第７０２堀：思い切った判断 (Part2)
"It is precisely because the situation is unstable. It is crucial that we forge a firm relationship with Weed, advance exchanges with the Rogali and If continents, and establish our position as the primary mediator on this continent."
"My uncle's opinion is shared by the others. We have established a ceasefire with Findar. While we have uncovered the schemes of the fanatics within the Haire Church, that does not restore Haiden's honor. In any future international conferences, this incident will inevitably paint us as a pathetic nation that was danced upon by zealots. The same applies to Findar and the Haire Church. Our international credibility and our standing as major powers will be questioned. Our influence will undoubtedly diminish significantly."
That much is true.
Both nations were manipulated by fanatics embedded within the Haire Church. Findar ended up destroying the Rila Kingdom and losing Prince Age. Haiden’s government was infiltrated to the point where its core was crumbling, and the Magic Academy was involved in the unlawful detention of international students. As for the Haire Church, they were unaware of the fanatics' activities within their own headquarters, leading to the sacrifice of many believers.
Given all this, a decline in international trust and standing is only natural.
They are in a position where they must take responsibility for the trouble they have caused those around them.
"So, is that why you want the position of representative for the intercontinental exchange—to wipe the slate clean?"
"Yes. Or rather, if we don't do something like that, we might end up with neighbors who would invade us given the chance."
"Is the situation around you that unstable?"
"We have no way of knowing how far Magic Gear has spread, so such precautions are necessary. That is why I hope to form an alliance by connecting with Weed, alongside Findar and the Haire Church."
"I see, so it's not just Haiden acting alone."
"Exactly. If we, along with the Haire Church—which is the state religion for many nations—declare that we recognize Weed and are forming an alliance for the sake of exchange, it will serve as a deterrent to other countries."
"If that happens, they won't be able to pick a fight so easily, and it would also serve as proof that the matter regarding the fanatics was the truth."
"Yes. It is important that we don't just pay lip service, but actually form an alliance. That will show the other nations just how serious we are."
Indeed.
It is rare for nations that were at war to form an alliance so quickly unless something truly monumental has occurred.
It would certainly signal to the world that something of that magnitude has taken place.
Moreover, coming from major powers, those who were skeptical about the events at the Haire Church would likely reconsider and accept it as fact.
"Then, it would be problematic if Findar and the Haire Church didn't attend the Foreign Ministry establishment meeting, wouldn't it?"
"Yes, to an extent. We intend to send our explanation and a proposal for the alliance to them as well."
"However, there are only two months left, and it will be quite difficult for Findar to attend the conference. At worst, I hope that even if only we from Haiden go, we can at least represent the fact that Findar and the Haire Church are also participating."
"Wouldn't that cause Findar and the Haire Church to distrust us? Thinking that Haiden is acting on its own?"
"In that case, we will have Prince Age and Bishop-Proxy Enora attend. That should preserve the face of both nations. Besides, acting unilaterally over such a matter would not improve the situation around us. We have no choice but to participate in the intercontinental exchange proposed by Weed. They cannot be unaware of that."
"If they don't understand that, then they wouldn't be worth partnering with anyway."
"Well, I understand the situation. I have already received word from Findar asking me to come to the Imperial Capital. Should I go sooner rather than later?"
"Yes, if it is not inconvenient for you, I would appreciate it."
"Indeed. If Princess Stasia returns with you, it would save time on providing explanations as well."
Ah, using Princess Stasia as a guide to Findar, huh...
"As for the Haire Church, the gate is open, so communication is easy. Shall I handle that from our end?"
"I'll leave it to you. I will head to Findar first."
"Understood. Thank you. Farewell, Uncle."
"Yes. I will draft a letter to the King of Findar. Please take it with you."
"Understood."
And so, Haiden, Findar, and the Haire Church will be participating as representatives of the New Continent.
*Sigh.* I have to relay this to the Rogali and If members.
My wives, who also serve as diplomats, are going to be busy again.
Well, it’s not like it’s been decided that they’ll participate yet.
...Though something whispers that everyone will end up participating, I’ll just pretend I didn't hear that.
Thus, Haiden declares its participation in the intercontinental exchange.
And they are dragging Findar into it as well.
On a completely different note, June 6th.
A miracle occurred.
Fate/Grand Order, or FGO for short.
I’m a free-to-play player, just taking it easy.
The probability of pulling the highest rarity in the gacha is about 1 in 100, so it doesn't happen often.
However, that day, there were 10 free gacha pulls for an event.
Well, 10 summon tickets.
Thinking I wouldn't get anything, I pulled...
And I got a staggering haul: a 5-star Okita, a 5-star Summer Tamamo, a 5-star El-Melloi II, and a 4-star Summer Mo-san.
On top of that, I had the incredible luck of pulling two shiny Pokémon and the highest rarity in another gacha game.
Honestly, it was terrifying.
You know how it is. When your luck is too good, you worry that you'll face some misfortune to balance it out.