第６８２堀：地元の仕事も大事 (Part1)
### Chapter 682: Local Matters Are Important Too
**Side: Yuki**
"So, that’s the situation. We’ve decided to dispatch Steve’s unit to Zilba."
"I see. If that’s the case, it sounds like things might actually work out."
When I relayed the details of what we discussed in Zilba, everyone nodded in agreement, Seraria included.
"This time, the fact that Steve went on a rampage in Zilba actually worked in our favor. Thanks to that, the generals were surprisingly willing to accept reinforcements—or rather, to let us accompany them. Normally, you’d never see a general from another country so easily accepted into the fold."
As Jessica pointed out, it’s practically unheard of for a nation to allow a foreign general to lead an army within their borders. Even on Earth, there are countless countries that would refuse military aid even during disaster relief efforts. The Zilba King’s immediate consent and the acceptance by the other generals are truly exceptional cases. It’s funny how the world works; the reason for this success was entirely due to Steve causing a scene when we first arrived.
"So, Yuki-san, does this mean things are finished regarding Zilba?"
Ria’s question left me struggling for an answer.
"If you mean whether we’ll be moving directly, then yes, it’s over. We’re leaving Zilba to Steve and waiting for progress reports. Steve has more of their trust than I do, anyway. But setting that aside, the remaining issue is confirming the status of the R-Magic Swords in each country."
While we aren't moving directly, Steve is, so as far as Weed’s work goes, we’re just getting started. We have to resolve this issue before we can finally hold the conference to establish the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"Oh? Say, Yuki-san, what about the White Forest?"
"Ah, that’s a problem that will only start being resolved once the Ministry of Foreign Affairs conference begins."
"Oh, right. Because that’s about getting along with everyone, isn't it?"
"Does that mean the next stop is Enaria?"
Lulua was the next to ask. Given that they share the name of the Holy Kingdom and are held in high regard, I suppose she’s concerned.
"No, they’ve told us they’ll resolve things on their own once we set the stage. It wouldn't be right for us to meddle unnecessarily."
"That is true..."
Enaria, much like August, presents various problems if we interfere too much. Plus, this isn't a matter of rebellion; it’s a religious issue. Careless intervention is a bad idea.
"This, too, will be handled by utilizing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs conference. First, we’ll hear about the management status of the R-Magic Swords in each country, report that to Zilba, and then Steve and his team will—well, rather than 'intervene,' they’ll work in tandem with the Zilba Imperial Army to suppress the group of small nations. That’s how it’ll end."
"But, Yuki-san, is there any point in asking about the management status? Won't Steve just defeat them all anyway?"
"That would be fine if the small nations hostile to the Zilba Imperial Army were holding all of them, but..."
"Oh, right. They aren't all gathered in one place, are they? Does that mean the search will continue? Should we go? We could go undercover."
When Riel suggested that, Tori and Kaya nodded in agreement. I acknowledge that their experience in the police force gives them better investigative skills than your average soldier. However...
"No, you don't need to go, Riel. The If Continent is Noble’s jurisdiction, after all. We won't move unless there’s a request. Besides, searching for R-Magic Swords that might be scattered across the entire continent would take more time and personnel than we have. For now, it’s enough to confirm how many are missing. The rest will be left to Noble."
Ultimately, matters on the If Continent should be handled by the people of the If Continent. Our intervention this time was merely to expedite the resolution of time-consuming issues so that we could quickly begin establishing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and promoting intercontinental exchange. After all, it was Weed that proposed the intercontinental exchange in the first place.
On the surface, it’s branded as economic revitalization, but the true purpose is running errands for that useless goddess. I do feel a bit conflicted about how our selfish circumstances are turning their world upside down. But then again, the world is something that moves forward on its own. There are people from other worlds like Taiki-kun, Taizo-san, and Sota-san, and there are many locals—Seraria, Airi, Hifie, Enol, and others—who accept these new ideas and try to push this world forward.
I said it in a complicated way, but simply put, I don't want to shoulder the burden of everything happening on other continents, so I’m leaving it to Noble. I suspect that eventually, we’ll be leaving the New Continent to Kagura, Princess Carly, Sota-san, or Enol-san as well.
In other words, our future actions will be...
"We need to solidify our own foundation."
" " "Solidify our foundation?" " "
"We helped out on the If Continent because there were various problems and they couldn't get their act together, but it would be a problem if that delayed the establishment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the Rogali Continent. We have our own work to do here."
" " "Ahhh..." " "
Everyone understood immediately. Our visit to the If Continent was prioritized because of the request, and we solved the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issue while we were at it, but it doesn't end there. We still haven't finished explaining the establishment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here at home, on the Rogali Continent.
"Seraria, Lulua, Shera, how are things going with the talk of establishing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?"
Of course, it’s not as if we haven't said anything. I’ve made sure Seraria and the others have sent word.
"We’ve contacted Roschur. My old man said to come talk to him whenever."
"Likewise, it seems Lady Alstaire is also in favor of establishing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs."
"Gartz is in favor as well. Father, Brother Teague, and Sister Charl are overjoyed. They say it will reduce their paperwork."
"It’s the same everywhere, isn't it? We’re already moving goods through Weed, but even then, trading with the six major nations of the If Continent means mountains of paperwork to process..."
"Lady Alstaire also complained that her diplomatic paperwork had increased, so she’s happy that establishing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will also increase employment."
"As Lulua-san said, the increase in employment is a big factor. It will likely increase the number of noble positions in the Ministry, and they’re talking about adding Sister Lowell, Brother Higil, and my other two brothers... even then, there will still be plenty of spots left."
"Oh, Elju and Liliana of Last are also in favor. Through them, Rumel is also on board."
With the exception of Rumel, the five major nations of the Rogali Continent are basically cooperative, thanks to our existing strong connections, the utility and profit of the Gates, and the fact that they know about my "behind-the-scenes" circumstances.
"Still, it’s surprising, isn't it? Rumel, who hasn't had much of a relationship with us until now, is actually in favor of establishing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs."
"It’s not that surprising. They have Japanese people like Tanaka and the Hero’s party there. They likely understand the concept of a Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and since they’ve mentioned going to other continents themselves, I’m sure they’re having their own headaches with negotiations."
" " "I see." " "
However, it doesn't seem like they intend to involve the entire Rogali Continent like we do, or facilitate interactions with countries on other continents. They might have the intention of monopolizing the profits, but since they’re using the "brute force" method of sending ships, it’s probably also because things aren't very stable.