第７１１堀：細々な調整と残りの用事 (Part2)
“They’re being far too aggressive, those Zilba people. They only just finished suppressing that rebellion in the minor territories,” one voice grumbled.
“That’s likely why, King of Roday. Regardless, I would appreciate it if you could lend me your strength as well,” another replied.
“Enaria’s situation involves that friction with the Church, doesn’t it? We must also consider our standing with the Holy Kingdom of Hifi.”
“King August VIII only just finished disciplining his own kin; is he truly up to this? Well, like Enaria, I wish to proceed with discussions regarding demi-human relations, but…”
The conversation was a chaotic mess. Behind the round table, the assistants at the scribes' desks were working feverishly, struggling to record the disjointed proceedings. Among them sat Horst, his face a mask of pure exhaustion.
It was only natural. I had thought letting them start the meeting on their own would be a good way to get things moving, but without a moderator, it had devolved into a massive headache.
“Jessica, Cleena, Samantha, Agil—go to your respective kings and settle them down. While you’re at it, act as their recorders. Report back to me later.”
“““Yes, sir!”””
I watched them move out, leaving only Ria by my side. Once I confirmed everyone was in position, I raised my voice.
“Alright, that’s enough! This isn’t a conference; you’re all just shouting over each other!”
Every eye in the room snapped toward me.
“Hm? You’ve arrived?”
“Who goes there?! Ah, finally. Now, about what goods will sell in Weed and the other nations…”
“Zilba, shut it for a second. Oh, thank goodness you’re here, Yuki. Get them under control. Every last one of them is so obsessed with their own demands that we can’t even get to the topic of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Oh, but listen, about that ramen shop…”
“Before the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we need to discuss Enaria…”
“As for me, I require guarantees regarding the recent civil unrest…”
“Lord Yuki. Before we touch on the Ministry, there are matters I wish to finalize…”
Good grief, these people. They were so organized during my countermeasure meetings, but the moment their own countries settled down, they became impossible, fixated entirely on their own interests and rights.
“Calm down. Especially you, Zilba. Just because your internal problems are over doesn't mean you can just skip to the next stage. Coordinate with the others. I know you’re trying to secure promises early to gain an advantage, but give it up. Recover your war expenses gradually; don't try to do it all in one lump sum.”
“Tch. You saw through that?”
“How could I not? For now, the issues that existed before this summit have been resolved—specifically the military friction between Zilba and August. That is why the members of the Six Great Powers are all gathered here. That means the next step is to resolve the issues we want to settle alongside this conference. Zilba, August—you two will cooperate with Enaria and White Forest. Understood?”
I glared at them, and they both gave a reluctant nod.
“Hey. What about my ramen shop?”
“King Blade, Roday’s issues aren't likely to even make the agenda for the second meeting, let alone the third.”
“That’s not fair! Isn't that blatant favoritism? You helped Zilba, August, Enaria, and White Forest!”
“I’m aware. That’s why, separate from the conference, I will allow a ramen shop to open in Roday. However, selecting the budget and the craftsmen will take time, alright?”
“Seriously?! Alright! Yes! Ronri, I’ve achieved my goal. I’m leaving the rest to you.”
“Don’t you dare leave! Sit back down!” Chancellor Ronri shouted, a vein throbbing in his forehead as he physically restrained the old man from getting up.
Well, that was business as usual.
“First, regarding the conflict between Enaria’s royalty and the Church. Since it involves a demonstration of the Holy Sword, I’ll prepare a venue on our end.”
“I see, I see. With that much time, we can summon the Church officials…”
“And as for White Forest’s demi-human relations, we’ll handle that during tonight’s dinner party.”
“Indeed. That is a rational approach,” King Restia agreed.
“Zilba and August will be the ones actively cooperating there. That should more or less offset the favors you owe, right?”
“I suppose so.”
“If we must.”
“What’s with the long faces? Once this is over, we can finally have the main conference regarding intercontinental exchange, so just play along. Horst, this is going to run late, so we’ll eat dinner here. Sorry, but please have it prepared.”
“Understood, my lord. Right away.”
And so, we pushed the meeting forward to clear the hurdles of Enaria and White Forest. It seems things are progressing on the If Continent. If only every problem could be solved through discussion like this.
By the way, if you’ve lost track of the flow of events, feel free to read back! This is the standard pace for *Vanquishing the Dungeon*. My apologies.