第７７０堀：次なる不安と対策 (Part2)
Well, the reason the various nations had tacitly ignored it was because the damage from a direct confrontation would be too great, and it was established that I only ever took action when there was truly horrific tyranny occurring.
Yuki had once remarked, "I see. So, you're the Namahage of the Rogari Continent."
Apparently, it’s a type of demon that goes around asking, "Are there any bad children here?"
However, there are many stories from Yuki’s homeland that I simply don’t understand.
Speaking of demons, they should be the same race as Akiten, but well, people are all different, aren't they? I suppose demons are no different.
While I was thinking about such things, Lord Dabel continued to speak.
"……If you would permit my rudeness, may I ask one blunt question?"
He asked this with a solemn expression.
No, wait—there was sweat beading on his forehead, so he was clearly quite nervous.
If he had the resolve to ask me this much, I suppose I had to hear him out.
"Hmm. Very well, proceed."
When I said that, Lord Dabel exhaled once, and then...
"I will ask you frankly. Are you not dissatisfied with your current life? Lady Deryu, you were, after all, a princess of a nation. Is it truly acceptable for you to be in a position of assisting under Queen Seraria for the administration of Weed?"
I see.
So he came to fish for my true feelings.
If he thought he could break me, he wanted to break me and bring me over to their side.
However, I should state this clearly.
"I am satisfied with my current position. I assume this question is the consensus of the various nations of the Zilba—or rather, the If Continent, is it not?"
"No, that is certainly not the case."
"It is fine. I understand that you would adopt such methods. It only goes to show that you understand just how much power our Weed possesses, to the point where you feel the need to be this cautious."
"Hah. I am grateful for your magnanimous response."
"Also, I imagine you are reaching out to my other friends as well, but while I might be able to handle it, if you ask Rurua or the others such questions directly, they will be furious. Everyone loves Yuki so much, you see. They are far too blinded by it. It could have a serious impact on future diplomacy. That said, I would prefer not to have to deal with such solicitations repeatedly either."
"Understood. I shall convey that."
Having said that, Lord Dabel stepped back and began relaying the conversation to his subordinates.
He was likely contacting those who had gone to probe Rurua and the others.
Still, they have finally started trying to dismantle us.
They must have judged that it is better to have us as allies than as enemies.
How troublesome.
It is impossible for us to ever leave Yuki. We have children. Our food, clothing, and shelter are all fulfilled.
Honestly, I suppose one could say I am happier now than I was in my days as a princess, but since everything is smooth sailing, it is what it is.
"However, if they are going to resort to these kinds of tactics, I will have to be careful about various things from here on out..."
Well, I don't think they would do anything too reckless, but that only applies to those of us with solid backing. There is a possibility they might try something blatant against those who were formerly slaves, like Eris, Ratz, or Milly.
And even more so for the little ones like Labyris, Firia, and Aslin...
No, perhaps this is also proof that intercontinental exchange is progressing smoothly.
The fact that they are coming at us with indirect maneuvers rather than selling a fight head-on is proof that they clearly understand our strength.
It means they will not be resorting to force for the time being. In other words, it means there will be no war.
Well, we will have to raise our level of vigilance, but it’s not as if we haven't been prepared for that.
The Doppelgangers acting as bodyguards, the high level of individual strength, and the surveillance system in Weed—these weren't originally prepared for the dignitaries of the various nations we welcomed, but were defense systems Yuki prepared for our sake.
Yuki had anticipated trouble in these kinds of negotiations from the very beginning.
"Now then, the folks from the Rogari Continent are quiet, but I wonder how the ambitious If Continent will move."
I muttered that to myself while watching the people approaching Rurua and Shera...
"I have absolutely no complaints, so please do not worry."
"Yes. I am perfectly satisfied with my current position."
Whether Lord Dabel’s warning hadn't reached them in time, or if they intentionally chose not to stop, I don't know, but while the two of them were smiling, they clearly rejected the solicitation with visible anger.
Well, as for how to handle this from here on, I will have to discuss it with Noble of Ex, Popuri, Hifie, and White Forest.
Dealing with the If Continent will now shift from the threat of physical force to full-scale diplomatic maneuvering.
"There is also the matter of the New Continent's Aquenoki and the Sea-Cypho Kingdom. I hope this doesn't turn into something troublesome..."
An easy-to-understand poaching attempt.
The wives are becoming increasingly irritated.
Now, how will they deal with these types?
And how is the Sea-Cypho Kingdom moving?
Finally, on to the next chapter.