第７１３堀：おてがみどうしよう？ (Part1)
**Chapter 713: What Should I Do About This Letter?**
**Side: Yuki**
The time had finally come.
Well, it wasn’t exactly the most dangerous moment yet, but the contents were enough to make me nervous.
"I almost wish I could just burn what I'm holding in my hand."
"Don't you dare. The Beast God's nation would complain about that, you know."
"I know. I'm just joking."
I said that, fluttering the letter in my hand.
"Hey, that letter is an antique, isn't it? Is it really okay to handle it so roughly?"
"If it were going to break from this, it would have turned to dust long ago. Japanese *washi* paper can last over a thousand years, so I assume the paper used for this letter is of a similar type."
I’d heard that the founding of Litea was over five hundred years ago. Considering this letter was written while Litea was still alive, it was roughly four hundred and fifty years old. It looked a bit worn, but the fact that it was still in a condition where I could hold it meant it had to be made of sturdy material.
"Since they went to such lengths to preserve it, you should treat it with care."
"I thought if it crumbled, it might be a convenient way to avoid the issue, but I guess that’s not happening."
"…For you, that’s a pretty cynical way to look at it. I understand how you feel, but it is a letter from the deceased, so show some respect."
"If it were just a normal letter, I wouldn't mind. But this has the potential to be a landmine."
"That’s exactly why we’re consulting with our acquaintances before doing anything, isn't it?"
As Seraria said, a meeting was about to be held to decide how to handle this letter and how to deliver it. The fact that the participants were mainly the gods I was acquainted with showed just how important this was.
Well, "important" might be one word for it, but it was also just... absurd. Dealing with a divorced former couple is always a headache. Just as I was thinking that, the members of the meeting arrived.
"We're here. I came with Nogosh. He came to pick me up."
"Noble is busy with work, so I went to fetch him. We plan on grabbing a drink once this talk is over."
"A little luxury like that is fine, I suppose. Given the nature of the topic."
"I have no complaints. Once the meeting settles things, go ahead and have your drink."
They had come to participate in a troublesome meeting; I wasn't going to nitpick over something like that.
"Still, it's surprising how well Noble and Nogosh get along."
"Well, our faiths are somewhat similar. Nogosh himself is a pleasant man."
"Indeed. The War God Noble—I’m in awe of his military strategy. We’ve even talked about wanting to stand on the same battlefield if the opportunity arises."
"Well, if that’s the case, if there’s any combat during your business trips, should I leave it to you two?"
"“Are you sure?”"
"It would be more like a defensive alliance for the countries participating in the Intercontinental Exchange. I think it’s doable. Though, you’d have to provide your own troops. If you don’t want to cause any collateral damage, Weed will handle the elimination alone."
"Exchanging lives on the battlefield is the best experience for a soldier. I don't mind."
"Agreed. It’s only natural for the sake of training my soldiers. Besides, it’s a good opportunity to show the power of my Sword Nation."
Well, that made sense. For countries that sold their military prowess, the Intercontinental Exchange had reduced the number of wars, leaving them feeling stifled. They wanted an outlet.
"Should I call it the 'Intercontinental Exchange Army' and invite other countries to join?"
"…Hmm. We do need a force to protect the Intercontinental Exchange, but if we lump it all together, we’ll end up arguing over who gets to lead it."
"True. It would turn into a debate over who is the top among the participating nations."
"Ah, I see. In that case, maybe it would be better to just recruit volunteers whenever a problem arises?"
"That sounds better. Though, we’d lose immediate response capabilities…"
"Couldn't we just issue a notice that any army wishing to participate should remain on standby so they can deploy immediately?"
"Nogosh’s idea might be good. Maybe a rotation system…"
As we were discussing this…
"Are you plotting something evil again, Noble?"
"Nogosh, stop acting without thinking."
The goddesses had arrived. Hifi and Nonoa had come together, looking quite friendly.
"Hifi, it’s not a plot. We were just talking about the Intercontinental Exchange Army."
"Acting without thinking is a bit harsh, Nonoa. We were just finalizing the discussion with the War God Noble and Yuki here."
"Well, it was just small talk. Regardless, let’s get down to business."
I started the meeting immediately.
"I’d like to get right into it, but… I have to ask the four of you. How are Lilishe and Faide doing? This matter concerns them, and if they’re in a bad mood, now isn't the right time. Given the nature of the object, it’s a delicate situation."
That was the biggest issue. No matter how important the letter was, if the two of them were in a bad mood, it would just be a scrap of paper. My goal wasn't to make them angry. I could tell these four about the letter, but if I spoke carelessly and they thought I was hesitant to deliver it, that would be a negative.
"Hmm. Faide is doing her usual self."
"Yeah, she’s been bringing in freshly harvested crops."
"Lilishe is the same as always, too."
"She’s as fluffy as ever, enjoying her tea. Oh, and Hairen joined her; it looks like she’s having fun teaching her."
"Unlike us, she is just a priestess of Weed. Well, she’s busy, but not as busy as we are."
Hmm. Based on what they were saying, there didn't seem to be any problems.
"What do you think, Seraria?"
"I think it’s fine. Even if things fall apart, it doesn't seem like it would affect us or the Intercontinental Exchange."
So Seraria thought it was okay to talk about it. I agreed. Besides, I didn't want to keep holding onto this bomb forever.
"Fall apart? What on earth did you get?"
"You’re being awfully dramatic."
"Well, we can't know until you show us."
"I have no idea."
The four of them were brimming with curiosity, so I took out the letter and placed it in the center. Naturally, all eyes were drawn to it.
"A letter? Who is it from?"
Noble asked on behalf of the four. I didn't hesitate to reveal the sender.
"From Litea."
"““Huh?””"
Well, that was the expected reaction.
"From the founder of the Litea Holy Nation, the daughter of Lilishe and Faide. It’s a letter from Litea herself. You know that the Beast God Tra was close with Litea, right? When I visited, I picked up the scents of Lilishe and Faide, and she entrusted me with this letter to deliver to them."
"““……””"
Once I explained it clearly, everyone fell silent.
"So, the question is whether or not to deliver this letter. And who should deliver it. Of course, I hope you, as their close friends, will gladly take on the task, but because of the Intercontinental Exchange, I wanted to hold this meeting to ensure things proceed as smoothly as possible."
I told them I was dumping the whole thing on the four gods. Well, it was the sender's wish, so they shouldn't complain—especially Nogosh and Nonoa.
"…Did you check the contents?"
Nogosh finally opened his mouth to ask.
"No. I wouldn't dream of prying into a letter from the deceased."