第７７５堀：国境に異常あり (Part2)
Rumors had begun to spread that if anyone laid a hand on us, they might incur the displeasure of Weed.
While I was lost in such thoughts, the preparations for the conference room were completed, and Kirue and Sasari stepped forward.
"We apologize for the wait."
"Sorry to rush you with this urgent matter."
"Not at all. Please, this way..."
While Yuki and the others were being guided inside, Princess Stasia and her party arrived as well.
"We apologize for the wait."
"I am terribly sorry for the delay."
"No, no. We have only just arrived ourselves, so please, do not worry about it."
Seeing both of them with slightly flushed cheeks, it was clear they had come running. Even though the Gates made travel between nations simple, one still had to cover a fair distance to reach the Gate itself. If they were in a hurry, they had to run to the Gate, travel through it, and then run again to reach this conference room. While it was certainly close for international travel, it was still time-consuming.
Still, the fact that they could come running the moment they were called was truly a blessing. The Gates were already being used for trade between Weed, Haiden, Findal, and the Haire Church. The utility and importance of being able to transport supplies instantly were well understood, and the security around them was maintained day and night.
Now that everyone was seated, my work began.
"Well, now that everyone is here, Kagura, let us hear the situation."
"Yes. Everyone, I apologize for calling you all here despite your busy schedules. To speak frankly, the reason I have gathered you is that the unit—no, the army—carrying reconstruction aid supplies from the Seasaifo Kingdom has arrived at the Haiden border."
"An army? What does that mean? Have they come to attack Haiden?"
Enora tilted her head, unable to grasp the implication of my words, but Princess Stasia spoke up immediately.
"No. Since they are transporting national supplies, it is only natural for an army to move. Moreover, it is not a trivial amount. It is not strange for them to move on a military scale."
"Yes. As Princess Stasia says, it is not strange for an army to transport supplies, but the problem is the time."
"The time?"
"Yes. We agreed to the reconstruction aid from the Seasaifo Kingdom just before the Intercontinental Exchange Conference began. That was about a month and a half ago. And yet..."
"I see. The envoy from the Seasaifo Kingdom said it would take three months, but it took only a month and a half. Their advance is too fast. It is as if they were certain we would accept, or perhaps they had another objective."
"...Does that mean they intended to invade Haiden from the start? But even if the Seasaifo Kingdom conquered Haiden, it would be an exclave. It doesn't seem to have much strategic value, does it?"
Enora tilted her head further. The same thought had occurred to us and the upper echelons of Haiden.
"That is why we don't understand, Enora. It is land that holds no meaning for them to invade. And yet, they move with such speed. That is why I suspect they have some other motive. Surely, it isn't just a coincidence that they arrived a month and a half ahead of schedule?"
"Indeed. A delay of a week or so I could understand, but arriving a month early with an entire army is impossible."
Once Enora was convinced, Yuki spoke up.
"What has been the enemy's behavior since arriving at the border?"
"Nothing particularly strange. They requested entry, so the border lord provided them with a place to station themselves and contacted us."
"Do you know about their equipment, the composition of their army, or their numbers?"
"I have heard. Their equipment is standard; there is nothing particularly special to be found. The army consists mainly of infantry, numbering ten thousand, with horses only for messengers and commanders. Apparently, there was an unexpectedly large number of magic units."
"A large number of magic units?"
"Yes. The messenger said there were many soldiers carrying iron staves. But the total number is only around ten thousand. It is too few for an invasion, yet strangely large for merely transporting supplies. That is why we cannot fathom their true intentions."
Moving ten thousand people alone costs a significant amount. Furthermore, a round trip would likely be a grand expedition lasting over half a year. It was far too ostentatious for simply delivering aid.
As I was thinking this, I noticed Yuki and the others frowning for some reason.
"Iron staves... I’ve heard that phrase somewhere before. Tch. I had a hunch when I heard about the shovels, but no, I shouldn't jump to conclusions until I confirm it."
"Yes. But we must confirm it. If we don't confirm it quickly, things might get a bit ugly..."
"Kirue, Sasari, summon Steve and John. I will stay here and continue hearing the details from Kagura."
"Understood."
With that, Kirue and the others departed.
"Eh? Why are you so concerned?"
"...I don't have proof yet, but Kagura, do you remember what I said before? If there are shovels, then..."
Hearing that, I recalled our conversation from back then.
"Shovels are for trench warfare... Could it be!?"
"That's right. Guns. And if every soldier is equipped with a gun, a force of ten thousand is not just 'a bit' of a problem."
Hearing Yuki's answer, I felt the blood drain from my face.
"C-contact the Princess immediately!!"
The Seasaifo Kingdom had arrived, armed with what appeared to be guns. How would Weed move now? What about Haiden? Findal? The Haire Church?
At last, the signs of turmoil. What could the Seasaifo Kingdom be seeking by coming to Haiden?