第９２１堀：それでも答えは変わらない (Part2)
Dressa and Princess Carly, perhaps noticing my gaze, spoke up. Both of them are princesses, yet their inner strength is truly commendable. If anything, they are the type who wouldn't look out of place if they were appointed as generals at any moment. And above all else, our Queen...
"If you have any opinions, I'm listening. Jessica?"
"…I see. If someone with the standing of a princess were to head to the negotiation table, perhaps they would be more inclined to let their guard down."
I think that was a fairly impressive retort for an on-the-spot response. It certainly couldn't be compared to those who played the part of a Valkyrie without a second thought. If I had dared to say that out loud, I would have been in for a world of trouble—even if it were just a pure, innocent observation with no ulterior motive.
"Ah, that makes sense. In that case, should we send someone close in age to negotiate? Like Dressa or Princess Carly?"
"My, and why would you exclude me from that list?"
As expected, Seraria seems to be under the impression that she, too, should be considered as a princess. Yuki seems to have stepped squarely on a landmine.
"No, Seraria, you're already a Queen, aren't you? Besides, if we pit you against such a timid-looking princess, wouldn't it be far from an equal footing? Well, if that princess claims to be a Queen, it might be necessary, but since that isn't even clear yet, it’s far too delicate for you to go out there from the start, isn't it?"
"…Mmph. I suppose you're right."
Yuki seems to have navigated that with his usual silver tongue. Well, what he said is the truth. It’s hard to put into words, but for the Queen of Weed—who could essentially be called the leader of the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance—to suddenly show up in person is something her position simply doesn't allow.
"Then, let's start with information gathering. Seeker 1, have you gathered any information about the town from the other Seeker members?"
『This is Seeker 1. The town is in an uproar. There are many injured people as well. Perhaps...』
『Perhaps, I believe a great number of people have fled from the main road and taken refuge in Aurelia.』
『This is Seeker 3. Soldiers are gathering at the port, keeping watch to ensure no ships move without permission.』
『Seeker 4. I’ve confirmed Seeker 2’s report. The princess at the lord’s mansion isn't just a noble’s daughter governing this port town of Aurelia... she is the daughter of the King of the Gusdo Kingdom. A literal, genuine princess.』
"..."
A shocking truth. The princess appearing in the footage is not merely a noble’s daughter governing this port, but the daughter of the Gusdo Kingdom’s monarch—a real princess in every sense of the word.
"…Why would a princess of the Gusdo Kingdom be in the port of Aurelia? Is this the royal capital?"
『No way. We just got information on that, too. It needs verification, but for now...』
The information Steve shared next was outrageous. Apparently, during the time we were out of contact with Sea-Cypho, the Gusdo Kingdom’s neighbor entered a state of war with the Zrable Great Empire. Within a few months, that neighbor was annihilated, and the Gusdo Kingdom, which had been supporting them, was branded an enemy by the Zrable Great Empire and plunged into war as well.
Against the Zrable Great Empire, which boasted abnormal numbers and strength, the Gusdo Kingdom fought valiantly but suffered a crushing defeat. The royal capital had already fallen. While the capital was turned into a sea of flames, the princess had somehow managed to escape and flee to the port of Aurelia. That was the extent of the information gathered.
"So, they're on the verge of extinction, then?"
"No, Yuki-sama. Since the capital has fallen and the King has been struck down, they are already extinct. If we are to describe the princess and her people accurately, 'remnants' would be the appropriate term."
As Stasia said, the Gusdo Kingdom is already gone, and it is correct to say that only remnants remain here in the port of Aurelia.
"Remnants, huh. Well, Seraria. If the information Steve gathered is true, there seems to be no room for the Gusdo remnants to turn things around. What will you do?"
Yuki asked for confirmation. If we lend a hand to the remnants of the Gusdo Kingdom, it will become an incredibly troublesome affair. What kind of decision would Seraria make...?
"My policy remains unchanged. Bowing down to those who treat the people with contempt goes against the philosophy of our Weed. I have inherited the aspirations that my sister built for the sake of the vulnerable people. That is all."
Her answer was immediate. And it was a conclusion that left no room for argument. That’s right. Our country exists for the sake of the vulnerable. It is a nation built to reach out and save those who have fallen through the cracks. Well, Yuki would likely say his goal is just to collect DP as usual, but the result is that a country that saves people was created. And that has become our philosophy.
"Steve. Link up with Seeker 2 and secure the lord’s mansion. Then, set up a Gate. I will head over there myself to hear their story."
『Hah, understood. Looks like an all-nighter for us.』
And so, we steeled our resolve and headed toward the port of Aurelia, the final ground of the Gusdo Kingdom. Even from the little information we gathered, the situation is dire. Yet, in these circumstances, Seraria moves to save the people. While everyone else hesitates in their decision-making, Seraria does not. That inner strength of hers remains as steadfast as ever. She is the type who accepts all mistakes and criticisms and pushes forward. She isn't the type to delegate, push the burden onto others, and complain from the sidelines.