第８２０堀：意外な対応？ (Part1)
Chapter 820: An Unexpected Response?
Side: Kagura
"Oh my! What an extraordinary magical tool. Does Haiden truly possess such magnificent things? As expected of the Great Magic Power, Haiden."
"U-uh, yes, thank you."
For some reason, Aquamarine, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Seasypho, had climbed into the carriage with me and was persistently striking up a conversation.
But why is such a young woman serving as Prime Minister...?
No, while she is "young," she certainly looks older than me, yet she doesn't carry the air of a seasoned veteran at all. The position of Prime Minister is, by nature, a vital role responsible for the heart of a nation’s politics. To have someone so young in such a position...
"And so, the one acting as the coachman for this 'car' is the consort of a small nation called Weed?"
"…Excuse me!?"
W-what kind of way is that to talk about Yuki!?
The person she’s talking about is Yuki! He is the consort of Weed and a messenger of the gods. More importantly, he is the last person you want to offend! I was flustered by the thought, but Yuki, Deryu, and even General Lake didn't seem the least bit perturbed.
"Yes. My name is Yuki, and I serve as the consort to Her Majesty, Queen Seraria of Weed."
When Yuki replied calmly, the smiling face of Prime Minister Aquamarine instantly turned stone-cold.
"I believed General Lake would not lie, but I never imagined a nation like yours actually existed."
"Is that so? Perhaps we are just deceiving Haiden and General Lake?"
"Well now, that would be quite troublesome, so I’d prefer you didn't. I would have to have General Lake’s head for that."
"Then, I shall endeavor to meet your expectations."
"I certainly hope so. Well, from what I’ve seen, if Weed can provide a vehicle like this, I have no worries. However, there will inevitably be fools who don't understand that and will complain."
"That may be true. But keeping them in check is your job, isn't it? Ah, if you want us to dispose of them, we will require appropriate compensation, so please keep that in mind."
"I would appreciate it if you could throw that in as a bonus... but very well. We shall discuss the details later."
I was stunned by the sudden shift in her demeanor. Once the conversation ended, she finally sat quietly beside me and looked my way.
"Well, running a country is just that difficult, Lady Kagura."
"…I see."
Perhaps she, too, is in a position similar to a princess. Living while suppressing her emotions and wearing a different mask.
"…For now, you pass. At the very least, you won't be easily swayed by the schemes of the people in the royal palace."
Ah, so that’s why she was watching Yuki and the others' reactions—to verify that.
"Is the problem with the oceanic monsters really that dire?"
"Unfortunately, we haven't even found a thread of a solution yet. Now, this is the road to the Seasypho Royal Castle."
Looking outside, a grand, imposing gate loomed before us, with the castle visible beyond it. However, the road leading to it was a winding, narrow path, ill-suited for such a majestic gate. It was clearly a defensive measure to prevent a large army from rushing the castle all at once if attacked. While I was pondering this, the carriage entered the royal castle.
"Please make yourselves comfortable here. I will guide you to the assembly hall later."
Prime Minister Aquamarine led us to a guest room and promptly departed. I suppose she has preparations to make for the meeting. While I was thinking this, Yuki and the others gathered to talk.
"General Lake. What she said—Prime Minister Aquamarine—was that true?"
"Regrettably, it is a fact. Regarding this current issue, there are factions that believe we should resolve it on our own, as it concerns the honor of the Kingdom of Seasypho."
"And they want us to eliminate that opposition?"
"No, I have no such intention. I doubt they truly believe we can resolve this alone, so I don't expect them to actively interfere."
"Hmm. So that is the difference in perspective between General Lake and Prime Minister Aquamarine."
Ah, I see. Just as we were constantly helped by Weed to the point where our national pride was crumbling, the Kingdom of Seasypho feels that relying on Haiden’s power is a blow to their honor.
Well, in our case, Yuki and the others managed to yield in a way that kept our face intact externally. It seems Prime Minister Aquamarine senses a crisis and believes those people will act, while General Lake believes they won't go so far as to actually interfere.
"Well, we'll know once we meet them. It's possible she's just teasing that young Prime Minister."
"Ah, that is also a possibility."
"By the way, may I ask about her? It seems like a big deal for a Prime Minister to come and greet us personally. And, if I may be so rude, is she truly the Prime Minister at that age?"
"It is no wonder you think so. However, I, Lake, do not lie. Lady Aquamarine is indeed the Prime Minister of our Kingdom of Seasypho. It is true that she is young. When the previous Prime Minister passed away recently, we held a selection examination. She pushed aside the wily veterans to win the seat—she is the great-granddaughter of the previous Prime Minister. Furthermore, it was she who proposed the plan to send reinforcements to Haiden and receive magical technology in return."
"Ah, so that’s why."
That explains it. She’s the type of person called a genius. And there are those who envy her for it.
"Indeed. She likely faces a great deal of opposition."
"Why was such an appointment accepted? Isn't it customary for such a post to be held by someone with extensive experience? Or is this country different?"
"No, as I said, she defeated the wily veterans in an examination. Naturally, the selection process requires not just intelligence, but also negotiation skills. In the end, the candidates themselves discuss and decide who is most suitable. Therefore, there shouldn't be any lingering resentment, but..."
"Ah, so those measures are in place. Still, having the candidates themselves decide who is most suitable is quite remarkable."
"One must persuade the others. You are permitted to use money behind the scenes, engage in power plays, or trade in interests. Of course, there are witnesses present to prevent blatant threats from those who simply possess brute strength."
Wow. She really overcame all of that to become Prime Minister. Well, the way her expression shifted earlier reminded me of a princess; she’s clearly walked through the fires of such trials.
"Does this mean the internal situation in Seasypho changed while General Lake was away?"
"That is a possibility. Well, as for her..."
Just as General Lake began to speak, the door to the room suddenly opened.
"It’s not such a complicated story. There is simply friction with a portion of the military. After General Lake left for Haiden, those who want to earn military glory started complaining about inviting the intervention of another country."
Prime Minister Aquamarine walked in, saying this with a bored expression.
"And so, they’ve taken to calling me a traitor for making that proposal. Well, calling me names is fine. Relying on the power of another country is, indeed, like broadcasting one's own incompetence to the world. However, the reason we fell into this state is the responsibility of the military, which couldn't handle the situation in the first place. A bunch of idiots who ignore that fact are the ones making all the noise. His Majesty is tired of them, too."