第９８１堀：情報交換と今後の方針 (Part1)
**Chapter 981: Information Exchange and Future Policy**
**Side: Eupia Zurabl**
"The idea of them being the 'leader' is starting to sound suspicious."
The conference room fell silent at Yuki-dono’s unexpected remark. For a moment, I wondered what he was talking about, but I understood immediately.
"A leader in name only, you mean?"
"Yes. By claiming that title, they keep the eyes of the world fixed on the Hein Empire. But the fact that the Hein Empire hasn't stepped forward until now suggests..."
"That they aren't just dull-witted, but that they had no reason to intervene. Or perhaps, they were unable to."
"Wait a moment. If that’s the case, why did they refuse all dialogue with us?"
Vol asked Yuki-dono the most pressing question. It was true; even if they weren't the true leaders, one would think they would at least engage in conversation.
"Well, I could list any number of reasons based on speculation... Let’s see. If they responded carelessly, they might have been forced to take responsibility under the guise of being the 'leader.' If that happened, their participation in the war would become inevitable. Or perhaps they were under pressure from surrounding nations. And then there’s the matter of our envoys being turned away at the gate—but where, and by whom, were they truly rejected?"
"..."
Indeed. If one looks for reasons why things didn't work out, they are endless. However...
"I understand your perspective, Yuki-dono, but then how do you explain the relief effort for the Gusdo Kingdom?"
That’s right. Though they didn't arrive in time, a fleet from the Hein Empire did indeed mobilize in response to the Gusdo Kingdom’s request. That proves the Hein Empire has the intent to join the fray. Furthermore...
"The commander of the Hein Empire’s fleet must have known about our Zurabl Great Empire, right? Doesn't that collapse your premise?"
"It collapses one of the many hypotheses I’ve presented, yes."
"Hmm..."
True enough. If there are many possible reasons, there are naturally many possible premises.
"Well, as Schans-dono suggested, it would be better to wait for the information from those currently investigating the Hein Empire before seeking an answer. My words are often just ramblings. There is no point in making judgments based on mere estimation and imagination rather than confirmed facts."
"That is true."
"Besides, what we are doing now is organizing information, not trying to uncover the Hein Empire’s true intentions."
At Yuki-dono’s words, the heavy-hearted ministers lifted their heads. He was right; there was no need to agonize over things that had no answer yet. The important thing was to listen to the facts we currently possess and organize them.
"You are right. I was the one who brought up the problematic question. Forgive me for interrupting your explanation, Yuki-dono, Schans."
"Not at all. Thinking things through like this is never a bad thing."
"Indeed, as Yuki-sama says. It is necessary to think for oneself and derive answers, so what Your Majesty said was by no means a waste. Now, since we’ve finished our mental exercise, let us continue. Because of the shape of their territory, they have connections with many nations. By using that as a pivot and harboring the former Emperor, it is safe to assume the Hein Empire stands as the leader of the former Emperor faction."
Indeed. That much is certain. As Yuki-dono said, even if they are a leader in name only, there is no doubt that the Hein Empire is at the center of it all. If one were to ignore the former Emperor and try to seek help from other nations or claim the title of leader, they would likely be met with a punitive force.
"Now, returning to the beginning of our discussion, the Hein Empire’s fleet is truly mysterious. Looking at the map, the Hein Empire’s territory has no coastline. So, where on earth did that fleet come from?"
"I see. Indeed, there is no territory facing the sea on the map Schans-dono drew. However, that fleet called itself the Hein Empire fleet and brought thirty ships with them. Well, if one were to claim even that is a fabrication, there is nothing more to be said."
"That is also something we must verify. I saw the footage earlier, and judging by the flags, there is no doubt they were the Hein Empire’s. How did everyone else see it?"
When I confirmed this, the ministers all agreed that there was no mistake; those were the flags of the Hein Empire.
"And what of those who know the name of General Wave?"
"There is no information on a 'General Wave'... It is unnatural that the name of a general entrusted with such a large fleet is unknown, but considering the information manipulation the former Emperor faction has been using against our Zurabl Great Empire, it is possible they have kept it strictly hidden."
"Hmm. There are too many unknowns to speculate. Well, I have provided the Hein fleet with a radio, so information should eventually come through that. Shall we wait for it?"
"I heard you mention it, but you truly handed that over to them?"
"Yes."
To my surprise, Yuki-dono had lent a precious radio capable of long-distance communication to General Wave, the commander of the Hein fleet.
"Well, whether they break it, seize it, or use it as a tool for negotiation—our response will change depending on what they choose to do."
"I see. That is one way to handle it."
He didn't just hand it over without thought; he intended to decide our next move based on how they handled the device. While I worry about the leakage of magic tool technology, it is perhaps the best bait to pique their interest.
"For now, we know the location and territory of the Hein Empire. It seems unlikely we will clash directly for the time being."
"Indeed. To make contact with the Hein Empire, we must conquer at least three more nations. Having such vast lands is a mixed blessing."
And it isn't as simple as just conquering three nations. They won't let us invade so easily. To secure our footing, we will likely have to conquer not just three, but all the surrounding nations as well. And when you include the post-conquest administration of those lands, the progress of our campaign will be slow.
"But you can see the path ahead, can't you?"
"Indeed. I cannot say too much, but we are steadily preparing to collapse the former Emperor faction through political maneuvering. Furthermore, we have received Magic Gears from Archbishop Enol. Our military strength has been further bolstered, so there is no fear of losing to anyone other than Weed."
I asserted this with confidence. While one must not be arrogant, we have remained undefeated in our battles against the former Emperor faction as long as we use Magic Gears. If we were to lose after this increase in strength, it would clearly be due to our own negligence.
Yuki-dono seemed relieved to hear that answer.
"In that case, it seems unlikely that Weed will intervene directly in the fighting."
"Indeed. As long as we have the supply of Magic Gears, Weed will not need to stand on the front lines. Though, when the time comes for negotiations with the former Emperor faction led by the Hein Empire, we will have you act as an intermediary."
"I would be happy to mediate when the time comes. That would allow us to build connections with the nations of the former Emperor faction as well."
He is shrewd. Using the request for mediation as an opportunity to build connections. Well, that is only natural in diplomacy.