第９６２堀：何言っているのか理解できません (Part2)
"……Are they idiots, the envoys from Hein?"
To think they couldn't even gauge the national power of the other side, even after seeing a ship as massive as the one that surprised Schans. Or rather, to treat a person of such importance as Yuki-dono—no, even if they didn't know who he was, what kind of response is that to a nation they haven't even heard of? If they keep acting like that, they'll end up surrounded by enemies.
Well, that is precisely why we are currently at war with them.
『No, really, they’re just idiots. When Princess Parfil refused their demands, they tried to seize us. Physically.』
"They are fools."
『They certainly are.』
Yuki-dono’s subordinates, starting with that Quar, are all fierce warriors. There is no way they could have been restrained.
『So, it turned into a skirmish. We sent two of their ships to the bottom of the sea, issued a demand for surrender, had it accepted, and are currently holding the prisoners.』
"I see. If I hadn't been given the context earlier, this would have been truly incomprehensible. Thanks to you, I understand the sequence of events. You’ve been a great help, Yuki-dono."
『Not at all. It was so absurd that even we were quite confused. Moving to this seat and talking with Schans-dono while we were at it helped me think clearly.』
"I see. If Schans was of any use, then I am glad."
Now, the rest depends on how much information we can extract from those prisoners. I suppose I will have to wait for the follow-up report. Just as I was thinking that, Schans continued.
『No, Your Majesty. That is not all. As I mentioned earlier, Princess Parfil and the former retainers of the old Gusdo Kingdom were enraged by the Hein Empire’s demands, which went beyond unreasonable.』
"Mm. I heard as much."
I replied, letting out a sigh of relief and taking a sip of tea. Ah, I was so flustered that I hadn't realized how thirsty I was. It’s refreshing.
『As a result, Princess Parfil has offered to join under the umbrella of the Zuraburu Great Empire.』
"Pfft—!! *Cough!* *Hack!*"
Oh, this is bad. My guard was down, and the news was such a surprise attack that I choked.
『Y-Your Majesty! What happened!?』
"Don't worry, *cough*, about it. I just, *gack*, missed a sip of tea."
Ah, that was rough. Is this the punishment for laughing at Schans? No, that can't be it. Is it that the Hein people have laid a clever trap?
『I see. It is enough to make one spit out their drink.』
"……*Cough*. Phew. I’m glad you understand. Or rather, the reaction of Princess Parfil and the Gusdo Kingdom’s retainers... well, I suppose that was to be expected."
『It is expected, yes, but we must wait a while and confirm their judgment. They seemed to be acting with their heads full of blood at the time.』
"That is true. As you say, Schans. Let them wait three days. If their feelings haven't changed by then, have them head to the Zuraburu Imperial Capital. We will hold a formal ceremony there and accept them."
『Understood. And there, we shall denounce the atrocities of the Hein Empire.』
"Indeed. I feel bad for Princess Parfil, but I will make use of her. If this can whittle down the forces of the old pro-Emperor faction, then so be it."
Hein has brought us good fortune, it seems.
"Hmph. Being arrogant about having the Emperor in their pocket has become their undoing."
『Yes. Thanks to this, we might not have to put much effort into governing the former Gusdo Kingdom territory.』
"Indeed. If Princess Parfil’s resolve doesn't waver, she will likely cooperate with the administration. There is no one better suited for the former Gusdo territory. Now, Yuki-dono, the plans have changed slightly, but is that alright? Were you not in the middle of talks with Princess Parfil?"
I had been proceeding with things on my own, but it just occurred to me that there might have been agreements already made between Princess Parfil and Weed.
『No. We had just given them some time to think. In that sense, finding a reason to live is a good thing. Besides, I’m glad it could be resolved. I’ll leave the babysitting to you.』
"Mm. Leave it to me. I wouldn't want them charging in blindly out of rage."
Otherwise, people might say that Zuraburu is a beastly nation that destroys kingdoms and then forces the captured princess to the front lines to be used as cannon fodder.
『I’ll leave that to you. But for now, the priority is the information on Hein. I’m looking forward to hearing what we can get out of those prisoners.』
"Indeed. I leave that to you as well. If anything happens, I will provide support immediately."
『Yes, please do. It seems they don't get along with the old pro-Emperor faction.』
Hearing those words, I understood. Why Schans had Yuki-dono present for this conversation. The greatest stroke of luck and the most important piece of information this time was not that the old Gusdo Kingdom led by Princess Parfil might become our allies.
It was the fact that Weed had decided to side with Zuraburu.
I really might have to send a thank-you note to Hein.
The report from Eupia via the radio was also incomprehensible. What exactly is the meaning behind the Hein Empire’s foolishness?