第１００３堀：情報管理の必要性と王の葛藤 (Part2)
"Well, it is important to approach everything with a healthy dose of skepticism. However, if there were anyone who could look at Firia and the others and still harbor doubts, I would find them entirely untrustworthy."
"Unyu?"
Suddenly thrust into the center of the conversation, Firia and Aslin tilted their heads in unison.
Indeed, one cannot trust someone who would doubt these girls.
"Indeed, indeed. It is precisely because it is Firia and Aslin that I have placed my trust in this. However, having heard the explanation from Firia, I must say, this method of information management is far too refined. It is not merely that you invented a wireless communication device; this method is the result of having conducted battles using it time and time again."
"...You can tell?"
As I found myself at a loss for words, Deryu stepped in to answer for me.
"Of course I can tell. When a new tool or weapon is created, one begins by fumbling through how to use it. This wireless device likely began as a mere wish to communicate instantly with those far away. But those who know, know. The military value of this is astronomical. In fact, if a nation is ruled by a sovereign who fails to realize the value of this tool, that nation will surely perish sooner or later. It is that significant."
She is right.
One cannot conduct business with those who do not understand the value of a wireless device.
However, this Emperor of Eupia...
"That is precisely why I once tried to create one myself, and ever since I learned that Weed possessed them, I have spent countless hours imagining how to use them. How best to utilize them to preserve the nation. Naturally, I discussed and examined this with Schans many times. But what Firia just explained to me went far beyond anything Schans or I had ever conceived. It covered details we never could have imagined. Having been shown something of this caliber, I could never bring myself to refuse it."
Though he laughed heartily as he said this, his eyes held no mirth.
In fact, the emotion seeping from his body was something I couldn't quite put a name to.
"But still, I am glad I did not cross Weed. If I had challenged you to a war—no, the moment I had decided to challenge you, I would have likely had my head struck from my shoulders in an instant."
"Big Brother wouldn't do something like that," Firia said.
"Brother would never do such a thing," Aslin added.
"Indeed. I understand that well now. After hearing the stories from Yuki and Queen Seraria, I am fully convinced. The monster outbreaks caused by the accumulation of magical power, and the subsequent phenomenon of magical depletion. The thought of those two things overlapping is chilling. Well, I suppose one could simply build a superpower, but that is a chore in itself. Considering that, this is a good solution. So, does this satisfy you, Lady Deryu?"
"My apologies. I have caused you unnecessary trouble."
"No, think nothing of it. It is not just about this wireless device. There is also that medical technology of Lady Rurua’s. No matter how much Queen Seraria or Yuki-dono say it is fine, a vassal who simply accepts everything without question is no vassal at all. My, I imagine you have had your fair share of struggles on that front as well."
"I suppose so."
At this point, the smile on the Emperor of Eupia’s face finally seemed to carry genuine, heartfelt joy.
"To be honest, knowing the gap between us and Weed, I was filled with frustration and resentment, wondering what on earth I had been doing with all my time. But fortunately, I have been blessed with good friends like Aslin and Firia. And I have obtained the tools to advance the war effort steadily. Thinking of that, it matters not if I alone am incompetent. Everything is for the sake of those who believe in me and follow me. And since that stubborn Schans is not here, I ask you again from the bottom of my heart: please, help me—help Zlable."
With that, the Emperor of Eupia bowed deeply toward us.
Behind him, his aides all followed suit, bowing in unison.
So that was it.
...Ah, I had felt that way too.
Hearing and seeing what Yuki could do, I felt ashamed of my own incompetence; I hated it.
The Emperor of Eupia had been feeling that as well.
That was why...
"Yes. With pleasure. Though, it will be quite difficult if we don't properly clear it with the higher-ups," I said, taking the Emperor's hand in response.
"Haha. We both have it tough, don't we?"
"It's not that bad. If we're friends, it's possible to help out. Yuki would never complain about it, either."
"Ah, that's true. As friends, we shall help whenever the need arises."
"That is so. I shall lend a hand as well."
"My, you are all such good-natured people. Well, I suppose that is a testament to my own virtue!"
"Hahaha!"
And so, I became true friends with the Emperor of Eupia.
However, the fact that there has been absolutely no movement from the Haine Empire is quite eerie.
Information is useless if it just sits there.
It is important to consolidate and manage it.
For that, both a location and defense are necessary.
This is surprisingly true for ordinary people as well.
At home, one doesn't keep their wallet and bankbook in the same place, and contracts are stored separately.
Many people even keep their credit cards separate from their wallets, and keep their driver's licenses and commuter passes in different places.
Is it akin to risk management?
Because one wants to avoid losing everything at once.
The scale is different, but the foundation is the same.
And I have reaffirmed that while the Emperor of Eupia has his own internal conflicts, he is a man who acts for the sake of his country.
Shera was much the same way in the beginning, wasn't she?
Now then, while we make these preparations, will there be any movement from the Haine Empire?