第７６０堀：一応平和 (Part2)
"Naturally. It’s not as if the flow of events can be swayed by small nations at this point, but being met with backlash is still a nuisance."
"Well, that’s how things stand with the small nations on the Rogari Continent for now. Ah, of course, there are some countries that are genuinely happy about it. But what about your end, Taizo-san?"
"It’s much the same here. Or rather, since Weed isn't connected by land, there are many places that are suspicious of its existence. I’ve received several inquiries at the Hifi Holy Kingdom."
"Why the Hifi Holy Kingdom? Wouldn't it be easier to just ask one of the major powers?"
"They seem to suspect that the major powers have colluded to set things up this way. And the reason they’re asking the Hifi Holy Kingdom is because of our track record of dispatching healing mages to various countries."
My Holy Kingdom does indeed send healers to various nations.
Though, most of them end up being drafted into wars and dying, or returning with deep emotional scars—which, in turn, made Hifi-san quite angry.
"Ah, that’s right, I remember now. So they’re asking the Hifi Holy Kingdom precisely because of that. But what exactly are they suspecting the major powers of colluding to create?"
"From what I’ve heard, they seem to think the major powers have signed non-aggression pacts with each other and are planning to crush the smaller, more resistant nations while they have the chance. After all, before the Intercontinental Exchange Conference was held in Zilba, a country that raised the flag of rebellion using R-Magic Swords was wiped out."
"I see. So there’s a real-life example that’s making them anxious. That was the one Steve suppressed, right?"
"Correct. Steve-kun spread toxins inside, and once they were incapacitated, the Zilba Imperial Army swarmed in."
"And what happened to the small nations that rebelled after that?"
"Naturally, the key figures were executed across the board. However, they didn't lay a hand on the common citizens. I suppose the Zilba Empire had no reason to invite unnecessary backlash."
"Since the suppression was meant to facilitate the start of the intercontinental exchange, unnecessary looting would have just been a hassle, right?"
"Exactly. Pushing forward with the intercontinental exchange is more profitable in every sense. Still, from the perspective of those who are suspicious of Weed's existence..."
"They’re thinking, 'Could we be next?'"
"Precisely. Especially those with strong territorial ambitions."
Until now, countries that expanded their borders by taking advantage of conflicts between major powers will no longer be able to expand further.
They likely view that as a significant blow.
That is precisely why they fear they might be the ones attacked in return.
In every world, there are those who know no other way to prove their worth than by achieving military glory.
They forget the very reason they exist as soldiers.
Whether it’s the military or the citizenry, what a nation demands—to put it bluntly—is its own benefit.
War was simply the most straightforward way to obtain that benefit until now, but that doesn't mean war will continue to be profitable.
In the coming era, starting a war will only invite cold stares from the surrounding nations.
Within an alliance like the intercontinental exchange, that is a fatal blunder.
They fail to understand that.
"The fortunate thing is that no talk of plotting anything against Weed has reached the Hifi Holy Kingdom. It feels like they are still gauging the reactions of the major powers."
"Is there any chance they might collude with the major powers to rebel?"
"There are no such movements at the moment."
"That’s a bit of a delicate situation. I wonder if we should be happy about that?"
"Well, there’s no doubt that it’s peaceful, so we should probably be happy."
Saying that, we both took a sip of tea and ate some takoyaki.
It still held its warmth and was delicious.
The fact that we can eat like this is proof enough that it is peaceful.
"Nevertheless, neither the Rogari Continent nor the If Continent is in a situation where we can let our guard down. Well, that’s always the case, though."
It is a rule of life that the slightest lapse in vigilance can be fatal.
"That’s true. If you let your guard down, it can all fall apart in an instant. For now, we should relay this to Yuki-san and see how he wants to proceed."
"Agreed. That would be best. In any case, with things as they are, Yuki-kun will likely turn his attention to the New Continent. That side is more concerning."
"Ah, the Sea-Saifo Kingdom, was it? They’ve brought in shovels and other pieces of 'over-technology.' I hope there aren't any Japanese people there."
"That’s hard to say. Well, for now, let’s do our best to ensure the intercontinental exchange conference ends without incident."
"Yes, let’s."
Taiki-kun and I said that as we gazed at the sunset peeking through the window.
We do not pray; we make it a success with our own hands.
That is the power we humans possess.
For now, a peaceful period of intercontinental exchange.
However, the seeds of future conflict are definitely smoldering.
Well, as Taizo-san said, that is a natural occurrence anywhere.
To prepare for that, to deal with it—that is what it means to live.
And, I have an announcement for October 28th.
It is a personal matter, but it is a sort of closure, so please bear with me.
Ah, don't worry, it’s not about a novel update or an anime adaptation.
It is truly a personal matter.
I will report it in the afterword and on my blog.
Please look forward to it.