第７０６堀：新大陸のこれから (Part1)
Chapter 706: The Future of the New Continent
Side: Yuki
"……And so, I have officially become the diplomat to Weed."
Standing tall and delivering a crisp salute is Her Highness Stasia, the First Princess of the Findarl Empire. Well, it was as expected, or perhaps a bit surprising...
"However, Emperor of Findarl. If that is the case, won't you be without a general?"
"That is not a problem, as there is a capable successor ready. Right now, our connection with Weed and the other major powers of the continents is our top priority. Furthermore, I believe this will serve as a foothold for women to advance into the ranks of knights."
"……Ah, I see."
In this New Continent, where patriarchal views are deeply entrenched, the existence of Her Highness Stasia—a female general—is an anomaly. Even though she holds the position of Princess and General, there must still be pushback. I recall seeing some people looking visibly irritated when she offered her greetings back in Baide.
I had assumed this was a way to get rid of a nuisance, but it seems she’s using that as a cover. Well, there might be a percentage of "getting rid of a nuisance" involved, but Stasia would never receive proper recognition if she stayed in this New Continent as things are. In that sense, this is a good plan.
"I understand the situation. Then, shall we assume that all diplomatic matters will be entrusted to Her Highness Stasia from here on out?"
"Indeed. I look forward to working with you."
"It is a relief for us as well, since we are already acquainted. However, won't this cause confusion if the diplomat changes in the future?"
"I am aware. That is why we are establishing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and standardizing the rules. Stasia gave me a brief overview last night."
"Then we can proceed quickly. Since Her Highness Stasia’s greetings are finished, may I explain the upcoming intercontinental exchange and the conference for establishing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?"
"Please do."
With that, I immediately began explaining the world’s first three-continent joint intercontinental exchange and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs establishment conference. I had already provided the documents in advance, and the main agenda items were already decided, so it was mostly a matter of asking them to review the details.
I had already gone through this explanation many times. While there were minor differences for the New Continent, I had adjusted them during my explanation in Haiden, so I finished without any hitches.
"That concludes the explanation regarding the Ministry of Foreign Affairs establishment conference. Do you have any questions?"
"Hmm. Regarding the establishment, it says that each continent will provide the funds and materials to build it according to your blueprints. However, in this continent, the only participants in this conference are Findarl, Haiden, and the Haire Church. What are your thoughts on that?"
"Regarding that point, I believe it would be fine for the two nations and the Haire Church to handle it. I assume your goal is to get ahead of the other countries, and this establishment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a perfect way to demonstrate that you are leading the way in intercontinental exchange. Of course, if you lack funds or materials, we will provide aid. Naturally, that applies to countries that join in the future as well, provided we have your permission."
If they don't secure the initiative against the other countries, there's no point in the initial investment. If they don't hold the authority regarding intercontinental exchange, this alliance is meaningless. And we, Weed, cannot afford to have Haiden, Findarl, or the Haire Church fall.
Taking these circumstances into account, these three participants are being given preferential treatment regarding intercontinental exchange compared to the other countries on this New Continent.
"I see. So we will be able to judge the participation of others in the future intercontinental exchanges on this continent."
"You are the ones putting in the effort and consuming a massive amount of funds and materials for this first-of-its-kind endeavor. It wouldn't be fair if you were treated the same as those who join later. However, I ask that you be moderate. If a war were to break out, trade could come to a halt."
"Indeed. I will pay close attention to that."
Well, they understand that without me saying it. Even though they are being given preferential treatment, doing it too openly will invite backlash and lead to war. If that happens, it will hinder our future operations in this land, and I doubt Haiden, Findarl, or the Haire Church desire further conflict, so I don't think they will do anything reckless.
"Next, what about recommending that we call upon a few other countries to participate in the intercontinental exchange?"
"That is to prevent unnecessary resentment. If you don't reach out, the other major powers will complain. That said, no one will believe such a suspicious story, and there is no reason to make them believe it. If anything, it is a matter of war deterrence."
"I see. You are saying we should bring in countries other than the major powers?"
"Yes. If you don't, it will just become a seed for pointless conflict. Before that happens, you should leave behind the fact that you properly negotiated. And you should increase your allies to keep the major powers from making a move."
"A logical point. However, wouldn't it be fine to let the major powers participate as well?"
"I leave those judgments to all of you in the New Continent. This is meant to ensure that Haiden, Findarl, and the Haire Church maintain an advantage in intercontinental exchange; it is not meant to be a shackle."
This strategy of incorporation is not for me to decide. After all, I know nothing of the political situation in this New Continent. I am merely making a proposal; the rest is up to them. Still, it is natural that people would complain if only Haiden, Findarl, and the Haire Church were receiving the benefits, and I believe increasing their circle of allies is necessary for future developments.
As the Findarl Emperor said, they can explain the necessary points and bring other major powers into the fold. That seems to have its own set of problems, but since both sides have their own issues, I can't really say for sure.
"So this is where we show our worth."
"Yes. I hope for a good relationship."
"Is the goal also to hold firm meetings with Haiden and the Haire Church to strengthen our ties?"
"That would be perfect. It is far better than an alliance that is all talk. It also serves as a reason to have you utilize the Gates effectively. It is also for the sake of confirming safety."
"And that leads to the talk of installing the Gates."
"Yes. You mentioned the location has already been secured, but what would you like to do? Shall we install them immediately, or would you like to set aside time to discuss it among yourselves once more?"
Judging by Stasia’s words, she seems in favor of the Gate installation, but I need the Findarl Emperor's official permission, and their minds could change after this briefing. However, if they hesitate to install the Gates now, they will effectively be unable to participate in the first intercontinental exchange due to time constraints.
"Do it immediately. Also, would it be alright if we observed the installation of the Gates? I would like to see Weed’s technology with my own eyes. To see the execution of great magic."
There is no need to hide it, and it is a good opportunity to show off Weed’s technical prowess, so I readily agreed to the tour and headed to the planned construction site.
"This is the planned site for the Gate installation."