第９３４堀：過不足なくって難しい (Part2)
Indeed, I have entrusted the operation of the aircraft carrier to Dressa, Vilia, and Hiiro, but if everyone is gathered here, the question of who will be managing the carrier arises.
"That’s fine. We’ll set up a proper rotation. It wouldn't make sense if only I could act as commander, right? I need to make sure Vilia and Hiiro gain the proper experience as well."
"Yes! I will do my best for you, Brother!"
"Giving orders to the ship seems difficult. But, Hiiro will try her best."
"…I see."
So, they are leaving the front lines with a similar structure, are they?
"Well, Boss. If you put it that way, we’re handing over our current posts to our subordinates, too. It can’t be helped."
"…I suppose you’re right. I’ve realized, deep down, just how unreasonable I’ve been until now."
"That’s better than nothing."
"You need to steel your resolve too, brother."
"True. Don't worry, we’ll all support you. The ladies are far too strong to be bothered by the riffraff out there, so you should trust in them. And the people of Weed, too."
Steve and the others lectured me.
It’s true that there’s no point in fretting over mere concerns forever.
Alright, let’s shift gears.
"Now, Seraria. First, a confirmation: there won't be any issues with the operation of Weed if you and the others leave the front lines, right?"
"Of course. As per the documents I handed over earlier, there are members on standby for emergencies, so we can respond immediately even if something happens. But, as I said before, this is also meant to encourage the independence of Weed’s citizens. Unless there is a major problem, we won't be returning to the administration of Weed."
"I see. If you’ve prepared properly, then I have nothing more to say. After all, I had intended to leave the operation of Weed to you all from the start."
Yes, the ultimate goal for Weed was for it to become self-sufficient, a place that would provide DP without requiring my constant intervention.
We are simply moving forward to that stage.
"Now, the problem is the formation for heading to the royal capital of the Zurable Empire. If you and the Royal Guard are participating, I’ll have to rethink things."
"That goes without saying. So, what is the current formation?"
"Steve."
"Yes, sir."
As I said that, Steve immediately passed the formation schedule to Seraria.
"Hmm. Ground weapons are the main focus. That’s to be expected, I suppose."
"Well, I’m still struggling with the quantity adjustments. What about the Royal Guard? Should I have them operate ground weapons?"
Quar and the others have been training properly, so they are capable of handling modern weaponry.
If the Royal Guard is going to participate, the number of modern weapons we can deploy will certainly increase.
However…
"No. Basically, I don't want to have Quar and the others operate the weapons; let’s keep them as cavalry and infantry. Well, I will have them carry rifles as sidearms, but the main focus will be swords and spears."
"Why go for something so classical?"
"The Zurable Empire’s equipment is, at its core, nothing more than cute swords and spears. If we only bring Earth’s weapons into that environment, they won't understand the disparity in strength. The higher-ups might be wary, but the commoners won't. Right, Agil, Stasia?"
When Seraria asked the two of them…
"Well, I think Seraria is right. I doubt the underlings would even realize that what we’re carrying are weapons in the first place, right? That’s probably why Seraria is suggesting swords and spears for the Royal Guard."
"Yes. Weapons have changed fundamentally from swords and spears. If we were only considering raw combat power, it would be better to equip them with modern weapons, but since the original purpose of this trip is to negotiate while demonstrating our strength, I think it is necessary to bring weapons that the other party can actually comprehend."
"I see."
I was convinced by the additional explanation from Agil and Stasia.
It’s true that it’s debatable whether something like a gun would even be recognized as a weapon.
So, the idea is to bring something easy to understand, like swords and spears.
"Alright, what about the trade goods to hand over on the other side…"
"In that case, Brother, wouldn't something like this be good?"
"Also, gold coins can be used in negotiations, and we can prepare those."
Thus, we successfully made our preparations and are finally heading to visit the Zurable Empire.
Well, I hope there won't be any trouble, but that’s impossible, isn't it?
After all…
"Please, let me come along as well."
Saying that, Princess Parfil of the Gusdo Kingdom tagged along.
I have a feeling she’ll only be a spark for trouble, but I decided to take her along since she might be useful in other ways.
Well, she would have followed us on her own anyway, and I couldn't stop her given the pretext that we helped the Gusdo Kingdom.
Besides, I feel a sense of guilt regarding the Magic Gear.
No, that’s not my responsibility, is it?
I’ll have to make Akenoki apologize for that later.
Diplomacy is difficult.
There were times when it was called "gunboat diplomacy," and now they say it’s wrong to flaunt such military power.
Nevertheless, using one's position for external pressure in diplomacy is common practice.
No, it’s the same in general negotiations, too.
Methods of negotiation change with the times, but when it comes to gunboat diplomacy—flaunting one's strength—it is incredibly difficult to determine the appropriate amount to show.
People, supplies, and budgets are all finite.
Since we have to manage all of this, maintaining relations between nations is truly exhausting.
Well, I suppose that by bringing my wives along, I’ve already deployed excessive force.