第９４４堀：悩み多きトップ (Part2)
"No, wait. We notified the Gusdo Kingdom several months ago. We stated that if they surrendered, we would treat them as our own citizens. If they refused, we would strike them down—regardless of age or gender—as threats to our nation. Surely that official document still exists?"
"That only exists on our end. Nothing remains in the Gusdo Kingdom. Besides, the royal capital of Gusdo is already my territory."
"True..."
"Well, there is nothing to be done about that now. First, we shall explain the sequence of events carefully to garner sympathy. The Gusdo Kingdom’s response was foolish enough to work in our favor. Who would have thought they would detain the envoys and ships of a friendly power?"
"It is a matter that would normally lead to war, after all."
"Indeed. In contrast, while we did clash once, we have since reconciled. Given the circumstances, our reputation is likely better. Fortunately, not a single person from Weed suffered death or injury. We must use that to our advantage during the negotiations."
"I agree; we have no choice but to proceed that way. However, what will you do about Princess Palfil?"
That is the crux of the matter. While we might be able to clear up Weed’s misunderstanding that our Zurable Great Empire is tyrannical and cruel, the issue of the Gusdo Kingdom’s last remaining heir remains.
Given that Weed and Seasifo have taken her under their protection, they likely have no intention of abandoning her.
Yet, we cannot simply leave her be.
To leave a survivor of the Gusdo Kingdom—someone who opposed our Zurable Great Empire—alive would only sow the seeds of future calamity.
"...We cannot reach an answer on our own. I can predict where the compromise might lie to an extent, but first, I must hear what Weed and Seasifo intend to do with Princess Palfil. However, as for the preparations..."
I proceeded with the preparations for the discussion with Yuki and his party...
"Welcome, Yuki. I’ve kept you waiting."
"Not at all. I didn't expect to be able to talk to you so soon after yesterday."
Yuki said this as he entered the conference room.
As expected, Aslin and the others were not behind him. Only Quar, the fierce Captain of the Guard who had defeated Dotan yesterday, and those who appeared to be her subordinates were present.
Hmm. Before diving into the main topic, perhaps I should engage in a little small talk.
"Since you brought the children along, I thought it would be boring for them if we dragged this out too long."
"I appreciate your consideration. And please, forgive Aslin and the others for their rudeness yesterday. I am grateful for your magnanimous response."
"Think nothing of it. As I said then, I responded to them. That meant they were permitted to speak with me. You had already sought permission beforehand, so the procedure was sound. Though, as escorts or attendants, they were a failure... but those children aren't really that, are they?"
"You have a sharp eye. They are here under the guise of being escorts, at least."
I thought as much.
Children are sensitive creatures. There is no better way to gauge a person's character.
"And? What was their assessment of me?"
"Extremely favorable. They said you were a good 'Emperor-chan' who understands people's feelings."
"Hah. 'Good Emperor-chan,' is it? If others said it, it would be laced with contempt, but hearing it from Aslin and the others makes me happy. However, it is deeply regrettable that I must betray that assessment."
I said this, shifting my expression from a smile to one of seriousness.
"You know why I asked you to come here—it is to discuss the future. Depending on how this goes, I may have to fight Weed and Seasifo for the sake of my country. That would hardly make me a 'good Emperor-chan'."
"It is for the sake of your country, after all. We both have thankless roles."
At my words that I would not shy away from war depending on the situation, Yuki shrugged with a wry smile.
"Haha, a thankless role, is it? Can you understand that, standing in the same position?"
"It’s not an easy job, being at the top of a nation."
"Indeed. Many people aim for the throne without knowing that. And those are the very people who couldn't care less about their citizens."
"Yes, that is exactly right. You can't entrust a country to people like that. But honestly, if the conditions were met, I would gladly hand the position over to someone else."
"Indeed, indeed. If such a person existed, I would gladly step down as well."
As we nodded to each other, those standing behind us...
"Ahem."
They gave such deliberate, artificial coughs that we both ended up smiling even more wryly.
"Shall we get down to business, then?"
"I suppose we must."
And so, having shared our mutual struggles, we moved on to the serious discussion.
I only hope we can continue to see eye-to-eye and resolve this without issue...
Great men have much to ponder.
And though there was a name that caught my attention, it was not that of the legendary strategist. Nor was it a typo.