第８８０堀：古の森人の示す道 (Part1)
### Chapter 880: The Path Shown by the Ancient Forest Person
**Side: Yuki**
"I thought I’d finally finished dealing with all the various matters regarding the New Continent, but now I’m swamped with the Intercontinental Exchange Conference and the wedding preparations. It’s truly busy, isn't it?"
"My apologies. I’ve been neglecting those matters, Queen Miyabi."
"It’s not exactly 'neglect,' per se. I simply haven't had the chance to meet with you, Yuki-dono. I’ve been speaking with Seraria-dono and the others here quite frequently."
"Oh? Is that so? Now that you mention it, you two do seem to have gotten quite friendly."
"Did you only just realize? Like us, she has a partner from another world—a Japanese person, at that. To us, she is a great senior and a kindred spirit who truly understands our position."
"Indeed. Seraria and I are already good friends. Besides, given our positions, there aren't many people we can speak to normally. Plus, the food in Weed is simply divine."
So said High Elf Queen Miyabi, as she and my wife, Seraria, continued to pass cakes to one another.
"So, didn't you have something you wanted to discuss?"
I had come here because Seraria told me Queen Miyabi had something to talk about. I expected to be waiting at the cake buffet, but for a while now, the two of them had been doing nothing but eating.
"Indeed, I do have a topic. However, the time for this cake buffet is limited. Even for royalty and nobility, reservations are hard to come by. I had to beg Seraria to let me use this room, so I cannot let it go to waste."
"Hey, Seraria. Are you really letting her use a room meant for royalty just because she asked?"
"Yes, I am. A little indulgence like this is permissible. Besides, I had a reservation for today as well. But Lowell, Hifie, Nonoa, and Alstaire all canceled at the last minute."
"A girls' party, then?"
"Exactly. It was supposed to be a meeting that included Queen Miyabi as well."
"And the reason those four couldn't make it is because of that proclamation you made, Yuki-dono."
"That proclamation? Ah, you mean the one about the wedding gifts?"
"Precisely. It’s bad enough that Yuki-dono’s wedding is already a headache, but now they have to deliberate on spending limits for gifts and what items to stock in this 'shopping mall' of yours. It’s no wonder they were called back to their respective nations."
Ah, so that’s why.
I suppose I did ask the diplomatic team to issue the proclamation immediately. Lowell aside, Hifie, Nonoa, and Alstaire are heads of state. They must be agonizing over those details right now.
"On top of that, the Intercontinental Exchange Conference will see the participation of a major power from the New Continent. And a maritime nation at that. Everyone is brimming with curiosity."
"Is that so? I thought the Rogali and If continents had those, too."
"I cannot speak for the If Continent, but at the very least, maritime nations cannot grow large on the Rogali Continent. The sea monsters are simply too troublesome."
"Ah, I see. That’s the reason."
I see. On the Rogali Continent, sea monsters are constantly attacking. That makes it difficult for a nation to focus on the sea, and consequently, hard to expand. A maritime nation that can't use its own sea routes is a laughingstock.
"It seems the If Continent is the same. You know, Dressa’s homeland is a maritime nation, but apparently, they suffer quite a bit from monster attacks. Since her homeland lies outside the continental magic circle, they have a fair number of monsters to deal with."
"Ah, now that you mention it, she did say that."
So that’s why Dressa was capable in a fight.
Unlike the New Continent, the If Continent isn't entirely free of monsters. It’s just that the flow of magical power is being artificially manipulated; countries outside that range, mainly the maritime ones, are in a situation where they have to fight monsters while trying to make a living from the sea, much like those on the Rogali Continent.
Well, since the magic circle siphons off the magical power, the overall level of magic on the continent is low, so the monsters appearing in the seas aren't exactly high-level.
"So, why does that lead to everyone being 'brimming with curiosity'? Isn't it just another major power joining the fold?"
"Well, if it were an inland nation, perhaps. But this time, it is a major power that is also a maritime nation. Even I would like to establish a connection with Sea-Cypho as soon as possible. And the reason for that is Weed. We’ve learned just how delicious the seafood here is."
"Ah... I see."
"Exactly. Until now, the supply of seafood from anywhere other than Weed was practically impossible. It’s not that there aren't gates to maritime nations in Rogali, but they are all small countries. As I said, they aren't at a level where they can meet the demands of various nations. The only place where seafood is..."
"I can order it via DP."
Effectively, there are no limits. Well, there is a budget allocation for DP, so it’s not infinite, but still.
"Yes. Well, seafood isn't the only popular item from Weed, but thanks to that, a massive amount of seafood is being traded at high prices every day. There are no competing exporters, after all."
"So, because a competitor is finally appearing, everyone is curious."
"Indeed. Especially since the New Continent members have had a poor reputation ever since they kidnapped you, Yuki-dono. But with Sea-Cypho joining, that might be wiped away to some extent."
Oh, that’s good news. Clearing up the negative image of the New Continent was a concern of mine. I’ll have to tell Kagura and the others later.
Still, this might increase Sea-Cypho's influence within the New Continent Alliance. Things are going to get heated there.
"But, putting that aside, if Queen Miyabi is joining this girls' party, there must have been something else you wanted to discuss, right?"
"Ah, that’s right. I had already mentioned this to Seraria-dono, but it’s regarding participation in the alliance. At the upcoming Intercontinental Exchange Conference, I would like to propose that my country and the Beast God’s country be allowed to join, following Sea-Cypho. Since we are small nations, it would be through Litea, of course."
"I see. So you’ve reached a conclusion on that as well."
"My country had decided from the start. The Beast God’s country has finally steeled its resolve as well. And while we’re at it, there is the matter of Riel and Tori."
"...Ah. What ended up happening with those people?"
Tori’s former kin, who bullied Riel and tried to kidnap Tori. It seemed there were nobles behind them...
"The idiots behind the scenes were arrested for high treason. However, we are having trouble dealing with Tori’s relatives. We were worried that if we executed them on our own, we might incur Weed’s displeasure. In truth, those people were just small-time errand runners. It seems there wasn't much damage to anyone other than Tori and Riel."
"To that extent, huh..."
"Indeed. They seem to be quite strict about hierarchy. Well, that is common among the Beastkin. Therefore..."
"Originally, the Beast God’s country could not impose such strict punishment, but considering the relationship with Weed, a severe penalty is well within the realm of possibility. However, the question is: is that truly what Weed desires?"
"Is that what I desire, huh... Understood. I’ll talk to Tori and Riel about it."
"That would be for the best. ...Blood is thicker than water, after all. They must settle this eventually."
Queen Miyabi is right. If we don't settle it here, it will just drag on forever. Whether to forgive them or to punish them...
...Personally, I think it would be better to just finish them off. I’m sure Tori would laugh and forgive me if I did it on my own, but still, it’s something we need to discuss.
"Seraria, Lia, do you think this is the right way to go?"
"...I think so. I can't say for sure, but since it concerns family, it’s only right that we talk to them properly."
"Personally, I hate it because Riel looks like she’s about to cry. But, I suppose following the proper procedure is important."