第９４５堀：戦いの経緯 (Part1)
**Chapter 945: The Course of the Conflict**
**Side: Deryu**
"Goodness, it really is exhausting when it’s nothing but work, work, work," I sighed.
"Indeed, indeed. One’s spirits truly wither when there is nothing but labor," the Emperor replied.
We had finally sat down at the table for the formal meeting, and just as I thought the discussion was about to begin, they were still continuing their earlier grumbling. Even Quar and the person who appeared to be the Eupia Emperor’s adjutant were wearing pained expressions. I was just thinking that if they kept this up, they were going to get a stern scolding, when...
"Well then, we had best get to work. My subordinates are quite terrifying when I slack off, so let’s do our best," Yuki said.
"That is true. It seems even a little bit of joking is frowned upon," the Emperor added.
They both shrugged, looking as if to say, "What can you do?" I understand the sentiment, but even Quar and the adjutant are doing their jobs properly. It’s a case of "the pot calling the kettle black," as they say.
As I was pondering this, the Eupia Emperor began his formal welcome address once more.
"Now then, once again: welcome to our nation, envoys of Weed."
"I am grateful for your welcoming words. However, was it really necessary to seat Sea-Cypho separately?"
"Indeed. Even though you arrived as a joint delegation, it would be discourteous not to provide separate seating for each party. I shall have my discussions with them in their own time."
I see. It is precisely because he recognizes us as official envoys that he is handling us separately. Well, perhaps he also wants to avoid the complications that might arise if we were all huddled together, so keeping us divided for the initial talks makes sense.
"Now that we are down to business, let us proceed quickly. What is it that Weed seeks by coming here? Surely this isn't just a courtesy call?"
"Yes, well. As you are likely already aware, we have no intention of going to war with your nation, the Zurabul Great Empire. While we did defeat the Second Army and capture Lord Vol, that was an unfortunate accident; we have no desire to cross swords with you. That is the message I wished to convey."
We had finally managed to state that officially. The amount of trouble I went through just to deliver these words as an envoy... though, considering I had initially braced myself for a declaration of war, perhaps I should consider this a reduction in hardship.
Upon hearing this, the Eupia Emperor responded...
"I see. For our part, we do not desire to cross swords with Weed or Sea-Cypho either. However, there are matters we cannot simply overlook. That is why we attacked Aurelia Port. You understand that, do you not?"
"Yes. Unless there was some significant objective, one would not go to the lengths of not only destroying another country but also razing a mere regional port within that land."
"Precisely. The original strategic objective was the acquisition of Aurelia Port. Well, once it had become a part of our Empire, we had planned to have it engage in different operations, but that is neither here nor there. The problem is that we ended up failing to occupy Aurelia Port."
So, that is the crux of the issue. I suspect it has to do with the Magic Gear, but it would be unwise for us to bring that up ourselves. Even if we said, "Don't worry about it," no one would believe us. Above all, the Zurabul Great Empire’s rapid advance was fueled by that very Magic Gear. If the production and supply of those items have stopped, it must be a significant problem.
Yuki, how will you navigate this situation?
"I see. So there was something necessary at Aurelia Port. Or perhaps, the port itself was necessary."
"That is correct. Before I explain the reason, I shall tell you the circumstances that led to the destruction of the Gusdo Kingdom."
We took a brief recess, and after the maids were called to serve tea and we had caught our breath, he spoke again.
"Well, normally, this is a top-secret matter that I would never speak of, but for you, Yuki-dono, I do not mind. In fact, I would rather you hear it."
And so, the Eupia Emperor began to explain the history behind the invasion of the Gusdo Kingdom.
"The reason we attacked the Gusdo Kingdom was simply because it was one of our hostile nations. You might think there is no reason to go out of one's way to conquer such a small country, but for Zurabul, it was necessary. Do you know how long it has been since our founding?"
"Yes, to some extent."
"I see. Then you know. This land is currently split in two: the New Emperor faction, which supports me, and those who serve the old Emperor. In other words, we have enemies everywhere. While we now hold half this continent, at the start, we were merely one of many small nations. Naturally, we were prone to being stabbed in the back."
"So, you destroyed the Gusdo Kingdom to remove the threat of being attacked from the rear?"
"Indeed."
The Eupia Emperor answered Yuki’s question clearly. There was not a shred of hesitation or regret in his voice. He wore the expression of a man who truly believes in the path he has chosen.
...I have been full of hesitation myself. Though, Yuki has helped me find my footing. But never mind me; this is about the Eupia Emperor.
"However, I believe there was no need to trample upon the innocent citizens, was there?"
"Ho. Does Yuki-dono possess a way to perfectly distinguish friend from foe? Can you discern, one by one, which of ten thousand people will not betray you?"
"That is impossible. After all, a change of heart is inherent to humanity. Especially if their country has been destroyed..."
"Exactly. Their homes are burned, their loved ones killed, and they harbor resentment. Then, fueled by that resentment, they kill. Our nation cannot afford to harbor such dangers within."
It is a sound argument. One cannot afford to keep such unstable elements within the country. Yuki dislikes such troublesome matters, so he has kept his nation minimal, gathering those who were originally outcasts and possessed no patriotism for their motherlands. Naturally, he does not start wars himself, as that would invite unnecessary hatred. I would certainly stop Yuki if he were to attempt such a reckless move.
Well, it is not as if Yuki is incapable of such hate control. However, this Eupia Emperor had to do what he did to protect his own convictions and his own life.
"Of course, we issued a warning to the Gusdo Kingdom beforehand. And to Aurelia Port as well. We told them: surrender and be spared, or resist and be struck down."
As the Eupia Emperor said this, his adjutant produced a document. I see. They had followed the proper procedures. Well, a nation could not grow large without doing so. Who would follow a country that only knows how to kill?
"This is the surrender recommendation document we issued. If you ask me to prove that we truly sent this to Gusdo, I have no way to do so. The Gusdo Kingdom is already our territory, after all."
Hmph, even if he were suspected of having prepared it after the fact, he has no way to deny it. Still, there was no need to be so honest. Should I call him simple-minded, or does he simply not think he could deceive Yuki with something like this?
Now, how will Yuki judge this? Well, the answer is already clear.
"Please rest assured. I have confirmed the internal state of the Zurabul Great Empire to some extent on my way to this Imperial Capital. The public order is maintained such that neither bandits nor monsters appear on the roads, and the towns were brimming with vitality. I judge that this surrender recommendation was indeed issued."
Yuki, as expected, does not doubt that. Seraria, standing beside him, nods quietly as well; it seems their opinions are in agreement.