第７８４堀：笑顔の裏 (Part1)
### Chapter 784: Behind the Smile
**Side: Shera**
"I apologize for earlier."
With those words, King Haiden—the ruler of a nation—along with Princess Carrie and Kagura, all bowed their heads before us.
This was truly an extraordinary sight. For a king to admit fault is synonymous with admitting the nation’s own failure. If this were to become known to other countries, or even just whispered about within Haiden, it would be a problem. It would lead to the perception that the King is unreliable.
That said, after the way they treated emissaries from another country, some form of apology was necessary. Otherwise, they would be branded as a rude nation. Well, in this specific instance, one couldn't exactly call their actions "wrong"... After all, the party they had been rude to was Weed. It is no exaggeration to say that Weed is the nation upon which Haiden’s future prosperity hinges.
"No, no, please, lift your heads. That was just a bit of play, wasn't it? Right, Labyris?"
"Indeed. As I said before, it was merely a game. So, please, laugh and forgive me for riding on Yuki’s shoulders."
Labyris replied while still perched on Yuki’s shoulders. It is an incredibly disrespectful act to be carried like that during a discussion with a foreign king, but in this case, it served to offset the King's blunder with our own. Besides, Labyris would never normally act so inappropriately or cling to Yuki like this.
"…I see. You truly intend to leave it at just a game?"
"Yes. Making an issue of this would only hinder future intercontinental exchange. However, the same cannot be said for countries other than Weed, so we must do something about this before formal relations begin, or it will become quite unpleasant."
"No, even I did not think it would go that far. Though, when it comes to those capable, gender should be irrelevant."
As King Haiden voiced the doubts held within his own country, Yuki stopped using his diplomatic tone and posed a question.
"To begin with, why is the backlash against women so severe here? I heard it was even worse during Catherine of Baide’s time, but wasn't this country founded by the first King Haiden, Sota, Enol, and Hairen? It wasn't exactly built by men alone… or was it?"
"Ah, Lady Enol married Sota-sama shortly after that time, and thereafter, the first King Haiden and Sota-dono worked hard to build the nation. Lady Hairen became a Goddess, you see."
Ah, that’s right. Now that I think about it, the history of the nation built by Sota and the others has indeed placed men at the forefront.
"From there, it became the norm that women should support men. Well, in fact, if we look at the history of Haiden since its founding, the only woman to have played an active role is Princess Stasia here."
"Hah, you are too kind."
So, Princess Stasia was the only one? Were there really so few women who played an active role?
"However, we women are skilled in magic and serve the Haire religion…"
"That only applies to those who are exceptionally gifted in magic. Especially the priestesses of the spirits, like Enola-dono. Everyone else has simply been left behind."
"……"
Enola tried to offer an opinion, but in the end, it seems that only special individuals were given preferential treatment, while the advancement of women in general has not progressed at all.
"Well, the history here is beside the point. In any case, if something like what happened earlier were to occur with other continental nations, it would be a major incident."
"Indeed. We must deal with that immediately. If something goes wrong, it will be a huge problem. And because of that issue, I’m not sure if you can handle the situation with the Kingdom of Seasypho. How is that going, Princess Carrie?"
When Yuki said this, all eyes turned to Princess Carrie, who was sitting to the side. She had instructed Kagura and the others to summon us, and she should have already requested their cooperation...
"Unfortunately, there are many who are reluctant to cooperate."
"…Even in this emergency?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. It seems they are very jealous of the fact that we are playing such a prominent role. Furthermore, there is the sentiment that I am merely the child of the former King, and who do I think I am to be giving orders?"
"I could go myself and make them listen..."
"That would only invite further backlash. The result would be a disturbance to Your Majesty’s reign."
As Princess Carrie said, using force would only fuel the distrust of the retainers. Seeing a country like this makes me realize how well my homeland, Gartz, managed things. Well, since Lady Lowel was the pillar of national defense, perhaps things were running smoothly there for a reason.
"But at this rate, we cannot deal with the Kingdom of Seasypho."
"That is where the proposal from Princess Stasia and Bishop Enola comes into play."
"…A proposal? Ah, I see. That is why you brought Yuki-dono and the others here."
"Yes. Even those who are reluctant to cooperate with us alone would surely not be able to refuse when faced with key figures from Findall, the Haire religion, and Weed."
Ah, I see. That is why Princess Carrie brought King Haiden to that place—so that we could witness the request for cooperation.
"I see. In that case, those who don't want to leave a bad impression on other nations will have no choice but to nod in agreement. And if they still refuse, we can deal with them for the crime of lèse-majesté."
"Exactly, Your Majesty. May I have your permission to request their cooperation, accompanied by key figures from Weed, Findall, and Haire?"
"I would be most grateful for that, but what are the conditions for your support?"
Indeed, we cannot simply use the key figures of each country for free. It is natural to attach some conditions, but...
"I cannot speak for everyone, but I don't think the conditions will be excessive. Perhaps just a request for information regarding the Kingdom of Seasypho."
"As for the Haire religion, we are concerned about the Kingdom of Seasypho to begin with, so we will not impose any particular conditions. Well, perhaps a request for a modest donation."
"That is reasonable. And what about Weed? Also, you can stop the shoulder-riding now, can't you? Isn't it tiring, Labyris-dono?"
King Haiden turned his gaze not to Yuki, but to Labyris, who was still being carried. But King Haiden, that is a mistake. Being on Yuki’s shoulders is a reward. It smells like Yuki, it’s warm, and it feels wonderful.
"I don't mind at all. I am used to this posture. As for Weed, we would like the right to investigate matters concerning magic, including those related to Lady Hairen."
"I have heard that request before, but it is too vague. Specifically?"
"We would like Haiden’s recommendation when we go to investigate lands elsewhere. Weed is not in any financial trouble, after all."
"I see. I don't mind that, but if you find anything of historical value or treasure during those times..."
"Please handle such minor adjustments with Shera."
With that, Labyris looked at me. Indeed, among this group, it is appropriate for me to act as the negotiator. After all, I am the gateway to the New Continent.
"First of all, we will summarize this contract in a formal document at a later date. For now, I will just make some light notes, but should we find anything during our investigations..."
And so, I began to convey our general policy.