第７８０堀：新編成 (Part1)
**Chapter 780: New Formation**
**Side: Yuki**
Damn it. I’m starting to get a headache.
"I-I’m so sorry..."
The one apologizing is Solo. She visited Weed to relay Haiden’s upcoming schedule, but in the process...
"Now, now, why are you apologizing? It’s fine! I’ll handle it, so don’t you worry!!"
This incredibly carefree goddess had tagged along. Given the circumstances, I had been ignoring her, but somehow she’d managed to follow us all the way here.
"For the time being, you’re in the way, so go home, Hairen."
"Eh—!? What are you saying? Haiden is in crisis, isn't it? What would they do if I didn't step in?"
"If you step in, you’ll only cause chaos. Go home. It’s not a crisis or anything of the sort. It’s just aid arriving from another country for reconstruction."
"Then why are you and the others going out of your way to go there? Something must have happened, right?"
"It’s just a meet-and-greet. Intercontinental exchange has begun, so if we don't show our faces in the New Continent, it’ll hinder our future operations."
"Muu..."
Hairen seems suspicious, but she can’t argue against such a logical, overwhelming truth. I’m not lying. Well, I’m not lying, but I do have my concerns. There’s a high possibility that I’m just worrying over nothing.
"Hey? Solo, is that true? Look me in the eye and tell me."
"Eh? A-ah, yes. It is true. About 10,000 people have arrived from Seasypho for reconstruction aid, so we were discussing how to handle them..."
"Heh—, a country that sends 10,000 people to help with Haiden’s reconstruction? I see, that would be a handful. A face-to-face meeting is necessary, then. In that case, I’m not needed. I’m not good at long, drawn-out talks."
Phew, the idiot bought it. If she had insisted on tagging along any further, I would have had to call in Sota-san and Enoru-san to deal with her. Well, it seems that won't be necessary...
"Hairen-chan. What are you doing in a place like this?"
"Ugh!? Lilishe-sama!? A-ah, no, I just saw Solo running around looking flustered, so I just..."
"You shouldn't go running off on your own while dinner is being prepared, should you? Everyone is waiting. Let’s go back, quickly now."
"I-it hurts!? It hurts, it hurts!? I-I’m so sorry—!?"
And just like that, she was dragged off by the Goddess Lilishe. It seems even Hairen can’t defy Lilishe. You should try reforming yourself as a sister, you tomboy. Well, I suppose it’s strange for me to be saying that to a goddess.
"Now, Solo. Let’s hear it. The nuisance is gone."
"Calling her a nuisance... Hairen-sama is, well, a very broad-minded person..."
"Don't hold back. In the current situation, she’d only cause confusion. Or would you rather I call her back to tag along?"
When I said that, Solo shook her head violently, signaling that Hairen didn't need to come. Not saying it out loud was perhaps the least she could do out of respect.
Listening to Solo’s report, it seems that within Haiden, there are factions trying to leverage the arrival of the Seasypho reconstruction army to gain an advantage, even as they coordinate with diplomats like Princess Carrie.
"Sigh, to think they’re still pulling each other’s legs. Still, it’s a natural move when considering future profits."
"Well, it’s common enough, but doing it now is a terrible move."
"They lack any sense of crisis. Do they really think this information won't reach us?"
"To Haiden, we are just another country, after all. We can't exactly interfere with their internal affairs. Still, it’s a nuisance."
Seraria, Rurua, Shera, and Deryu—the former princesses—all reacted that way. It was expected, yet still a headache.
"Also, it seems they have various ulterior motives regarding the fact that Princesses and women like yourselves are taking such active roles..."
"Ah. Come to think of it, that continent has strong patriarchal tendencies. That’s why Princess Carrie requested our cooperation."
"Yes. I doubt they would refuse to cooperate, but since the priority is to uncover Seasypho’s true intentions, we have no intention of getting dragged into their internal squabbles..."
"Well, at worst, it could lead to a large-scale battle near the royal capital. We don't want to be involved in such stupidity. Besides, it wouldn't do to incur the displeasure of the Seasypho Kingdom. It would be seen as a failure to even manage their own country."
"Yes. That is what the Princess said as well. They seem to think that if we fail, it would be convenient for them."
"I understand. If there’s a request from Haiden, there’s no problem with us going. If something happens, we can just push through by citing our alliance. Besides, the 'meet-and-greet' I used to persuade Hairen isn't wrong for the sake of the future."
"Thank you. I’m relieved. Now I can rest easy if something happens."
Solo sighed in relief. Well, it’s essentially the same as being told to go into the heart of enemy territory and negotiate. It hasn't been decided that they are enemies yet, but it’s natural to be worried.
Actually, it’s gratifying that we are trusted to that extent, but conversely, it means that Haiden’s own people are that untrustworthy. Haiden is still far from stable.
"Then, I shall take my leave..."
"Wait a moment."
"Yes? What is it?"
Since the talk was over, Solo tried to leave immediately, but I stopped her.
"Since you're here, I’ll be heading to the Haiden royal capital later, but I still have meetings to attend. You should take Deryu with you in my stead."
"Deryu-sama!?"
Solo seemed genuinely surprised that Deryu’s name came up. I thought they had gotten along well enough when they were at the academy...
"Did she do something? Like harsh training?"
"No, I did that to Eoid and Amanda, but not to you, Solo. What are you so surprised about regarding me?"
"A-ah, m-my apologies. It’s just, Deryu-sama is a princess of a fallen kingdom and a name that echoes as a Demon Lord—I was surprised that someone like her would be our escort."
" "Ah." "
Deryu and I both understood. It is indeed strange to suggest taking a former princess as an escort. Usually, it’s the other way around—someone protects the princess. But that’s water under the bridge now.
"Solo. Don't worry about me. I’m doing this because I want to. Besides, this reputation of mine might be useful in its own way. Right, Yuki?"
"Ah, I see. You want to go as a 'Princess and Demon Lord' to see how the Seasypho Kingdom reacts?"
"Indeed. Unlike you, Yuki, who would approach them head-on, as a woman, I might be able to get them to reveal their true intentions, given their customs, no?"
"That’s true."
It’s a method unique to a New Continent with strong patriarchal customs. I’m looking forward to seeing how much of their true colors they show.
...Wait, could it be that the upper echelons of Haiden were aiming for that when they assigned Princess Carrie and the others? Regardless of whether their subordinates cooperate or not, they might have thought it would be easier to gather information.
"But, Deryu-sama, it’s dangerous..."