第９５５堀：戻ってきた港 (Part1)
### Chapter 955: The Returned Port
**Side: Seraria**
"Taizo is going to Aurelia Port? That sounds fine to me."
I gave my approval without a second thought, signing the documents my husband handed me after only a cursory glance.
"Your Majesty. Even if you are granting permission, isn't this a bit too hasty?"
Quar, the Captain of the Royal Guard, voiced her disapproval at how easily I had authorized the request.
"It’s not like I’m being hasty for no reason. Taizo is the partner and advisor to the Sacred Maiden Hifie of the Hifie Sacred Kingdom, and he’s the uncle of Taiki, the renowned Hero King of the Ranks Kingdom, isn't he? You don't think I’d decide to let such a high-profile figure visit a place like that on a whim, do you?"
"No, but it certainly looked like you decided and signed it just now."
"It was already decided from the start. You understand that, don't you, Quar?"
That’s right. We had known all along that Taizo would eventually head to that region. Above all, he had rushed over to help us because we were deploying aircraft carriers and other aerial assets for the start of the war against the Zurable Great Empire. He was practically a strategic advisor to begin with.
"That may be true, but as your assistant and Captain of the Royal Guard, I am obligated to speak up."
Quar stated this with a slightly awkward expression. Well, I suppose that’s just the nature of her position. Under normal circumstances, taking a foreign dignitary to a place where the scent of war hangs in the air would be madness. We’d hesitate even to send our own officials.
"I understand. It must be tough having to say things just because of your position."
"Indeed. However, if Taizo-sama is heading there as well, does that mean the total annihilation of the enemy is guaranteed?"
"That would be the case, yes."
"I suppose so."
"Hey, now."
As Quar and I discussed it as if it were a foregone conclusion, my husband, who had been holding out the documents, couldn't help but interject.
"What is it, dear?"
"Don't tilt your head like you're confused. Why does Taizo-san joining the fray guarantee the enemy's total annihilation?"
"Oh? You don't think you’d let the enemy escape pointlessly, do you?"
"Exactly. It’s Yuki-sama who deals with adversaries thoroughly, after all."
When Quar and I said that, he made a face that clearly said he was troubled. He couldn't deny it, could he? We crush our enemies completely. However, he clearly saw that we were enjoying the exchange, and his expression quickly returned to his usual dignified look.
"You two are saying that knowing full well what you're doing... Anyway, you know we haven't encountered any such enemies yet. The first step is the governance of Aurelia Port and observing the surrounding situation. I’ll be surveying the area with Zargis. This time, I’m not going as a strategic advisor, but as a researcher. Oh, and apparently, the Grand Imperial Strategist Showu wants to get a look at me, too."
"Ah, I was truly surprised when I first heard that name."
"Yes. I never thought I’d hear the name of a legendary figure from another world—no, from Earth."
Both Quar and I have been studying by reading Earth's strategic texts and the like. Since that name—a figure who appears in almost every one of those books as a titan of history—suddenly popped up, I was genuinely chilled to the bone at the time.
"It’s hard to believe that in a world without levels or magic, where a single fatal wound is the end, that name has been passed down through the ages."
"Indeed. Still, the origin of the name is similar, so we should remain vigilant. I assume Taizo-sama feels the same?"
"That’s right. Taizo-san also wants to meet him in person."
"I feel the same. So, that Grand Imperial Strategist arrives today, right?"
"Yeah, he’s scheduled to arrive today. It was amusing; even that great strategist was stunned when he first rode in a car."
"That’s only natural."
"Indeed."
Anyone would be surprised to learn of the existence of a car. Its transport capacity, its mobility, and the fact that it doesn't need to rest. It’s not just military personnel; government officials—no, even ordinary people—would feel its value and be astonished. If cars become widespread, the very foundations of the world will be overturned. Well, it requires specialized knowledge and maintenance to operate, but it’s far easier, cheaper, and higher-performing than horses. If someone can't grasp the brilliance of a car, they’re failing as a human being.
"Thanks to that, from the very next day, they’ve been hounding me to provide them with radios and cars at all costs."
"That’s also to be expected."
"Yes. Radios and cars. If they could get their hands on those two things, everything would change drastically."
As Quar says, it wouldn't just be war; everything would change. However, we cannot simply hand over the wisdom of our country—the wisdom of Earth—so easily.
"I’m sure you understand, dear, but while I agreed to provide Magic Gear because we can't have the Zurable Great Empire losing, there is absolutely no way we are exporting radios and cars, right?"
"I know. I’ve limited the export of cars to only a very small number of nations within the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance."
That’s right. As my husband said, we are exporting cars, but only to the major powers within the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance. We’ve also kept the number and usage of radios strictly limited. We can't just hand them over to the Zurable Great Empire, which isn't even a member of the alliance, let alone a newcomer. If we did that, we’d face a massive outcry from every other nation.
"Well, I’m currently weighing how much technology and information the Zurable Great Empire is willing to offer in exchange. I’m looking forward to seeing how that Grand Imperial Strategist tries to talk us into it."
My husband wore a very amused smile. ...That’s the face of a man who has no intention of granting the other party's demands. He’s looking forward to seeing what kind of conditions they’ll propose just for the sake of it. He’s so mean-spirited. Well, it’s only natural, I suppose.
"But, that Grand Imperial Strategist Showu is the one doing the negotiating, isn't he... Quar, change of plans. We’re heading to Aurelia Port, too."
"Is there a valid reason for us to go as well?"
"For one thing, we were at the Imperial Capital of the Zurable Great Empire as Yuki’s aides. It would be problematic if we weren't present in Aurelia, wouldn't it? Besides, I want to judge this Grand Imperial Strategist Showu for myself. Up until now, everything has been at our pace, but that man is someone who will eventually settle down."
"I see. You wish to see with your own eyes just how capable this person is."
"Yes. Recently, everyone has been working hard on Weed’s affairs, so there’s nothing so urgent that I can't leave. Or rather, I’ve decided to go along so that I don't leave my husband to handle that region all by himself. So, is that alright with you, dear?"
I checked with my husband to get his approval.
"Sigh. It’s fine if you come, but how long are you going to keep pretending to be my assistant? You had a chance to speak directly with Emperor Eupia in the capital, didn't you?"
"That’s still too early. The time for me to meet Emperor Eupia of the Zurable Great Empire as the Queen of Weed is still far off. Well, I’m very much looking forward to the look of surprise on Eupia and Showu’s faces when that day comes."
"...In the end, Your Majesty, you haven't changed at all. Regardless, I shall accompany you as your guard."
Quar is in high spirits this time since she isn't being left behind in Weed. Or rather, because she caused such a stir in the Zurable Great Empire, she’s earned a level of respect that makes her presence meaningful.
"Now, since that’s settled, let’s head to Aurelia Port."