第７３８堀：とりあえず説明をしてからの (Part1)
**Chapter 738: After the Preliminary Explanation**
**Side: Yuki**
The maritime nation of Sea-Cypho.
That is the name of the country that holds the land where the recent trouble occurred.
I had initially thought about either negotiating to take on the monster subjugation or simply handling it discreetly and calling it a day, but that’s no longer an option.
As I was lost in thought, Kagura spoke to me, looking worried.
"Hey, Yuki. Are you okay? You seem deep in thought—is Sea-Cypho that much of a problem? Is the intercontinental exchange going to be canceled?"
Her words snapped me back to reality. I looked around and realized that Princess Carrie, Her Highness Stasia, Archbishop Enol, and General Jorgin—everyone participating in this meeting—had their eyes fixed on me.
"No, the intercontinental exchange will proceed as scheduled. Do not worry. And, though my formal report is late, the conference on the If Continent concluded successfully. We are now just waiting for the intercontinental exchange conference in one month, involving the Rogari Continent, the If Continent, and the New Continent."
Even with these problems emerging, I cannot postpone the intercontinental exchange here. If I were to cancel or delay participation for the New Continent group due to issues with the Kingdom of Sea-Cypho or Aquenoki, it would breed dissatisfaction among the New Continent nations. It would also signal to everyone that we are wary of Sea-Cypho and Aquenoki.
If that happens, those who mistakenly believe that Haiden, Findal, and the Haire Church are nothing to fear might start siding with Sea-Cypho.
"That is a relief. If the intercontinental exchange were to be canceled because of Sea-Cypho, or if we were told our country could not participate, we would have no choice but to conquer Sea-Cypho."
"Princess Carrie. I believe that is a rather extreme statement."
"Carrie. The Archbishop is right. Even as a joke, you shouldn't say things like that."
"No, Your Highness. Princess Carrie’s words are not entirely wrong. The problem is that Sea-Cypho is sticking its nose where it doesn't belong. If that’s the case, there will be those who think the cause should simply be removed. After all, the intercontinental exchange is our lifeline. Without it, there is a high possibility that other countries will bare their fangs at us."
The problem is exactly as Princess Carrie and Jorgin say.
One wrong step, and a war will break out.
Participation in the intercontinental exchange is a vital lifeline for Haiden, Findal, and the Haire Church.
The ability to borrow the power of a great nation through Weed provided a sense of security against foreign invasion; if that participation is denied, their anxiety will skyrocket.
They’ve already been thoroughly toyed with by Aquenoki. There will likely be those internally who defect, claiming that everything Weed says is a lie.
If that happens, we will be headed straight for war.
I’m not worried about losing a war.
Even if it turns into a naval battle with the Kingdom of Sea-Cypho, I could just deploy Aegis, aircraft carriers, and submarines, and that would be the end of it.
Actually, there’s no need to fight at sea. I could take this opportunity to introduce fighter jets, secure air superiority, and crush them in one go.
But if that happens, the situation in the New Continent will become truly troublesome.
The New Continent would be split in two: countries participating in the intercontinental exchange and those that aren't.
It would be the opening act of a great war.
In such a war, I would inevitably have to drag in the people from the Rogari and If Continents.
If a country participating in the intercontinental exchange is attacked, a war of aggression—disguised as defensive warfare based on the intercontinental alliance—would begin.
They say the best defense is a good offense, after all.
I know full well that we would end up bickering over the spoils afterward, and one can only imagine how busy I’ll be managing that.
That is why I must prevent such a situation at all costs.
...Whew, calm down.
My thinking is becoming extreme.
It hasn't been decided yet that the Kingdom of Sea-Cypho is an enemy.
"I understand the concerns of Princess Carrie and General Jorgin, but first, we should convey the matter of the Magic Gear to the Kingdom of Sea-Cypho once more and confirm if they are willing to cooperate."
"Indeed. We cannot label them as enemies before even attempting negotiations or verification."
"That’s right. The Kingdom of Sea-Cypho has had significant trade dealings with us until now, so we should use those connections to bring them to the table."
"I agree. I believe the Haire Church should also prioritize establishing a venue for dialogue first."
"Hmm. Well, yes. That is where we must start."
That’s right. People can understand one another.
That is what language is for.
It’s not as if I’m dealing with someone who doesn't understand words.
"Then, for now, let each country contact the Kingdom of Sea-Cypho and negotiate to set up a meeting. We will judge the situation based on those results. With that, let’s put this matter on hold. Moving on—aside from the Magic Gear issue, are there any other problems arising on the New Continent side regarding the intercontinental exchange conference?"
For the time being, since the Magic Gear and Sea-Cypho issues can't be solved immediately, I decided to move forward with the conference preparations.
After all, this was the main topic in a sense.
"No. We are only having trouble selecting the goods for the trade that will begin soon. Regarding the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there are no particular problems... other than the Magic Gear."
Princess Carrie smiled and declared that the Magic Gear from the Kingdom of Sea-Cypho was a nuisance.
Well, she’s not wrong.
"As Carrie said, the only other issue is the selection of trade items. And besides, the trade items would be meaningless if the intercontinental exchange doesn't start. So, I don't think there's any cause for concern there."
I see.
So they are ready to go at any time.
"Then, with the intercontinental exchange conference about a month away, is it agreed that we will prioritize dealing with the Kingdom of Sea-Cypho and the Magic Gear from here on out?"
"Yes. Oh, if the detailed schedule and the content of the discussions for the intercontinental exchange conference have been decided in more detail, we would certainly like to receive that information."
"Indeed. Updating the information is necessary. We need to make our own preparations as well."
"Understood. Then, first, I will explain the details of what was agreed upon at the conference on the If Continent."
I shouldn't be this impatient.
I need to calm down and explain what was settled on the If Continent.
It’s not about preventing information leaks, but ensuring everyone understands the current situation correctly so that no one commits a diplomatic faux pas.
One mistake in a summit between nations like this can lead to war.
Especially regarding the upcoming Holy Sword unveiling, I warned the Haire Church to be particularly cautious, as it involves religious sensitivities.
Overall, I advised them to avoid sending mages carelessly, as the New Continent, which has many magic-heavy nations with few restrictions on sorcery, might threaten the status of the mages from the various countries on the If Continent.
After all, Popuri would lose her job if I didn't.