第９５３堀：本当の狙い (Part2)
"Indeed. The rumors circulating outside are particularly vicious. The remnants of the old imperial faction are exploiting that to conduct large-scale subversion. There is nothing better than this to repel them. With that in mind, I would like to request a mass loan of wireless communication devices. What do you think?"
"I don't mind. As long as it doesn't sour our relationship with Weed."
That is the crux of the problem.
Nothing would be more troublesome than having Weed turn into an enemy.
Considering that, we have no choice but to iron out the details gradually.
If we were to make a mistake and let that technology fall into the hands of our enemies, it would be the end of us.
"I have an idea regarding that. Or rather, there is a point I have noticed."
"Ah, that was the premise of this discussion from the start. Is there some commodity that matches Weed's technological prowess? If that technology can be obtained with gold coins, I am willing to be flexible to a certain extent. I can even authorize an amount on the scale of a military budget."
If it can be bought with money, it is honestly a bargain.
However, even the coffers of our Zurable Great Empire have their limits.
"No, that country likely has little interest in money. With such advanced technology, they must have many trading partners other than our nation."
"That is only natural. Then, if not money, what is it that you have realized they want?"
"It is simple. That country is seeking information about this land. I believe that if we offer that as compensation, they will respond favorably."
"Information about this land? I cannot divulge anything related to military matters, naturally."
"That is not what I mean, Your Majesty. Think carefully once more. Why did Weed enter into negotiations with the Zurable Great Empire in the first place?"
"Hmm? That would be to avoid a war with our country, wouldn't it? They came to assist Sea-Cypho, who were troubled by the foolish seizure of their ship by the Gusdo Kingdom."
Yes, the whole thing started because the Gusdo Kingdom acted like fools.
To seize an envoy's ship, of all things. What kind of idiots drag Weed and Sea-Cypho into a war with our country when they had nothing to do with it?
Though, the fact that we had cornered them was also one of the causes.
"Exactly. If they had simply ensured the safety of the envoy and the ship, they would have had no reason to occupy Aurelia Port or visit our country. Am I wrong?"
"Hm. Now that you mention it, that is true. It seems the reality is that they fought not to help the Gusdo Kingdom, but to protect the people living in Aurelia Port."
"That goes without saying. For a ruler who seeks to govern with virtue, it is impossible to stand by while people are being plundered before their eyes; it is only natural they would be driven by righteous indignation. Moreover, it was clear that if they did nothing, they themselves would eventually become victims."
That is correct.
This time, our Zurable and Weed merely engaged in an unintended battle due to those circumstances.
"Then why did Weed desire Aurelia Port? Holding such difficult-to-maintain land should be a burden for a nation. If they only wanted to save lives, they could have simply returned with Princess Palfil."
Only now was I able to harbor doubts about the actions and true objectives of Weed and Sea-Cypho.
"Indeed. Normally, a simple promise of future trade would have sufficed. Under normal circumstances, there is no reason to go out of one's way to acquire such difficult-to-maintain land in a remote region. In other words..."
"I see. You mean they came seeking something we are unaware of. Well, there is the fact that Magic Gear is being used here, but..."
There must be some other objective, which is why they took Aurelia Port as their base of operations.
"I cannot imagine they would go to the trouble of securing an exclave just for that. We are the ones who imported the Magic Gear and are using it on our own. And do you think they could easily recover it?"
"Hmm. Indeed, that is highly likely to end in futility. Well, thinking about it normally, it is unrealistic. That means there must be some other aim."
However, I have no idea what that might be.
"Considering all that, it means Weed and Sea-Cypho have found something they desire in this land."
"I see. That is why Yuki-dono and his people want information first, then."
"Precisely. Whatever one intends to do, information comes first. It is the foundation of everything."
"Very well. I understand. You are free to disclose information from the Royal Forbidden Archives, excluding military data. You may even reveal the locations of all towns and villages."
"Understood."
Now then, what exactly are Weed and Sea-Cypho aiming for by coming to this land?
If it is the Great Imperial Advisor Show, he will surely be able to extract that information.
Holding that conviction, I resumed the paperwork that had been piling up.
"Ah, Show. The cost for the land leveling you requested from Yuki-dono will be deducted from your salary."
"What!? Ugh... I suppose I have no choice, given the circumstances..."
Paying the appropriate fees is the correct way for a nation to act.
And punishing a subordinate who makes a mistake is only natural.
This was not just to mock him, but a way to balance out his failure.
And what will take place from here on is the negotiation to gather information on Weed and obtain their super-technology.
That is the kind of battle that will unfold in Aurelia Port.