第６７２堀：長所は短所 短所は長所 (Part2)
"From here on, the political implications are heavy, so let me explain. Well, Enora is right. If Kagura and the others, who are here as diplomats, were to get injured—no, the very fact of putting Haiden’s dignitaries in danger is a problem in itself. Weed, having volunteered to participate in this operation, would have no face to show Haiden, wouldn't we?"
"Exactly. If something like that happened, wouldn't the intercontinental exchange fall through? As a representative of the Haire Church, as a friend to Kagura and the others, and as someone who worries about the future of this continent, I cannot support such a decoy operation."
Enora is right. Putting dignitaries in danger is a problem.
However, that is only one side of the coin.
"……But, would Yuki-sensei really involve us in something that is only dangerous?"
The voice of Solo, who muttered this, echoed unexpectedly through the conference room, causing Kagura and Mikos to tilt their heads.
As Solo said, it isn't just about the danger.
There is no way Yuki would take them along if there were no benefits for Kagura and her friends.
"……Indeed. To solve the problems in August, would Yuki really set up an operation that would cause the intercontinental exchange to fall through?"
"That’s impossible. Besides, Yuki-sensei has taken us on many trips before, and he’s never let us get hurt. I understand Enora’s concern, but he even lent us super-luxurious equipment earlier, right? If we get hurt with that, it would have to be a self-inflicted disaster."
"That’s true. So, maybe he’s also teaching us the way to escape?"
"……Muu. But even so, jumping into danger on purpose, rather than being forced into it, is..."
"Ah, think of it this way. There is certainly danger, but there are also many benefits for Kagura and the others."
"Benefits?"
The four of them tilted their heads at Yuki’s words.
Well, that’s to be expected. They are just students, their combat ability isn't that high, and their diplomatic skills are, needless to say, low—or rather, at an apprentice level.
Even they themselves wonder where the benefit could possibly be.
But that is precisely what can become a benefit.
Yuki often says: A strength is a weakness, and a weakness is a strength.
Things that seem useless can sometimes be the most useful.
It’s not that they are unusable; it’s just that the person using them hasn't thought it through.
In other words...
"Well, first, let me explain the benefits to the nation. By accompanying the establishment of this Ministry of Foreign Affairs, you can spread the name of Haiden. You can build connections. This is extremely beneficial not only to Haiden but also to the countries of the New Continent. And considering the achievements of Haiden in taking the lead, you will likely be entrusted with the helm—the right to negotiate first or act as the mediator—regarding future intercontinental exchanges and trade."
"That is true, I suppose."
"Yeah. I understand that part."
"I understand."
"However, August has many restless elements. If Kagura and the others suffer losses because of that..."
"As Enora said, harming diplomats can lead to cracks between nations. I understand that. But that can also be a benefit, conversely."
"Yes?"
"In other words, suppose the idiots in August try to harm Haiden’s diplomats. If that happens, relations between August and Haiden will turn sour, and as Enora said, it will hinder intercontinental exchange. But that’s not all. What will the remaining major powers who want to engage in intercontinental exchange do?"
When Yuki said this, a look of understanding spread across the faces of Kagura and the others.
"Ah. That’s what it is."
"The country of August, which took actions that caused the exchange to fall through, will be shunned by everyone around them."
"……Um, so because they don't want that to happen, they’ll want to get along with Haiden? Wait? But then, there’s no reason for us to be involved in danger, right?"
Solo doesn't seem to quite get it yet.
But that can't be helped. Solo isn't a noble; she's a commoner.
Enora speaks up in her place.
"……Are you saying that by using us as bait to draw out and defeat the restless elements within August, we can then extract some kind of concession regarding trade between Haiden and August, citing the trouble they caused us?"
"Exactly. The internal strife in August is already a headache for August itself and the other five major powers. If we cooperate in solving this, we might receive various favors from the entire If Continent side as well. The fact that you are students is also helpful. The opposition will likely think, 'What can these little girls do?' I’ve made it sound complicated, but it’s the same result we got when we, Weed, cooperated to solve the problems in Haiden, Findal, and the Haire Church. In exchange, they will help us in the future or provide us with favors. By the way, Kirika..."
"Yes."
"?"
Yuki received a parchment from Kirika...
"Princess Carrie and the King of Haiden have already issued an order for you to cooperate in resolving this internal strife in August, so there is no problem."
"Ehhhhhh!?"
Since the order from above had already been issued, Kagura and the others had no choice but to cooperate.
"……Hmm. I’ll be causing you trouble. But I won't let you get hurt. That’s what the equipment and everything else is for."
"Basically, we’ll be the ones doing the work, so don't worry about it."
"..."
Like that, by the time the meeting ended, Kagura and the others were left wide-eyed and speechless.
You shouldn't underestimate someone just because they’re a student, you know?
In some light novels, students might be the ones doing all the overpowering, but here, the adults—the guardians—handle things properly.
If adults bully children, the adults who are their guardians will step in. That’s only natural, isn't it!