第７４８堀：有識者たちとの話合いと結論 (Part1)
### Chapter 748: Discussions and Conclusions with the Experts
**Side: Yuki**
Well, the talk with my wives is over, but the anxiety Rurua expressed—"Is it really okay to just be passive?"—is something I share as well. I have no intention of remaining completely passive.
That said, I can’t just attack the Seasypho Kingdom simply because I find them dangerous. That would be like some tyrannical overlord looking for an excuse to start a war.
So, I decided to gather the experts and consult with them regarding the Seasypho Kingdom.
My wives are currently in the final stages of coordination for the intercontinental exchange. There is less than a month left. We can’t cancel it now, and if we did, it might cast suspicion on Weed. This is a move we absolutely cannot afford to miss.
Well, even if I talked to my wives about the nuances of modern warfare, it wouldn't really change anything. I didn't bring them into this world to be military assets, after all.
"Hey, I've arrived as requested."
"Greetings, Yuki-san."
"My, my. To think you’re using an entire inn as your living quarters—how luxurious."
"Indeed. It is truly enviable."
With those words, Taizo, Taiki, Sota, and Enor entered the banquet hall. They were the first group of experts I needed to welcome—those from my homeland.
Soon after, another group arrived.
"Hmm? Wait, don't I feel a bit out of place here?"
"If you're going to say that, then so am I."
"It’s fine, isn't it? It looks like we’re free to eat the ice cream, too."
The ones making these free-spirited remarks were our technicians: Comet, Zargis, and Narjia. These three possess an extraordinary amount of knowledge, making them more than qualified to be considered experts.
"Kirue, if you would."
"Yes, certainly. Everyone, may I take your orders?"
As I said that, my maid wife, Kirue, immediately began taking their orders without a hitch.
"Oh, I’ll have Darjeeling. So? What’s the matter, Yuki, calling us all here?"
"Considering you’ve called Taizo, Taiki, and Sota-dono, is this about Earth or Japan?"
"That’s likely, but if that were all, you wouldn't need us, right? Oh, first I’ll have the kinako Haagen-Dazs, and after that, just keep them coming whenever I run out."
"Understood."
They’re sharp as ever. And Narjia’s love for ice cream remains unchanged. While I was thinking that, the ordering process finished.
"Now that the tea is ready, will you tell us why you’ve called us here?"
"Indeed. Shall we just have a sleepover like this?"
"That would be fine, but I suspect that’s not the case."
"Well, that’s true. Yuki-dono wouldn't go out of his way to open his home to us for nothing. Though, I’ll be taking a bath later regardless."
"Yes, please make yourselves at home once the discussion is over."
I didn't intend for them to leave immediately after hearing me out, especially since they went out of their way to come here. Actually, I had wanted to invite Sota and Enor anyway. Oh, and since Enor and Sota are a couple, there was no objection to her tagging along. Even if this is confidential, it’s something that those who understand, will understand.
"Then, I’ll begin. It’s not something that needs to be decided this very second, so please listen while you enjoy your tea."
I prefaced the conversation with that and explained the series of events involving the Seasypho Kingdom and Aquenoki in the New Continent. Taizo and Taiki had been involved in the New Continent’s affairs to some extent from the beginning, so they understood quickly. However, since Comet and the others had basically been stationed in Weed, I had to explain everything from scratch.
"...And so, the Seasypho Kingdom and the Magic Gear created by Aquenoki have become a matter of concern."
"Honestly, I don't care about Aquenoki, but the Seasypho Kingdom is the problem."
"Indeed. Monsters are only so strong based on what we’ve seen so far, and their numbers aren't that high. But if the Seasypho Kingdom is human and is producing firearms, that’s far too troublesome."
"Well, if they are producing them, it is indeed a threat. But we cannot blame them based on mere possibility."
"That is true. It is not for others to condemn someone simply for possessing weapons for self-defense."
That is exactly the problem. As Enor said, even if they are producing firearms, if they claim they are weapons for defense, that’s the end of it. We would just be accused of overreacting. We can't interfere even if we investigate. In a country where there are no laws regarding firearms or the possession of dangerous goods, telling them not to own weapons would just make us look insane.
"Well, I understand why everyone feels it’s a threat, but isn't this somewhat inevitable? I mean, Sota-san was developing firearms originally, and it’s a technology that people in this world would eventually reach anyway, right?"
"That’s true. It’s an overreach to interfere with the technological progress of another country."
I understand what the technical team is saying. Technological progress is something that will eventually happen. If we try to suppress it, we know it will only breed resentment, and it would be stifling the progress of this world. Earth also became prosperous because technology developed for war was repurposed. Saying it’s bad because they are making weapons is essentially denying Earth’s own civilization.
However, as Rurua’s sad expression suggested, the question is: is it right to stand by and do nothing when we know that tools for killing—unlike anything seen before—are being developed, and that sacrifices will inevitably follow?
As the conversation turned difficult, Narjia, who was eating her ice cream, spoke up.
"Nom, nom. I understand everyone’s opinions, but the important thing is to confirm whether they really came up with this 'extraordinary invention' on their own. If they are siphoning this knowledge from someone else, that’s a problem. In other words, the question is whether there are people from Earth in the Seasypho Kingdom. Well, even if it’s just imitation, having the power to actually build it is impressive. Nom."
Narjia hit the nail on the head. Who developed these shovels? That is the starting point of this problem. It’s the question of whether people from Earth are involved again.
"...You’re right, Narjia. Now that I think about it, it’s hard to believe they developed it independently."
"Well, it’s the standard pattern, isn't it?"
"No, could it be that my blueprints were leaked?"
"That might be the case, but that makes it even more dangerous. The blueprints Sota left behind included not just matchlock guns, but also repeating firearms, cannons, and even mortars, didn't they? We developed them out of necessity at the time, but there’s no need for them now. Whoever got their hands on those blueprints might not realize how dangerous they are. They might only see them as powerful weapons."
"That is the concern. It’s common for people to get carried away and attack other countries once they obtain powerful weapons. And if the person who designed them isn't there, it’s hard to stop their actions because they can just blame the absent designer for any problems."
It’s the issue of how difficult it is to feel guilt. Even if the original developer were present, it wouldn't stop the use of technology for war. It’s a common story in history that inventions meant to save lives are turned into tools for killing.