第６６９堀：情報整理 (Part1)
**Chapter 669: Organizing Information**
**Side: Jessica**
We are currently gathered in the Weed conference room.
The reason for this assembly is...
*Squeak, squeak-squeak...*
It is because Yuki is writing on the whiteboard.
Following the conversation with King Roday yesterday, we decided that since information from sources other than August had been gathered, it was time to bring the key figures together here in Weed for a meeting.
Incidentally, according to a report from Lord Horst, King Roday ate a hearty dinner after that talk, fully enjoyed the open-air bath, and returned home early this morning.
...Honestly, I suppose those who are called heroes are just like Yuki—their thoughts and actions are impossible to predict.
As I was thinking this, the sound of the pen stopped, signaling that Yuki had finished writing on the whiteboard.
"Well, I assume you’ve all looked over the documents while I was writing on the board. The White Forest folks haven't been involved much, so does anyone have any questions?"
Yuki says this, turning his gaze toward the representatives from White Forest.
"No, none."
"We have none."
The ones responding are King Refest and Hina.
Although they are one of the six great powers of the If Continent, they are deeply connected to us behind the scenes, much like Noble of the Ex Kingdom. They are practically family. Their nation was built with the support of Comet—the former Dungeon Master who remained on the If Continent—and thanks to King Refest, a long-lived Elf who has ruled the country from that time until the present, the people worship Comet whenever she is brought there.
Because of this, White Forest is a good partner for Weed—or rather, for Yuki.
However, White Forest is a nation of demi-humans, who are detested on the If Continent, so they cannot act too openly regarding this current coalition.
If they were to show their faces too prominently, it could cause a rift in the coalition.
Well, that is not to say they are useless.
They are cooperating with us in Weed and Noble’s Ex using their own unique strengths. Just as they are doing now.
"...Judging by that reaction, you had already gathered this information on your end, hadn't you?"
"Indeed. The conflict in Zilba involving small nations with mass-produced magic swords, the Holy Sword issue in Enaria, the Sia Church, and finally, the fact that August is becoming quite unstable."
As expected, even if they are detested demi-humans—no, perhaps precisely *because* they are detested—they never fail to gather intelligence on the surrounding countries.
They aren't even surprised by the information we’ve brought to the table. It is truly reliable.
As I was thinking this, Hina, the Prime Minister of White Forest, speaks up to supplement King Refest’s statement.
"Regarding August, they are our neighbors, so we gather information on them in particular. Besides, there has been interference with our trade recently."
"Interference? What do you mean by that, Prime Minister Hina?"
"Simply put, the demi-human hate groups in August have been launching attacks. This never happened before, but I suspect it is due to August's current instability."
"Attacks? Coming from hate groups... you mean commoners?"
"Yes. On the surface, at least."
"And what do you mean by 'on the surface'?"
"Reports indicate that they are attacking with clearly coordinated movements. Well, they aren't launching full-scale assaults; it’s really more of an annoyance or harassment. Throwing stones, hurling insults, and the like. It is likely... intended to worsen the relationship between our White Forest and August."
"I see. They want to prove to the coalition that the King of August is incompetent and unable to control his subordinates. But they don't intend to actually pick a fight with White Forest or the coalition, so they keep it to that level of harassment."
"If there were actual, serious damage, White Forest would have to protest as a member of the coalition. If that happened, those in August who covet the throne would find themselves in a difficult position even if they managed to seize it. They likely want to keep things as quiet as possible."
Indeed, looking at the current situation, August’s reputation has been plummeting lately.
It looks exactly like they are unable to control their own people.
However, if the damage were to exceed a certain limit, the If Continent Coalition might be forced to act.
If that happens, those who wanted to drag the current August royal family down to seize power would risk having the coalition cast aspersions on the power they worked so hard to steal.
They likely realize that what they are doing to the current royal family is not much different from what would be done to them in return.
"Hmm. Well, I understand that White Forest is well-informed about the various countries. Let’s put that matter aside for now. We’ve heard the consultations from the other countries, so let’s finish up with White Forest’s concerns."
"Understood. Though, the problem remains the same as always: the various issues stemming from us being demi-humans. It hasn't changed much from before."
"However, you have been officially recognized as one of the six great powers. Despite that, it is a problem that the only countries you have good relations with are Roday and August. If you get too close to the countries on the Rogari Continent, where demi-humans live without discrimination, it will only stoke resentment and a sense of crisis within the If Continent Coalition. If you could reconcile or establish exchanges with the other three great powers, perhaps that would be the key to friendship..."
As Prime Minister Hina says, White Forest stands out as a demi-human nation within the If Continent Coalition.
But the situation is no longer one where they can just get along with nearby countries as they have until now.
Even if they are deeply connected to Weed, it is only natural that they should communicate as a member of the If Continent Coalition.
But I don't think demi-human discrimination on the If Continent will disappear so easily.
"As Hina says, we can no longer just leave things as they are, so I would like your cooperation in this matter. I have discussed this with Noble several times, though."
"Hmm. And does Noble have any solutions for this problem?"
"Well, I don't have one definitive answer yet. But I believe the catalyst will likely be when exchanges with the Rogari Continent begin."
"Ah, because there are many demi-humans among the royalty over there, too."
"Exactly. We will aim for that moment, setting aside the people of the If Continent who look down on demi-humans, and have White Forest talk amicably with the Rogari Continent. From there, we invite Roday and August, with whom we already have good relations, and then have them introduce us to my side, Ex. That is the flow."
I see. In that case, Zilba and Enaria, who have been left behind, will start to feel the pressure.
However, Yuki doesn't look very happy about it.
"...Well, I understand the flow."
"Are you not keen on it?"
"No, I know that nothing will start unless we do it. But when it comes to international exchange, it's only the people at the top who get along..."
"The disgust and discrimination felt by the commoners won't disappear so easily. This is something that can only be done gradually."
"Doing it too rapidly will only invite backlash. There’s no other way, is there? Understood. I will make adjustments in that direction."
"I’m counting on you."
The members of the Holy Sword users, who are conducting intelligence activities on the If Continent in cooperation with White Forest and Ex, look visibly uncomfortable during this conversation.
Well, I suppose that is to be expected. They have done many things while ignoring the backlash.