第８３８堀：対策会議前の前哨戦 (Part2)
"I am honored by your presence, Yuki-dono. My apologies for the wait."
"Not at all. I am merely impressed by your swift response. Thank you for allowing my companions to join us, despite the sudden, unannounced change in personnel."
Yuki offered these words of gratitude for being ushered into the royal presence. In truth, it is highly irregular to bring strangers directly before a monarch without prior notice; at best, one would be expected to wait in an antechamber. From this perspective, one must credit the Queen with exceptional judgment and decisiveness. And, by extension, her subordinates, who offer no complaint against such an unconventional decision. Though, I suppose the chaos Vilia and the others wrought yesterday likely played a part in that.
As I pondered this, the Queen’s gaze shifted toward us.
"It is true, then. Your subordinates have indeed changed. I had expected the likes of Dressa and her peers, but these are entirely new faces."
"They remain aboard the vessel, standing by. They are still quite inexperienced, you see."
"I see. And what is your intent in bringing these particular individuals?"
"As I mentioned, we will be rotating personnel—roughly ten at a time—between our carrier and this location. I brought them today to facilitate their introductions."
Yuki explained the rotation system to the Queen, just as he had described to us earlier.
"...I understand. Through the 'Gate' the Chancellor mentioned, I presume?"
The Queen turned her gaze away from us, refocusing entirely on Yuki.
"Indeed. It allows for effortless travel, even between distant nations, so we utilize it frequently."
"A convenient tool, to be sure. Might that technology be made available to us as well?"
"Certainly. However, that would be contingent upon your participation in the Intercontinental Exchange. Furthermore, you would first need to negotiate with the nations on the New Continent—those already participating—to secure their approval."
"The 'New Continent' side?"
"Ah, yes. Since this continent and its alliance lack a formal name, I have assigned it a temporary designation. At present, the authority to approve participation in the Intercontinental Exchange on this continent rests with Haiden, Findal, and Haire."
"I see. Is Weed not the leader of this alliance?"
"We are merely one member of the Rogali continent. We have no intention of dictating the decisions of this continent's alliance. That said, as we have a history with Haiden, Findal, and Haire, I could potentially put in a good word—though that, of course, would be a bargaining chip for your negotiations."
If we did not operate this way, power would inevitably centralize around Weed, and we would be mired in endless, tiresome disputes. By delegating the authority of participation to each continent, we effectively distribute the burden of governance.
"I grasp the situation. So, to join the alliance, we must seek permission from Haiden, Findal, and Haire?"
"Precisely. I suggest inquiring with each nation regarding the finer details. The regulations are still in their infancy, so if things proceed favorably..."
"We might establish our standing on this continent for the future."
"That is a distinct possibility. But shall we set aside the topic of the Intercontinental Exchange for another day? If we were to delve into it now, we would be here for another month. Regardless, for the duration of this joint operation, Weed will authorize your use of the Gate as an individual ally. Do not hesitate to call upon us if the need arises."
"Very well. We shall discuss the Exchange once this current crisis has passed. However, I am grateful for the access to the Gate. I look forward to our cooperation."
"As do I."
"Very well. Let us begin the strategy meeting regarding the sea monsters!"
With the declaration finally made, we were set to hear the plans drafted by Sea-Cypho.
"Chancellor, proceed."
"At once."
Prompted by the Queen, the Chancellor stepped forward. He is remarkably young for such a position. I have heard he secured his status by outmaneuvering seasoned veterans, but to my eyes, he is still nothing more than a green youth.
Now, let us see how he handles the proceedings. It is also an excellent opportunity to observe how Sea-Cypho intends to leverage Weed’s military strength, and how they truly perceive us.
First, Yuki had subtly signaled our ability to rotate personnel at will—a quiet warning against any ill-conceived schemes.
And so, the strategy meeting commenced. How would we face the monsters of the deep?
...Oh, and apparently, the sea lizard was delicious.