第７７５堀：国境に異常あり (Part1)
**Chapter 775: Anomaly at the Border**
**Side: Kagura**
As Sasari-san left the dining hall and we were ushered toward the conference room by Kirue-san, I realized something.
The sun had only just risen; gentle morning light streamed through the windows, and several plumes of smoke rose into the sky—likely from the preparation of breakfast. And Kirue-san and the others had been in the dining hall.
In other words, we had interrupted their breakfast. Regardless of the reason, it was still rude.
"Kirue-san."
"Yes? What is it?"
"I am terribly sorry for barging in on you while you were eating on your day off."
"Ah, I’m sorry as well."
"My apologies."
As I apologized, Mikos and Solo bowed their heads as well. We weren't exactly naive young girls without common sense, so we knew to apologize properly for such things. If we didn't, it would only tarnish Haiden’s reputation.
"Yes, I have accepted your apologies, so please do not worry about it. As expected of Kagura-sama; it is wonderful that you do not forget your manners even in such an emergency."
"Thank you."
"At first, I thought you had come because you wanted to see my master as soon as possible and were disappointed, but I see now that your disappointment was due to the urgency of the situation."
"Yes."
I answered as such, but deep down, I *was* disappointed that Yuki wasn't there. Kirue-san, as expected of a capable maid. She truly understands the subtleties of the human heart.
*That was close.* If I wasn't careful, I could have lowered my standing in the eyes of Kirue-san and Sasari-san. I have to show them that I am a capable woman and earn the approval of Yuki’s wives.
During the last Intercontinental Exchange Conference, Yuki told me I could run to him whenever I needed to, but if a woman who just relies on him like that were to show up, his wives wouldn't accept it. Besides, I don't want a "foolish woman" like that taking up Yuki’s time. I need to handle this properly, prove I’m a capable woman, and become one of Yuki’s wives!
"Those are good eyes. I am glad to see you are prepared. Now then, I shall prepare the conference room. Please organize the details of your report in the meantime, Kagura-sama."
"Yes, thank you."
When we entered the conference room, other maids were already making preparations under Catherine-sama’s instructions. Kirue-san joined them—or rather, she immediately began coordinating everyone. As expected, Kirue-san is amazing. A truly capable woman.
As I was thinking this, Catherine-sama, who had accompanied us, asked a question.
"Diplomat Kagura, should I step out?"
"No, this matter concerns the New Continent, so please stay, Catherine-sama. As the Lord of Baide, this will inevitably affect your administration as well."
Baide is now Weed territory. It is the only gateway to Weed on the New Continent, and Catherine-sama, who has been entrusted as its Lord, holds a very high position. Not long ago, she was treated terribly simply for being a woman, but now, many fools have done a complete turnaround and are trying to curry favor with her.
We realized the harshness of this world when we became diplomats and faced blatant harassment, but Catherine-sama, who endured that for so long, is a capable woman in a different way than Kirue-san and the others.
"By the way, what is the status of the reports to the Findar Empire and the Haire Church?"
"Messengers have already been dispatched to both countries. Someone should be arriving soon. We were tasked with prioritizing the report to Weed."
"Indeed, the report to Weed is of the utmost importance."
"Yes. It is the linchpin of the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance that Haiden, Findar, and Haire rely upon."
I had rushed to Yuki because the Princess had told me to prepare for the worst. That "worst" being the outbreak of war with the Seasypho Kingdom. Even if we were to be on the defensive in the initial skirmishes, the higher-ups wanted to be able to mobilize the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance through Weed immediately.
They seem to think that if we win, we can just hand over the Seasypho Kingdom's territory as compensation. Well, Haiden, Findar, and Haire have to solidify their own footing, so they can't manage conquered enemy territory anyway. If the countries of the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance take control of the Seasypho Kingdom, it means the allied forces will be stationed there, which in turn ensures our own national security.
"Though, the first thing is to see how the Seasypho Kingdom moves."
"Indeed. It would be fine if the Seasypho Kingdom truly only brought relief supplies..."
"That’s true. It’s better if there is no fighting. I never want to experience a defensive battle like the one in Baide again."
"Yes. If Yuki-sama hadn't been there, Baide would have certainly fallen."
As Catherine-sama said, Baide would have undoubtedly fallen, and it’s questionable whether we would have survived. If we hadn't been able to summon Yuki, there would have been no future for us. Thinking about that, I can only believe that my meeting with Yuki was fate.
"Ah, Yuki-sensei."
Mikos, who was next to me, turned toward the door and called out. It seems Yuki arrived while I was talking to Catherine-sama. I turned my gaze toward the door and saw Yuki and his party standing there.
"Morning."
"Good morning!"
As Yuki greeted us, the servants bowed in unison. Naturally, we and Catherine-sama bowed our heads in greeting as well. In this place, Yuki, as the consort of Weed, holds a higher position than anyone else.
"Sorry to interrupt your work. Please return to your duties."
"Yes!"
As soon as Yuki said that, the servants immediately resumed their work.
"So, I heard from Sasari that the Seasypho Kingdom has reached the border?"
"Yes. The report says they arrived at the border carrying reconstruction aid supplies."
"What are the details of the situation?"
"We don't know the specifics yet, but there are several inexplicable points. I’ll explain once everyone arrives. Princess Stasia and Enora should be here soon as well."
"Ah, come to think of it, Princess Stasia and Enora aren't here yet. Are they in Weed? Or did they return to their home country?"
"Both of them are in their home country. They returned to summarize the Intercontinental Exchange Conference and discuss future policies."
"Well, that’s only natural. I’m sure there are things that have become clear after actually holding the conference."
As Yuki said, it is a fact that new issues have emerged following this Intercontinental Exchange Conference. In particular, the Princess and the higher-ups were concerned about the level of unity in the Rogali and If continents. Unlike the continent we are on, it is largely thanks to the intervention of Yuki and the others in Weed that the entire continent is united, which is a significant factor.
Because of that, concerns have arisen that if we ask for defensive support too carelessly, we might end up being taken over. Since Weed exists, they likely won't resort to blatant methods, but there is a fear that borrowing power too easily will lead to trouble later.
Well, I can't deny it. The Zilba Empire on the If continent is full of ambition. I honestly think they wouldn't have been kept in check if not for Yuki.
Of course, there are also heated debates over what future trade goods should be, what technology absolutely must be introduced, and who should be dispatched. Incidentally, those who didn't believe in the existence of "Weed" have also easily changed their tune and are now strongly in favor of intercontinental exchange.
Not everyone bullied me, of course. Many people simply don't believe things until they see them with their own eyes. Since it's no exaggeration to say that the fate of the nation is at stake, it is only natural for some to be cautious.
Ah, the scum who threatened us were all dealt with by the Emperor through the Princess, so we are safe now. Besides, Yuki telling us to "run to him in the worst-case scenario" has been very effective.