第９９９堀：早速準備 (Part2)
"Weed is also short on personnel. Our relationship with the Zurable Great Empire is still unofficial, after all. I’ll have to rely on you and the goblin unit to handle things, if you don't mind."
"What are you saying? It is precisely because it is you and Deryu-dono that I have no worries. Besides, you showed us quite clearly in the previous meeting that you are capable of handling the radio equipment."
Indeed, Aslin and the others were not only proficient with the radios, but they had also mastered the tools for projecting images. They were far more trustworthy than some stranger arriving for the first time.
"So, is Deryu-dono to be the representative instructor?"
"Hm? Ah, no, no. I am merely the supervisor. The one who is truly gifted with machines and tools is Firia. You know this, don't you? Firia is exceptionally skilled with such things."
"Indeed. I am aware, but... I never imagined she would be entrusted with all of this."
No one would ever guess that this young child was so well-versed and proficient with state-of-the-art equipment. Even more so, that she would be appointed as the person responsible for such a critical mission.
"It’s the same with Aslin. She has a talent for this sort of thing that is simply off the charts. Well, for this occasion, we also took into account her good relationship with the Emperor of Eupia. Above all, I doubt anyone in the Zurable Great Empire would be foolish enough to underestimate Firia or Aslin, would they?"
"Of course not. If there were such a fool, I would judge them myself."
I have no need for fools in my country who cannot understand the value of these individuals—not just as a nation, as a military force, or as my friends. I looked at Firia once more.
"Firia. Will you lend me your strength?"
"Yes, I will! Firia will lend her strength to the Emperor of Eupia!"
"Emperor Eupia is fine. Now then, let us hear the explanation. How exactly do we use and operate these radios?"
"Your Majesty. That is for me to..."
Shou tried to interject, cutting off my words. He had that look on his face that suggested I should be doing paperwork instead. But I could not do that.
"I told you that the operation of these radios is a cornerstone of our future national strategy and a matter of great importance. How could I not hear about it myself?"
"Mmph. You are correct..."
"There you have it. Firia, you were the advisor, correct? Could you explain it to us now? Or would it be better to change locations?"
"Yes. If it’s just an explanation for the people here, we don't need to change locations. Aslin, Labyris, Shera, I’m counting on you."
"Okay!"
"Yes. Leave it to us."
"Then, I'll bring out the whiteboard."
Indeed, they must have prepared everything in advance. The way they proceeded with the preparations without a hint of hesitation was, frankly, not something one would expect from a child of her appearance.
"...Mmph. I wonder how many people could prepare so confidently in front of an Emperor."
"...Yes. I agree. Well, the people around her are quite extraordinary..."
"That they are."
As I said this, I glanced at Deryu-dono, who was watching Firia and the others prepare from the sidelines. I had thought that, aside from her appearance, she used such arrogant language toward me because she was a princess of a fallen kingdom. Well, since it is a fallen kingdom, my standing is technically higher, but her demeanor was undoubtedly that of royalty. And what surprised me most was her physical strength. It was even greater than that of Quar, the guard of Queen Seraria who had defeated Dodan.
"Shera-sama is a princess of Gartz, and there are others—the children of dukes and court mages. And to think they are all adopted by the King..."
"And those people have all become Yuki-dono's wives. Well, I understand it is a political marriage, but my, what an impressive lineup."
"It is a truly effective move. As long as Seraria-sama is the Queen, sending men could be interpreted as an intention to take over the country."
"True. Therefore, they are pushed into Yuki-dono's harem. It is truly a logical strategy. Well, I doubt Yuki-dono or Queen Seraria would fall for such transparent schemes."
Otherwise, they wouldn't have made it this far. They would have already collapsed from within. I simply cannot imagine Yuki-dono being such a fool as to be easily swayed by women.
"Well, it is a grateful situation for us as well. And there is Shera, who is preparing now, and Deryu-dono. Not to mention Cleena-dono, Samantha-dono, Rurua-dono, Kagura-dono... just naming them reveals an terrifying web of connections."
"And you haven't even named half of them yet."
"Indeed. In that sense, it is worth it to stay on good terms with Firia and the others. That is precisely why you should arrest anyone who tries to harm them without hesitation. We have no need for fools who would put the Zurable Great Empire in danger."
"Yes, sir."
Now then, let us see what Firia is truly capable of. Honestly, her talent for smithing alone would be enough to make me want to keep her in my service...