第７８３堀：男尊女卑 (Part1)
**Chapter 783: Male Chauvinism**
**Side: Labyris**
It hasn't been that long, but I’ve been so busy with intercontinental exchange that being here in Bide, discussing matters, brings back nostalgic memories of when I was kidnapped and brought here.
Well, back then, Princess Carrie and Kagura were wrapped up like sushi rolls—a rather amusing sight, if I do say so myself.
As I reminisced about my previous visit to the New Continent, the meeting continued to progress.
"…And so, as far as Findar is concerned, we cannot mobilize our military until the Sea-Cypho Kingdom makes a move."
"The Haire Church is of the same mind. We cannot act without actual damages."
"Well, that’s to be expected."
"At most, we diplomats can head to the Haiden royal capital and join Haiden in expressing our gratitude. That is the limit of what we can do."
"Indeed. We must maintain the stance of merely paying a courtesy visit."
Discussions with Princess Stasia and the diplomat Enola had already advanced, and as expected, neither country was willing to deploy their military. Just as Yuki predicted, that’s how it would turn out.
The Sea-Cypho Kingdom is here for reconstruction support; forming a coalition army to greet them would be tantamount to saying, "We are wary of you." That would be incredibly rude to the Sea-Cypho Kingdom, which came to help. Furthermore, if word got out to other nations that they were being treated with such discourtesy, it would make forming the future Intercontinental Exchange Alliance that much harder.
"That’s a given. So, what’s the reaction regarding the 'gun-like' weapons?"
"In Findar, they are recognized as a new type of magic tool. Since Yuki-sama previously gifted a set of magic tools to Findar, they understood them quickly, which helped. However, they are wary of them being repurposed as weapons. It’s essentially the same as being able to mass-produce mages."
"The Archbishop shares that opinion. Mages are not rare, but those with the skill to survive combat are limited in number. They are wary of the Sea-Cypho Kingdom compensating for that through the mass production of magic tools."
"So, the leadership is properly grasping the danger, then."
I’m glad there’s at least some sense of crisis. If they had reacted with complete indifference, I would have had to reconsider our future dealings. On the flip side, an overreaction would be troublesome, so this is the most reassuring response.
"That said, it is unreasonable to judge them as invaders simply for carrying weapons..."
"We have concluded that we should meet with them ourselves to gauge their intentions."
They reached the same conclusion we did. Just because they carry weapons for self-defense doesn't mean we can arrest them. They are a military force, after all; it’s only natural for them to be armed. Trying to disarm them would be impossible—or rather, an act of tyranny. If we did something so outrageous to a force that came for reconstruction, we’d be bombarded with criticism from neighboring countries. At a time when we are trying to build connections for future intercontinental exchange, such a reputation would be nothing but a negative.
So, we have no choice but to welcome them calmly.
"Naturally. Well, for now, there’s nothing particularly alarming other than their marching speed and the weapons they carry. Their behavior has actually been quite friendly, so perhaps there’s no need to worry. But seeing Haiden, Findar, and Haire lined up together should act as a deterrent in itself."
"Yes. His Majesty said the same. Even if they were plotting something, they wouldn't dare antagonize two nations and the Haire Church, which holds absolute support on this continent, all at once."
"The Archbishop shares that view. Therefore, we would like to be present at the upcoming talks with the Sea-Cypho Kingdom… Kagura."
Enola looked toward Kagura and the others, but they weren't in a position to make such decisions or grant permission.
"Enola, I’m sorry. I was told to introduce the Sea-Cypho Kingdom to Findar and Haire, but sitting in on a meeting between Haiden and Sea-Cypho is… it’s beyond my authority. I have to clear it with the Princess first."
"Of course. Sorry to put you on the spot, Kagura, but could you convey that to Princess Carrie?"
"I would appreciate it as well. If you mention my name, I doubt they would refuse so easily. Though, the problem probably isn't Carrie, but the other higher-ups."
