第７４２堀：覗き見る (Part1)
Chapter 742: Peering In
Side: Yuki
"Well, the preparations are complete. Now, I’ll just sit back and enjoy the show."
I said that, and began casually watching the monitor in the room prepared for me.
"Um, why didn't you tell Kagura and the others? Or rather, wouldn't it have been better to have them help with the camera installation?"
That question came from Ria.
Ria is used to this kind of work. She’s been with me as a guard for a long time, so she’s become quite capable with these things. Though, I never expected her to be bad at the input side of things.
Wait, right. The matter of not telling Kagura and the others.
"Kagura and the others are scheduled to meet with the envoy alongside King Haiden. I can't have them being conscious of the cameras, but they probably noticed them anyway. Well, that’s a chance for them to show their mettle. My primary goal is to see how the envoy acts when he sees their reactions."
"Their reactions?"
"If they’ve heard even a whisper of the rumors, I want to see if the envoy tries to pull something the moment Kagura is introduced. Well, he probably won't ignore the King or the Princess to strike up a conversation right there in the audience chamber, but he’ll likely try something once they return to the waiting room."
"Is it really okay to leave that alone? What if he has important information..."
"There isn't any information I’d be troubled by them knowing. Even if I told them, they wouldn't believe me, and if they did, it would just raise their guard. Right now, I need to keep the envoy off-balance, even if just a little. I considered showing up at the audience myself, but that would have been going a bit too far."
It’s unheard of for the consort of another country’s king to show his face at an audience with a foreign envoy. If I were to attend as a knight or a guard, Ria and the others would have to come along, and in the New Continent—a society that doesn't exactly welcome women in such roles—the envoy might take offense. If he left because of that, fine, but we need to hear what he has to say this time.
"So, I don't expect to get much information from the audience itself. I’m betting he’ll try to make contact with Kagura and the others in some way afterward."
"Wow. So, for Kagura and the others, this is basically a test?"
"That wasn't my intention, but Princess Carrie will likely evaluate them based on how they handle it. Oh, it’s about time. It’s starting."
And so, this audience will be recorded. That is my greatest weapon. I can review it as many times as I want later, and if the envoy causes any trouble, I can use this as evidence to negotiate with the Kingdom of Ceasiph.
I am worried about Kagura and the others, but precisely because I haven't told them anything, this is a moment that will test their usual work ethic. If they’ve been doing their jobs properly, there shouldn't be any issues.
『The next to be received is the envoy from the Kingdom of Ceasiph, Lord Keys Zanat.』
『Ho, an envoy from the Kingdom of Ceasiph. You may raise your head.』
At the Chancellor’s announcement, King Haiden addresses the envoy kneeling before him.
Hearing that voice, the envoy from Ceasiph—Keys, was it?—lifts his head. He’s a man, and he looks like a bit of a soft-featured gentleman. It seems they didn't send someone with a menacing face.
『I am deeply grateful for your swiftness in granting me an audience despite my sudden visit.』
『Indeed. We have always been well-served by the Kingdom of Ceasiph regarding supplies, so this is no trouble. Now, what is the purpose of this visit? It does not seem to be the season for transporting goods, and you do not appear to have brought any major trade items. Did you come with only your guards and yourself?』
『Yes. That is correct. We came in haste because we heard of the outbreak of war with Findall. If a fierce battle were underway, it would be dangerous to transport supplies recklessly. If our carriers were attacked by soldiers on edge, it would become a diplomatic incident. His Majesty ordered me to come and discuss this matter in detail. While I knew such a thing would be impossible for the noble soldiers of Haiden, I have come nonetheless.』
He talks a good game.
He’s managed to avoid calling Haiden’s soldiers barbaric, while simultaneously threatening that if their carriers are attacked, it will sour relations with Ceasiph.
On top of that, he’s added a condition: asking for safe routes and personnel for future supply runs.
The envoy’s tone is strictly about "preventing a potential problem," but if anything happens, it will be Haiden’s fault for not providing the guards or information he "asked for."
The content of the conversation is perfectly reasonable regarding trade concerns, but it’s interesting how much the tone changes everything.
Well, I personally find that kind of thing a hassle and generally avoid it. But watching it is fun. You can really see the various tactics at play. It’s important to view things from a bird’s-eye perspective.
Thinking that, I peer into the audience.
『Indeed, that concern is only natural. However, as you may have heard, the misunderstanding with Findall has already been resolved and peace has been established, so that concern is unnecessary.』
『Yes. There is nothing better than the absence of war.』
『And I heard mention of providing supplies? Is that in reference to war supplies?』
『Yes. That was the original intent, but now that the war has ended, I would be happy if you could use them for reconstruction.』
『Ho. What do you mean by "provide"? Until now, it has always been a trade, has it not?』
『This time, we have a new product, and we were hoping you might try it out. As a token of our appreciation for your trouble, we were thinking of providing other supplies free of charge as well.』
『A new product, you say... And if I like it, you expect me to buy more in the future, I presume?』
『As expected of King Haiden; your insight is truly magnificent.』
What a transparent conversation. It’s what they’d call "providing samples" back on Earth.
It’s also quite devious that they’re using Haiden to test their new products.
However, if it’s a product they wanted to test in war...
『I understand the situation, but a product aimed at the battlefield? Is it a weapon? If so, it has no use now.』
『No. It is not a weapon, but something that can be used for things like constructing encampments. I thought it might also be useful for post-war cleanup, which is why I proposed it.』
Tools useful for constructing encampments and post-war cleanup?
Several things come to mind, but what could it be?
He said he didn't bring any large luggage, so is it something small?
No, it’s possible he’ll bring it later.
Well, in any case, we’ve already decided to take whatever is offered. It wouldn't do to refuse a gesture of goodwill, and accepting it creates a connection—for better or worse—with the Kingdom of Ceasiph.
It gives them a reason to visit, which is perfect.
There’s a saying that "nothing is more expensive than something free," but I doubt a simple supply drop will lead to anything that extreme.
Of course, I’ll be sure to inspect the provided supplies thoroughly.
As I was thinking about that, the conversation moved forward.
『Hmm. I understand. However, whether we use those items or not depends on seeing them first. After this audience, please show them to those in charge of trade and discuss it with them.』
『Yes. Thank you very much for the opportunity to present them.』
With that, the conversation hit a lull.
He hadn't mentioned the most important thing yet.
『Is that all, Envoy?』
『Yes. My role was to offer aid regarding this matter and to have you try the new product.』
『Is there nothing regarding the proclamation of the Haire Church? Does Ceasiph have nothing they wish to ask regarding this series of incidents?』
That’s right. There hadn't been a single mention of the Haire Church.
I don't know if he was intentionally avoiding it or if he thought this wasn't the place to discuss it, but if he isn't going to ask, I’ll have to ask him.
『...I have heard of the Haire Church. I know the outcome of that incident, and how it was involved in this war.』
『Then why do you not ask?』