第８６９堀：会議と例の話 (Part2)
Comet, Agil, and Zargis are far more capable than Meno. In terms of pure development power, she’s likely even inferior to Taiki. It seems she only stood out because the people around her were so low-level.
Of course, Taizo, who already possessed a wealth of knowledge, is in a league of his own. That man is a literal cheat; he gathered materials by himself and managed to create not just guns, but cannons and even mortars. Honestly, he’s a monster who even managed to put radio transceivers into practical use.
It’s not so much that Meno is incompetent, but rather that every researcher I’ve met until now has been a complete outlier.
With that in mind, I have no intention of poaching Meno. If she were exceptionally talented, I might have considered it, but her talent is perfectly ordinary. In that case, it’s much easier to have her remain as an advisor for the Kingdom of Seisypho. She mentioned she preferred that anyway. Plus, she’s more than happy to cooperate as long as I keep providing her with supplies from Japan.
"So, that leaves the question of whether or not to approve the Kingdom of Seisypho’s participation in the alliance..."
"I have no objections. Haiden approves Seisypho’s entry into the alliance."
"Likewise, no objections here. Findar also approves Seisypho’s participation. In this situation, it is something to be celebrated."
"Yes. The Haile Church feels the same. Let us rejoice that Seisypho can join us in working together under Lady Hairen."
...Ah, Archbishop Enol’s words reminded me—what should I do about the meeting between Shi-chan and Hairen? No, let’s just leave that alone for a while. She’d only be a nuisance.
Come to think of it, Hairen was originally training because she said she wanted to come along to Seisypho. I should probably check to make sure she isn't making any weird moves on her own. Actually, if we meet face-to-face, she’ll just remember everything and start a fuss. First, I’ll ask Lilishe to bury her in "sister duties" so she can’t move. It would be a disaster if she stuck her nose into the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance meeting and caused a scene while we're deciding Seisypho’s membership.
I’ll deal with Hairen later. For now, I need to wrap up this meeting.
"Alright, so we’re in unanimous agreement to approve the Kingdom of Seisypho’s participation?"
"Yes. Now the question is whether their participation will be recognized by the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance as a whole."
"For that, we have no choice but to ask for Lord Yuki’s assistance."
"Indeed. We ask that you handle the explanation to the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance."
"Understood."
Well, things are about to get busy again. I’ll have to tell the folks on the Rogali and If continents about what happened here and get them to approve Seisypho’s entry. I don’t think there’s any reason for them to refuse, so it should proceed without much trouble.
My main concern is whether any problems cropped up while I was preoccupied with Seisypho’s issues. I just hope nothing happened that requires Weed to mobilize.
By the way, I wonder what happened with the High Elf nation and the Beast God’s nation after that. I’ll have to get an update from Queen Miyabi.
Man, the work is just piling up.
"Right, before that, we’ll need a meeting to welcome Seisypho. I’ll set that up through Kagura and the others... oh."
That’s when I remembered. There was something I had to say today.
"That’s right. Princess Carrie."
"Yes? What is it?"
The princess, who had been focused on listening until now, tilted her head and looked at me.
"I’m taking Kagura and Mikos."
"Um, taking them? Tak—wait, what?! You don't mean...!"
"Ah, I phrased that poorly. I want to marry them. If you don’t mind, could you help me with the behind-the-scenes arrangements?"
"W-With pleasure! So Kagura and the others are finally being rewarded!"
"Oh, that is wonderful news! We shall celebrate this as a national event!"
Princess Carrie and the King of Haiden were overjoyed. Personally, I was hoping they’d show at least a little bit of reluctance.
But the conversation didn't end there...
"Lord Yuki. If that is the case, would you also take Bishop Enola as a bride? She undoubtedly harbors feelings for you, and it would be vital for our future relations."
"Hmm. You have a point. Lord Yuki, in that case, I ask that you take Stasia as well. Honestly, adding one or two more at this point won't change much. Besides, I know you would never treat Stasia poorly. After all, you were the one who stripped away that iron mask of hers and gave her back her smile."
...Wait. I’d heard about Enola, but didn't the count just increase by one? Someone, please explain the situation...
"How wonderful for you, Yuki."
"Congratulations, Master."
"I’ll go contact the other wives right away!"
"And then there's Vilia and the others. Leave it to me, I already have them on standby."
...Where’s the exit?
No, wait, I just need to talk to Princess Stasia and have her refuse! Exactly! Who would ever approve of a sudden marriage that ignores the person's own will?
What a brilliant plan!
***
*Finally, this plot point is moving forward.*
*Well, I’m sure everyone has been looking forward to this, right? There have always been voices worrying about Kagura and Mikos.*
*From here, we dive straight into romance mode.*
*What will Yuki do? Can he escape? What is the fate of Kagura and Mikos’s love? And what will become of Vilia and the others?*
*Stay tuned.*