第９２６堀：改めて状況把握 (Part2)
"Now then, we shall begin the conference to determine the future treatment of the Kingdom of Gusdo."
"!? !? !?"
As the purpose of the meeting was announced, the faces of the Kingdom of Gusdo's members paled even further. I had intended to keep Yuki in check, but it seems Queen Seraria went straight for the killing blow. No, in truth, the situation left no room for anything else.
"Well, I don't intend to treat you poorly. Everyone from the Kingdom of Gusdo, ease your minds and listen. And answer my questions clearly."
"Y-yes!!"
"Now, before we begin, let us reintroduce ourselves. I am Seraria, Queen of Weed, the nation that owns this aircraft carrier—though I suppose you wouldn't understand that term. It is a massive warship. And sitting next to me, though I believe you have already met, is my proud husband, Yuki."
"Eh!?"
It seems they hadn't even bothered to learn Yuki's standing. This country is truly hopeless. No, they were on the verge of annihilation; perhaps they were incapable of rational judgment. In the first place, they likely couldn't fathom that a nation with such power even existed. But there is no time to be surprised by such things now.
"I don't need to explain the power of Weed again, do I? Last night, we scattered that band of thieves calling themselves the Zuraburu Great Empire. Now, we can talk calmly. Come, first, tell me the situation accurately."
"E-eh?"
"It is only natural to be confused, but I am just as much in the dark. When I came to check on the diplomatic mission with Seasifo, I found the mission detained. Furthermore, there was a massive army of unknown origin outside Aurelia Port. I have heard fragments from Steve and the others, but I want to hear it from you, the parties involved. No, you *will* tell me. If you choose silence here, as the sovereign of Weed, I will have no choice but to eliminate you. I cannot afford to carry dead weight."
"..."
Queen Seraria is doing this on purpose. And she isn't wrong. If the Kingdom of Gusdo remains silent, we have no choice but to hold them accountable for dragging us into a war that had nothing to do with us. Seasifo, too, must demand answers for the detention of their diplomatic mission. As it stands, the Kingdom of Gusdo is nothing but a plague to Weed and Seasifo. To overturn that, they need to offer something of greater value. It is a difficult thing to say, but for a nation, it is a matter of necessity. Participating in a war carries that much responsibility. Now, how will the princess respond?
"...I understand. I suppose I should start by explaining our situation. It seems I have no other choice."
Realizing her position, the princess seemed to accept it quickly.
"I appreciate it. Now, tell me everything you, or rather, all of you here, know. About the Zuraburu Great Empire, the Kingdom of Gusdo, and the surrounding political climate. Do not stop until I tell you to."
"Yes. However, I do not know where or how to begin."
"Hmm. Indeed, there is much I wish to ask... You, Taizo, Taiki, where do you think we should start?"
The answer to that question was already decided.
"Geography. Maps."
Yes, to move forward, we first need a foundation. That foundation is the geography and maps of this continent. We know absolutely nothing about the layout of this land. No matter how much we hear, if the geographical relationships aren't clear, the situation remains murky. A detailed map of this world is a strategic asset of the highest order—the kind of thing nations keep hidden and strictly managed. That is precisely why it is what we need most right now.
"If that is the case, in the office..."
"Steve."
"I've already brought them. I made copies, too, so feel free to mark them up."
As expected of General Steve. He is well-prepared. Now, it all depends on how honestly they speak. Yuki and the others have already gathered some intelligence in the field. In a sense, this is a test to see if their story matches. If they try to hide anything here, they cannot be trusted.
Now, Princess Palfil of the Kingdom of Gusdo. Can you put your full trust in us?
A night has passed, and Taizo-san has joined us as well. Now, now, will any useful information emerge? What is the true objective of the Zuraburu Great Empire?