第９８６堀：お付き合いは大変 (Part2)
"Well, if we and the other nations' dignitaries take a liking to the ornaments, there will be returns for them later. As for the marine products, there are already people clamoring for them right now, so by funneling them through Haiden and Findar, it should serve as a nice gesture of gratitude for the aid provided."
"Yeah, I pray that’s how it plays out. Alright, let’s proceed under the assumption that we’ve accepted the request in that direction... Now, on a personal note. Did you actually gain anything from forming ties with the Zuraburu Great Empire?"
"Not a thing. Oh, that’s right—I’m going to send the documentation your way as well. Could you look into it and see if you notice anything? I’d find your brainpower far more valuable than any ornaments."
Analyzing the information obtained from the Zuraburu Great Empire was an urgent matter, but there was simply a shortage of both time and manpower.
I intended to bring the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance into the loop regarding the dealings with the Zuraburu Great Empire later on and involve them in the analysis.
But I couldn't do that just yet. If I spoke about it now, Sea-Cypho might be accused of nearly dragging Weed into a war.
It was something that should be discussed only after our relationships with the various nations had improved through the trade of marine products.
It was still a long way off, but having many people involved and conducting analysis from multiple perspectives was the greatest strength of all.
When that day came, if we had a track record of Sea-Cypho having helped out from the start, it surely wouldn't be viewed as a bad reputation.
"Brainpower, huh? I admit that multi-faceted analysis is necessary, but... I don't think the folks at Sea-Cypho are capable of coming up with any useful answers."
"Don't sell your own country short. You never know, a genius might be born among you."
"If that happened, the future of Sea-Cypho would be secure, wouldn't it? *Sigh.* It’s sad that, unlike in manga, geniuses don't just pop up everywhere. Even someone like me, with my half-baked knowledge of Japan, is treated like a prodigy."
At Menou’s self-deprecating remark, I was reminded of the existence of a certain genius.
"Ah, come to think of it, there *is* a genius in the Zuraburu Great Empire."
"Oh? What kind of genius?"
"Hmm, that genius is a bit hard to gauge."
After all, they were a genius of military affairs and military administration.
It was a different breed from the so-called geniuses we were familiar with...
"Well, I don't know if you'd know them, Menou, but on Earth, they’re known by the epithet 'Taigoubou' (Grand Duke Wang)."
"Taigoubou!? You mean that legendary fisherman and grand strategist!?"
Oh, it seemed Menou had knowledge of that, too.
"Wow. You actually know your stuff."
"Of course. I majored in history at university and studied the Azuchi-Momoyama period. I’m actually pretty good at strategy, you know."
"Ah, so that’s why you know about Taigoubou."
"Naturally. The Sengoku period was an era where people obsessively studied ancient Chinese tactical texts. So, I’ve dabbled in the Yin-Zhou wars, the famous Romance of the Three Kingdoms, and even a bit of Western tactics like Hannibal."
Oh, that was unexpected.
To think she even knew about Hannibal Barca.
But, setting that aside...
"No, it’s not like the real Taigoubou has come here. It’s just that there’s someone called by a similar epithet. 'The one desired by the Emperor of the Zuraburu Great Empire.' See? It’s hard to evaluate them as a 'genius' when it’s put like that, right?"
"That’s a literal description. I see, so they’re a figure who shines in times of war. But wasn't Taigoubou supposed to be good at politics, too?"
"That part is identical, too. Seeing as they’ve built up a small, weak force into a major power capable of rivaling the current regime that rules the continent, I don't think they’re weak at politics."
"Huh. So they can do that, too. Even if it’s a different person, I’d like to meet someone who can do that much with such a title. What are they like? A thin, elderly gentleman with a beard?"
Ah, when you hear "Taigoubou," you naturally imagine a man.
However, the "Grand Duke Wang" of this world was...
"I’m afraid not. Their name is Shou, and they’re younger than you, Menou, and definitely fall into the category of a beauty."
"Ha!? Is that for real? And honestly, it’s infuriating that you had to add that they’re young and beautiful at the end. I pride myself on having a decent appearance, you know!"
"It’s true. And as for the latter part, I was just stating their age. As for Shou’s appearance, that’s just my personal opinion... but look."
I showed Menou the photo I had taken of Shou, and...
"Ugh!? Who is this super beauty! And they’re smart, too? Isn't that just too unfair to the rest of the world?"
"I know, right? And since the Zuraburu Great Empire promised to trade with Sea-Cypho because of this whole affair, I expect this Shou will be the one to come out and negotiate. After all, the Gusdo Kingdom has already fallen."
"Ughhh!? W-wait, I’m the one in charge of trade negotiations across the sea!?"
"Well, keep that in mind while you think about how to handle the negotiations."
"Hey, don't just dump that on me! Think about it with me! There’s no way I can play mind games with a genius!"
And so, I ended up hashing out the details of the negotiations with Menou.
Socializing is a difficult task anywhere in the world.
It’s even more so when it’s between nations.
And it’s even harder when the other party is a genius.
Man, I’m truly glad I’m just an ordinary person.