第９５４堀：只今相談中 (Part2)
"However, there was no sign of them within the search radius all the way to the Imperial Capital, was there?"
"I see. So, Yuki, you don't intend to take any proactive measures regarding the Yopia Emperor, who is likely connected to that god?"
"Not at all. As I said before, I’m basically keeping my hands off. Weed can’t move its military forces into that territory, after all. Besides, whenever gods get involved, it’s always nothing but trouble. I’ve finally learned my lesson: it’s best not to get involved."
A clear-cut answer.
Having been dragged through so much trouble by those who call themselves gods—including my own Hifi—I suppose he’s developed a reflexive rejection of them. Still...
"I understand that sentiment, but there are times when you simply cannot afford to ignore things, aren't there?"
"When that happens, I’ll do what I always do: if they’re in my way, I’ll crush them. For now, since the ones who messed with the Yopia Emperor have conveniently vanished, I’m not going to go out of my way to hunt them down."
That, too, seems to be his standard stance. Well, he’s been through enough hell that he’s not about to go poking a hornet’s nest.
"More than that, I have the task of governing Aurelia Port to deal with for the time being. Let’s see what the Great Emperor-Hope, Sho, is actually capable of first. And I’ll gather some intelligence while I’m at it."
"Hmm. So that Great Emperor-Hope will lend a hand in governing Aurelia Port... Would you mind if I tagged along?"
I’m curious. That is my honest feeling. Well, perhaps 70% interest in the new land and 30% in the Great Emperor-Hope.
"If you’re willing to come, Taizo, we’d certainly appreciate it... but are you sure? Aren't you busy with the intercontinental trade exchanges right now?"
"Nonsense. The Hifi Holy Kingdom isn't a massive superpower, after all. We stand as a small allied nation under August, and the meetings and consultations regarding exports are already concluded. I wouldn't say I'm 'free,' but things have settled down. I’m not the one physically transporting the supplies, anyway."
Since intercontinental trade began and the use of Gates for logistics started, every nation has been swamped with the transport of goods. Being able to move food without it spoiling is a blessing, but it requires personnel, and coordinating the budgets and schedules for that transport is a massive undertaking. However, those are not tasks for people in our positions, so it doesn't eat into our time.
"Well, I suppose that's true. It’s not like we can personally drive the trucks ourselves. I’m here because it’s more diplomatically significant for me to assist Weed."
And as Taiki said, cooperating with Yuki and the others in Weed leads to the stability of the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance. Hifi wouldn't object to that, either.
"If that’s the case, it’s a big help to us. But please, make sure you explain this properly to Hifi, alright? She gets a very intense look in her eyes whenever your name comes up, Taizo."
"Haha! That is a man’s greatest honor. Though, Yuki, your situation is even more impressive."
"I hear you. Yuki’s wives get that same intense look whenever anything concerns him."
Indeed. As Taiki noted, Yuki’s wives pay meticulous attention to his safety. Yuki, fully aware of this, just gives a wry smile.
"In my case, my wives are always by my side. Please, Taizo, try to show some restraint."
"I understand. I’m only going to observe Aurelia Port and the Great Emperor-Hope. Of course, if it turns into a war, I will lend my full strength. If Weed were to fall now, the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance wouldn't stay silent."
After all, trade using the Gates could come to a grinding halt.
"I’d like to avoid that. Adjusting things on this end is hard enough as it is. Plus, if it gets out that we were chasing after Magic Gear, there’s no telling how the nations of the New Continent would be treated..."
The trouble itself was brought by Seisipho, but if it turns out Magic Gear is behind it, the entire New Continent could be held responsible.
"But since the Zuraburu Great Empire is already using Magic Gear on its own, wouldn't it be better to just be honest and gain the understanding of those around you? You were lucky enough to acquire Aurelia Port, too. If you hold that, I don't think the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance would have any complaints."
"..." "Hmm."
Taiki’s sharp insight leaves both Yuki and me groaning in thought.
"...Certainly, that is something worth considering. Well, that’s a conversation for after Aurelia Port has stabilized."
"For now, we don't know how things will play out. Regardless, let’s see what the Zuraburu Great Empire is made of."
Eventually, we will have to discuss the Zuraburu Great Empire and the remnants of the old imperial faction, but it is certainly not the time for that now.
Now then, what kind of place is this new land?
My, oh my, being with Yuki is never dull.
And so, I let my thoughts drift toward the uncharted foreign land.
Taizo, intrigued by the Great Emperor-Hope—who shares a moniker with a legendary figure—decides to join the venture to Aurelia Port. After all, if someone claims to hold the name of a legendary strategist, you’d want to see them for yourself, wouldn't you? It’s just like the name "Komei."
And then, there is the shadow of the god that Taizo fears.
Yuki wants to remain uninvolved, but one has to wonder how that will turn out.
What will the meeting between the Great Emperor-Hope and Taizo bring?