第７０８堀：ようやく足並みそろう (Part2)
Well, setting aside my own excuses, the result of that was when the Findar party was departing last night...
"Please, do come again. You seemed to enjoy the food and drink quite a bit, didn't you? So much so that you didn't even notice I was right beside you. Father, Mother, Elder Sister, Elder Brother, Georgin."
"..."
The way the faces of the Findar Royal Family and the General shifted from a tipsy red to a deathly pale—I was honestly impressed. It really showed how much a person’s face can betray their inner state.
Setting aside my impressions, the result was, needless to say, that Arge’s mood soured. The Findar party, overcome with awkwardness, left only their diplomat, Stasia, behind and—rather than fleeing—let's just say they "returned home."
In other words, they left Stasia to deal with Arge’s bad mood.
But it had only been a day. If a mood could be fixed that quickly, the events of yesterday wouldn't have happened in the first place.
"All I can say is, for the time being, it is important to give it some time..."
"C-could you not do something about it? I apologized profusely yesterday, but she won't even speak to me. And regarding the talk about the Bide assignment earlier..."
"It is wonderful that Findar has decided to join the alliance. Me? I am a citizen of Weed. I wouldn't just go to Bide on my own accord. Diplomat Stasia, please do your best in Bide. I will send the necessary documents, so please receive them later."
"...That is what she said, so business-like, and then she just left."
"..."
Ah, now that you mention it, Arge, who should have been here, is nowhere to be found.
Well, it was a work-related matter, so I think Arge’s words were only natural.
Though, I suppose there was a bit of spite intended for Stasia and the others.
...Hmm. I can't think of anything.
The issues between Lilishe and Faide are one thing, but these kinds of family problems are outside the scope of my meager wisdom.
"I understand your desire to fix things, but this is a family matter, after all..."
I honestly admitted it was impossible. Saying "I'll solve it for you" would only be setting a landmine.
"...I see. You have done so much for me, Yuki-sama, and yet I have burdened you with personal matters... I apologize."
Stasia said this with a dejected look. Having finally given up, she turned her back to me and headed off to work.
"Are you sure about that?"
"Whether I'm sure or not, there's nothing I can do. If there is anything I can do, it's just to increase the number of people you can consult... Ah, a consultant. Princess Stasia, wait a moment. I just thought of something."
"What is it?!"
Stasia spun around instantly.
She's fast. Was she expecting that much?
"Ah, I don't know if it will have an immediate effect, but for these kinds of things, I think it's best to consult with others who have younger sisters."
"Those who have younger sisters? You mean...?"
"If we're talking about someone who is a princess and also holds the position of a general, that would be Seraria or Princess Lowel of Gartz. Those two seem to get along well, and it should be easy to contact them. If it's just about having a younger sister, there's also Milly. And if you want to gather information on Princess Arge, you could also ask Dressa and the others for their cooperation; that would likely yield better results."
"I see, indeed. But is it really alright to ask even Her Majesty the Queen for help?"
"If it's not alright, she'll tell you it's not. But come to think of it, your audience with Her Majesty was delayed due to the Haire Church matter, so why not consult her while you're at it?"
"Ah, as part of the small talk during the Findar greetings?"
"Yes. Her Majesty treasures her younger sister as well."
She dotes on her, after all. Even though she's been better since having a daughter, she still hasn't quite shaken off her "big sister" nature.
Besides, it would be far better than me giving advice, and it would reduce my own troubles.
Will it increase Her Majesty's troubles? No, no, it's a necessary greeting for diplomacy.
"I understand. Then, I shall consult my seniors regarding Arge."
"That would be best. I will arrange the audience, so until then, do your work properly and try to raise Princess Arge's opinion of you, even if only a little."
"You are right. I cannot show her such a pathetic figure."
I decided not to mention that her dignity as an older sister had already fallen to the ground after showing that pathetic figure so many times. I suppose I'm a kind person.
And so, with things like that happening, the meeting in the New Continent concluded, and we returned to Weed to begin preparations for intercontinental exchange.
The visits to the participating countries are finally over, and at last...
The preparations begin.
I asked for adjustments during the visits to each country, and we finally reached this point.
It was a long road. Well, the real work starts now, though.
Now then, what kind of problems will arise at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs establishment meeting!?
And as for the sister problems and marital issues, those are, for now, on hold!!