"…I see. Regardless, I will go ahead and clear it with them. Mikos and Solo, once you reach the Haiden royal capital, please guide everyone to the waiting room and stand by."
"Understood."
Normally, having diplomats from other countries sit in on Haiden and Sea-Cypho diplomacy is unheard of. There’s a risk of losing out on benefits. Some of the Haiden higher-ups might use that as an excuse to deny Findar and Haire’s presence. Still, given the circumstances, it’s unlikely they’ll outright refuse.
While I was thinking this, Kagura headed to Haiden ahead of us, and we followed suit.
"Yuki-sensei, we’re about to head to the Haiden royal capital. Is that alright?"
"Yeah, go ahead."
Just as we began to move, Deryu spoke up.
"By the way, Yuki. It’s a bit late to ask, but why is Agil with us?"
Oh, I hadn't even noticed until Deryu pointed it out. She was with us quite a bit in the New Continent, so it didn't feel out of place.
"Agil-oneechan is coming along this time!"
"Agil-sama is accompanying us as an engineer and a general."
"That’s how it is. She’s more versatile than our own engineers."
"I see. Though, I wonder if half of our engineers could even make it here through the Hairen barrier. And Taizo is the Prime Minister, after all…"
"So, I’ll make sure not to be a burden. Deryu, nice to work with you."
"Indeed. Sorry for the trouble."
"It’s fine. Personally, I find this interesting, and it’s a chance to earn favor with the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance nations. And with Weed, of course."
"You’re quite bold."
"If I weren't, I wouldn't be able to come here. Well, that’s just my 'official' excuse."
Agil is quite shrewd. She’s good at making excuses—or rather, twisting logic. Not as good as Yuki, though.
As for why she followed us, well, it goes without saying. That feeling I sensed during the Intercontinental Exchange meeting—that she’s head-over-heels for Yuki—definitely came from Agil. It looks like she has a long road ahead of her.
"Agil-san, thank you for your help this time as well."
"Agil, nice to have you."
"Yeah, Solo, Mikos, you too. You two really can’t seem to escape trouble, can you?"
"Ahaha…"
Solo and Mikos could only offer bitter smiles. It’s tough for them, being dragged into these things when they don't go looking for trouble like Yuki does.
"Alright, that’s enough pleasantries. Let’s head to the Haiden royal capital."
"Yes!"
We used a gate to travel to the Haiden royal capital, but waiting on the other side were about ten soldiers.
"Who goes there!! …Well, I don't even need to ask. Just errand boys for the diplomats."
"Um, could you please let us through…"
"Hmph. A Baron’s daughter and a commoner girl? I have no reason to listen to orders from the likes of you, let alone a Duke’s daughter."
"Look, here’s the pass. It’s not an order, it’s official permission!! You guys need to stop this every single time!! Mikos-chan is going to report this to the higher-ups!!"
"Who would listen to the complaints of the likes of you? Are you idiots? You should at least bring a gift if you want to pass."
My, my. I didn't think they’d be this blatant. It just goes to show how much jealousy is directed at Mikos and Solo. Still, it’s a problem that Haiden is so fractured because of this petty envy.
"Haa… Can those guys not see us?"
"Those kinds of idiots wouldn't know who we are."
"Deryu is right. Still, it’s annoying to be held up like this. Shall we blow them away?"
"No, no, Agil, that won't do. You know it’ll only lead to more trouble."
Hmm. Milly and the others look troubled. In that case, it’s our turn.
"Then, Yuki, we’ll go ahead."
When I said that, Yuki tilted his head…
"Hm? What do you mean…"
"Leave it to us, Big Brother!"
"There will be no problems."
"Please leave it to us, Yuki-san."
Seeing Aslin, Firia, and Shera follow me, he seemed to understand.
"Danna-sama, is this alright?"
"I’m a little worried…"
"No, no, Labyris and the others said they’d handle it, so let’s leave it to them."