第８７９堀：ウィード大会議 (Part1)
**Chapter 879: The Great Weed Conference**
**Side: Seraria**
“……And so, this is where the real work begins. Everyone, I’m counting on you once again.”
With those words, my husband bowed his head before us all. We had gathered at his request to discuss the full-scale investigation into the magic depletion phenomenon, and the briefing had just concluded.
Under normal circumstances, one might wonder what on earth a Prince Consort is doing, taking charge like this. But this is Yuki—my husband—and this is his usual way of doing things. I, and everyone else here, have been saved by this side of him time and time again.
That aside, regarding his request this time…
“What are you saying now? We are your wives and your friends. There is no way we wouldn’t help you.”
As I spoke clearly, everyone nodded in agreement.
“Still, it’s hard to believe we’ve come this far,” Rurua remarked.
“Indeed. It feels like such a long journey, yet at the same time, it feels like it passed in the blink of an eye,” Deryu added.
It is true. I never imagined we would reach this point when we first started. It began as a mere, tiny dungeon. Then we arrived, people gathered, a village formed, a town was built, and eventually, a nation was born. Now, a grand alliance spanning three continents has been established, and we are finally taking a true step toward Yuki’s ultimate goal.
“That said, though it’s not my place as a newcomer to say this, there are quite a number of nations—not infinite, perhaps, but enough. How do we intend to narrow down the targets for our investigation?” Agil asked, immediately hitting on a major challenge.
He was right. Even with the right to travel freely between continents, wandering around without a lead would likely yield nothing regarding the magic depletion phenomenon.
“I plan to discuss that at the upcoming intercontinental exchange conference, following the participation of Sea-Cypho.”
“I see. You’re going to utilize that venue. So, the major powers of each continent will provide us with information?” Comet asked, clapping her hands together.
“The gate technology has already permeated every nation, after all,” Narjia noted. “You’re banking on the fact that they won’t just sit idly by while a phenomenon that could render those gates unusable spreads, aren’t you?”
“Yes, exactly as Narjia-san says. The intercontinental exchange declaration has concluded, and nations are actively using the gates to interact. They will absolutely want to avoid losing this technology.”
I see. There was a reason Yuki brought this up at this specific timing.
“It’s like waiting for the poison to spread. Yuki-kun, you’ve thought this through well. So, the information will essentially gather itself, then?” Taizo-san observed.
“That is true, Taizo-san, but we will still need to scrutinize the information that comes in. There are many nations that will simply want to invite Weed for their own gain, after all.”
That is the problem. While the magic depletion phenomenon is a massive issue for the future, it is difficult to say whether every nation will take it seriously. Before worrying about global logistics, if their own country collapses, nothing else matters.
Thinking about that, a thought struck me.
“Dear, in that case, if we pick out the nations that are struggling economically, wouldn’t it become clear whether they are just trying to invite Weed for superficial reasons?”
“That’s a good point. With that perspective in mind, Souta-san and the diplomatic team, please look into the requests for meetings that have already arrived.”
“““Yes!”””
The diplomatic team members responded energetically. Kagura and Mikos were among them, and I could see the determination burning in their eyes. Just a short while ago, they had looked like they were on the verge of death. Even Stasia and Enola were nodding with serious expressions.
As my husband said, the New Continent members have finally gathered. With Sea-Cypho joining the intercontinental exchange, the New Continent will become exponentially busier.
“With that, our future course of action is decided. But first, let’s focus on what’s right in front of us. Diplomatic team, please inform each nation that Sea-Cypho is joining the alliance. And then… there is the matter of the wedding for the members who joined after we went to the If Continent.”
My husband stated it plainly. I was a little surprised that he could declare the wedding plans without a hint of shyness, just as he had with the alliance news. It seemed the others were surprised too, as everyone’s eyes went wide. But looking at his face, it was clear he was entirely serious. So, we all remained silent, waiting for him to continue.
“This will serve to broadcast how much I care about the New Continent and the If Continent. Of course, by holding the ceremony here in Weed, we show consideration for the Logari Continent as well. I might be seen as even more of a womanizer, but that’s fine. I’d rather endure that infamy than be unable to see the wives who adore me dressed in their wedding gowns.”
“““……”””
Everyone fell silent at his blunt declaration.
“…Pfft. The reasoning started out convincing, but in the end, it’s just your own selfishness, isn’t it?”
I couldn’t help but laugh. Following my lead, Eris smiled softly.
“It was the same reason when you had dresses made for us, wasn’t it? Even when we, who were once slaves, tried to refuse because it felt too extravagant, you wouldn’t back down, Yuki-san.”
As Eris said that, Ratz and the others nodded in agreement.
“Onii-san always ends up like that, doesn’t he? Well, that’s a part of him I love very much, though.”
“Yuki-san, you’re certainly not unkind. But Yuki-san, won’t the preparations be difficult? It might even be more work than the intercontinental exchange alliance conference.”
Milly was right. If we were to hold the wedding for Jessica, Cleena, Samantha, Agil, Kagura, Mikos, Stasia, Enola, Vilia, Hiiro, and Dressa all at once, the various nations wouldn’t just quietly attend. They would undoubtedly try to celebrate in a grand fashion. I was just thinking about how difficult the management would be when Mikos suddenly stood up.
“Ah!! I see! Through the wedding, we can have each nation provide their local products as celebratory gifts, and while everyone enjoys them, we can use the opportunity for promotion!”
“Oh, you caught on quickly. I thought Ratz or Eris would be the ones to guess that.”
“Ahaha, Mikos-chan’s barony is poor, so using someone’s wedding as an excuse to sell things and make a profit was our standard procedure.”
…I see. A harsh reality of life.
Well, I can understand it. Nobles gathering many people for celebrations like weddings is seen as a perfect opportunity not just to celebrate, but to show off their power and the prosperity of their lands. It leads to the development of their territory. Those who can’t do this are either just wanting a slow, retired life or simply don’t understand how to live as a noble.
“Well, that’s how it is. As Mikos said, for this wedding, we will be setting conditions for the celebratory gifts from each nation.”
“Conditions?” Stasia tilted her head in confusion.
I felt the same. Why would he put conditions on wedding gifts?