第８１４堀：田舎発展物語 発展の光と影それを吹き飛ばす答え (Part1)
Chapter 814: The Tale of Rural Development – The Light and Shadow of Progress, and the Answer that Blows Them Away
Side: Carly
The day after the Weed base was established, I found myself in Baron Jama’s reception room...
"…And that is the situation."
"..."
I am once again explaining the sequence of events to Baron Jama. Up until now, he had been skeptical, seemingly unable to accept any of it as fact. However, I judged that Yuki-sama’s "prank"—or rather, his unreserved and overwhelming development of the land—had finally laid the groundwork for him to believe our seemingly absurd tale. If he still couldn't believe it after seeing that, it would reflect poorly on his future standing.
"I apologize for dismissing your words as nonsense yesterday."
Baron Jama seems to be an honest man, as he offers an apology for his earlier attitude. For now, I am relieved. It seems he is not a fool after all. And I have no intention of blaming him for his initial disbelief.
"It is fine. It was only natural that you could not believe what I said yesterday. But now that you have seen it with your own eyes, you can believe us, can you not?"
"Father is just stubborn, that’s all."
"Quiet, Mikos. Besides, I would doubt the sanity of anyone who believed such a story immediately. However, as the Princess says, now that I have witnessed that scene, I believe you."
It is a relief that Baron Jama clearly understands his current position. But this is where the real business begins.
"Now that you believe us, let us move on to the main topic. To deal with the troubles I mentioned earlier, our nation has decided to dispatch troops to the Kingdom of Seasypho."
"And so, because of your connections—specifically through Mikos—it was decided that the base would be established in my territory rather than the Margrave’s."
"Yes. While we, and the key figures in the royal palace, trust Yuki-sama and the people of Weed, to the Margrave, they are no different from an unknown army. He would surely attach all sorts of conditions to their presence."
"Indeed, that Margrave would certainly demand a great deal."
I do not know the Margrave’s character well, but as one entrusted with the border, it is only natural for him to prepare for contingencies. He would not simply say "yes" if asked to lend his land.
"In the midst of the current turmoil, we cannot afford to show weakness. There is a possibility that the Margraves might switch their allegiances."
"Indeed."
Because they are on the frontier, they border other nations and are constantly exposed to the threat of military invasion. That they remain loyal to our nation despite such dangers is solely because they trust and have pledged their loyalty to the Kingdom of Haiden. However, the very core of Haiden, which should be the object of that trust, is currently wavering. One of the reasons we cannot speak of this lightly is the fear that a clumsy approach could lead to rebellion or defection.
That said, the Margraves surely have their own intelligence networks; the fact that they have yet to make a move means they are watching from the sidelines. We cannot afford to make a mistake here.
"Haiden is currently managing to maintain stability. However, dealing with the Seasypho Kingdom could cause further instability. Therefore, we intend to install a gate to Weed within the Baron Jama territory to prepare for any emergency... I ask you once again, Baron Jama, please lend us your cooperation."
I make this request to Baron Jama, who now accurately grasps the situation. Well, since he has already granted permission for Yuki-sama to use the land, I did not expect him to refuse now, but this is a request to ensure everything is done by the book. If we forced him into strange promises without him understanding the situation, dissatisfaction would inevitably arise later. We must resolve that, or the future of Haiden will be in jeopardy.
"Though I did not understand the full circumstances, I am a man who has pledged his loyalty to Haiden. I have no intention of breaking a promise once made."
"Thank you. The Royal Family is grateful for your devotion, Baron Jama."
*Phew.* Even though I knew it, waiting for the answer was surprisingly nerve-wracking.
"And it seems this will be a good thing for my people as well."
"Of course it is! It’s impossible for Yuki-sensei to be mean to the villagers. Besides, now that the Super Sento is built, the Baron Jama territory will be able to keep that smug Margrave in check! We’ll get our people back! And I’m certainly not going to be forced into some marriage I don't want!"
"Wait, what was that? This is the first I’ve heard of this."
"Hold on a moment. That is news to me as well."
At Mikos’s words, both Baron Jama’s and my expressions turn stern. A forced marriage? Are there still people threatening Mikos and the others?
"Huh? Father aside, I told the Princess about being threatened during the Intercontinental Exchange Conference, didn't I?"
"...Is that what you were referring to then?"
I am surprised. I thought I would have to crack down on some foolish nobles again.
"What is the meaning of this? What do you mean by being threatened, Mikos?"
Baron Jama, clearly protective of his daughter, asks for the details. ...There is no reason to hide it. Moreover, the ones meddling were the Margrave’s subordinates. Now that I think of it, I recall hearing something to that effect. But if that were the case, shouldn't the talk have gone to Baron Jama first?
"Baron, are you unaware? The moment it was discovered that Mikos and the others were assistants to the diplomats of Weed, they began applying pressure. They threatened to bring misfortune upon your territory and their families."
"What did you say!?"
It seems he truly was unaware.
"That is strange. Such matters should be brought to the Baron first..."
Mikos being a noble, this was a form of political marriage. It would have been more certain to suppress the parent, the Baron, first.
"No, I have heard absolutely nothing of the sort."
"Hmm. So it was an act of individual recklessness at the time. If they had managed to get to the Baron, it would have been a troublesome issue."
In that sense, the previous situation was handled swiftly. However, as exchanges with Weed flourish, there is no guarantee that such things won't happen again. We must drive a nail into that possibility.
"Baron Jama. Having seen Weed’s power with your own eyes, you must understand how immense the benefits of interacting with them will be."
"Yes. Indeed, the power to construct such buildings in an instant is something I cannot believe is achievable by human hands. It is no wonder they are rumored to be the return of the Three Great Houses... I see, so that is why they targeted Mikos, who has ties to Weed."
"Yes. I do not intend to allow any wrongdoing, but there will continue to be those who think they can use Mikos to further their own interests."
Yes, it will not end with just this one instance.
"And now, these Weed facilities are to be built here in the Jama territory."
"Yes. Because of that, the pressure from surrounding nobles is likely to intensify. As a countermeasure, as Mikos said, we must either gain enough strength to brush off that pressure, or keep the fact that Weed’s facilities are in the Jama territory a secret at all costs."