第７７９堀：国家の動きは？ (Part2)
"Exactly. It is us. If the Seasypho Kingdom is plotting something, we will be the first to be sacrificed. And even if we survive, they will likely fabricate some excuse, claiming we antagonized the Seasypho Kingdom."
"U-um, but I don't think His Majesty would dismiss the Princess or us... Besides, it's not as if we have zero allies, right?"
Mikos-senpai’s point was valid. We have achieved a fair amount of success, and our relationship with His Majesty and the others is good.
"That is certainly true. It is not as if we have no allies. However, it seems Kagura and the others have forgotten one thing."
"Forgotten, you say?"
"Yes. Well, I suppose I should call it a testament to Yuki-sama’s skill that it has become such a matter of course."
"Does Yuki-sensei have something to do with it? Whether we have allies or not?"
"Mikos, you too? ...Solo. Do you understand? The reason why we have so few allies?"
When the question was finally directed at me, I spoke my thoughts aloud.
"...Is it because we are women?"
" "Ah." "
Kagura-senpai and Mikos-senpai both let out sounds of sudden realization. But, in this country—or rather, this entire continent where I was born and raised...
"Correct. There is a deep-seated sense of male chauvinism. It is primarily us who have resolved the problems stemming from the outbreak of war with the Findarl Empire. There are many men who resent that. Granted, those were not problems that could have been solved by leaving them to those men, but this time, cooperation from Haiden is indispensable. They will likely try to save face there."
" " "..." " "
Good grief, men. Or perhaps it is just the customs of this continent that are flawed?
"We will seek their cooperation, but they will undoubtedly demand significant compensation. Thanks to Yuki-sama, they likely won't dare demand our bodies, but they will naturally try to insert themselves into future diplomacy or demand priority for trade goods."
"Should we accept those terms?"
"Of course not. We work for the sake of the country and His Majesty. Defying that intent is out of the question. Well, if they are willing to cooperate, we shall simply report it properly to His Majesty. Helping is, after all, their duty. Conversely, for those fools who refuse to help, we can simply record their behavior and present it to His Majesty."
" " "I see." " "
Oh, so there is no problem with seeking their cooperation at all. I was worried for a moment, but...
"That said, we must also deal with the Seasypho reconstruction support army, and we must remain vigilant against the 'allies' behind us. It is truly a troublesome affair."
" " "..." " "
Right, there is so much that needs to be done.
"With that said, you understand the current situation accurately now, yes? Reject unreasonable demands, keep records, gather information on the reconstruction support army, and seek cooperation from Yuki-sama and his group. And, seek cooperation from Findarl and Haire as well."
"Eh? From both countries?"
"Yes. From the representatives or diplomats of both nations. If they are coming to support Haiden’s reconstruction, you can simply say they came to pay their respects. Haiden’s reconstruction is beneficial to both Findarl and the Haire Church, and it will serve as proof that our three nations are working hand-in-hand."
I see. We are essentially telling the Seasypho Kingdom that because we are on good terms, attacking us means taking on all of us at once.
"Also, what I would most desire is for them to recognize the existence of the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance, including Weed..."
"Princess, isn't that a bit difficult..."
Kagura-senpai spoke up, sounding hesitant to challenge the Princess’s words.
"As Kagura says, it is unrealistic. There is no way to make them believe it. Even if we tried, it would require significant preparation and established friendly relations with the other party. Nevertheless, I do want to enlist the cooperation of Yuki-sama and his group to make the existence of Weed and the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance known to the Seasypho Kingdom. It might be rude to call it an escort, but with Yuki-sama present, Kagura and the others will never be in danger."
Indeed, if Yuki-sensei and the others are with us, we basically have nothing to fear from any opponent. There is a sense of security in knowing they will protect us. The seniors seemed to have no objections, as they remained silent. Or rather, they adore Yuki-sensei so much that they wouldn't have a reason to oppose it anyway.
"Now, I will convey our policy. First, Kagura and Mikos, explain the current situation to Findarl and the Haire Church and arrange for their representatives to be sent here. I expect Stasia-onesama or Bishop Enora will come due to their connection with Weed, but there is a possibility it could be someone else, so ensure you escort them properly."
" "Yes, ma'am!!" "
"Solo, contact Yuki-sama and honestly request his help regarding the containment of the Seasypho Kingdom and our protection."
"Understood!!"
"I will go and negotiate with various factions to prepare for the arrival of the Seasypho reconstruction support army. Now then, I look forward to seeing what kind of conditions they try to impose."
The Princess laughed as she left first, and a chill ran down my spine. I need to get to work immediately as well!!
Princess Carrie decided without hesitation to confront Seasypho alongside Weed, Findarl, and Haire. However, the enemy lies within. In a world where male chauvinism is deeply rooted, things are incredibly harsh.