第７４９堀：順調？ (Part2)
"Hah. Everything regarding Findar is proceeding without delay. The selection of those heading to Weed is complete, and they can depart at any moment."
"As expected of you, Sister."
"Indeed. As they say, 'better a quick failure than a slow success.' Act swiftly and decide swiftly. Well, for matters of state like this, one must also be able to think calmly, but given the current diplomatic situation with the various nations and the circumstances of the Seasypho Kingdom, speed is of the essence. However, do not take this efficiency for granted, Arju."
"I understand. Everything depends on the situation at hand, does it not?"
The Findar sisters, having reconciled, were as thick as thieves. Much like Princess Carrie—or rather, alongside Princess Carrie—they had been spotted enjoying cake in the city of Weed. The princesses of the New Continent were truly formidable. I would have to make sure Kagura and the others followed up on that later.
But putting that aside, she was, as expected, a former commander who had led ten thousand troops. Her movements were crisp and efficient.
"How are things in Haiden?"
"No problems there, either. My only slight concern is that there are still those who view Weed with suspicion. The Emperor intends to bring those very people to Weed, doesn't he?"
"Well, I think it will be fine, but are Micos-chan and the others worried about that?"
"Everything here is unlike anything they have ever seen before, after all."
It was true; those visiting Weed for the first time were highly likely to be overwhelmed or overly excited by the novelty of it all. That said, I had already anticipated this and had instructed the various nations to exercise restraint. They would be entering the country before the conference, so I intended to give them a full tour then. Since it would be a tour for all the nations combined, they wouldn't be able to look around at their own leisure while worrying about the others.
I had already discussed with Seraria, Eris, and Ratz that we would need to conduct separate, more thorough tours at a later date. However, since we had to decide on an order, it would be handled based on their applications. If we were to decide the order ourselves, that would only cause further issues.
"By the way, what is Popuri doing?"
I asked about the movements of the Magic Academy on the If Continent, which would likely bear the brunt of the upcoming intercontinental exchange.
"The Principal is, well..."
"After seeing the Magic Academy in Haiden, she seems to have been discussing various things with Vice Principal Lara..."
"I see."
The decline in skill accompanying the decrease in mages on the If Continent was a difficult problem. I assumed they were working on various countermeasures. I had already warned the people of the New Continent not to carelessly disclose information regarding magic. We would need to discuss that later as well.
"So, how are things in Weed? The princesses were concerned about it, too."
Kagura and Princess Stasia asked.
"Everything is going smoothly for now. We could even move the schedule forward, though I have no intention of doing so. We will proceed as planned. There is no change to the plan of having the various nations arrive and wait three days in advance. Oh, that reminds me, there is talk that the Queen of the High Elves might be able to attend this conference. For our part, it will be helpful to observe the reactions of the If Continent, with its discrimination against demi-humans, and the New Continent, which holds the rare spirit priestesses in such high regard."
Despite the issues with the Beast God's nation, the High Elf nation was not directly involved, so it seemed they had solidified their decision to participate. Well, behind the scenes, this was also a bit of a feint—or a decoy operation—to see how the war-mongering faction of the Beast God's nation would react to the High Elf nation's participation.
"The Queen of the High Elves..."
"Hmm. We must inform the others."
"Well, the New Continent only has two nations and one religious organization. How is the If Continent?"
Most of the diplomats from the If Continent were my wives, so there was nothing left to ask, but it was better to let the New Continent members like Kagura hear it. Jessica and the others seemed to realize this, nodding and immediately beginning their explanation.
"Yes. There are no particular problems on the If Continent either."
"Indeed. Since the unveiling of the Holy Sword, Enaria seems stable. If I had to name a flaw, it would be that King Blade frequently sneaks off to Betan with his guards."
"Mm. King August sometimes tags along with King Blade, and Sister Inis seems exhausted by it."
"I see. Well, please handle that amongst yourselves."
Taking care of kings with a habit of running away was not Weed's job. Each nation would have to deal with that themselves. Seriously. We were only responsible for contacting the nations.
And so, the preparations for the intercontinental exchange conference continued steadily. Oh, and apparently, there was a grand chase to capture a certain king that occurred across Betan, Weed, and even Baide, which should have been busy enough as it was...
Despite the lingering concerns, the preparations for the intercontinental exchange conference moved forward. Yes, there were no problems at all. Understood?