第９８５堀：新大陸の動向 (Part2)
In the international community, such a state is synonymous with the death of a nation.
I had only intended to test the waters, but I’ve suddenly been pushed into a precarious international position.
"Well, that should be enough of an explanation. With that in mind, how do you think we, as diplomats of Haiden, should proceed?"
"Ehh!?"
Wow.
So that wasn't the end of the conversation.
Asking for more is a bit harsh for a solo diplomat, but I can feel the Princess’s gaze piercing into us, warning us not to say a word. Sorry, I can’t help you.
"U-um..."
"A diplomat is often required to provide an immediate answer on the spot. It is true that there are times when your position prevents you from speaking, but situations like the recent Aurelia Port incident are rare."
*No, that was a once-in-a-lifetime event, and frankly, a shocking one at that,* I retorted in my mind.
"I-I understand. I would follow up with Sea-Cypho to win their trust and establish our position within the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance."
"A good answer for an impromptu thought. However, it’s a matter of the details."
"The details, you say?"
"Yes. Simply helping or trusting them is not enough to secure a position within the alliance."
...That’s the unpleasant reality of it.
It requires a process. To gain standing in the alliance, one must produce corresponding results.
In other words, we must impose a proper burden on Sea-Cypho.
"B-but, Sea-Cypho is currently dealing with the Weed situation..."
"Precisely. They must be pale with shock at the unexpected military outcome. Honestly, they might have preferred it if the envoy fleet had simply sunk. However, this is the reality we face. We are the ones who dragged Weed into the Sea-Cypho matter, so if we don't follow up, Haiden will inevitably find itself in a tight spot within the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance. In that sense, helping them is an absolute necessity."
"I understand the logic, but how can we even help? Haiden is still struggling to rebuild, and the national treasury is tight, isn't it?"
Although some time has passed, once a nation has tipped, it isn't easily set upright again.
After all, they were on the brink of war, actually fought a battle, and then had to purge the idiots from within. Haiden is still busy dealing with the aftermath.
"It doesn't have to be financial. Fortunately, Sea-Cypho is a maritime nation, and countless countries are clamoring for their marine products. With a new maritime nation joining the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance, Haiden, as the one handling the coordination, has already received numerous inquiries."
"Um, if Micos-chan were to do that carelessly, wouldn't countries like Findar get the wrong idea?"
I agree with Micos.
The Kingdom of Sea-Cypho is the only major power in the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance that possesses a sea.
Since Yuki—no, since marine delicacies were served in Weed, the value of the sea and its products has been recognized.
Plus, there’s transport via the Gate. This means Sea-Cypho is a treasure trove of marine products and has a high potential to become a major trading power.
That means money will naturally flow there.
If Haiden uses this blunder—or rather, the guise of 'following up'—to snatch all the profit, they risk earning the resentment of not just Findar, but even the Sea-Cypho they are supposedly helping.
"If we only considered our own national interests, that would be true, but this is an issue for our entire continent. If Sea-Cypho is treated as an easy target within the alliance, we could easily be dragged into the fallout. Therefore, a follow-up is absolutely necessary. Well, I understand your concerns, so I will tell Findar to assist with this matter as well. I will write a letter; please deliver it to Lady Stasia."
"Understood."
As expected of the Princess.
She handles the adjustments so well that we can report back to Yuki with peace of mind.
Just as I felt relieved, the Princess suddenly wore a troubled expression.
"We are fine for now, but... the Zurable Great Empire, the Hain Empire, and the possibility of the Great Deluge. There is no end to the problems facing Weed—no, this world. If it were possible, I would want our entire nation to assist Weed... We owe that country so much debt and gratitude."
"...Princess."
The Princess is also one of those who summoned Yuki.
Yet, he saved her country.
That is why she wants to help, but the reality is that she cannot.
However, at that moment, Micos said quite brightly...
"It's okay! Even the Princess alone is enough to help. Micos-chan guarantees it. Because the Princess is a Hero!"
"..."
A heavy silence fell over the room at such a statement, which was enough to make even the gods tremble.
It is true that, as Micos said, Princess Carrie is the Hero appointed by Lady Hairen.
But...
"I told you to keep quiet about me being a Hero!!"
"Ouch!?"
Ugh, I also believe the Princess is a Hero, but that is strictly a secret.
I don't think anyone has forgotten, but the involvement with the Zurable Great Empire began with a request from Sea-Cypho.
And a request from Haiden.
Do you remember what happened when Sea-Cypho brought their army?