第７５７堀：お茶を飲みながらのお話し (Part2)
"No, regarding the trade goods, she had quite a bit to say during the meeting. She was thinking about how much profit they could gain by recognizing the value of trade. It seems she's realized now that it would be foolish to oppose Weed."
It was fortunate that she realized opposing now would be like throwing away profits and picking a fight with the Continental Union. It's unlikely they'll become enemies for a while.
"...So, an inherent, potential enemy, you say?"
"Well, yes, but that's how it is with most countries, so my husband wasn't too concerned. I believe he said something about them naturally being weeded out, or perhaps that they could only ever be a minority?"
"It's not as if they can expect to be rewarded after complaining so much and then suddenly changing their tune. Nobles have a strange sense of pride, you know."
"That's true. First, they'd have to offer an apology, but those who spoke out without doing so are likely being pestered by their respective kings and the pro-exchange faction right now."
"It's a perfect blunder to corner them with."
"So, the various countries will likely suppress their anti-exchange factions on their own, so it's not something we need to worry about. Of course, if they request our assistance, that's another story."
It's each country's job to manage their internal dissenters.
It's not within our jurisdiction.
They don't have that much leeway.
"And how is Kirue's end? What's the reaction from Weed's citizens and tourists regarding the continental exchange?"
"It's a mixed bag, for better or worse. First, the good news. Upon hearing the declaration of continental exchange, the citizens and tourists of Weed are overjoyed, believing peace has arrived."
"I see. That was part of the intention behind the declaration, after all."
The Declaration of Continental Exchange.
As Kirue said, this is also proof that peace has begun.
Until very recently, conflicts between nations were constant, so the value of this declaration, for those who know the hardships of war, is immeasurable.
Especially for the citizens of Weed, whose early inhabitants were all slaves or war refugees.
Those who lost their homes or loved ones to war.
There's no way they wouldn't rejoice at this.
Adventurers, too, are sometimes called upon as a fighting force when needed.
And this isn't limited to the Rogari Continent.
"Similarly, Lord Horst of the If Continent received the declaration of continental exchange, and people visiting Betan are also reportedly overjoyed. The reaction is negative in Baide on the New Continent. According to Lady Catherine, it's because Weed's influence hasn't permeated there yet."
"Well, that's a country that joined on short notice. Moreover, only Haiden, Findal, and the Haile Church are participating. They'll just have to proceed steadily."
"Nevertheless, both Betan and Baide are undoubtedly buzzing with excitement and festivities to coincide with this Continental Exchange Conference. Though, Lady Eris seems to be in a state of despair as an accountant, with her funds rapidly depleting."
"That's unavoidable. You just have to think of it as spending the money they've accumulated. If they don't give back some of the reparations they've extorted, they'll earn resentment everywhere."
The funding for this Continental Exchange Conference wasn't solicited from the various countries; Weed bore the entire cost, which is why so much money was spent.
It was a painful decision to build a new conference venue to showcase Weed's financial and technological prowess.
While the building itself could be covered by DP, the interior decorations were assembled using as many continental products as possible.
This was also to circulate money elsewhere.
Well, our own lives can be managed with DP, but I understand that for the operation of a nation, a decrease in money from each continent is painful.
"But, it's planned to be profitable in the long run through future trade. In fact, it's already in the black since they extorted it in the first place."
"I see. However, Lady Eris doesn't seem to think so."
"Eh?"
When Kirue said that, I turned around to see Eris standing there with her arms crossed.
The other members must have returned as well, their meetings or other work finished.
"Oh, welcome back."
"Yes. I'm back. And, Seraria, even if it was money extorted in the first place, it's still difficult to have no money. After all, we used the extorted money as our operating funds."
"Well, yes. It was my mistake to make such a casual remark."
This is bad. That look on her face means "manage your money properly."
If I say anything careless, it'll be a lecture.
So, the best course of action is to apologize quickly.
"No, you don't understand!! With this grand conference, while Weed's economy is stable, the budgets for Betan on the If Continent and Baide on the New Continent were..."
I messed up...
I've done it now...
And so, I found myself being lectured by Eris about the current economic situation of Weed.
Tea at the end of a hard day, and stepping on a landmine.
It just goes to show how much Eris was troubled by the budget allocation for this event.
I should refrain from making careless remarks.
But setting that aside, Kirue's intelligence division was also active, and the first day seems to have gone smoothly.
Now, can they see it through to the end?