第７０５堀：騎士の未来 (Part2)
And with that, my explanation finally came to an end.
"I see. So, the agenda for tomorrow's meeting is to explain the establishment of what you call a Ministry of Foreign Affairs."
"Yes. As you can see in the documents, the goal is to create unified rules and reduce the burden of managing diplomatic relations."
"There are already provisions in the rules that consider our Findar, as well as Haiden and the Haire Church, but this is..."
"Yes. These were compiled by Arge, Acting Bishop Enora, Kagura-dono, and the others."
"I see. So they have been working with that much foresight. That is a relief. I suppose there will be no need to discuss matters with Haiden and the Haire Church from scratch."
"It mainly concerns the Spirit Priestess and monsters, but for our continent, these are quite significant issues."
"Indeed. I have heard from Georgin and George that monsters are walking about quite freely there."
"Yes. And we must also pay close attention to the fact that goblins and orcs are recognized as monsters on the other continent."
"True. We must have thorough discussions regarding those relationships."
"Before that, regarding the installation of gates to ensure safe travel for this meeting..."
"I have already prepared the locations for those as well."
My father seemed to have made more preparations than I had anticipated, and there appeared to be no issues for tomorrow's talks.
"Then, that is all for the urgent matters. Is there anything else?"
"No, this is sufficient for today. Everyone, I leave tomorrow's meeting with Weed in your hands."
"Yes, sir!"
With that, the meeting was dismissed, but...
"Wait, Stasia. I have something to discuss with you. Stay behind."
"Yes."
I was the only one called back by my father.
"Father. What is it? Was there something unclear in the documents?"
"That is not it. While there are certainly parts of the documents I do not yet grasp, that is something I can ask Yuki-dono. The problem is that Findar’s diplomat has not yet been decided."
"Ah, now that you mention it."
Father was right. As of now, Georgin, George, and I have been taking turns handling diplomacy with the people of Weed, but we have not officially appointed a diplomat.
"Are you saying it is time to officially dispatch a diplomat?"
"Indeed. However, considering the situation with Arge, you understand that we cannot simply appoint anyone to such a position, correct?"
"Yes."
"Furthermore, the diplomats from other nations are formidable. Haiden has Kagura-jo, the second daughter of the Kamishiro family—one of the three great houses—and a renowned hero. Then there is Acting Bishop Enora, a Spirit Priestess and a blood relative of the first Archbishop of the Haire Church. Anyone half-hearted would surely fall behind in diplomacy."
"That is certainly true. Moreover, despite their appearances, they have survived countless life-or-death situations. Their individual talents, beyond just their family names and fame, are astonishing."
After all, Kagura-dono held off Findar’s army for a week despite the war of attrition, and Enora-dono survived that hellish torture.
"Exactly. They cannot be underestimated as mere youths. And they have survived the battles thus far alongside Arge. If we send someone new who might hinder them, Findar’s standing will suffer. You understand?"
"Yes."
"This means we need someone who is a loyal subject capable of keeping Arge’s secrets, someone who will not underestimate or hinder Kagura-jo or Acting Bishop Enora, someone who can build friendly relations, and someone who will not be intimidated by their positions."
Having been told this much, I understood what Father was implying.
"...Am I being dismissed as a general?"
"Not dismissed. But you would not be convinced if I called it a promotion."
No matter how I looked at it, this was a perfect opportunity to remove me, the female general. I could understand the need for compatibility with Arge and Kagura-dono, but the primary reason was undoubtedly that I, a woman, held the rank of general. Furthermore, there was the history of me causing trouble while wearing an iron mask all this time.
"...I suppose a woman who has only known war and bears a scar on her face is a nuisance."
"I will not say that is not part of the reason. However, I believe Stasia, you would be more active if you went to Weed. Seeing Yuki-dono today, I became convinced. In Weed, you would not be looked down upon or insulted just for being a woman. In other words, you will become the representative for all of Findar’s knights in future intercontinental meetings."
"Eh?"
I didn't understand what he was saying.
"There is no one in this country who does not know of your hard work. But in this continent, you could never be properly evaluated. However, what about Weed and the other continents? Female knights are recognized there, are they not? Then, there is only one thing to do. Through the intercontinental exchange meetings, let the name of our continent resound with the proof that female knights are by no means inferior. Stasia. I entrust the future of this continent’s female knights to you."
"Yes!! Leave it to me!!"
I could not back down after being told that. On this day, with a new resolve in my heart, I was appointed as the diplomat to Weed.
"Well, once you go over there, maybe you’ll find a husband, too."
"Father..."
Right. I am an old maid, aren't I? I am well aware of that...
For better or worse, that was how Stasia was sent out—or rather, kicked out.
As for what awaits in her future? Well, there is no plan for that, so it will just be one step at a time.
In this way, Findar was proving to be quite cooperative with Weed.