第９２１堀：それでも答えは変わらない (Part1)
**Chapter 921: Even So, the Answer Remains the Same**
**Side: Jessica**
“...Yuki, Seraria, are you truly sure about this?”
I couldn't help but ask. The fact that Weed, which had until now been on the side of mediating conflicts, was about to initiate a battle itself—I had no idea what kind of negative impact this might have on the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance.
“Sure or not, we have no other choice. We can’t just abandon the Sea-Cypho delegation. We had no choice but to take the heat for this.”
“That’s right. In this situation, if we abandoned them despite having the power to help, there would be those who criticize us, asking what kind of alliance this even is. Since we’re acting to save a friendly nation from a mob, I don’t think there will be much criticism in that regard.”
“Well, I understand the logic, but...”
However, because of this, Weed’s military strength would be exposed, and we might be viewed with suspicion in return. The trust we had built up until now could all come to nothing. To throw that away just for this…
“Jessica, don’t overthink it. Isn’t it enough to say that we’re doing this simply because there are people in front of us who are in trouble?”
“Ria...”
“Exactly. Besides, from an outsider’s perspective, the story about us getting caught up in the conflict between Haiden and Findal could also be seen as us just running wild on our own. Everything depends on how you spin it.”
“Yuki.”
“Jessica. This isn’t something for you to worry about. This is a choice I made as the Sovereign of Weed. I will take all the blame and the insults. More than anything...”
Saying that, Seraria looked back at the screen being relayed by Steve.
“Steve. Protect that child appearing on the screen right now.”
『Eh!?』
“Why are you surprised? That child clinging to their parent’s remains. A life that their parent gave their own life to protect. I cannot let it be extinguished here.”
『Ah, geez!! Fine, I got it! General Lake, we’re making a slight detour!』
『I have no objections.』
Steve immediately turned back to the child, secured them, and quickly retreated.
『Noooo! Mom! Dad!』
Those heart-wrenching cries echoed through the room.
“You can call it self-satisfaction if you like. As a parent myself, and as one who creates this world, I cannot just leave a situation like this alone. That is all. Though, I suppose I might just be a pathetic woman who relies entirely on her husband for the power to do so.”
“Don’t worry about it. We’re a married couple, after all. We’re meant to support each other. Right, Jessica?”
Yuki winked at me as he said that.
“Yes. Let us also support Queen Seraria with all our might.”
“Yes, thank you. Now, Seeker squad, hurry with the search for the VIPs at Aurelia Port! Steve, leave that child to your subordinates and have an audience with the VIPs as soon as they are found. You are permitted to use the name of Sea-Cypho. Furthermore, I authorize forced entry and suppression if necessary.”
“Wait!? What are you doing on your own... though, I suppose there is no other way. I am truly sorry. It has come to this, where Queen Seraria must make the decisions that Sea-Cypho should have made.”
Diplomat Menou said this with a very awkward expression.
“It’s fine. Menou, you couldn’t have made that decision on your own. I just happened to be in a position where I could move the country. Tell Queen Emerald that I acted on my own initiative. As for the supply of magic stones and other materials that were supposed to recover once trade resumed, Weed will provide them at the same price.”
“Yes. Thank you. However, what do you intend to do from here on? With this, Weed now has a front to maintain...”
As Diplomat Menou said, by moving with military force in this situation, we were effectively taking on a battlefield. The burden of doing so was immeasurable. War, by its nature, consumes human lives and resources without limit.
However, that is usually the case when fighting forces of equal strength.
“Ah, an army that relies on numbers by forming ranks means nothing before us. You know that, don’t you, Menou?”
“I understand that, but it will still cost a massive amount of war funds. Each of these modern weapons must cost far more than its weight in gold. Therefore, the expenses will be astronomical. Are you sure about this?”
“That doesn’t matter. We have prepared for this. Besides, it is far cheaper than moving a large number of people for the same purpose.”
As Seraria said, while each modern weapon is exorbitantly expensive, their destructive power means that when facing an outdated army, it is much cheaper than fielding an equivalent number of soldiers. That includes the human costs of casualties and the expenses for their families.
“...Is that how it is? I only know that vaguely; I don’t know the actual figures.”
“Yes, I suppose Japan was peaceful, after all. How much destruction those weapons can cause on a battlefield, and how tragic it is. But, for this moment, I am grateful. The crystallization of wisdom from your world—the contradiction of creating tools to fight in order to end war—protects us. And it can protect people from unreasonable violence.”
“...”
“Coming from you, Menou, a Japanese person who loves peace, you might feel a sense of disgust.”
“No. I have understood the reality of this world well enough through my own experience. Those without power are trampled upon. I respect a Queen who can make the decision to do what is necessary, even if it is difficult. Especially since this is something that we, Sea-Cypho, should have been carrying.”
Menou said this clearly. She understood her own position well. I suppose that’s why she has managed to survive in this world so far.
“We wouldn’t benefit from Sea-Cypho falling either, so let’s call it mutual. Though, for the sake of appearances, we will have to accept a thank-you.”
“I am deeply grateful for your consideration. And I will ensure the compensation is handled properly. If not, we risk being ostracized by the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance.”
Well, if we saved Sea-Cypho and didn’t even receive a thank-you, other countries would surely think of them as shameless. Goodness, to think that even just helping a friend would lead to such troublesome matters—it really shows how much our Weed has grown. It means we have to be that much more considerate of our surroundings.
Just as I was thinking that...
『This is Seeker 2. We have discovered a woman in a dress at what appears to be the lord’s mansion. Given the presence of soldiers who appear to be guards, there is a high probability she is the VIP.』
It seems Steve’s unit has found the target. As expected of the elite, they are quick.
“Put the footage through.”
“Yes. Switching to Seeker 2’s feed.”
At Seraria’s instruction, the image was displayed.
“...That woman in the dress, isn’t she still a child? At most, about the same age as Dressa?”
“Hey, Seraria. I’m a proper lady, you know?”
“Ah, sorry. That’s not what I meant. No matter how I look at it, I don’t feel any sense of will to lead those around her.”
“Ah, indeed. How should I put it—she’s a true princess who has nothing to do with war.”
As the two of them said, the princess on the screen had none of the air of a warrior princess like those around me; she looked like a flower that might wither and break at the slightest touch. Well, I suppose this is what a genuine, born-and-bred princess looks like...
“Hm? What’s wrong, Jessica? Looking at me like that?”
“Is there something on my face?”