第９３４堀：過不足なくって難しい (Part1)
Chapter 934: Striking the Perfect Balance is Difficult
Side: Yuki
*Sigh...*
My heart felt incredibly heavy. The reason for this was the ongoing situation regarding our unit organization.
"Thanks to Mino-chan, we’ve managed to secure a position as envoys from another nation to the Zurable Great Empire. However, if we go with only a small group, these meritocratic nations will look down on us. Unfortunately, in this land, pacifism is seen as nothing more than the whimpering of the weak."
As I said this, Steve and the others nodded in agreement.
Joining hands—it’s a wonderful sentiment. But to actually put it into practice in this land, one must first recognize the other’s strength as an equal. Only then does the act become a reality. Peace and equality are, in the end, things established as the result of having weapons pointed at one another.
How sad.
"So, in heading to the Zurable Great Empire, we need to display a certain amount of manpower and military force—both to protect the key figures of the Zurable Great Empire with whom we’ve formed a cooperative relationship, and to show them the power of Weed."
And then, we show that to the Emperor of the Zurable Great Empire. If we can talk as equals after that, then fine. If we still can't... well, we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.
"Well, that’s true. We do need enough strength so the Zurable Great Empire doesn't look down on us. The problem is the necessary number."
"Too many, and management becomes a hassle, plus the defenses of Aurelia Port will drop. Though, since we have the aircraft carrier for Aurelia's defense, I suppose we can afford to take a fair amount of land-based weaponry."
"Even so, we can't take *all* the deployable land weapons. Maintaining them alone requires significant supplies. Well, we can reduce costs by carrying them in Item Boxes, but..."
"That won't do. If the Item Boxes become unusable, those weapons just become dead weight. We should use the Item Boxes for half, and have a supply unit accompany us to handle the rest."
While I was lost in thought about the harsh realities of this world, my Four Heavenly Kings were moving the discussion forward. Honestly, I’ve participated in countless meetings, but it’s so easy when these guys are around; they think everything through for me without me having to lift a finger.
Moreover, all four of them are participating this time. It’s for security, of course, but the fact that all four are present is proof enough of how dangerous we’ve judged the Zurable Great Empire to be. Naturally, we’ll still maintain the defense of Aurelia Port.
Just as I was thinking that, the conference room door suddenly opened...
"Ah, there you are. Our organization is decided, so please take a look at this."
Seraria said this as she handed me a sheet of paper. When I looked at the formation written there...
"Hey, you’re planning on taking almost everyone? And of all people, you’re taking the Royal Guard, including Quar?"
It was an incredibly exaggerated and large-scale formation. Steve and the others, who had peeked over my shoulder, chimed in:
"Uh, did we decide to wipe the Zurable Great Empire off the map without a trace?"
"Must be. This formation is clearly meant for total conquest, right?"
"Big Brother, Seraria-nee-san. I understand the sentiment, but a country without a ruler will only fall into further chaos, you know?"
"He's right. You should think that part through carefully."
The lineup was so extreme that even Mino-chan and Surakichi-san started seriously trying to persuade Seraria. When I asked her what on earth she was thinking...
"It’s not like that at all. I just decided that we should all go together. It’s better to have more allies, and this is also to see if everyone in Weed can manage properly while we’re away."
It seemed she had decided everyone would come along based on some rather sophistical reasoning. Well, it was logical enough that neither I nor Steve and the others could say no. It *is* a problem that Weed is still so reliant on us and hasn't fully stood on its own two feet yet. And since we have a system in place to return at any moment, there’s no issue in terms of safety.
"But does the Queen herself have to come along?"
"It’s fine. Let’s take this opportunity to finally enjoy a honeymoon. I’ve basically been stuck in Weed this whole time. This much is fine, isn't it? Right, Quar?"
"Yes. It causes Yuki-sama a great deal of trouble, but Seraria-heika has been saying she feels lonely every day. Since becoming the ruler of Weed, she has been very restrained and has worked hard on her administrative duties. Could you please take her along, if only as a reward?"
"Wh-what!? I’m not a spoiled child!"
As expected of Quar. Having served as a subordinate for so many years, she shows no mercy, even to the Queen. Still, it’s true that Seraria has been staying in Weed to take care of things all this time. Thinking about that...
"Wait, come to think of it, didn't Seraria end up coming along to the If Continent and the New Continent, too?"
"Just a little, just a little! And you, follow my lead properly! Tell him I’ve been doing a good job, Quar!"
"Well, didn't Quar praise you properly?"
Though, the way she said it was...
"Yes. I have been praising Seraria-sama properly. I told him that since she has been a good girl and worked hard at watching the house, he should take her along once in a while."
"You two...!?"
"Yes, yes. Calm down. You’re acting like you did when we first met. Well, that’s cute too, so it’s fine."
"Yes. It brings back memories. Back then, you used to run wild as your heart desired, and it was so difficult for not just me, but Yuki-sama to follow up on your messes."
"Oh, come on, decide whether you’re praising me or insulting me..."
As I petted her, her resistance gradually faded, so I suppose she didn't mind it that much.
"Oh, Firia-chan. Seraria-onee-chan is being lovey-dovey with Onii-chan."
"Oh, they are being lovey-dovey. Firia and the others will join in too!"
Just as I heard that, Aslin and Firia leaped onto us.
"Whoa. Careful now."
"That’s right. Then, I’ll take care of Aslin."
Seraria said that and took Aslin, who had jumped on us, while I ended up holding hands with Firia.
"It’s been a while since Seraria-onee-chan joined us like this, hasn't it?"
"We’re going on an adventure together."
"Yes. I’m excited."
...It should have been a heartwarming scene, but for some reason, I couldn't shake the feeling that we were talking about something dangerous. As I held that thought, Labyris, Shera, Vilia, Hiiro, and Dressa—who must have been chasing after Aslin and the others—arrived.
"We’re all leaving together, aren't we? Well, the members who take care of the children will stay behind."
"Yes. It’s so exciting to travel with almost everyone. Right, Vilia?"
"Yes, I’m excited! But I won't forget my duties!"
"Yeah. I’ll protect Onii!"
"Indeed. What was it called? The 'Path of Hegemony'? To think someone is aiming for that. I can't imagine we’ll ever see eye-to-eye with someone like that. There will surely be a battle."
Labyris seemed to be in a simple "going out" mode, but Vilia, Hiiro, and Dressa looked ready for combat, and my anxiety remained.
"Wait, what are you guys going to do about managing the aircraft carrier? How are you going to operate it without a commander?"