第７４４堀：何が狙いか？ (Part2)
"And when it comes to using this shovel in trench warfare, it's for close-quarters encounters after leaping into the trenches. In those situations, it's easier to handle than a sword, doesn't add to your baggage, and if you're lucky enough to have it positioned in front or behind you, the iron shovel might just protect you from gunfire."
So, it doubles as both a weapon and a piece of armor.
"I understand the explanation, Yuki-dono. But that makes me wonder, why would they provide us with these shovels? Aren't they essentially a new type of weapon for them?"
"Well, I'm not a citizen of the Kingdom of Seasypho, so I can't say for sure."
...I suppose it was naive of me to think that if I just asked Yuki-dono, I would get all the answers.
"That said, I can make a guess."
No sooner had I reflected on my own shortcomings than Yuki-dono continued. His predictions are always worth hearing.
"May we hear your prediction, Yuki-dono?"
Before I could speak, King Haiden urged him on.
"Well, I think anyone could see this, but if there's no ulterior motive, it's just a simple advertisement. And if there *is* a scheme, the goal is likely to see how we—or rather, how Haiden—handles these shovels."
"How we handle them, you say?"
"Exactly. Do you see these shovels and think they're just convenient tools for digging holes, or do you see them as useful for war? And even if you think they're useful, how do you intend to utilize them? They're looking to gauge those very things."
"Why would they go so far as to... ah, there is no need to ask. They are taking advantage of the conflict between Haiden and Findall to measure our military strength and the like. Is that correct, Yuki-sama?"
As the Princess said this and gazed at Yuki-dono, he opened his mouth to speak.
"It's not a certainty, but since the 'payment' for these free supplies is the strange request that we *must* use these shovels, it's something worth being suspicious about."
Indeed, one should always assume there's a catch to such a sweet deal. Moreover, since this is an exchange between nations, it's only natural that there are hidden agendas.
"Well, as I said at the start, there's also the possibility of genuine goodwill. In that case, we should just be deeply grateful and show our appreciation. Though, even that has a sort of 'scheme' behind it. If the Kingdom of Seasypho ever falls on hard times, we'd be criticized if we didn't help them. We'd be seen as ingrates."
"It is true that helping our country would be an optimal way for Seasypho to improve its reputation among surrounding nations."
"For a major power, face is everything. If something happens, they'll likely end up helping us."
I see. Now that it's pointed out, it makes perfect sense, yet these are things I only realize once they're explained. Negotiations are conducted with such considerations for emotions and public face.
"However, this pretty much decides the nature of the conversation with the next Seasypho envoy."
When Yuki-dono said this, the King and the Princess nodded, but the rest of us couldn't quite keep up. What could possibly have happened to determine the content of the next envoy's visit?
"Eh? Why is that?"
"Listen, Mikos. We accepted the shovel shipment—no, we accepted the provision of supplies. That being the case, it would be a loss for Seasypho, who has an objective here, to immediately overturn that. You understand that, right?"
"But couldn't they claim it's dangerous once they learn about the Magic Gear?"
"They're likely already aware of the danger. Or rather, if the rumors about the Magic Gear are true, that's actually convenient for them. If the Seasypho group were to be wiped out by monsters while in the middle of delivering supplies, they could hold Haiden responsible. They could say, 'You knew the risks, why didn't you send an escort?'"
"...In other words, Yuki, you're saying the Kingdom of Seasypho brought this proposal to the table just to probe us?"
"That's right. Well, when you really think about it, it's only natural. The information might sound absurd, but it's a proclamation from prestigious nations and religions like Haiden, Findall, and the Haire Church. It would be stranger *not* to be curious. It's actually more surprising that other countries haven't taken action until now. Though, I suppose the fact that Findall was acting as a mediator for Haiden played a big part in that."
It's true; since we are concerned about the movements of other countries, it's impossible that they wouldn't be concerned about ours.
"Then, Yuki-sensei, what would they have done if we had refused the supplies?"
"In that case, the next envoy would probably claim they suffered damages from the Magic Gear and demand compensation. That would force us to accept the supplies, wouldn't it?"
"That is a plausible scenario."
"It's a reasonable line of thought. I can't imagine a country as large as the Kingdom of Seasypho has such a weak intelligence network that they couldn't stop their initial envoy. They likely had a two-stage plan from the start."
"Well, if they specified which inns we should stay at, it's easy to relay information to the envoy. So, the possibility that the initial information hadn't reached them was ruled out."
Despite saying all that, Yuki-dono didn't seem flustered in the slightest. He must have predicted all of this. His composure is truly reliable.
What do you all think the Kingdom of Seasypho's true aim is? And what about Enora's goal?