第８６２堀：次なる大地は後回し (Part1)
The next land will be postponed.
Side: Yuki
"…So, after the monsters we first encountered, there have been no more attacks?"
"Yes. Well, for now, at least," I added.
"And the rest is just long-term, continuous confirmation, then…"
"That's right."
Emerald Queen wore a thoughtful expression at my report.
Yes, I was currently at the royal castle of Sea Siphon, explaining the events and the current situation.
In short, it was a story about finally resolving the sea monster problem that had been plaguing Sea Siphon.
However, it couldn't be said to be completely resolved yet, and the reality of the monsters that attacked during the process was somewhat anticlimactic.
After all, it seemed the battle had ended with just the same kind of monsters as Shira-chan, whom we fought first.
Delessa and the others, who had been so eager, seemed dissatisfied with the uneventful days.
But, it's better if there's nothing.
From now on, the main task, led by Delessa in cooperation with Shira-chan and Sera-chan, would be to salvage the sunken ships and recover belongings and supplies.
The problem was the influx of sea monsters from the open ocean due to the dungeon I created in the Blue Hole exceeding Hyren's barrier.
How much they would attack people and cause damage was the question.
Well, that's something we'll find out from now on, so for the time being…
"In the meantime, I hope to recover belongings and such from the sunken ships with the help of Shira-chan and the others."
"I am grateful for Lord Yuki's consideration. However, this means it is resolved for now."
By stating that we would recover belongings, I left a good impression on the Sea Siphon side.
There was no problem since I wasn't lying in my report.
They hadn't asked about the cause of the monster outbreak, and since I dealt with the sea monsters, it was okay.
"Well, I can't say for sure."
"Hmm. General Lake, Prime Minister Aquamarine. What do you think of this story? And what should we do from now on?"
Emerald Queen asked for the opinions of the two high-ranking officials present.
"Well, for now, how about sending a communication ship to the Gusdo Kingdom? Of course, with an escort."
"As General Lake says. We won't know if the problem is truly gone until we try. Also, we need to obtain information about the Gusdo Kingdom, with whom we haven't been able to communicate since the monster outbreak. Fortunately, the sea area where the monsters appeared is covered by the marine survey team led by Commander Delessa, so we can say that safety up to that point is secured. However, we would like you to come to the Gusdo Kingdom…"
Saying that, Prime Minister Aquamarine looked at me…
"It would be better to refrain from that. The existence of that aircraft carrier might provoke other countries."
I said that and hesitated to cooperate.
It was easy to imagine, and I had actually experienced it.
Even Sea Siphon had been wary of it.
Besides, the biggest reason was that we didn't have enough personnel to expand our operations any further.
Sea Siphon would also join the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance, so there would be procedures for that, and I also had to meet the developer of the gun-like weapon.
Certainly, it was necessary to go to the Gusdo Kingdom once to confirm the extent of the spread of Magic Gear, but it wasn't something that needed to be done immediately.
"Indeed, as Lord Yuki says, suddenly accompanying that aircraft carrier to the Gusdo Kingdom would be a source of unnecessary trouble."
"However, isn't it necessary to convey that our country has formed an alliance with Weed? If they mistakenly believe Weed to be some unknown small country, that could also be a source of trouble."
"Certainly, it would be problematic if they treated Weed arrogantly. However, since it's too problematic to go without prior notice, how about we go alone first, inform them about Weed, and then…?"
"Hmm. Indeed. As both the General and the Prime Minister say. What do you think, Lord Yuki?"
Somehow, the conversation had turned into us going to the Gusdo Kingdom as well.
Well, it was somewhat convenient, but not right now.
"I am very grateful for the offer, but first, we need to finish our work in Sea Siphon and complete the procedures for the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance."
"Umu. That is also important. Furthermore, Lord Yuki has an appointment to meet the developer of the magic gun. We should finish that first. However, there is no change in the need to contact the Gusdo Kingdom. Prepare for it. For the necessary supplies, we will procure them from the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance. Take action."
" "Yes." "
And so, Sea Siphon's future policy was decided.
If the sea monsters were gone and the shipping routes were confirmed to be safe, it was a natural decision to inform their trading partners that it was now safe.
They were important business partners to each other.
After all, for the Sea Siphon Kingdom, it was the source of magic stones necessary for operating the gun-like weapons, the magic guns.
Well, now that they were joining the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance, their relationship with the Gusdo Kingdom would change, but the Queen and the others likely decided there was no reason to cut ties.
Thus, the Sea Siphon Kingdom entered a meeting to decide on their future detailed plans, and we returned to Weed…
"In the end, the matter related to Magic Gear isn't settled yet, is it?"
"Well, since it's already been produced, it's probably difficult to collect it all. But, thanks to that, we have a reason to go to the next land."
As I said that, my wives narrowed their eyes…
"You didn't possibly plan for this, did you?"
"Is this a pretext?"
"Wow, big brother, you're quite the schemer."
They all said with faces that seemed impressed and exasperated.
"I didn't plan for it. It just turned out this way. If you say that, it would mean I was complicit in Aqueno's evil deeds. It's impossible chronologically. I was summoned there."
"That's true. Magic Gear was being produced even before you were summoned, so it's a natural progression."
"Exactly. Well, I did think that if I got involved with a sea nation, I might be able to connect with countries across the sea. It just happened a little earlier."
For me, it's just troublesome because the connection was made so quickly.
"I see. So, in a way, it was according to your plan, big brother."
"But are you planning to go to the next land when Sea Siphon isn't even stable yet?"
"No, Eris, that's not it. So, for now, we'll be active in Sea Siphon. There are procedures for joining the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance, and meeting the developer of the gun-like weapon."
"Ah, speaking of which, there was that talk. …Perhaps, someone related to the same Earth as Yuki-san."
" " " … " "
When Milly said that, the atmosphere around us suddenly turned cold.
Yes, the biggest reason Sea Siphon was wary was that the development of firearms, the epitome of modern weaponry, had been progressing independently.
And given the presence of tools like shovels, we suspected that possibility.
"Hey, Yuki. Speaking of which, has Kirika been able to investigate that developer yet?"