第６７３堀：準備が整う (Part2)
"……Is King August aware of that request? Or is this your own arbitrary decision? What is the benefit of supporting you in this?"
"His Majesty is fully aware of this matter. As for the benefit of supporting us, if we can suppress the Duke's faction, we are prepared to spare no effort in cooperating with the establishment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is the purpose of your visit."
"……*Sigh*. The other five great nations have already offered their cooperation for the establishment. That alone is not a benefit. While you say you will spare no effort, this is a joint project involving the If Continent Alliance, the Rogari Continent Alliance, and the nations of the New Continent. Demanding the burden and cooperation from only one specific country would be a source of discord in future exchanges. We will have to ask for equal cooperation from everyone."
"Th-that far along, is it?"
"Yes. August's internal strife is already known to every nation. Or rather, the fact that you weren't even aware of that shows just how chaotic things are over there. To the point where you can't even gather information on other countries."
"……My apologies. However, can something not be done? If we are to present other benefits, I must discuss it with His Majesty once more, and……"
Princess Inis's voice lacked strength.
She sounded completely at a loss.
Well, that was to be expected. It isn't easy to simply present a price to move other nations.
Much less for a mere princess to decide such a thing on her own.
Just as I was wondering what should be done, Yuki-dono, who had been listening to the conversation from the side, stepped in……
"If you're having trouble with the 'benefit' part, I've got a simple one for you."
"Huh? Was that Yuki-dono…… no, Yuki-sama?"
"Yeah. I'm already at the Lancer Magic Academy. Let's go together. I understand the problem on your end."
"I-I see. And what is this 'simple' condition?"
"It's really simple. If you have no intention of being hostile toward us, just say that you will fully cooperate with the establishment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as I mentioned earlier."
"Huh?"
Princess Inis let out a voice of surprise.
She didn't seem to understand.
"Wh-why is that? It is no different from the condition mentioned earlier……"
"Ah, that's to see how things play out. I'm gauging whether you truly have the intention to cooperate."
"B-but then, where is the benefit……"
"It becomes one. If August opposes it here, there is a risk that the intercontinental exchange will fall through. The five great nations fear that. However, even if the five great nations tried to suppress August, 'opposing intercontinental exchange' isn't enough of a reason to attack, and the problem of how to manage August in the future would arise. So, the answer should be obvious, right?"
"……Are you saying we must manage it on our own? But we don't have the spare capacity for that."
"……Without old man Feigel around, your head isn't spinning quite right. Should I put it simply? We think it's faster to side with either the current Royalist faction or the Duke's faction and solve August's problems. You follow me this far?"
"Yes."
"In that case, when choosing between these two options, we will support the one that aligns with the wishes of the five great nations. In other words, we won't support a party that adds unnecessary conditions or picks fights."
"Ah!! I see!! My offering unconditional cooperation for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and intercontinental exchange here is the benefit!!"
Exactly. Rather than the Duke's faction, which keeps making unreasonable demands, supporting the Royalist faction—who are willing to cooperate honestly—is more profitable for the five great nations, for us, and for Weed, the Rogari Alliance, and the nations of the New Continent.
"Well, I don't know what would happen if the Duke's faction suddenly decided to agree unconditionally."
"That is impossible. They underestimate you, Yuki-sama. Ah, so *that* is the reason for cooperating with us."
"That's right. If the August Duke's faction acts unreasonably at the negotiating table, we can use that as a reason to declare our support for the Royalist faction and treat the Duke's faction as enemies. This way, without making all of August our enemy, we can maintain the current regime while helping the If Continent Alliance eliminate a criminal organization that acts unreasonably toward Weed's diplomats, hinders intercontinental exchange, and harms the national interests of August and the five great nations."
"That is why you said you would come with people from Weed, the Lancer Magic Academy, and the New Continent nations, isn't it? To make the Duke's faction explode."
"Yeah. On the day of, I want you to gather enough military force to suppress them immediately if any trouble occurs. How about it?"
"……Half of the royal castle belongs to the Duke's faction; it is uncertain if we can even step in."
"Hmm. In that case, how about this……"
And so, Yuki-dono proceeded to coordinate with Princess Inis, advancing the preparations for the negotiations with August.
Now then, will the members of the Duke's faction take reckless actions as Princess Inis suggested? That will be a sight to see.
The behind-the-scenes groundwork is complete.
All that's left is to storm in.
Ah, no, no, it's just a visit, of course.
I must not get that part wrong.