第９５８堀：戦う理由と交渉という戦い (Part2)
"Yes. Our analysis leads us to the same conclusion. The remnants of the Imperial faction don't believe they have lost half their territory; rather, they believe they still possess the other half. That is precisely why they refuse reconciliation and insist on crushing us instead."
Well, it’s still a fifty-fifty split. Since the outcome hasn't been set in stone, it’s only natural they wouldn't give up yet.
"So, will this war drag on much longer?"
"We have already been fighting for over a decade. Thanks to the Magic Gear, our results in the last few years have been remarkable. Based on that, we expect to wipe out the Imperial faction in about five more years."
I see. For Shou, or rather, for the Zurabul Great Empire, the path to victory is already in sight. However, that path absolutely requires the out-of-place artifacts known as Magic Gear, which is why they raided the port of Aurelia. It is a necessary sacrifice.
"I understand that the people of Weed and Seasifo dislike trampling upon those who lack the power to fight back. But to govern a nation, the flames of hatred must be extinguished entirely. Otherwise, they will only become the seeds of future calamity."
"..."
No one could say a word to Shou’s statement. It wasn't as if Weed or Seasifo had fought their own wars with clean hands, either. If you try to protect something, there will always be things you cannot save. There will always be those who suffer. Even I make sure to eliminate anyone who might become an obstacle in the future.
As I pondered this, Shou continued.
"However, with the cooperation of Weed and Seasifo, those sacrifices can surely be reduced. No, they *will* be reduced. The wireless radios and vehicles your nation has shown us—even just those would suffice. Please, I beg you, lend them to us so we may save as many innocent lives as possible."
Oh, he’s good. So, he wants our help to minimize casualties. My wives—and I, to an extent—have a strong desire to do something when we see ordinary people suffering. Many of them were former slaves, and the war was often the root cause of their plight.
I looked toward Seraria to see how she wanted to respond, but she gave a slight shake of her head. Well, now isn't the time to give a definitive answer. Responding too easily here would just be playing into the hands of the Zurabul Emperor.
"I understand your request, Shou-dono. I will contact the home country of Weed."
"Yes. Thank you very much."
"However, while I understand you seek our cooperation for an early resolution to the war, I must be clear: even if permission is granted, we do not lend out wireless radios or vehicles for free. What kind of compensation are you prepared to offer?"
I had to ask this. In exchange for such high-value aid, what exactly is the Zurabul Great Empire prepared to provide?
"Let us see. His Majesty has given me permission to offer whatever you desire, provided it is not something truly impossible. Is there anything you want or need?"
As expected, he turned the question back on me. It’s only natural to think that by letting us state our demands, they’ll have an easier time securing the supplies they want. I know we already have an agreement that they would share information with us—should I press for that, or make a new demand?
No, I shouldn't make a hasty decision on my own here either.
"I cannot decide this alone. I must consult with my home country."
"That is certainly true. I have compiled a list of the rewards we are prepared to offer; please send this to your home country. If there is something else you require that is not on this list, please let us know."
"Understood. However, to convey the current situation more accurately, could you provide us with everything the Zurabul Great Empire knows about the state of this continent?"
My wives aren't soft enough to grant permission just because I was asked to help with a war and requested supplies. They won't be convinced unless I can clearly explain which front is the most critical and exactly how much support is needed.
Shou is trying to leverage information to get the conditions he wants. To improve our standing, I might as well make him answer thoroughly.
The rise of Zurabul might be similar to the Yellow Turban Rebellion in the *Romance of the Three Kingdoms*. Though, considering how they gather talent and the rate of their territorial expansion, one might compare them to Cao Cao’s Wei—but then again, Cao Cao was originally a eunuch and a subject of the Han. Perhaps they are closer to Sun Quan’s Wu. Ah, Shu Han is probably the furthest comparison.
Regardless, Shou has begun a negotiation that tugs at the heartstrings. Now then, I wonder if my wives will be able to hold their ground.