第９１５堀：船団の行方 (Part2)
"I’ve been expecting you. But why are all three of you here at the same time?"
"It’s simple. We just happened to be talking together when the news arrived."
"As the diplomat Menou says, we were already gathered, so we simply came over together."
"Well, we were actually just chatting while eating those doll-shaped buns that Blade bought."
"Ah, I see."
This is a common occurrence in the top-floor commercial area of Weemall. I’ve participated in those "discussions"—or rather, tea parties—myself a few times. They are, however, quite stressful. But since they provide an opportunity to get close to key figures from various nations, I can’t exactly call them a bad thing.
"Anyway, I heard the gist from Menou on the way here. The regular contact with the Sea-Cypho Kingdom’s envoy fleet headed for the Gusdo Kingdom has been cut off, right?"
"Yes. If it were just that, it would be a simple report, but the contents of this report are not something I can handle on my own, are they?"
"Naturally. If the Sea-Cypho envoy fleet has been attacked, it becomes a diplomatic issue. Moreover, that fleet includes mages trained by Kagura and her people. If that’s the case, it’s also a matter for Haiden."
*My, Princess. That argument is a bit of a stretch, isn't it?*
As we discussed this, everyone took their seats on the reception sofa.
"Well, while Princess Carrie’s phrasing is a bit of a forced interpretation, it’s sufficient grounds for intervention. And to resolve this, the cooperation of you, Yuki, and Weed is essential. From our side, we would appreciate it if Haiden could intervene under the guise of acting as a liaison for the Intercontinental Exchange Conference."
That came from the diplomat Menou, who had submitted the report. I appreciate the honesty, but...
"I understand the situation, but this means we, as other nations, will be intervening in Sea-Cypho’s affairs. Are you sure about that?"
"We are well aware. There were indeed opinions that we shouldn't involve other nations, but since there was already talk of Weed escorting the fleet to the Gusdo Kingdom, I pushed for it. Above all, we are facing a critical issue regarding the survival of our nation—whether we can resume trade with the Gusdo Kingdom—so we have received authorization from Queen Emerald to make this request to ensure that confirmation."
With that, Diplomat Menou handed me a document.
"Princess, has Yuki already...?"
"I’ve already received it, so it’s fine."
"Yeah, I’ve got it."
The two of them showed me the paperwork.
"Normally, I would have handed this to the diplomat Kagura first, but since I happened to meet Princess Carrie here at Weemall, I presented it then."
"I see."
It’s truly convenient. Shouldn't Weemall just become the conference hall? And while I was at it, couldn't they just shut down the embassies? I couldn't say that out loud, so I continued the conversation.
"So, Princess, and Yuki, what do you intend to do about this problem?"
"Haiden will, of course, cooperate. If Sea-Cypho falls into chaos, it will hinder the Intercontinental Exchange. No one in the New Continent wants that. Besides, Haiden can dispatch help as an extension of our previous magic instruction. It’s the same for Weed; we can request your cooperation as part of Sea-Cypho’s ongoing maritime survey. It’s a bit forced, but this way, we don't impose any new burdens on the Sea-Cypho Kingdom."
"Normally, if you asked other countries for this kind of help, you’d have to pay out massive amounts of funds and supplies. This way, we’re just framing it as part of our existing cooperation."
I see. Under normal circumstances, a country wouldn't rely on others just because one of their fleets failed to return. You never know what they might demand in return. So, they are framing it as an extension of previous aid. Even if the name is just a formality, it’s still receiving help. I imagine the Sea-Cypho Kingdom is concerned about their pride.
When I looked at Diplomat Menou with that thought in mind, she added:
"Although that is how it is being framed, we intend to negotiate and offer proper compensation. If we don't, Sea-Cypho’s standing will suffer."
It seems the Sea-Cypho Kingdom understands the downsides of receiving help for free and plans to offer something in return.
"By the way, if things have progressed this far, was there any need to talk about it here? Or rather, what was the point of making the documents in the first place?"
What was the point of us working so hard all day...?
"There is a point. We need these to get permission from my uncle, the King of Haiden."
"Same here. I need the paperwork to get the OK from Seraria."
...At the very least, our paperwork seems to have had a purpose. *Sigh*, I just want to rest.
And so, the situation regarding Sea-Cypho begins to move. Contact with the fleet has been lost. Now, what on earth is happening? Will they make it to the wedding in one piece?