第８８１堀：出店の内容と…… (Part2)
"Yes, that's right. As Deryu said, it’s about the information regarding the magical power depletion phenomenon we discussed yesterday. The purpose of this meeting is also to gather that information. It seems Seraria has already conveyed that Queen Miyabi has reached out to us."
"Right. Well, it would be better to compile and report on this later. It’s inefficient to head out for an investigation every time a single piece of information comes in. We’ll proceed as originally planned."
Even so, as I mentioned in the previous meeting, there is no end to it if we investigate things one by one. My policy remains unchanged: we should gather everything first and then think about it.
"For now, please hold off on reports regarding the magical power depletion phenomenon until the Intercontinental Exchange Conference and the opening of the multinational shopping mall. Well, I’ll call for you if there’s an emergency."
"Understood! Leave it to us!"
"Yes! Please leave it to us!"
Riel and Tori respond energetically.
...It seems Seraria hasn't told them about *that* matter yet.
Well, it is an awkward topic. Should I bring it up now? I glance at Seraria...
"Right, that concludes the discussion. As I said before, the Intercontinental Exchange Conference, the wedding, and the success of the shopping mall take priority over the magical power depletion phenomenon. If we mess up here, not only will we fail to gather information, but the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance will crumble. Keep that in mind as you all move forward."
"Yes!"
At Seraria’s words, everyone nods and immediately begins to take action.
I see. So, the matter concerning Riel and Tori is for later. That makes sense. The diplomatic team needs to have thorough meetings before the event, and the members remaining in Weed need to prepare for the conference being held here. It wouldn't be right to say something that would disturb everyone’s focus at a time like this.
After most of them had left, Seraria turned to me...
"The matter with Tori and Riel is for later. We will tackle that as a group once this is all over. Make sure not to get ahead of yourself."
"Understood."
It seems we’re going to handle the situation with Tori and Riel with everyone’s full strength. I agree with that. Just as I thought I should head to work, she added:
"You, first of all, need to take the members who are getting married and go around to pay your proper respects. All right?"
"Yeah, I know."
That’s right. My job is to personally inform the relevant nations that the marriage proposals have been accepted and to finish the formal greetings to their families. It’s only natural when getting married.
"Are you sure? If you run away like you did with the others, it’ll be a huge mess, you know?"
"No, no, I’ve never run away during times like that, have I? I only get cold feet when I’m proposing to the person themselves."
That’s right; the issues I had before were my own personal problems—like worrying about what I’d do if I were rejected. Asking a family for their daughter’s hand is just to ensure smooth relations between both families moving forward, so even if I were rejected, it wouldn’t cause me much damage. Well, of course, it’s better if it goes well, so I’ll give my proper greetings. Everyone is happier when they have their family’s blessing, after all.
"Well, I suppose so. There shouldn't be any families who would object right now, but even if there are those who complain, make sure you bring the girls back no matter what. If it comes to that, I’ll start an all-out war. I’ll crush anyone who gets in the way of someone’s love."
"You’re really throwing your weight around..."
"That’s what power is for. It’s to protect the people who are important to you. So, who are you planning to visit first?"
"Let's see. First, the New Continent. There are probably many people worried about Kagura and Mikos, and the kings who begged us for this are likely on edge."
"Besides, Kagura also has Japanese lineage, doesn't she? Make sure you pay your respects to Sota and Enor as well."
"I know. I have a lot to talk to them about, too."
Sota and Enor are not only Kagura’s ancestors but also serve as Weed’s Ministers of Foreign Affairs. In other words, they are the ones handling the organization and management of this Intercontinental Exchange Conference, so I have to go check on them.
"Don't whip the dead and cause them to die of overwork."
"Yeah."
With that bit of banter, I headed toward the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
It seems it was quite difficult for the people of the three continents to come up with local specialties or mascots. Well, they probably aren't in a situation where they can provide a stable supply, and as Cleena said, it’s frightening that they might end up with only wheat. Mascots are even more out of the question. Things like "yuru-chara" don't exist there, or rather, they wouldn't be understood.
And so, I head off to get formal marriage reports—or rather, permission.
Now, I wonder how these greetings will go.