第８３５堀：翠玉の判断 (Part2)
I return the sentiment with equal candor.
I had anticipated that the discussions regarding Sea-Saifo alone would drag on for several more days, but their response has been swifter than expected. Does this reflect the gravity with which they view the situation, or had they already mapped out this path?
Well, it is difficult to discern the full scope of their intentions from this vantage point alone.
"Indeed. As you say, Yuki-dono, such a crisis would normally demand far more deliberation, but there are more pressing matters that require our immediate attention."
"The sea monsters, I presume?"
"Precisely. Unless we resolve that issue with the utmost urgency, Sea-Saifo, in all honesty, has no future. Yesterday’s mock battle made it clear: with the cooperation of you, Yuki-dono—and by extension, Weed—the future of Sea-Saifo can be secured."
As the Queen speaks, Prince Louis and the other ministers offer their nods. It seems that while I cannot confirm if it was a unanimous decision, they have certainly settled on a course of action.
And the policy they have decided upon is...
"Our Kingdom of Sea-Saifo wishes to request a joint front with Weed against the sea monsters. Naturally, we also request that you provide instruction in magic, as you have done for Heiden. This is the answer Sea-Saifo has reached. I realize that, as a sovereign nation, you may find the notion of an 'equal footing' in a joint front distasteful, but I ask for your understanding. We have our own reputation to maintain. In practice, we are prepared to accept your leadership."
Ho. That is surprisingly straightforward—or perhaps, more accurately, it is an acceptance bordering on total capitulation. Should I attribute this to the impact of yesterday’s mock battle, or is there another motive at play?
Well, I shall leave the investigation of those underlying currents to Kirika. For us, these are conditions we could only have dreamed of.
"There will be many fine details to iron out, but I believe we can accept those terms for now. That leaves the matter of compensation. Just as you have your reputation to consider, if we were to perform this monster extermination for free, it would create complications for our future intercontinental relations. We will require some form of remuneration."
Now, I wonder what Sea-Saifo will offer as the price for this rescue. As I fix my gaze upon the Queen, she speaks without hesitation.
"A fair point. However, I am at a loss as to what would constitute an appropriate exchange. To offer land would be problematic in its own right. Yuki-dono, what does Weed desire in return for aiding Sea-Saifo, such that it satisfies your own national interests?"
Hmm. So, they are asking us to define our own price.
Well, there is merit in their honesty about being at a loss. If they had proposed something off the mark—whether too much or too little—it would have only created further friction. It is a simple fact that we lack a shared understanding of value, making it difficult for them to make an offer.
"I see. Wasting time haggling over compensation would be a disadvantage for both of us. Therefore, I will state our requirements plainly, without reservation."
"Very well. We, too, wish to avoid pointless posturing. What is the compensation you seek?"
"Primarily three things. First, Sea-Saifo’s participation in the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance. Second, permission for Weed to establish a base here in the capital of Sea-Saifo, along with docking rights for our ships and freedom to conduct fishing and marine research. It would be appreciated if you could halve the trade tariffs. And third, I wish to meet with the developer of the magic guns you utilize, or at least someone involved in their creation. That is all."
I state our current requirements with complete transparency. Now, how will the Queen react to these demands?
"...I see. I understand your requests, Yuki-dono... though I must say, it is debatable whether these truly constitute 'compensation.' As for the first, we would have requested to join the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance ourselves. If Heiden, Findal, and the Haire Church are already members, joining will only ensure Sea-Saifo’s stability. The second point is merely a formalization of the status quo. You are already in the capital, and your ships are already docked. Fishing rights are a matter of scale, and marine research was something we requested of you in the first place. The only real issue is the third point. However, for Weed, which possesses the technology to create such ships, I suspect that—and I apologize to the developer for saying this—that level of technology is hardly a secret. I see no reason to hide the technicians or the guns themselves. In fact, I would welcome the chance for our people to go to Weed and learn from you."
"Then, leaving the finer details for later..."
"Indeed. I have no objections to the compensation you have requested. However, be aware that should this agreement result in significant detriment to our nation, we reserve the right to rescind it."
"That is only natural. We will make the necessary adjustments to ensure that does not happen."
"Then, the negotiations between Sea-Saifo and Weed are concluded. From this moment forth, Weed is our ally."
As she says this, those around us break into applause. It is a grand gesture, but such ceremonies are necessary. It signals to all that we are recognized as partners.
Still, it is unexpected that permission to meet the gun developer was granted so smoothly. I wonder if Kirika will be surprised when I tell her?
Regardless, the first order of business will be the preparations for our new base.
For now, it is decided that Sea-Saifo will cooperate with Weed. Furthermore, the terms are highly favorable to us. It is a beneficial arrangement for Queen Emerald as well. Thus, it is settled: Sea-Saifo, Weed, Heiden, Findal, and Haire will act in concert.
And as for the true identity of the firearm developer?
Well, well. Let us see what the future holds.