第９７１堀：敵か味方か？ (Part2)
"Well, given the talent we have on our side, I suppose nothing is ever truly absolute."
"……Regarding the reinforcements from the Haine Empire for the Gusdo Kingdom..."
"That will not be necessary."
General Wave, looking pained, had confirmed the necessity of reinforcements with Princess Parfil, who was present at the meeting... but she had refused instantly. She certainly has a spirited personality. Or rather, it just goes to show how truly furious she is.
"The Gusdo Kingdom has already fallen. All that remains is Aurelia Port. Even so, I cannot trust the Haine Empire, which has declared its intent to seize even that last piece of land."
"……However, if things continue as they are, will you not be wiped out by the Zulable invasion? It would be a tragedy to lose your life over mere stubbornness."
"That, too, is no longer a concern. The invasion by the Zulable Great Empire has already been repelled. Thanks to the people of Weed and Seasifo."
"Impossible... You mean to say a battle has already taken place?"
"Yes. We had resigned ourselves to death. It was then that Yuki-sama and his people arrived and saved us. Thanks to them, the Zulable Great Empire has promised that as long as Weed remains, they will not invade again."
It seems Princess Parfil still retains her composure in matters like these. If she had blurted out that they had ceded territory to us, Weed, the Haine Empire would undoubtedly have had to lodge a protest. A local lord handing over land to a foreign power without the central government's knowledge is something a nation can never tolerate. I was worried she might say something like that in the heat of the moment, but she didn't. In other words, despite her anger, Princess Parfil is capable of thinking rationally.
"If you say 'as long as Weed remains,' does that mean Zulable clashed with Weed and was driven back?"
"Yes. The people of Weed and Seasifo saved us when we were on the verge of being trampled. And, out of consideration for their formidable strength and the fact that they are a foreign entity, Zulable agreed to withdraw, promising not to lay a hand on Aurelia Port henceforth."
What a clever way to phrase it. With that, Aurelia Port has effectively become neutral ground.
"Therefore, for the sake of the Gusdo people remaining in Aurelia Port, I cannot accept the Haine Empire's fleet. If I were to do so, the Zulable Great Empire's Second Front Army of 80,000 would surely descend upon us once more."
"80,000!?"
"Yes. Princess Parfil is correct. It appears the Zulable Great Empire mustered 80,000 soldiers to attack the Gusdo Kingdom."
"……I see. So, the matter was settled long before we even arrived."
"That is the case. Well, because of that, we have become unable to leave Aurelia Port. If we leave, Zulable will attack again. And even if we were to take the Haine forces as allies, I doubt your thirty ships would be enough to handle them, would they?"
"……Indeed. Thirty ships would be insufficient against such numbers from Zulable."
Yuki-san continued his explanation, just as planned, to establish the position of neutrality. This frames Weed not as having conquered Aurelia Port, but as existing there to protect it. We are unable to leave due to the request of the Gusdo Kingdom. And, by extension, that presence also serves to protect the Haine fleet.
It was a strategy to circumvent the initial concern that Haine would never accept the fact that Weed had seized Aurelia Port.
*'Being forced to choose between friend or foe is boring. Yeah, let's go with neutral.'*
That was the simple answer Yuki-san arrived at. Even amidst everyone being on edge due to that insufferable envoy, our husband remains a calm and wonderful man capable of reaching such a conclusion.
"For now, if the Haine fleet is willing to stand by, we will return your envoy and the three captured ships. What will you do? Or would you prefer to fight us?"
When Yuki-san said this, the Haine soldiers' gazes sharpened, but General Wave immediately raised a hand to restrain them.
"Stop. We cannot start a war with another nation on our own authority. Too many unforeseen events have occurred. To act on our own judgment could damage our national interest. Therefore, our fleet will recover the advance party, return home, and await further instructions. Is that acceptable?"
"Yes. That helps us greatly. If any negotiations are required in the future, please use this..."
Yuki-san smiled and handed over a radio.
Now, we have established a connection with Haine. I look forward to seeing what kind of information we can glean from them. The world isn't just about binary choices. Compromise is always an option.