第９７９堀：対策会議開始 (Part1)
**Chapter 979: The Strategy Meeting Begins**
**Side: Yuki**
"Do you all understand? Handle the Magic Gear with the utmost care. And show it more respect than ever before. It is the crystallization of the souls of the Haire Church’s followers. Never treat those sentiments with neglect, nor let them go to waste. That is all. If anyone defies my orders, I shall strike them down myself. Keep that firmly in mind."
" " "Yes, Your Majesty!" " "
What a scene.
A group of grown adults standing at attention and saluting a little girl who is acting every bit the imperious ruler.
Ah, wait. …Is Popuri much different?
But then again, those she commands are primarily students.
It doesn't feel quite as surreal as this.
Regardless, we have just finished the handover and explanation of the Magic Gear at the Zurable Imperial Palace’s conference hall.
Empress Eupia stepping forward to deliver that final, stern warning was the finishing touch.
"Yes, yes. I don't think we need to worry now."
"Yes. I agree."
Seeing this, the Goddess of the Haire Church herself and the High Archbishop, who had permitted the provision of the Magic Gear, both looked genuinely delighted.
Well, with the Empress herself making such a declaration, it’s unlikely anyone will try to pull anything foolish in public.
After all, no one would dare risk openly displeasing the Empress.
As I was thinking this, the ceremony for the Magic Gear handover concluded. Most of the people gathered in the grand conference room departed, leaving only about ten people from the Zurable Empire behind.
And then…
"Now, we shall proceed with the strategy meeting regarding the Hain Empire."
With Empress Eupia’s declaration, the main meeting of the day began.
Presumably, those remaining here are the absolute heavyweights of the Zurable Empire.
Among them, of course, are Show and General Vol of the Second Front Army.
If one were to wipe out this group, the Zurable Empire’s functions would likely be completely paralyzed…
Well, I can’t see any reason to do such a thing.
Looking at it this way, it’s clear that strategic bombing targeting a capital city is quite effective in Earth’s wars as well.
That’s why we’ve spent so much time attacking the leaders in the capitals of places like Dekira’s Demon Lord, the Ritea Holy Kingdom, and the Zilba Empire.
Oops, never mind that. The focus now is the Hain Empire.
I turned my attention back to the meeting just as Show was finishing a meticulous explanation of the Hain fleet’s advance guard—a group of converted merchant ships—appearing near Aurelia Port and our subsequent encounter with their envoy…
"…And that concludes the account of our first encounter."
"The Hain Empire must be idiots."
General Vol’s blunt remark, born of sheer disbelief, was met with nods of agreement from those around him.
Well, they did show up and immediately demand the cession of territory and the hand of a princess in marriage.
"Indeed. I agree with Vol’s assessment. Though, I am actually surprised that Weed managed to show such patience."
"Well, we did sink two of their ships, though."
"Under normal circumstances, that would mean total annihilation, Yuki-dono. You drew your blade against a royal consort. That is effectively a declaration of war."
That is true.
I had a hard time convincing my wives at the time, too.
Still, our goal isn't to acquire territory.
What we want is not the escalation of war, but to find a solution to the magic depletion phenomenon.
However, now is not the time to reveal that true objective.
"We should avoid pointless warfare. If war can be averted by me and my subordinates simply swallowing our pride, then that is what we should do."
"Indeed. There is merit to what you say, Yuki-dono. Thanks to that, you were able to maintain a position of neutrality during the subsequent talks with the Hain fleet."
"What! Is that true?"
The conference room erupted in a buzz at Empress Eupia’s words.
It shows just how much the Hain Empire has avoided holding any form of dialogue with the Zurable Empire until now.
I knew Show’s report wasn't a lie or a joke, but seeing the Zurable heavyweights so surprised confirmed once again that the Hain Empire’s movements are completely inscrutable.
"That said, I have one piece of advice as your ally. Tolerance is a virtue, but it also sows the seeds of contempt in your opponent. Keep in mind that this can eventually turn into contempt for the nation itself, potentially leading to further problems. It concerns our own face as well, you see."
"Yes. I appreciate your counsel."
"Indeed. Well, I suppose this is old news to you, Yuki-dono. But many of my subjects worry if I don't say it aloud. Now, let us move on to the Hain fleet that appeared afterward. According to Show’s report, you and the others from Weed held talks with Princess Palfil, who is currently in the guest quarters. Is that correct?"
"Yes, that is correct. I would like to use visual aids to explain the details, if that is acceptable?"
For things like this, showing a recording along with the data is faster and easier to visualize than trying to explain it with words alone.
"Visual aids? Ah, you mean that device that can record images! You are most welcome to! Everyone, you should enjoy this! Oh, wait—this involves political judgment, so all of you must watch it carefully."
Having received Empress Eupia’s consent, I tasked Aslin and the others with setting up the equipment, partly to let them show off their capabilities.
They effortlessly carried in an 85-inch large organic EL television—something even an adult would struggle to move—and set up a computer that looked incomprehensibly complex to the people of Zurable.
They even lifted the large table where the TV was to be placed with ease.
The Zurable officials watched on in astonishment.
I imagine they were thinking about how much strength these girls possess, and seeing them operate the complex machinery so quickly likely convinced them that these children are no ordinary people.
"…Tell me, Yuki-dono. Aslin and the others are operating that thing, but is it really working properly?"
"Yes. They are quite used to handling tools of that nature."
In Weed, we use them as a matter of course every day.
Whether it’s setting up furniture or appliances in their own rooms, they do it all themselves, so there’s no chance of them making a mistake now.
They can handle the computer to a certain extent as well; if anything, they might have more knowledge than people of their age on Earth.
"Hmm. Not only are they skilled at controlling monsters, but their technical prowess is also top-tier…"
Empress Eupia fell into deep thought at my reply.
I suppose it’s only natural for a ruler to have various thoughts upon seeing that Aslin and the others, whom they had dismissed as mere children, are capable of so much.
As I was thinking this, the preparations seemed to be finished, and Aslin and the others came over to us.
"Big Brother, we're ready."
"Preparation complete."
"We're good to go."
"Right. Thank you. Empress Eupia, everyone, could I ask you to direct your attention to the black board over there?"
"Very well. Everyone, it seems the preparations are complete. Focus your attention on that black board. I leave the rest to you, Yuki-dono."
"Yes."