you need to wait for a response."
"Understood."
With that, the discussions regarding Zilba’s troubles and the establishment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs went quite well.
Now then, should I head to Enaria tomorrow? Or should I go talk to Noble in Ex first?
Thinking about all of this, I headed back home.
Oh, nostalgic Zilba!!
Have your memories been refreshed?
And who was the source of the trouble?
For now, Yuki continues his visits to resolve it all.