第８２８堀：エメラルドの王 (Part2)
"I have heard that the ownership of that vessel lies with Weed. Is there any error in that claim?"
"None at all. That ship—the aircraft carrier—is undoubtedly a vessel of our nation."
"An 'aircraft carrier'? Well, I shall inquire about the terminology later. For now, I wish to know how you managed to manifest such a gargantuan ship in that location. And how, pray tell, did you construct such a behemoth?"
Oh, does this one not understand the nuances of negotiation?
As if I would simply spill the secrets of an aircraft carrier—a vessel brimming with classified technology—just like that. Though, I suppose she doesn't actually expect a candid answer; this is likely a probe to gauge how I respond.
"As for the method of summoning, we possess our own mastery of magic, so it was an application of an item box. Regarding the construction of the ship, we are not specialists in shipbuilding, so I can only say that it was indeed built."
Well, I didn't actually build it. I merely recovered it after some good-for-nothing goddess brought it here. Now, I wonder if she’ll find that explanation satisfactory? Regardless, I have no other answer to give.
"Magic, you say? I had heard of the prowess of Kagura’s magic, but it seems Weed is equally steeped in the arcane... And it is only natural that you would not know the specifics of shipbuilding if it is not your field. Forgive me, it seems I am growing impatient."
She seems to have convinced herself. The surrounding courtiers, too, have refrained from any outbursts. I had expected the prince to interject with some grievance, but he remained silent; it seems my initial assessment—that his earlier hostility was mere theater—was correct.
As I pondered this, the Queen resumed.
"Very well. Let us start here. To be frank, why is your nation assisting us? My Chancellor tells me it is for the stability of Haiden, Findahl, and the Haire Faith, but that alone does not satisfy me. What is your true objective in coming to this country?"
"You ask for my objective, but surely you understand that it is in our best interest to prevent a neighbor from falling into chaos?"
"Indeed. That much I understand. But my intuition whispers that there is more to it than that, Yuki-dono. What is your purpose?"
My purpose, she asks. That is a difficult question to field on the spot.
"Since this is a matter of state-to-state relations, there are naturally many factors at play."
"You do not deny it, then... The power of the nation of Weed is clear to anyone who looks upon that ship. It is no trivial force. You could likely lay waste to our nation, as well as Haiden, Findahl, and the Haire Faith, all at once. Am I wrong?"
"That would be impossible, even for us."
Both in terms of the collective will of my people and my own personal stance, there is simply no benefit to committing such a massacre.
"...I hope that is the case. However, the unease I feel is shared by my subjects. It would be easier for all of us if you were to be somewhat more transparent."
"I see."
It is true; one cannot walk alongside a person whose motives remain shrouded in mystery. Though, it was the Queen herself who pointed out that those motives were mysterious in the first place. She is maneuvering to force me into a position where I must earn the trust of those around her.
She is clever. As expected of a reigning monarch; she is not a woman to be trifled with.
"First, let me clear up a misunderstanding: we harbor no hostile intent toward humanity. Please, understand that above all else."
"Humanity, you say... Then, Yuki-dono, is your objective the monsters themselves?"
"Indeed. In our continent, monsters inhabit the land as a matter of course, and we are required to deal with the threat they pose on a daily basis. We are well aware of their strength and the scale of the devastation they can cause. That is precisely why we responded so swiftly to the monster outbreaks in Haiden, Findahl, and the Haire Faith..."
"And you mean to say that our country is next?"
Part of the reason for the trouble in Haiden, Findahl, and Haire was the presence of someone called Aquenoque, but if I were to explain that, I would sound like a raving lunatic.
"Precisely. Next is Seasypho. While one might group them all under the term 'monsters,' there are varying degrees of nature among them. However, from what I have heard, the entities involved here are, by any measure, harmful to humanity. On the continent where our nation resides, we have made it a policy to cooperate to the fullest extent against such malevolent threats. After all, what happens to one today may happen to us tomorrow."
"I see. So your perception of the threat posed by monsters differs from ours. Are monsters truly such a grave matter on your continent?"
"While it is rare in recent times for an entire nation to be swallowed and crushed by a horde of monsters, if one were to unroll the scrolls of history, it is a common enough tale."
"To that extent... I understand your reasoning well. We shall conclude for today. I must confer with my ministers. Tomorrow, I would like to delve into more intricate matters. Is that acceptable?"
"Yes. I would welcome that as well."
And so, the audience with the Queen concluded without incident. She is a far more formidable opponent than I had anticipated. With that thought, I took my leave of the audience chamber.
They call this place Emerald Beach, don't they?
Well, the origin of the name is simple enough.
Now, I wonder how the people of Seasypho will move after this meeting?
The Emerald King