第１０６６堀：動き出す小国 (Part1)
Chapter 1066: The Small Nations Begin to Move
Side: Yuki
"…And that is the current state of Weed."
After the meeting concluded, I returned to my room and listened to Kirue’s report. It was necessary to understand the environment and current status of Weed, separate from the investigations into politics and the magical depletion phenomenon.
"I see. So, the dissatisfaction has finally started to pile up, has it?"
"Yes. It seems there is a great deal of discontent among the smaller nations, who feel that the previous Intercontinental Exchange Alliance meeting should have been held exclusively for the major powers representing each continent. They are unhappy that Weed alone is receiving preferential treatment."
"…Well, that was to be expected. And what about Sasari’s end?"
"Unfortunately, just as you feared, Master. To those who don’t know the true face of Weed, they see us as nothing more than a tiny country—hardly even a nation—that just happened to stumble upon a dungeon thanks to Lady Seraria. They resent that we are trying to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the major powers. And to make matters worse, we held that grand wedding where all those major powers sent their own ladies to join us. My, Lady Samantha looked truly beautiful that day."
"So that’s a factor, too…"
From Sasari’s perspective, she might just be reminiscing fondly about Samantha’s wedding attire, but for me, the fact that it triggered further instability among the nations is incredibly annoying.
"There is no need to worry about welcoming those ladies, Master. After all, it wasn't a matter of national policy; every one of them married you out of their own desire. And there are benefits to it. The countries those ladies originated from have no grounds for complaint."
"That’s true. In the end, it’s just a bunch of nobodies spewing jealousy. But the problem is, there are quite a few who think, 'If we just send our own women, maybe we’ll get preferential treatment too?'"
"…Are you serious?"
"…Yes, unfortunately, it is true. Even if they were to do such a thing, Master would never be swayed by mere beauty."
"Ahaha. That’s certainly true. Why, even Lady Samantha had such a hard time at the beginning, didn't she? You completely ignored a woman with such a nice body who was telling you she wanted to serve you with all her heart, didn't you?"
"That’s because, at the time, I wasn't even thinking about marriage. I was already married and had a child, after all."
That’s right. When I went to the Lancer Magic Academy, I was already married and a father. Even if they were beauties or whatever else, for me to go around hitting on students would make me a pathetic human being with a serious cheating habit.
"But please, be prepared. About half of those requests for meetings are introductions of women."
"Huh?"
"It’s true. By the way, Lady Seraria mentioned that this might be a good opportunity to take in one 'plaything' or two."
"Oh, come on."
Keeping a mistress like that—I’m too afraid of information leaks to even consider it. Besides, I have no need for such women.
"Well, I personally don't think Master is the type to hold onto that kind of stress. But generally speaking, kingdom nobles usually keep one or two such women to relieve the stress of their work."
"Ah, I’m never going to do that, no matter what."
Using women as a stress outlet? Not a chance. My fundamental rule is to cherish women.
"Well, Lady Seraria was only half-joking. Besides, the things Master carries are not the kind of information that can be easily shared with just anyone."
"Ahaha, that’s true. The level of information is far too sensitive for a joke."
"I suppose so. But if that’s the case, why not just refuse all the matchmaking or introductions? Why go through the trouble?"
"Because, nominally, they are just coming to pay their respects. We wouldn't let any fool who simply says 'I’ve come to introduce a woman' pass through, after all."
"Yes, we are firm on that, at least. But those who have judged that they cannot break through Lady Seraria’s defenses are…"
"I see. They figured that if they couldn't get to her, they could get to me. But even if they manage to win me over, would they really get preferential treatment?"
"They would have no choice but to provide it, wouldn't they?"
That’s true. If I, the Prince Consort, were to get involved, it would be natural for the country to show some consideration. Whether one views that as "standard" or "preferential" is a matter of perspective.
"Well, those types will likely hint at demanding compensation for 'giving' us a woman, and the surrounding nations will likely look at that small country with a bit more respect. After all, becoming Master’s concubine has a certain value in itself. Oh, come to think of it, if you look at it closely, Master is actually more impressive than Queen Seraria, so perhaps those who set their sights on you are actually quite discerning."
Well, that’s true. As Sasari says, you could interpret it as them having a keen eye, but so what? …Hm? Wait a second. Discerning?
"…Ah, I see. So they’re trying to scout for talent at the same time?"
"Yes. Her Majesty is likely hoping for that. It’s not about keeping the introduced women by your side. Rather, it’s about Master securing talent through those small nations."
"Well, we should assume those people are complete spies, so at best, they’d be errand runners for 'Weed,' but even then, we could use them to pull members currently in Weed over to our side."
"I see. So, we can increase our headcount, at least? But the level of education is a concern…"
Still, having to assume they are spies makes them difficult to use. Regardless, Seraria realized that the lack of human resources was the real problem following the Zlarb Empire incident.
"As for education, we can provide that thoroughly later. Also, this is information I’ve obtained: the 'movement of slaves' seems strange lately."
"The movement of slaves?"
"Yes, in terms of distribution. Weed only trades with slave merchants we trust, so there hasn't been much change in the circulation of slaves within Weed, but I’ve heard that the number of slaves coming from the smaller nations is strangely increasing."
"Slaves from small nations are increasing?"
"Ah, I’ve heard that too. It seems there is an increase in skirmishes."
"Skirmishes? You mean wars?"
"Is it enough to call it a war? Ah, perhaps it’s border disputes."
"Yes, since it’s a clash between nations, it is a war in the broad sense, but the actual scale doesn't seem to be that large. Do you remember what you said before about how to define borders, Master?"
Borders? Hmm, I feel like I said something about that…
"Ah, you mean the talk about how if both countries claim ownership of a village or town on the border, the leader of that village or town can declare which country—or another country—they wish to be under the protection of, with a mediator present, and that country becomes the territory?"
"Yes, that’s it. If you only hear that, it sounds like simply clarifying affiliation, which makes things easier for the village or town, but…"
"For a small nation, even losing a single town is a matter of life and death."
That’s true. Villages and towns are places that naturally produce revenue. In other words, if you occupy them, your assets increase. In national management, taking a village or town from an enemy is a direct way to increase your own national power while simultaneously stripping away the power of your adversary. That is precisely why they fight tooth and nail for them. As Kirue said, if even one town is taken, they can no longer sustain themselves.
"…So that’s why the border disputes are intensifying. But shouldn't the major powers be mediating?"