第６７２堀：長所は短所 短所は長所 (Part1)
**Chapter 672: Strengths are Weaknesses, Weaknesses are Strengths**
"It’s the truth."
Yes, that’s what my Yuki says.
Mm. He isn't lying.
We really are just planning a visit.
It’s just that the other side will inevitably go off the rails, and as a result, we’ll end up blowing them away. That’s all there is to it.
"I’d like to say that, but it would be a problem if we didn't explain anything at all. Cleena, is it alright if I explain the situation?"
"…Mm. It can't be helped."
If we don’t convey the dangers that might occur, Kagura and the others might wander into a hazardous situation without knowing it.
That would only create a negative image for the upcoming intercontinental exchange.
Since we are asking for their help, it is only human to explain the circumstances as much as possible and seek their cooperation.
…If we just dragged them along and forced them to help, we’d be no different from Kagura, who kidnapped us via summoning.
No, I’ve already forgiven Kagura, and just because of the past, it doesn't mean it’s okay to subject them to the same treatment. That would only expose how small-minded we are.
Yuki wouldn't want that. Things were different back then, but now they are proper collaborators.
We aren't mean-spirited. We are Yuki’s pure and beautiful wives.
Mm? Actually, this is an August issue, so it feels wrong to have Yuki explain the situation.
"Actually..."
"Mm. Yuki. Since this is about August, I will explain it properly. Besides, this isn't the place to talk about it. We should change locations. We haven't even finished choosing our equipment yet."
"Ah, you’re right. Let’s confirm everything with everyone once more."
"Mm. That’s for the best."
And so, we stopped Narjia from going on a rampage and bringing out outrageous weapons, chose some sensible ones, and returned to the conference room.
"…That took longer than I thought. We really should do something about Narjia’s weapon-obsessed brain."
"That’s difficult. For Cleena, it’s like telling you to stop reading books. If we aren't careful, she might lose her mind, so don’t try to stop her."
"…Mm. Understood."
I see. So that is Narjia’s reason for living.
…I don’t understand people’s hobbies.
Well, that aside…
"…Everyone. I know you’re tired. But since we are going to storm August tomorrow, I will explain the details."
"No, no. Calm down, Cleena. We’re going there to talk about establishing a Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You’re making it sound like we’re going to topple a country right off the bat."
"…Mm. As Yuki says, that is the direction we are taking at first. Then, we will flush out those who stand in the way of Yuki and us, and offer them up as a blood sacrifice."
When I said that, my fellow wives nodded in understanding.
Mm. I have good companions.
Every single one of those idiots in August who interferes with the time Yuki, us, and our children share will be sent to the bottom of a sea of blood.
"Well, I understand your policy, Cleena-san, but don’t you know the situation over there in detail?"
"Mm. Kirika is investigating various things regarding that. Right, Yuki?"
"Yeah. As expected, I want to avoid visiting a chaotic August without gathering any information. Kirika, if you would."
"Yes."
As Yuki said that, Kirika, who was standing by, began to explain the situation in August.
"First, I will explain our base of operations. At the moment, it is unlikely that they will harm dignitaries from other countries, but if anything happens, please escape the royal castle and flee to the base we have prepared in the August castle town."
"A base...? Ah, is this the one you and Milly used when you were gathering information in August separately before?"
"That’s right, Riel. The base Milly and I used. There are no problems with living there. But Kirika, if something happens, shouldn't we just seize the royal castle?"
"…Wait, wait, Milly. Listen to Kirika’s full explanation first. She just told us where to evacuate in an emergency. Looking at the map of the royal capital, it’s here."
Yuki brought the conversation back on track.
"Yes. As the Master said, please listen to the explanation first. I will take questions all at once later. However, I will answer Milly-sama’s question now. If you are asking why we don’t seize the royal castle with our own forces..."
Kirika paused, and as everyone’s gaze gathered on her, she opened her mouth.
"It is because there is a high possibility that it will hinder future exchanges. This matter is strictly an internal problem for August. If we take the lead in solving it, neither the other countries nor August will be pleased, and it could lead to them demanding that we take care of August until the very end. We are always short-handed, and governing the August Kingdom—which has more land and population than Weed, and is already poorly managed to begin with—is fundamentally impossible. Furthermore, if we have to deal with the local nobles who are dissatisfied with us..."
"Ah, I see. I’ll flee to the base if anything happens. Though, I’ll probably be acting separately even if I go to August."
With Kirika’s explanation, Milly and the others like Tori—who were in the "let’s just solve it with force" camp—immediately looked convinced.
It is true that with Weed’s military power, August’s hostile forces would be no match for us.
But doing that would only cause more trouble. We would end up having to take care of August in the future, and there is a risk that other countries would start looking at us with suspicion.
It is clear that this would cause problems for future intercontinental exchanges.
Above all, we would be swamped with work. Milly and the others wouldn't want that either.
"Uh, I understand the talk, but what are we supposed to do by running away? I thought the base in the castle town would be compromised? Or rather, what is the point of us accompanying you?"
That was Kagura, who we had dragged into this operation.
Mikos, Solo, and Enora were also listening with tense expressions.
Well, it’s only natural since they were told they would be involved in a battle.
"Kagura-sama, please calm down. This visit is strictly to discuss the establishment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We have our Weed from the Rogari Continent, Yuki-sama’s wives from the 6 Great Powers of the If Continent, and you Haiden from the New Continent. There shouldn't be any problems, right?"
"Ah, yes."
"W-wait a minute, Kagura. U-um, Kirika-san. I’m hearing some unsettling talk about battles and seizing royal castles..."
Replacing the persuaded Kagura, Mikos asked in a panic.
"It is only in the event that something happens. There are always dissenters to this kind of new project. August is simply experiencing something similar. In terms of Haiden or the Haire religion, you could say it’s like having followers of a mad god."
"I see."
"Wait, Mikos. We couldn't avoid a confrontation last time, but since Cleena said she would 'flush them out,' doesn't that mean we will be intentionally clashing with the troublemakers inside August? If we get hurt, even by accident, wouldn't that cause problems for the intercontinental exchange?"
After Mikos was talked down, Enora was the next to interject.
…This is getting troublesome, but I have to explain it properly.
Since we are asking them to help solve August’s problems.
…Honestly, August will receive the punishment it deserves for pushing this trouble onto me.
As I was thinking that, Yuki began to explain in Kirika’s place.