第７０７堀：ゲート開通！！ (Part1)
### Chapter 707: Gate Opened!!
**Side: Yuki**
With the arrival of Catherine and Enora, who hadn't been present earlier, it was confirmed that the gate was fully functional. After brief greetings, Catherine took over the task of explaining the gate's mechanics on my behalf.
"Mmm. Truly a magnificent creation. This thing called a 'gate'..."
"Indeed, Your Imperial Majesty. This gate is currently connected to Baide in the Weed territory. From Baide, it links to the Weed mainland, the Royal Capital of Hayden, and the Grand Headquarters of the Haire Church."
"I had heard rumors, but to think that simply passing through here allows for instantaneous travel to all those locations..."
"Yes. We hope you will utilize this gate to facilitate discussions and meetings for the upcoming intercontinental exchange. If you find yourselves in need of a venue for such conferences, we are more than happy to provide facilities in Baide or Weed. Please, do not hesitate to make use of them."
That’s right—I’m planning to offer up our facilities as a meeting ground. Disputes over which country should host a conference are common, after all. To ensure the success of the intercontinental exchange two months from now, we’ve decided to offer Weed and Baide as neutral territory. You never know where someone might try to interfere, so keeping it within Weed ensures safety.
"I see. So you are providing this for the sake of security... Hm? Wait a moment, Lady Catherine. Did you just say the Weed mainland as well?"
"Yes. We will provide meeting space on the Weed mainland as well. My master believes it would be an excellent opportunity for you to become better acquainted with our lands."
Exactly. I also plan to invite the King of Hayden and the Emperor of Findall to tour Weed while they're at it. As for Enora VIII, the head of the Haire Church, he had already been brought over during the incident with the Mad Mushroom, Akuenoki, so this is partly to avoid any sense of unfairness. Well, I wouldn't force them, of course.
"...I had hoped to visit one day, but would that truly be acceptable, Yuki-dono?"
"It would be my pleasure. Princess Stasia, Prince George, Lord Georgin, Princess Carrie, Kagura, and Archbishop Enora VIII have all visited already, so I have no reason to refuse."
"I see. Indeed, Stasia and the others have already been there. But why the King of Hayden?"
"Hayden is quite busy with various matters, so Princess Carrie has been attending in his stead."
"...Ah, now that you mention it, that is true. He is not in a position to move about so freely, especially with the current turmoil. That fellow... well, he seems to be doing his job as King well enough, despite everything. Though, I suppose I’m in no position to judge, given my own past failures."
Ah, that’s right. The King of Hayden was Princess Carrie’s father—no, wait, he was the younger brother of the previous King. I recall him saying that he had been living a life of leisure until his brother fell ill and he was called back to take the throne. Well, that’s neither here nor there. I decided to offer a little surprise of my own.
"Forgiving the digression, but to commemorate the fact that we can now travel back and forth so easily, how about you join us for a meal in Weed today? We’ve finished the meetings and the construction, and since it’s still only morning, I think it’s a perfect opportunity."
"No, wouldn't that be too sudden?"
"It wouldn't be an official state visit. Think of it as a private excursion to see Weed. Naturally, you are welcome to bring your guards or other observers. Princess Stasia and Prince George are already familiar with Weed, so I’m sure they can help guide you if the group grows a bit. Oh, and of course, we’ll make it a day trip. It wouldn't be appropriate for the Emperor to leave the Imperial Capital overnight without prior notice."
I wouldn't dream of making a head of state stay overnight without warning. If I did, the other ministers would likely panic, and the Findall Imperial Capital would be thrown into chaos.
"...I see. Prime Minister, what is on the schedule for today?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. Your schedule was filled with meetings with Yuki-sama, the inspection of the gate construction, and the banquet, but there is nothing else."
"Then, would it be acceptable to visit Weed now?"
"Yes. It would be a fine opportunity to verify the gate's safety and get a head start on touring Weed."
"Indeed. I agree. Then, make the arrangements."
"At once."
They were all eager to go, but I felt it necessary to interject one last thing.
"Emperor of Findall, I appreciate your willingness to visit, but we have only just finished installing the gate. Is there not more to discuss regarding security and future facilities? The management of this gate will ultimately fall to Findall, after all..."
Leaving this place completely unattended would be a mistake. I didn't think they’d forgotten, but I had to make sure. I harbored a slight fear that they might expect *us* to handle the management of this side indefinitely.
"Ah, quite right. I hadn't expected the construction to be completed so quickly. Hm. Prime Minister, what is the status of the security arrangements and the plans for decorating this area?"
Well, that was fair. No one expected the gate construction to be finished in such a short time.
"Yes. We had planned to consult with artisans regarding the decorations and facilities after seeing the completed gate, so that will be handled at a later date. However, as for security, we had already made preparations during the construction phase, so we can deploy personnel immediately. We will keep the underground entrance strictly guarded, but we must select someone to be responsible for the gate's access management, even if only on an interim basis."
"Hm. In that case..."
From there, the conversation turned to Findall nobility, so I let it drift into the background. I have no intention of interfering in Findall’s internal affairs; I only want to establish a diplomatic window. It seemed they had already made up their minds, as the arrangements were completed without much delay.
"Apologies for the wait. The person in charge and the security details have been arranged. Could you lead the way?"
"Certainly. Though, it is just on the other side of the gate, it might be problematic for the Emperor to head through immediately without a safety verification. Perhaps one of your subjects could go ahead to confirm the gate's safety on your behalf?"
"Hm. That is only natural. Is there anyone who wishes to volunteer?"
As soon as the Emperor asked, three people stepped forward immediately.
"Your Majesty, I am accustomed to this. Let me go."
"No, Sister, you have been working hard and must be exhausted. Let me go instead."
"What are you saying? Both of you must take care of your health. As a veteran general, I am the one who should go."
...The ones who stepped forward were the Emperor’s children and a high-ranking general.
"What is your true motive?" I asked, looking at the three of them.
"M-motive? I am the diplomat in charge of Weed. It is only natural that I take the lead for the sake of Findall."
"You’re looking away, Sister; you’ve given yourself away. You likely just want to taste the delicious food in Weed. I have no such ulterior motives, so please, let me go."
"No, no, I cannot let either of you Highnesses take such a risk. It should be me. What do you think, Your Majesty?"
"Hm. I can see impure motives in my children. Georgin, I leave this to you."
"..."
"Haha. Well, since it has been a while since we’ve had a family gathering, please leave this kind of work to me."
Georgin had won the day. Stasia and George had been far too blatant; such behavior was uncharacteristic of them. As Georgin suggested, were they just putting on a show of a family gathering? I certainly didn't want to believe their actions were driven by their true, selfish desires.