第７４２堀：覗き見る (Part2)
"Regarding that matter, as a mere messenger, I am not in a position to comment. I only heard of the Haile Church's proclamation while I was en route here, so it is likely that another envoy will arrive specifically to address Haile Church affairs..."
"I see. So, another messenger is coming regarding that topic."
As I expected. Well, information travels slowly, so this is the only way they can handle things.
"Yes. I would ask that you inquire about the Haile Church's proclamation and our nation's policies at that time."
"Understood. I will hear the Sea-Cypho Kingdom's stance on the Haile Church from the next envoy. However, there is something I would like to ask you personally, Keys. Would that be acceptable?"
"If it is something I can answer, then certainly."
"What is your personal opinion on this recent proclamation by the Haile Church?"
"In what sense?"
"Can you truly believe that things called 'Magic Gears' are circulating and that monsters are running rampant?"
He asked quite bluntly. I can gauge a lot from how this messenger reacts to the Haile Church's announcement.
"..."
"It is fine. This is just between us."
"...To be honest, I am confused. I do not believe the Haile Church is lying, and since the names of King Haiden and King Findar were on the joint statement, it must be the truth. However, I have not seen these so-called monsters myself, so I am at a loss..."
"In other words, there has been no damage from Magic Gears in your lands yet?"
"Yes. Absolutely none. That is why, in all honesty, I am perplexed as to whether the story is true."
Is this the result of my order to capture the brainwashed cultists who worship Akenoki—or rather, the heretics—at the same time as the Haile Church's proclamation? Or perhaps Magic Gears haven't spread as far as we thought?
Hmm. The latter seems more likely. I don't think these enemies are the type to be found by a casual search without a sense of crisis. After all, we have proof; the ones who attacked Solo were living quite normally in the city of Haiden.
"I see. Thank you for answering such a difficult question. The fact that you are skeptical and find it hard to believe is actually a relief to us. It means your lands are peaceful. However, remember this: we are prepared to go to war against those who side with the mad king and mad god who calls himself Akenoki. We do this to protect what our ancestors have guarded."
"Yes. If the rumors are true, that mad king has spread calamity. It is only natural for Haiden, the land of heroes, to take action to stop it."
"Indeed. I am glad you understand. Well, we shall leave that discussion for when the next envoy arrives. Regarding the trade and the new products, please speak with the officials in the other room."
"Yes. Thank you for your valuable time."
"Nonsense. Friendship with the Sea-Cypho Kingdom is desirable for our country as well."
With that, the audience concluded.
"That was surprisingly uneventful, wasn't it?"
"Well, it was a standard audience, but I still learned a few things."
"Is that so?"
"Yeah. Did you catch it, Vilia, Dressa, Hiiro?"
"Not at all."
"Hiiro doesn't know."
Dressa and Hiiro immediately admitted they didn't understand, but Vilia was deep in thought, as if she had grasped something.
"Vilia. Tell me what you figured out."
"Ah, no. I'm not sure if I'm right..."
"If you're wrong, we'll just correct it. It's not like you'll be punished for a mistake. It might even provide a new perspective. We won't be talking about the supply of goods for a while, so let's summarize the information for now."
Yes, in these situations, it's better to speak up than to stay silent.
"Understood. Since you ask, Brother... To put it simply, it seems the cultists serving Akenoki are barely active outside of Haiden and Findar. The fact that the Sea-Cypho envoy was so skeptical is proof of that."
"That's right. If monsters were appearing, they would be a bit more panicked or have complaints."
It’s far too quiet. One could argue it's because the Sea-Cypho Kingdom is far away, but if that were the case, neighboring countries would have complained first. Since they haven't, it's possible Akenoki intended to secure Haiden and Findar first.
"Also, that envoy seems to want to use us—or rather, use Haiden and Findar—to promote their products."
"Ah, now that you mention it, he did say something like that."
"Mm. He said he'd give us necessary items and asked us to use them."
"Yes. I think we need to be careful about that. I suspect there might be some ulterior motive behind those products or this offer of supplies."
"Agreed. We need to be cautious there, too. To find out, we have to listen to the explanation of the trade goods and supplies that Kagura and the others are attending."
As I said that, I looked at the monitor and saw the Sea-Cypho envoy entering the prepared room with Kagura and the others. Of course, I’m going to be peeking in on this! I’m going to keep the best video record possible! If something happens, I can use this as a shield.
Now, what exactly did the envoy bring?