第７９１堀：突然の案内 (Part1)
### Chapter 791: A Sudden Invitation
**Side: Yuki**
"It has been a long time, General Lake."
"Indeed. I trust King Haiden is in good health. I have been entrusted with a letter from my own sovereign as well."
"I see. Let us have it."
Right now, we are observing General Lake, the representative of the Sea-Saifo Kingdom’s reconstruction support army, as he has an audience with King Haiden.
After guiding them to the army’s stationing point, we decided that before beginning the handover of supplies, it would be best for them to pay their respects to King Haiden first. That is how we ended up here in the audience chamber.
Incidentally, it isn't just Weed present; Princess Stasia of Findal and Enora of Haire are also in attendance. It seems King Haiden has decided to make the details of his audience with the Sea-Saifo Kingdom public. Whether Kagura worked hard to make that happen, or if he intended to do so from the start, I cannot say.
While I was lost in such thoughts, King Haiden finished reading the letter he had received.
"I see. I am grateful for your support in our reconstruction efforts, and for delivering this letter from the King of Sea-Saifo."
"Not at all. It is merely the duty of a subject."
"You remain as upright as ever. You must have been surprised, were you not? The young lad from those days is now a King."
"No, King Haiden was never an ordinary man, even back then. It is a pity that the former King, your brother, has passed, but my sovereign said he felt at ease knowing that King Haiden would be his successor."
It appears they are well-acquainted. Well, knowing what the children of the previous generation were like, it is only natural that he would have ties to their parents.
However, King Haiden did not touch upon the contents of the letter at all. Was there something in there that could not be spoken aloud?
"I see. I shall strive to live up to those expectations. However, having suffered such a painful failure, I am quite busy with the reconstruction."
"Not at all. From what I understand of the situation, had it not been for King Haiden, the war would likely still be raging. The fact that we reached such an early resolution is due to your skill as a statesman, and that is exactly what my sovereign admires."
It is true; winning a war is often considered less difficult than ending one swiftly and recovering from the damage. A ruler who manages that usually earns high praise.
"I am happy to hear such an assessment, but unfortunately, it was not by my power alone. It was thanks to my subjects, the cooperation of Findal and the Haire Church, and above all, the efforts of Weed."
"…I see. Is the nation of Weed truly that significant?"
King Haiden brought me—or rather, Weed—into the conversation here. He likely thought it best to have Sea-Saifo recognize us as soon as possible.
"Indeed. It is a place that blows away all conventional wisdom. I am certain they hold the most effective answer to the contents of the letter I received from the King of Sea-Saifo."
"Oh? To that extent?"
*Hmm, hmm.* So, he is going to reveal the intentions of the Sea-Saifo Kingdom, is he? Well, it all depends on whether this fine gentleman will honestly disclose classified information...
"I understand your skepticism. I felt the same way. But if you visit Weed with Yuki-dono, General Lake, your doubts will be resolved in an instant. It is better to see it with your own eyes than to hear it in words."
"I see. If your Majesty insists, then once this task is complete, I shall pay a visit to Weed. It seems to be a very distant country, however."
"Ah, yes. That is only natural to think. But, would you be willing to hear me out, even if you think you are being deceived?"
"And what might that be?"
While tilting his head slightly at King Haiden’s reaction, General Lake responded like a true gentleman.
"It depends on Yuki-dono's permission, but you could reach Weed within the day."
"Pardon?"
King Haiden truly seems to believe that teaching them about Weed sooner rather than later is the right move. I suppose I need to prepare for their arrival immediately.
However, General Lake, unable to comprehend the statement, let his look of surprise fade back to a neutral expression...
"Haha. King Haiden, you do enjoy your jokes. I am ignorant of this country called Weed, but I assume it lies beyond those sheer cliffs, does it not? To arrive there within the day..."
Well, by common sense, he is right. It is impossible for a man known as a great general of the Sea-Saifo Kingdom to have never even heard the name of a neighboring country, even if it is a small one. That is why it is natural for him to assume it is a distant land, and why he can only take King Haiden’s words as a joke.
"I understand why you would think it a joke. But as I said, would you be willing to accompany Yuki-dono and see for yourself? We can discuss the contents of this letter afterward."
"…If your Majesty says so, I do not mind being 'deceived.' However, I cannot leave my troops for long, so three days is the limit."
Oh, King Haiden really pushed it and secured the promise to visit Weed.
"Well, three days is more than enough. Right, Yuki-dono?"
"Yes. Three days won't be enough to see everything, but it will be enough to get to know Weed to some extent."
"…Understood. Then, Yuki-dono, I shall make arrangements for the handover of the supplies. If it is acceptable to bring a few of my men along, I shall visit Weed. Is that agreeable?"
"That is fine. I want many people to see it."
That is the truth. It is a fact that I want to spread the word about what kind of place Weed is across this New Continent. It is better to enter into intercontinental exchange as quickly as possible. The hassle of trying to establish connections with other countries from scratch is immense. This flow of events is close to what I have been waiting for. King Haiden likely understands that well. Or rather, he is likely paying back the favor for the request regarding the cooperation of the nobles.
"…Then, I shall make the arrangements for the supply handover immediately. If we do not leave for Weed as soon as possible, we will not make it in time."
Yes. Even the gentlemanly General Lake is clearly skeptical—or rather, he thinks it is a lie. No, anyone who believed this story would have their sanity questioned. If I mess this up, the relationship between the Sea-Saifo Kingdom and Weed could turn sour. I suppose I need to prepare for a proper reception.
"So, sorry for the suddenness, but can you prepare a welcome?"
*『It’s not impossible, but what about the scale and the treatment?』*
"Since this is essentially a reconnaissance visit by an advance party, I don't think we need anything too grand."
While General Lake was busy giving instructions to his troops regarding the supply handover, I was contacting my wives back in Weed.
*『Man, bringing in someone from a country we just met today is quite a surprise.』*
*『How does it look from your perspective, Milly? An increase in partner nations is something the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance should be happy about, but if it causes trouble, it’s a huge nuisance. It would also damage the reputation of Weed for allowing their participation...』*