第６８５堀：とりあえず挨拶の方向で (Part1)
### Chapter 685: Let’s Start with a Greeting
**Side: Eris, Weed Accounting Vice-Representative**
"The Land of the High Elves?"
That phrase came up in Yuki-san’s report regarding the meeting to establish the Rogari Alliance’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"Yeah. Apparently, it’s located in the region of Alstaire and Litea. Do you know anything about it? There’s also the Land of the Beast Gods, but they have someone who’s easy to talk to, so I’ve already sent for them."
An acquaintance of the Beast Gods? ...Ah, those people.
"Wait a second. Why are we talking about the Land of the Beast Gods and the Land of the High Elves when we were supposed to be discussing the establishment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with our 'dear' fathers?"
Seraria asked a very reasonable question.
Indeed, Yuki-san was supposed to be talking about the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The proposal had been met with general approval—or rather, unanimous consent. There hadn't been a single person to object, meaning there were no obstacles to establishing the ministry within the Rogari Continent.
Moreover, even the ambassador from Rumel, who had previously had almost no contact with us, had joined in the approval. In a sense, this was a historic achievement—a feat on par with the Great Demon Lord Subjugation, creating a unified institution for the Rogari Alliance.
So, why bring up the Land of the Beast Gods or the High Elves?
"Look, with the rapid formation of the If Continent Alliance and our own emergence on the Rogari Continent, aren't the smaller nations that aren't directly involved feeling confused? It’s particularly noticeable in Zilba, and it’s not just the small nations—August didn't believe what Weed was saying, and Enaria is currently split between the royal family and the church, isn't it?"
"Hmm. So, Yuki, you’re worried about the situation in Rogari as well?"
"Exactly, Deryu. You hit the nail on the head. The situation might be different from the If Continent, but the Rogari Continent is bound to have its own share of problems. I was just digging into those issues."
I see. It’s only natural to be concerned, given the chaos caused by the intercontinental exchanges on the If Continent. As expected of Yuki-san.
"So, after asking your fathers, the Land of the Beast Gods and the Land of the High Elves came up?"
"That’s right. Well, it’s not like the If Continent where we’re preparing for war, but Alstaire mentioned that these countries have had almost no contact with the outside world for a long time. Since this intercontinental exchange is such a massive undertaking, she suggested we should properly reach out to them at least once. Rurua, do you know about these two countries?"
"Yes, of course. Though my knowledge is about on par with Alstaire-sama’s. The Land of the Beast Gods is a small nation with a castle at the foot of the mountain where the Beast Gods reside, and the Land of the High Elves is a small nation hidden deep within a forest. In terms of territory, they’re about the same size as Weed, I believe? What they have in common is a deep attachment to their land and their faith. They don't venture out much, and while I wouldn't call them strictly isolationist, their relationships with surrounding countries are extremely thin."
"Thin, huh? But it’s not like they have *zero* interaction, right?"
"Correct. There is some trade, but... well, I’m not sure how beneficial a discussion would be. Eris-san, as a fellow elf, have you heard anything?"
The conversation turned back to me. However...
"No. I only lived in a village with many elves; I had no direct connection to the Land of the High Elves."
"Directly? Does that mean you had *some* kind of connection?"
"Yes. It is said that the elves residing on the Rogari Continent originally trace their roots back to the Land of the High Elves. I’ve heard that even the elder of my village originally came from there."
"Hmm? Doesn't that mean the Land of the High Elves is actually quite social? If there are quite a few people who left?"
"No, I wouldn't say that. After hearing that story from the elder, I once tried to visit the Land of the High Elves, but I was turned away at the gate."
"Even though you’re an elf yourself?"
"Well, strictly speaking, they apparently consider us different. The elves living in the Land of the High Elves are 'pure-bloods,' while elves living outside are 'mixed.' The gatekeepers seemed to know that saying that would invite resentment, so they apologized profusely and even recommended an inn in a nearby town for me."
"...That’s a strange response. What kind of town was it?"
"It was a town governed by the Land of the High Elves. It served as a waiting area for those hoping to enter the High Elf capital. They told me I could enter if I waited there, but I didn't have that much of a personal stake in it, so I just left."
"So, it’s like waiting for an immigration screening. Well, I suppose they can't just give preferential treatment just because you're an elf. Was that just a polite excuse to turn you away?"
"That’s what I thought. Even if I had waited, it didn't seem like entry was guaranteed."
"You couldn't get in even if you waited?"
"Yes. That’s what the gatekeepers said, and there were people in that waiting town who had already been there for five months."
If that weren't the case, the gatekeepers wouldn't have looked so apologetic. I actually felt bad for them.
"If they’re going to make their immigration screening that strict, they must have a reason for it. Hmm, should I postpone coordinating with Refest of White Forest? Well, if we need royalty, we have Charl from Gartz."
Ah, I see. I finally understood why Yuki-san was so fixated on the Land of the High Elves. Refest, the King of White Forest, is an elf. Because of that, he can't simply ignore the existence of the Land of the High Elves.
"Even if you postpone it, don't you think we should at least bring the matter to them? I don't think it’s something we should decide on our own."
"Ratz is right. Well, Refest is essentially a subordinate of Comet, so he won't complain, but we don't want to breed potential resentment. And once exchanges begin, even if the If Continent is a stretch, people from Kagura’s New Continent will surely flock there to see the High Elves. After all, it’s a place filled with pure-blooded spirit priestesses and warriors."
...As Seraria said, it’s easy to foresee visitors from the New Continent swarming the place. There’s no telling how the High Elves might react to that.
"That’s true. And as Eris said, if there really is a connection between the Land of the High Elves and the various elf villages, we could potentially send messages through those channels. To resolve any future trouble, our visit is necessary."
"Are you going to go yourself?"
"Weed is going to be the gateway for intercontinental exchange. If I go to greet them accompanied by a great power—in this case, Alstaire—we shouldn't be turned away so easily."
"I see. That’s true."
"And while I’m at it, I want to investigate why the Land of the High Elves is so strict about entry. I just hope they aren't dealing with some kind of trouble."
Yuki-san said this with a wry smile. He must have a bad feeling about it. I don't think we can be optimistic either.
Just as I was thinking that, Riel suddenly shouted.