第９２６堀：改めて状況把握 (Part1)
**Chapter 926: Reassessing the Situation**
**Side: Taizo**
"Good grief. That’s not like you. No, hearing the circumstances, I suppose it couldn't be helped... *Sigh*."
For me, it was a rare moment of letting such useless complaints slip out. Yuki and Queen Seraria had ended up clashing with the Zurable Great Empire. While I understood from the reports that it was the only way to save the Gusdo Kingdom, it was still a massive headache.
"My apologies. Given our relationship with Cia-Cypho, we couldn't just leave them to their fate."
"My dear, there's no need for excuses. Taizo, even if they were from another country, I couldn't just stand by and watch innocent people being trampled and killed. That’s all there is to it."
"No, I apologize for my lack of consideration, especially since I wasn't there on the front lines. Still, what a timing to have gone and done that."
"Indeed. Cia-Cypho is quite unlucky, isn't it? Or perhaps, since Yuki-san and the others arrived, maybe they’re actually quite lucky?"
"Who’s to say..."
I could only mumble in response to Taiki-kun’s words. There was no way to say which perspective was the "correct" one. However, as a soldier who once served to protect his nation, I understood Queen Seraria’s position all too well.
Armies of the old world were, at the end of the day, little more than large-scale bandits. Raiding other homes to seize wealth was the norm. It was to prevent such reckless atrocities that I had worked so desperately to support Hifie-san.
"Regardless, I would like to sit in on the meeting to help determine our future course of action. Would that be acceptable?"
"Yes. That is something we would appreciate as well. Among us, you are the most knowledgeable regarding this type of war strategy, Taizo."
"…I’m afraid you’re overestimating me. I am, at best, a technical officer. Matters like these should be left to the General Staff."
"It is the recommendation of my husband, who is also our Chief of Staff. I understand what you’re trying to say, Taizo, but give it up. The knowledge inside your heads is worth more than gold in this world."
When put that way, I couldn't very well refuse.
"Then, I shall offer what little assistance I can. Now, first, regarding the situation after the attack..."
Yes, I had to get a clear picture of that. They had conducted a night battle involving aerial combat and scattered the Zurable Great Empire, but I hadn't heard a word about what happened afterward.
"We’ll discuss that in the conference room. The princess of the Gusdo Kingdom has finally taken her seat, after all."
"Ah, I see. So that was part of the reason as well."
I gathered the situation from Yuki-kun’s bitter smile. They hadn't even been able to hold a meeting with the Gusdo Kingdom—the very party involved—until now.
Thinking about it calmly, it made sense. Weed was completely unknown in this region. If they didn't demonstrate their status, they wouldn't even be considered a party worth talking to. That was likely why they had launched such a visible, overwhelming attack. Of course, there were other reasons, but it was a necessary step to ensure the Gusdo Kingdom would actually listen.
"Well, the biggest reason was that the enemy possessed aerial combat capabilities."
"I’ve heard. Fifty wyvern riders and about 1,500 flight mages. Indeed, if you had waited until sunrise to negotiate, things would have become incredibly troublesome regardless."
"The numbers are just too different."
He was right. While Weed’s weapon performance was overwhelmingly superior, the sheer disparity in numbers was a factor. If the battle had occurred after sunrise, the Aurelia Port would have suffered damage. There was even a possibility the aircraft carrier could have been harmed. Numbers are always a nuisance. And from here on out, we would be facing a military force that possessed such aerial power.
"…If only we knew the full extent of the Zurable Great Empire."
"I’m not expecting that much. The Gusdo Kingdom is pushed to the brink; it’s unlikely they have a reliable intelligence network left."
"True enough."
"Well, we can ask the princess about the details in that conference room."
Standing before the conference room door, guarded by goblins, Queen Seraria signaled for us to enter. It was time to focus and gather information. After all, they say that if you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.
*Creeeeeak...*
The heavy door opened to reveal a long table. Seated there were the princess, her attendants, and others who appeared to be officials of the Gusdo Kingdom...
"..."
Every single one of them looked pale, their faces stiff with palpable, terrifying tension.
"Just what kind of threat did you use?"
"No, I just guided them here normally. Well, I suppose the fact that we repelled the Zurable Great Empire in a single night had a significant impact."
"I see. Having seen the results of the battle and that aircraft carrier, they’ve finally recognized Weed as a nation."
"It should make for a more proper conversation than when we first met. At the start, they looked at us like, 'Who are these nobodies interrupting the conversation between the Gusdo Kingdom and General Lake of Cia-Cypho?'"
"Ah, no, that’s..."
The princess seemed to want to deny it, but since it wasn't far from the truth, she couldn't find the words to continue.
"Yuki-kun. I understand you wanted to demonstrate your superiority, but don't overdo it. The princesses look like they’ve seen a ghost. General Lake, have you explained things to them?"
"I have done so, to an extent. Thanks to Yuki-sama and the others showing the power of Weed, it was easier to explain, but it seems the medicine was a bit too strong."
"It would seem so. Now, Menou, as the diplomat for Cia-Cypho, how does your side intend to handle this situation?"
I turned my gaze toward Diplomat Menou, the person in charge of the Cia-Cypho side for this mission. According to what I’d heard, she was a 'reincarnator'—originally Japanese—and the creator of the magic guns Cia-Cypho utilized.
"My apologies, but Cia-Cypho is still in a state of confusion regarding the current situation. We cannot make a judgment or take action until we hear from Gusdo. However, I can say one thing: we will not simply leave everything to Weed. Cia-Cypho has its own pride to consider."
"I see. So Cia-Cypho intends to maintain a cooperative stance for future developments."
Well, that was to be expected. If they dragged Weed into solving their trouble and then abandoned them to take all the responsibility, it wasn't hard to imagine how they would be treated by the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance.
As I was thinking this...
"Now, Taizo, is the preliminary talk finished? I’d like to make the introductions properly, if you don't mind."
"Yes, my apologies."
As I took my seat, Queen Seraria opened her mouth to begin the proceedings.