第７１９堀：一難去って…… (Part2)
"Normally, the basic procedure is to formally apply and then wait for an audience, right? Just because I'm putting in a good word, it doesn't mean they get a preferential audience, does it? ...No, I shouldn't think too deeply about it. They haven't particularly complained, so I'll just assume this guilt is misplaced."
"If you formally request an audience tomorrow morning, I believe you'll be able to have one immediately."
"Thank you very much!! With this, I can finally reconcile with Aaju."
It's been nearly two weeks, but are they still being treated coldly?
"Lately, reconciliation with Aaju has been out of the question; I've just been busy with meetings for our continent."
"Ah, I see. In that case, I hope you can have your audience, discuss things, and reconcile."
"Yes. Then, I will visit Weed tomorrow, so I look forward to it."
"Yes, I'll be waiting. However, unfortunately, I'll be out for work, so in Weed, if you ask Eris or Ratz, or Shera if it's Baide, they should be able to handle the procedures."
"Understood."
"But speaking of meetings, did they start right after that?"
"Yes. I believe reports have reached you, but with Baide as the meeting venue, our Findal, Heiden, and Haile Faith have been holding continuous meetings every day."
"I'm glad it was useful. Are there any problems?"
"No, not at the moment. However, there seems to be a concern about what could be used as bargaining chips when negotiating with other continents."
"Well, that will depend on actually meeting with these countries."
"Yes. So, there aren't any issues that would cause problems. Other than that, there's some friction regarding the budget for the construction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs."
"Ah, since there are few participating countries in the intercontinental exchange, the burden on each country is proportionally larger."
"Haha, if it were just that kind of friction, it would still be fine, but they're arguing over who will bear the most burden."
"Ah... that's the issue."
For now, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, planned for the intercontinental exchange, is to be built by each continent using their own budget and resources. While we do plan to provide support if needed, the establishment of this Ministry of Foreign Affairs also involves the prestige and reputation of each continent and country. It's a chance to show how much they differ from other nations by how much funding and resources they contribute. In fact, any country that participates in the intercontinental exchange in the future will have Findal, Heiden, and Haile help them establish their Ministry of Foreign Affairs. At that time, necessary supplies will be sold, which means they will also earn foreign currency. Of course, if they can procure everything themselves, that would be best, but for furnishings and certain standardized items or specialties, that's not always possible. This is where Findal, Heiden, and the Haile Faith need to put in their effort. There are other areas where they need to work hard, but for now, the focus is likely on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where diplomats from various continents and countries will gather.
"Yes. Well, it's peaceful in that sense. For now, if there's a problem, it's that Aquenos... no, Ki, whom we've been letting swim, hasn't made any moves, and there haven't been any clear movements regarding the mad god cultists in various countries. They're probably still in the process of confirming things."
"We'll properly confirm that. It's important for us too."
"Thank you."
Regarding Aquenoki, they are indeed deeply connected to Findal, Heiden, and the Haile Faith, but for us... no, for Luna, they are troublesome subordinates, so we can't just leave them be. Of course, it's also a problem for me if the participating countries of the New Continent's intercontinental exchange get caught up in trouble, so in that sense, I'll crush any nuisances. Besides, that's bait. If nuisances gather there, I can crush them all at once. Oh, how convenient.
"Ah, I apologize. I've talked for quite a while. Let's leave it here for today, and we can continue next time we meet."
"Yes. Thank you for taking the time, especially late at night."
And so, though it turned into a bit of a long conversation, the discussion about the audience with Stasia was concluded.
"They're alive and well."
"Indeed. Being busy actually turned out to be a good thing."
"Well then, shall we rest soon too?"
"Yes."
The clock has already passed 10 PM. The children are already asleep, and we'll be in dreamland in another two or three hours. Normally, this would be the time to relax with a drink or something. It's been quite a while since the Lilishe incident.
As I was thinking such things, a call came in from Steve. I had a bad feeling, but I couldn't not answer.
"...What is it?"
"Ah, it seems the matter with Lilishe and Faide has settled down for now, which is good."
"What, you just called to confirm?"
"No, no, Lilishe ran into Queen Miyabi, and you know, perhaps because her emotions were running high from the fight, it seems her identity as a goddess was exposed, and now Lilishe, Hifi, and Nonoa are restraining Queen Miyabi..."
"You idiot!! I'm coming right now!!"
Damn it!! I don't need sleepless nights!! The incident isn't happening in the conference room!! It's happening at the super public bath!!
Now, for a question. Even more troublesome people are currently sweating it out at the super public bath. What will happen?