第８３８堀：対策会議前の前哨戦 (Part1)
Chapter 838: The Skirmish Before the Strategy Meeting
Side: Jessica
"That was surprisingly delicious. The deep-fried sea lizard."
"…Mm. It gives the Academy’s specialty—the old man’s fried chicken—a run for its money."
"Indeed, I was quite taken aback. And since these are larger than birds, they yield a greater quantity of meat. If we can establish a reliable method for capturing them, they could become a delicious and affordable staple, don't you think?"
The three of us chatted away as we made our way toward the royal castle of Seasypho.
While passing through the noble district on our way back to our lodgings, we encountered a soldier who looked quite distressed. It seemed that after losing track of us, he had been questioning the goblins we’d left in charge of the house, hoping to find our whereabouts.
Well, for a soldier assigned to guide high-ranking figures of Weed, losing sight of his charges—the very people he was meant to monitor and protect—would normally be a blunder severe enough to cost him his head.
However, since Yuki-sama had instructed Kirika and the others to lead them astray, we had no complaints. It was our own convenience that led to their disappearance, and while the soldier does bear some responsibility for being shaken off, we have no desire to stir up unnecessary trouble over it.
As I pondered this, we arrived at the Seasypho royal castle, but…
"My, they certainly built this castle in an impressive location."
"…Mm. A castle atop a sheer cliff. Incredible."
"The logistics of transporting materials must have been quite the ordeal."
I had seen photographs in the briefing documents, but seeing it with my own eyes in reality carried a different kind of impact. It spoke to the decisiveness of the person who chose this site, and the sheer power they possessed to bring such a vision to life.
Indeed, under normal circumstances, the only way to attack would be this frontal route we had taken; there was no room for a flanking maneuver. One could call it the ideal location for defense.
Well, when it comes to Weed, a place like a castle is nothing more than a convenient target, so geographical defenses are meaningless to us. Bombardment from the sea, assault from the skies—from our perspective, the natural defensive features this castle boasts are entirely irrelevant.
Nevertheless, it does mean that for anyone other than Weed, an attack would be impossible. I felt I had caught a glimpse of the very reason why Seasypho grew into such a great power.
"Welcome, representatives of Weed, Haiden, Findall, and Haire. We have been expecting you."
The one who greeted us at the castle gate was likely Chancellor Aquamarine. He appeared young, yet his eyes held the weight of true authority. Beside him stood General Lake, whom we had also encountered during his visit to Weed. It seemed they had sent figures familiar to us to welcome us, likely to put us at ease.
"We appreciate the courteous welcome."
As Yuki spoke, each of the representatives offered their own greetings. Oh, and for the record, Kagura and the others had accompanied us during our market inspection and meal. They seemed to be busy discussing their own support duties; since they have even fewer personnel than we do, it looked like quite the struggle.
"Not at all. I apologize for keeping you waiting until past noon. Now, if you would follow me. As we discussed previously, I would like to finalize the details regarding our future course of action."
Chancellor Aquamarine began to lead the way, but then he paused, glancing at us intently.
"Is something the matter?"
"Forgive my intrusion, but there are some unfamiliar faces among you. Might I ask for an introduction?"
"Ah, my apologies."
I see. To us, being at Yuki’s side was second nature, but to the people of Seasypho, these were new faces. With that, we stepped forward to introduce ourselves.
"A pleasure to meet you, Chancellor Aquamarine. I am Jessica, serving as Yuki’s guard. I have come today to relieve Ria."
"I am Samantha, also serving as a guard. I also act as a diplomat for my homeland, though I shall leave the specifics of that matter for another day. I have come today to relieve Deryu-san."
"…Mm. Cleena, also a guard and diplomat. I came to relieve Kirue."
"…Relieve? Does that mean you arrived via the Gate?"
There was a momentary pause, but he was quick-witted enough to grasp how we had arrived. It saved us the trouble of explaining, which was a relief.
"Yes, that is correct."
"I see. Understood. I shall explain as much to those around us."
"We would appreciate that."
"Then, if you would follow me."
And so, we were shown to a guest room to wait. However…
"Yuki. You brought us along on purpose, didn't you?"
"Well, yeah. Introductions for the wives are necessary, aren't they?"
"Honestly, there was no need to deliberately make the Seasypho side wary."
"Indeed. It is only natural for them to be on guard if the faces of the dignitaries they were expecting to welcome suddenly change."
"…Mm. I agree."
Samantha and Cleena echoed my sentiment. Since they have to protect their own sovereign, it is only natural for them to be wary of unfamiliar faces. There is no way Yuki wouldn't have realized that. While he claimed it was simply to introduce us, it was clear he had another objective in mind.
"So, what is your true aim?"
Rather than wasting time thinking about it, it was faster to just ask Yuki. It wasn't as if this were a riddle.
"No, it’s just a standard face-to-face. Well, maybe not an 'introduction' in the traditional sense. Everyone is planning to show their faces on the aircraft carrier *Lilishe*, captained by Dressa, after all."
"Ah, I see. So this is a face-to-face for the sake of Dressa and the others' instructors, then."
"…Mm. It would cause more confusion in Seasypho if we suddenly appeared at Dressa’s side without warning."
It was true. We would be appearing on the aircraft carrier while it was in the middle of patrolling the nearby seas. If we suddenly showed up and declared ourselves their superiors while they were already working with the Seasypho side, it would surely cause bewilderment.
Well, we could have avoided meeting the Seasypho people on the carrier, but since it is a joint operation and meetings are inevitable, it would be practically impossible. Therefore, he is having us experience this rotation of personnel now.
Furthermore, it serves as a demonstration of power, signaling to Dressa and the others—even in Yuki’s absence—that they shouldn't try anything unnecessary. It is impossible for Dressa and her group to betray us or leave our side, but from the perspective of the Seasypho Kingdom, they might see Dressa’s group as young and easily manipulated, and try to pull some strings. This serves as a check against that as well.
As we discussed this, the Chancellor returned, and we were guided into the conference room.