第９５６堀：契約内容確認 (Part2)
"Basically, His Majesty has granted permission for Zurable to provide assistance and support for everything possible. However, I realize that is far too vague and difficult to grasp. Therefore, let us discuss specifics. First, personnel. Both Weed and Sea-Saifo are nations on the other side of the Great Mountain Range. Sending people from there would surely take a significant amount of time. We have preparations in place to compensate for that. Furthermore, since you are unfamiliar with the customs here, we can provide personnel who can assist with those matters as well."
This was the first point we had been briefed on.
The fact that we were severely lacking in manpower.
Well, in reality, sending people over would be easy enough, but as Show said, we are completely ignorant of the local customs. Having personnel who can assist with such nuances is certainly appreciated.
"That is most welcome. While there don't seem to be any major differences in customs compared to our own, I do feel there is a certain barrier, given that we are people who have come from across the sea. So, how many people are you planning to send?"
"We are prepared to accommodate your wishes regarding the numbers, but fundamentally, I believe it would be best to keep it to a minimum."
"And why is that?"
"If we from Zurable were to dispatch an excessive number of people to Aurelia, there is a possibility that the locals might not recognize you as the true rulers, but rather see us as such. That would mean His Majesty, who declared that the port of Aurelia would be ceded to you, has lied. That is something we wish to avoid, and it would also violate our agreement with Weed."
"I see."
As he said this, Curse glanced over at me.
Well, since the reasoning is sound, I gave a nod of agreement.
However, since I know through dungeon-based eavesdropping that Zurable itself is suffering from a lack of talent, I suspect their true motive is simply that they want to keep the numbers to a minimum.
The Emperor of Eupia had muttered that he would like to send a massive amount of personnel to establish effective control if possible.
...Well, that was likely just a convenient excuse to keep the ignorant factions in check.
They don't seem to think they could win in a head-on collision with us, after all.
"The second point is the supply of materials. I confirmed during our journey here that there are many places where houses were damaged by our invasion operations. We will take full responsibility for the supply of materials for repairs and renovations, the arrangement of personnel, and all associated costs."
"Oh? That is generous. Why go so far?"
"Well, I suppose it would be best to explain the reasoning behind that. The reason we are providing such extensive assistance and support is twofold: first, because you, Yuki-sama, kindly decided to supply the Magic Gear that we value so highly during our discussions; and second, because we must avoid a war with Weed at all costs. Those are the primary reasons. Because of this, it was decided that we should provide maximum support to Weed and Sea-Saifo. Does that satisfy your understanding?"
"I understand. My apologies for interrupting your explanation."
It was an incredibly generous offer, but reading between the lines, this was also a tactic to win over the residents of Aurelia Port.
They want to appeal to the people by showing that it is the Great Zurable Empire that is effectively providing the support.
I suspect the goal is to create an opportunity to peel the hearts of the people away from the old imperial faction.
We are, for the time being, on the side of the Great Zurable Empire, but we are ultimately visitors from afar, and who knows what might happen in the future—so they likely want to secure the hearts of the residents while they still can.
Following that explanation, they promised to support everything—food, money, and more—provided the requests weren't entirely unreasonable.
In return, they asked that we please look favorably upon them regarding trade goods.
"I look forward to working with you."
"Yes. Let us build a good relationship."
With those words, we exchanged a firm handshake, and the discussion regarding assistance and support concluded. However...
"Now that the scale of the assistance from Zurable is clear, may I explain what is lacking here at Aurelia Port?"
"Yes. That is why I came, so please, do not hold back."
Yes, this is where the real work begins.
Let us see the true ability—and the hidden agenda—of the Great Imperial Strategist, Show.
"Then, I will take you up on that offer. First, regarding the matters we wish to resolve with priority, please look at these documents."
With that, Curse began distributing the materials.
The documents were easy to read, clear, and laid out the priority issues perfectly.
...And they were even made on a computer.
Hmm. I couldn't help but think, as Seraria—who was staring at Curse with eyes as hungry as a predator eyeing its prey—stood beside me, that it would be a waste to leave someone like Curse idle.