第９５９堀：女大皇望と皇帝 (Part2)
"To say 'nothing' would be an exaggeration. There were many things that made me realize the high level of Weed's technology, but it seems they are concealing anything related to military matters."
"Naturally. Even I, if I possessed a tool that could easily scout enemies in the dark and pinpoint their vital spots, would never show it to anyone. I would hide it thoroughly. If they were fools, they would boast about it, which would be a blessing, but..."
Military affairs are a nation’s greatest secret. It is impossible for them to be disclosed so easily. Though, one often hears rumors of the existence of formidable units. A soldier with a well-known name is enough to break the enemy's morale.
"I intend to continue searching for such tools in the future."
"Indeed. I leave it to you. Uncover even a fraction of Weed's hidden power. And by all means, bring Weed and Sea-Cypho into our fold as complete allies. If that happens, even in the worst-case scenario, Weed, as a friendly nation, would surely lend us their aid."
"Yes. I would hate to even consider such a worst-case scenario, but making an enemy of Weed and Sea-Cypho would be the height of folly. Having them as allies would be incredibly reassuring."
As His Majesty says, if we can secure Weed and Sea-Cypho as allies, we can rest easy even in the worst of times. Or rather, I believe that if we manage to bring them in as full allies, we would effectively be incapable of losing from that point on. But since it is still uncertain, I cannot speak of it carelessly.
"And, to confirm, the one currently governing Aurelia Port—was it Curse? What is your assessment of him?"
"Regarding Curse-dono, I would say he is governing Aurelia Port with remarkable efficiency. Well, it has only been a few weeks and the focus is primarily on reconstruction, so I cannot yet judge his aptitude for standard governance."
"You should know that handling things calmly without any glaring mistakes during a crisis is a rare talent. Anyone can manage governance during peacetime. What matters is the response during an emergency. It seems Weed possesses more than enough of such personnel."
"Yes, it appears so. The only problem Weed faces, it seems, is that transport takes time."
"...In other words, one can assume that the current situation is merely a shortage of manpower, and that it simply takes time to send personnel over?"
"Yes. If they only had standard ships, it would have taken a considerable amount of time, but that 'carrier' of theirs could bring five thousand people at once if they pushed it."
"F-five thousand!? Just how large is that ship!"
"It is so massive that words cannot describe it."
"Good grief, this is truly no joke."
"Yes. It is no laughing matter. That is why I intend to respond with all my might moving forward. As I mentioned earlier, I humbly ask for your continued support with the supplies."
"Leave that to me."
Having finished the conversation, I happened to glance at the candle and noticed it had melted significantly.
"My apologies. It seems I have been reporting for quite some time."
"It matters not. Aurelia Port is the top priority. That is precisely why you, Show, must get some sleep immediately. If you are groggy, we cannot make progress."
"Understood."
With that, the contact via the wireless device was cut.
"...Perhaps, no, surely, Yuki-sama is in contact with his home country in this very manner."
And thus, the necessary supplies and personnel are sent at the fastest possible speed. If only this wireless device could be used by our military—no, by the Zurable Empire—our nation could advance much further.
"However, would they export such a precious tool?"
I stare at the wireless device in my hand and ask myself. If it were me, I would never do such a thing. It is the same opinion His Majesty expressed earlier. This is not something that should be easily handed over to other nations.
"...Yuki-sama did say he would talk to the Queen about it."
In other words, if I can persuade that Queen, there is a high probability they will export it. I only wish I had the opportunity to speak with her directly... Besides, I feel I made good headway during our conversation today. Yuki-sama maintained a poker face, but the women accompanying him reacted quite strongly to my words about how this would shorten the war and reduce the suffering of the people.
If I can find a chance to break through from that angle... No, am I being too hasty? Perhaps I should first deepen my friendship with Aslin-dono and the others, who have become friends with His Majesty?
"Ah, this won't do. I must sleep."
For now, I will sleep and then respond flexibly to the situation as it unfolds tomorrow. Being bound to a single method is dangerous. I had anticipated this, but it is full of unexpected developments, and I still cannot grasp the full picture.
Such was the content of our discussion. Even so, it is truly impressive how they continue to take measures calmly despite the unknowns. How will Show go about conquering Weed from here on? And will the mysteries of Weed finally be unraveled?