第９３１堀：情報分析 (Part2)
"Yeah, I remember her saying that. Well, her sense of scale—time included—is just too different from ours. It’s a waste of energy to worry about it."
It’s easier on the mind to just accept that the creature known as Luna is a being fundamentally different from us.
"Still, this New Continent is undeniably in the middle of a massive war. People are risking their lives for survival, and we’ve just stepped right into the thick of it."
"True, but the war situation is currently at checkmate, thanks to the Zurable Great Empire acquiring and utilizing Magic Gear."
According to the information we’ve gathered so far, the Zurable Great Empire has already brought over half of this New Continent under its control. Normally, you’d expect other nations to show subservience rather than pick a fight with an opponent that has achieved so much. However, the Zurable Great Empire seems to be a "newcomer" that rose to power rapidly over the last twenty years, and many of the older nations with long histories refuse to bow their heads.
And what makes it even more complicated is...
"On top of that, there’s still an Emperor who originally ruled this New Continent, existing separately from the Zurable Emperor."
That’s right. While this New Continent is now fractured into various independent nations, it was originally a single empire. The bloodline claiming to be the Emperor of that original empire still exists, holding a certain level of authority, and it seems that the nations only claim their status as countries based on the imperial sanction of that very Emperor.
"…That’s just a formal appointment, isn't it? They’re essentially subordinates who were granted land and told they could call themselves countries. I don't understand the point of it at all."
"Well, think of it like the Three Kingdoms period or the Warring States era."
"I see. So, it’s a conflict between the old regime and those trying to build a new one. It looks confusing because everyone calls themselves a country, but in a sense, it’s just an internal squabble."
As expected of a battle-maniac. She seems to have studied the Three Kingdoms and Warring States history I taught her well; she grasped the situation in the New Continent immediately. However, her perception is slightly off.
"Well, similar organizations exist on the Rogari and If continents, too."
"Eh? What do you mean?"
"For example, the Litea Holy Religion, which is the foundation of the Litea Holy Nation, or the Enaria Holy Religion and the Hify Religion on the If continent. If the head of these religions grants the title of Honorary Priest to the leader of another country, it adds prestige, right? Like with Elju, for instance."
"…I see. It’s that kind of authority."
"Regardless, the Emperor of the old regime here holds significant practical authority, which makes things a headache. But we can look into that later. As for who to send to talk to the Zurable Great Empire..."
"Right. We need someone who can negotiate while understanding that political structure. And it’s crucial that they can definitely make it back alive."
"And ideally, someone whose absence from Weed won't cause any problems."
When it comes to that criteria...
""There's no one like that.""
There is no one in Weed who fits such a convenient bill. Everyone is already stretched thin with their current duties.
"Besides, if things go south, they might need to establish connections with the factions hostile to the Zurable Great Empire. This is an insane undertaking."
"You're right. When you think about who you could entrust with such a ridiculous job..."
It can't be helped. I’ll have to steel myself.
"There’s no other way. I’ll go myself, and I’ll take Mino-chan and the others with me."
"Hah!? What are you saying!"
Seraria lets out a bewildered cry at my words.
"The situation is too unique. Depending on the circumstances, I might need to provide an answer on the spot as a proxy for the Queen of Weed. In such a volatile situation, gathering and analyzing information requires flexible knowledge and creative thinking. And if we want to ensure there are no concerns regarding combat power, I’m the only one who can act as a Doppelganger, is used to deploying dungeons in emergencies, and can serve as a stand-in for you, Seraria, right?"
"..."
Well, it’s unheard of for the consort of a hostile nation to march in and pay a visit, but since the goal is to convey that we aren't actually enemies and to build a friendly relationship, my presence will prove just how serious we are.
"…*Sigh*. Honestly! Why is it that even though you’re always saying you don't want to work, you jump into things like this with such enthusiasm?"
"It’s work, after all. If I just turned a blind eye and left the Magic Gear alone, Kagura and Enora would probably fall into a deep depression."
"Ah, I see. Good grief, you really are soft on your own people."
"No, I don't do what I can't. Besides, I’ll be deploying the dungeon as I go, so I’ll make sure I can return home every day."
I have no intention of going on a grueling journey where I can't get home for long periods.
"Fine. But you’ll have to talk to everyone and convince them at tomorrow’s meeting yourself. They’re bound to be dead set against it, you know."
"Ugh. That might be even more troublesome."
And so, I found myself with a headache—not from the hardships of adventuring in the New Continent, but from the prospect of persuading my wives.
The New Continent is a land of warring states, much like somewhere I’ve heard of before. It doesn't seem as stable as the Rogari or If continents.
How will Yuki and his group move in this land?
Will his wives allow Yuki to go on this journey?