第７０８堀：ようやく足並みそろう (Part1)
**Chapter 708: Finally, Everything is in Sync**
**Side: Yuki**
"The gate to Findar has been successfully opened. With this, the nations of the New Continent are prepared to participate in intercontinental exchange."
We had already returned to Baide and were discussing the results from Findar yesterday. Since the gate was now operational, travel time was non-existent, allowing us to return immediately.
"From here on, we’ll hold repeated meetings to refine the details before participating in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs establishment conference. I expect that the meetings between Haiden, Findar, and the Haire Religion will take place here in Baide quite often. I’m afraid this will place a burden on you, Catherine."
"Please, do not worry about it. Being chosen as the venue for the great powers and the state religion is an honor."
"I appreciate the sentiment, but it is a fact that you will have to work even harder than before. If anything comes up, let me know. If there are any shortages in supplies needed for the meetings, contact me."
"Yes. Understood."
"You are the Lord of Baide, Catherine. If something happens to you, everyone will be saddened, and finding a replacement for your work would be a nightmare. Make sure you get some rest, alright?"
"Thank you for your consideration. I am fine. I often go out for dessert crawls in Weed with Shera-sama and Deryu-sama."
"I see. Well, I’m not going to force you. Just make sure you look after your own health."
I finished my talk with Catherine and turned my attention to the next group.
There, stood…
"Now, as for Kagura and the others—to simplify communication with your home countries and to mediate contact with our allies so that information flows swiftly, I’m going to have you move your base of operations from Weed to Baide."
"Eh? No, I don't want to."
…Huh?
Did I just hear a refusal? The others seemed surprised as well, and thanks to them turning their eyes toward the person who spoke, I was able to identify who it was.
"Kagura? Did you receive some kind of instruction from Princess Carrie?"
"Ah, eh, ah, u-um, yes. That’s right. I am, after all, a diplomat for Yuki… no, for Weed. I have been ordered to work in Weed."
"Ah, I see. That’s true. But if that’s the case, does that mean Enora and Princess Stasia can’t be moved from Weed either…?"
It was a fair point. My intention had been to have the diplomats stationed in Weed—where the representatives from Haiden, Findar, and the Haire Religion were gathered—act as the mediators for a smoother process. But that was just my own selfish assumption.
Even though Kagura and the others look like my subordinates, they aren't. Naturally, their chain of command prioritizes their home countries over me. It wouldn't be right for a diplomat assigned to Weed to simply abandon their post.
Was I so tired that I forgot something so obvious? Or had I gotten carried away, assuming that Kagura and the others would naturally do whatever I said? I need to reflect on that.
As I was thinking this, Enora spoke up.
"We could just ask our countries for permission, couldn't we? I understand what you’re saying, Yuki-dono, and it’s a fact that it would be more efficient if we were the ones moving. Well, we’ll need to assign different personnel in the future, but it’s essential for the Intercontinental Exchange Conference coming up in two months."
"That is true. I agree with Enora-dono’s opinion. Kagura-dono, what do you think?"
"Eh? Ah, yes… I think that would be fine."
"Good. Now that I have Kagura’s agreement, first, please inform each country about this mediation arrangement. Catherine, I need you to prepare the conference venue and arrange a workspace for Kagura and the others. Please set it up near the gate, considering the communication with Weed."
"Understood. However, I do not have the ability to construct dungeons…"
"I’ll send Shera over. Until then, please handle the interior and the selection of supplies."
"Yes, sir!"
"Alright. Kagura, you all start moving as well. We don't have much time."
"Yes!"
With those replies, the New Continent group began their preparations.
"Kagura, you were way too obvious about not wanting to leave Weed…"
"Honestly, I didn't think even Mikos-chan would be like that."
"Ahaha, Bishop-sama, Senpai, you don't have to say it like that…"
"Uuu… Only Solo understands my feelings…"
Obvious? Ah, was it because she didn't want to leave the food, clothing, and shelter of Weed? Well, I’ll be sure to follow up on that. I’ve been renovating Catherine’s manor to match Weed’s standards as much as she allows. Refrigerators, kitchen facilities, toilets, and full air conditioning! Isn't that wonderful?
I suppose they didn't know that, which is why they were panicking.
"Ria. Later, tell Kagura that the mansion in Baide is equipped with facilities just as good as Weed’s. If it doesn't have the same amenities as Weed, their motivation will drop."
"…Okay. I’ll tell her."
Ria stiffened for a moment upon hearing my words, but she seemed to understand what I meant and replied immediately.
"No way. That kind of response is just… no."
"What is, Taiki-kun?"
"That was definitely her being conscious of you, Yuki-san, right?"
"I doubt it. I’m already married and have children, you know? It’s more like 'no way' for you, Taiki-kun. Ah, maybe she wants to be with you because she’s aiming for you."
"No way. That’s even less likely."
While we joked around, we shifted to the topic of the future.
"Well, jokes aside. What are you going to do from here on, Yuki-san?"
"For a while, I’ll be busy checking the situation in each continent, resolving questions and problems, and preparing for the conference in Weed. It’s already been decided for two months from now."
"So there’s no running or hiding now. We can’t exactly postpone it, can we?"
"If we postponed it, people would just say it was Weed’s incompetence. After making such a big deal out of it, saying the venue wasn't ready would be beyond a laughing matter."
A grand conference gathering the dignitaries of every continent in two months. No matter how much manpower I have, it’s never enough. We have to build a new venue from scratch; this is a schedule that would be impossible without the power of a Dungeon Master.
"Um… excuse me for interrupting your conversation, but…"
As we were talking, Stasia, who had remained there for some reason, spoke up.
"What is it?"
"What is it… you ask? Um, can’t you do something about Arge?"
"..."
At that, Taiki-kun and I could only fall silent.
I hadn't dared to bring it up, but yesterday, when we were entertaining the Findar delegation in Weed, I had intended to surprise them by having Arge appear in a kimono for a touching reunion. However, everyone was so engrossed in the delicious food and alcohol that not a single person noticed her.
Hey, come on. Even if they hadn't seen each other for seven years, do you just forget what your family looks like? Well, I suppose if she had grown up, it might be understandable, but she looks exactly the same as she did back then.
…I’m sorry. I know. It was my fault for getting carried away and putting her in a kimono. She must have changed so much that they didn't recognize her.