第９７４堀：願いと祈りの受け渡し (Part1)
### Chapter 974: The Exchange of Wishes and Prayers
**Side: Eupia**
"My, my. Weed’s original goal was merely the reconstruction of Aurelia Port, yet you’ve been plagued by one trouble after another, haven't you?"
As I said this, Yuki-dono offered a wry smile...
"Well, I knew we were stepping into a conflict zone from the start, so I was prepared for it."
The fact that he could reply so nonchalantly proved just how many life-or-death situations he had navigated and how much experience he had accumulated.
Looking at their ships, the aircraft carrier owned by Weed was unimaginably massive and constructed of iron. Even if attacked by the Hein fleet, it would likely shrug it off, but that is only one factor. In battle, victory can slip through one's fingers due to the smallest of mistakes. They were outnumbered and had limited options. To be able to trust in oneself and one's allies under such circumstances is a feat difficult for those who have not truly experienced the crucible of war.
Furthermore, he didn't even show a hint of complaint toward me—the ruler of the Zurable Great Empire, whose existence had inadvertently caused these troubles. This, too, spoke volumes of Yuki-dono’s depth of experience.
"So, did you come all this way specifically to deliver supplies?"
"Yes. It is, after all, our first commemorative trade. And I have 'that' item with me as well."
By "that item," he meant the Magic Gear, which was the main topic of our discussion. However...
"You were surprisingly quick to provide it. I recall you saying earlier that it had quite a complicated background."
"Well, we have our own circumstances as well. That said, I haven't handed it over just yet. I have one small request, and I would like you to accompany me for it."
"Hmm. I suppose it wouldn't be that simple, would it?"
Expecting something as valuable and critical as Magic Gear to be provided cheaply and in bulk was far too optimistic. I knew there had to be some sort of trade-off somewhere. So, the demand had come at this very moment.
"Indeed. They say there is nothing more expensive than something free, so it is better for me to make my requirements clear from the start, isn't it?"
"Hmm, indeed. We haven't been able to provide you with any proper support thus far, after all."
As Yuki-dono pointed out, although we had formed an alliance, the provision of support supplies to Aurelia Port—which Weed now held—had not progressed sufficiently. Furthermore, when the Hein fleet approached Aurelia Port, our military only had a small detachment led by Show. I could hardly puff out my chest and claim we had done our part. Show, who was on the ground, had been eager to help with the peace and reconstruction of Aurelia Port, but since that hadn't gone well, he must have felt quite ashamed. In the first place, I never expected the Hein faction to move like that.
"So, let me ask you directly. What do you desire, Yuki-dono?"
"Let's see. First, the acceptance of Princess Palfil and the others from the former Gusdo Kingdom."
"That is hardly a demand. We just signed a contract stating that in exchange for accepting the Princess and her people, we would receive ten Magic Gears free of charge."
Yes, Yuki-dono had asked for the acceptance of the refugees from the former Gusdo Kingdom led by Princess Palfil in exchange for ten Magic Gears. He had even prepared a contract for it.
"Haha, I just thought it best to be thorough."
"You are a man of integrity. Very well, I understand your feelings, Yuki-dono. I swear that Princess Palfil and the people of the former Gusdo Kingdom will not be treated poorly, and depending on their contributions, I will even consider the restoration of the Gusdo royal family. Does that suffice?"
"Yes. And secondly, if you could ensure the support supplies arrive without delay, the reconstruction will be much easier."
"I promise that will proceed without delay."
To delay the reconstruction support for Aurelia Port would be to break my promise to Weed. I could never do such a thing.
"Oh, and one more thing. The Hein Empire has withdrawn for now, but I would like you to set up a conference regarding that matter."
"That is our top priority as well. I have already ordered Show to notify the ministers and experts in the Imperial Capital. I have told them the conference will be three days from now, after the handover of supplies and such is complete."
This, too, was a matter of course. I had received reports from Show that the Hein fleet and Weed’s aircraft carrier had made contact. I needed to hear the details of what was discussed there. However, one thing was already clear: the fact that Weed had officially become neutral. It would be foolish not to take advantage of this.
If this were merely a ceasefire negotiation or treaty between us and Hein, I doubt we could have even arranged such a meeting, and even if we had, it would likely be broken and attacked at any moment. The significance of having Weed in the middle is immense. For us in Zurable, it means we don't have to station a defense force at Aurelia Port, and for the Hein Empire, it removes any reason to send a fleet to such a distant location. By placing a third party in between, we create a stable, neutral zone where the interests of Zurable and Hein align.
Just thinking about it for a moment reveals the magnitude of this. I must hear the full story and discuss the future development thoroughly. This is a matter that will greatly influence the future of our Zurable Great Empire. Anyone who ignores a request to participate in this conference will be dismissed immediately.
But that aside...
"I see. Then there is just one more thing I would like you to accompany me for."
"Hmm. The one you mentioned at the beginning. Is it possible to hear the details now?"
"Yes, that is no problem. To put it bluntly, before I hand over the Magic Gear, I want you to meet a certain person and hear their story."
"A certain person?"
"Yes. The person who suffered the most damage because of the Magic Gear."
...Ah, I see. I have heard of the manufacturing method for the Magic Gear. That it was created by cultists offering the blood of sacrifices to a jewel. And the ones who suffered the most from that were...
"The Haire Sect, was it? Is it someone from there?"
"That is correct. They were very hesitant about providing the Magic Gear, but they decided that if the crystallization of the many lives lost to tragedy could become a power to save the future and many people, then..."
"I will meet them. Right now."
I answered immediately and moved to stand up, but my aide interrupted me.
"Your Majesty. Isn't this a bit too hasty?"
"It is not hasty at all. You know how the Magic Gear was born. They are choosing to hand it over to us despite that. I must hear their thoughts, no matter what."
Yes, there are lines one must not cross as a human being. Even if I am called cold-hearted, even if I trample over enemy nations, I must not lose my heart. If I do not respond to such feelings, I will become something other than human.
"I will hear no more arguments. Now, Yuki-dono. Where is this person?"
"They are at the inn for now."
"Very well. Lead the way."
"Understood."
And so, I immediately headed to the inn where Yuki-dono and his party were staying...
"My apologies for the late greeting. I am Eupia, Emperor of the Zurable Great Empire."