第９１８堀：海の向こうへ (Part2)
As Agil pointed out, detaining envoys from another country is, under normal circumstances, a significant diplomatic issue. That said, I understand why Kagura would want to verify this, given that we are dealing with an unfamiliar continent.
"Um, I’m sorry. My country faces others across a large lake, but I’ve never heard of anyone seizing a diplomatic vessel carrying envoys. Stasia-den... how about Stasia?"
Stasia offered a wry smile at being addressed as "Your Highness" by Kagura, though she answered the question nonetheless. It’s hard for Kagura to break the habit of treating someone who was a princess until yesterday with such formality.
Stasia’s take was that it was more likely the work of pirates or outlaws unaffiliated with the state, rather than an act of the nation itself.
"Well, that’s the most reasonable assumption. If a country were to seize or attack a diplomatic fleet from a trading partner, it would be a declaration of war."
Attacking another country's envoys carries that exact weight. That’s why it’s hard to believe a state would be behind it.
"Yes. However, I am not well-versed in the rules of the sea. As it stands, even if the Gusdo Kingdom were to seize our diplomatic fleet, the Sea-Cypho Kingdom could do little more than lodge a protest. It is possible they acted with that in mind."
"But Stasia, would they really do that knowing it would sour relations with the Sea-Cypho Kingdom? Personally, Micos-chan, I’d like to bet on the pirate theory. What do you think, Enora?"
"Hmm. I’m leaning toward the pirate theory as well. Or rather, perhaps they got caught up in some kind of trouble? That might be why they can't send a messenger ship. The reason being, the Gusdo Kingdom has no way of knowing the internal situation of Sea-Cypho. They wouldn't know that the Sea-Cypho Navy has been severely damaged by the sea monsters."
"Ah..."
Everyone nodded in agreement at Enora’s words. It was true; the distant Gusdo Kingdom couldn't possibly know the internal affairs of the Sea-Cypho Kingdom. They would only know that monsters had appeared, making the transport of goods unsafe. A trading partner across the sea is an ideal ally for national management—following the strategy of "befriending the distant while attacking the near." They would surely be expecting the benefits of trade. In such a situation, they wouldn't go out of their way to make an enemy of the Sea-Cypho Kingdom.
That brings us back to the idea that this is likely a conflict with a force unrelated to the state.
"But in the end, that’s all hypothetical. Yuki, won't you send out the aircraft from the carrier *Lilishe*, or perhaps dispatch a wyvern squad through a gate for reconnaissance? I think the air is the best way to clarify the situation quickly."
"In terms of gathering information, you're right, Dressa. But if it turns out to be a simple accident, sending wyverns or fighter jets overhead might make Gusdo wary of us."
Sending scouts right now is tricky. Whether it's monsters or aircraft, if they see us flying, they might perceive us as a hostile force, which could complicate future negotiations. Besides, I don't want to reveal our aerial capabilities over something like this. People already say that the carrier alone is enough to make others nervous; it wouldn't be wise to unnecessarily alarm them.
"Then, can't Steve-san and the others who can fly using magic go for a stealthy reconnaissance?"
"Well, that’s what it comes down to. As Vilia suggested, I intend to have Steve and his team fly ahead for reconnaissance once we get reasonably close to the port."
"Big Brother, if you're going to scout anyway, why not send them now?"
"Hiiro. What do you think would happen if their flight magic ran out over the ocean?"
"..."
They seemed to understand my point, falling silent with pale expressions. That’s right—there’s no guarantee that there isn't a magic-nullification zone out there. If they were to crash in a place like that, they’d be fish food. That’s why we first need to move to a distance where we could immediately rescue Steve and his team if they were to fall.
"For now, I need to discuss this with General Lake and Diplomat Menou. Everyone, please prepare yourselves for the possibility that there’s more to this than meets the eye."
"Yes!"
And so, we began tackling this new problem.
That’s right! Let’s head out to sea and find the *One Piece*! ...No, this isn't some romantic adventure; it’s going to be a massive diplomatic headache. Is it just an accident, or is there some hidden political agenda? Or perhaps... something else entirely, something we haven't seen yet?
The new chapter begins. I really need to get better at marking these chapter breaks. Also, I’m reading all your comments! Some of you say it’s been four years since you last saw this, others say the story isn't moving—but I, Yuki-daruma, will keep doing things at my own pace, so I appreciate your continued support!