第６８４堀：こっちの問題 (Part2)
It was a tedious process, but an absolutely necessary one.
After a full day of intensive discussions from morning until evening, the meeting finally concluded. Just because we talked for a long time didn't mean everything was settled, of course.
Now, it was time for the after-party. We moved to a different venue for a standing buffet. Dealing with dignitaries from various countries is a hassle, but I suppose without events like this, one couldn't endure such exhausting meetings.
"Now, to celebrate the successful conclusion of the first meeting for the establishment of the Rogari Continent Union Ministry of Foreign Affairs... Cheers!"
"Cheers!"
Well, the meeting was a success, and future sessions should proceed more smoothly. Establishing a track record is important; everyone worries about something unprecedented.
"So, Rogari has started moving along nicely, but what about the If Continent?"
Selva, the King of Roschur, asked while nursing his drink.
Well, it was inevitable that he’d ask.
"Ah, I hear there are various problems there, right? Shera told me you’ve been heading out there yourself?"
"Rurua-sama has also been talking about it quite anxiously. She’s worried that Yuki-sama might get hurt..."
"And what is the reality of the situation? From what I heard from Elju-sama, things seem to be going well, but if it’s still dangerous, there is talk that it might be too early for exchanges with the If Continent."
"...I don't know the details, but if the situation on the If Continent is unstable, wouldn't interfering carelessly cause the flames to spread to us?"
Everyone else was also deeply curious about the progress. Naturally, they would be.
"For now, things have calmed down. As for the problems, it’s just that since the Union was formed so suddenly, the smaller nations under the umbrellas of the great powers are panicking. That’s common enough here too, isn't it?"
"Ah..."
Everyone nodded in easy agreement.
Small nations in the Rogari Continent were making just as much noise. It hadn't been as noticeable here only because we had a clear, common enemy in the Demon Lord. Before we defeated that perverted Demon Lord, the great powers were on the verge of total war.
Furthermore, while Rumel participated in this meeting, there are still small nations in the Rogari Continent that refuse to join the Union. Countries where the Beast God is worshipped, or countries ruled by elves. These naturally insular nations are still showing reluctance to join.
That’s only natural. Like Rumel, they can't bring themselves to trust that dungeons are safe. Unlike the If Continent or the New Continent where Kagura and the others are, dungeons are inherently clear threats here.
I’m keeping the situation with August a secret for now. It would only stir up anxiety, and if intercontinental exchange were to be called off because of August, his position would only worsen. I saved him, so I can't let that go to waste. It must remain a secret.
"Setting aside the If Continent, how are things here? I haven't been involved with Rogari at all, have I?"
I remembered that I had left the small nation issues in Rogari entirely to the five great powers. Well, there were various incidents involving Taiki’s Ranks, Nonoa’s Magic Kingdom, and Nogosh’s Sword Kingdom, but those were more issues involving gods and Dungeon Masters than small nation politics.
Oh, and speaking of which, I’ve been neglecting them lately, but Reye—Deryu’s younger brother and a Dungeon Master in the Rogari Continent—and Arwin, who had sworn revenge on Nogosh, have been working steadily as Dungeon Masters, acting as my backup and proving quite useful. Still, they only really cover the areas under Gartz’s control, which is why I’m asking.
"Hmm. It’s not that there are no problems in Roschur, but it’s not exactly chaotic. Most countries are at ease now that the Demon Lord has been defeated."
"Gartz is much the same as Roschur. Well, there are places wary of dungeons, but with the Demon Lord gone, there’s no atmosphere of needing to invade other countries. Besides, Ranks, which was causing all that fuss, has settled down."
"As for Litea, it’s generally quiet. However, the countries that worship the Beast God and the High Elf nations are showing quite a bit of reluctance. Litea has always accepted many races under Lilishe-sama, so those kinds of frictions have existed for a long time, but..."
"Rumel hasn't shown much internal confusion either, as they’ve been preoccupied with sending troops to the New Continent and discovering resources since the Demon Lord’s defeat."
Everything seems mostly fine, but the Beast God and the High Elves in Litea, huh?
Should I go and check on that soon?
As I listened to the situation in each country being discussed at the banquet, I thought...
"Alright! Let's have a drinking contest!"
"Bring it on!"
"Say, Deua-san, this dessert is delicious."
"Have the cakes reached your country yet?"
"Oh, yes. Well, they’re quite expensive, but the authentic cakes are truly delicious."
Ignoring my worries, everyone was happily eating and drinking.
If there are problems on the If Continent, it’s only natural there would be problems on the Rogari Continent, too.
Next up: local visits and official business.
And the opponents are the Beast God and the High Elves.
Well then, how will this turn out?