第１０６６堀：動き出す小国 (Part2)
"Right. Regarding these border disputes, the understanding was that the major powers would mediate and handle things before the fighting escalated. If they couldn't manage that, they’d lose the benefits of using the Gates and face the cold gaze of other nations—a checkmate scenario for any country, one would think..."
"...I see. So for small nations, those penalties are meaningless."
"Yes. Such small nations rarely benefit from the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance to begin with, and in some cases, they barely have any imports or exports via the Gates. Therefore, the penalties don't hold much weight, and the major powers, knowing this, find it difficult to intervene proactively."
"I see. They have nothing to give, and the major powers can't exactly justify crushing a small nation over something so trivial."
"Exactly. Besides, there’s no profit for a major power in crushing a small nation that’s just squabbling over a border. And since they haven't given them anything to begin with, it would be far too unreasonable."
Sasari was right. You can't just wipe a country off the map because of a border skirmish. If a small nation collapses, it creates refugees, and the major powers would end up spending time and money on governance just to keep those numbers from growing. It’s more convenient for the major powers to just stand by and watch until the squabbling ends.
"But if that's the case, while the winner is fine, the losing nation must find a way to restore its borders at all costs. But they can't do it through military force. So then..."
"That’s where Weed comes in, isn't it? In reality, how many of the requested meetings are primarily about these kinds of border disputes?"
"Let's see... there are forty-three meeting requests in total, and one of them falls into that category."
"Oh? That’s surprisingly low."
Given how they were talking earlier, I expected a flood of such requests, but it was only one.
"Yes. As you said, Master, there are no penalties, but it is a fact that they risk drawing the ire of the major powers. Therefore, considering the long-term consequences, there isn't much merit in starting a border dispute in the first place."
"It’s a question of whether a town or village is worth the risk of being targeted by a major power. However, many are doing quite reckless things in secret to redefine their borders. And as a result, the number of slaves is increasing."
"Ah, so they're rushing to secure border towns before the major powers can intervene."
"Yes. Since the condition for confirming territory ultimately depends on whether the local residents acknowledge their rule, the question becomes: do they even bother leaving the locals there?"
"I see. They turn the opposition into slaves, ship them out, and then have their own subordinates, who have moved in as 'residents,' declare their allegiance when the border is finalized."
"That’s the most reliable method. And the ones who suffer the consequences are the people who end up as slaves."
It seems that while 'war' has disappeared on the surface, it has simply shifted into this kind of shadow conflict. I suppose it’s better than having towns and villages completely annihilated, at least.
"While there is only one envoy directly discussing border finalization in this round of meetings, there are likely many others who will complain about being troubled by the fallout."
"And there’s a high possibility they’ll pressure you, Master, to take in their daughters or other women. After all, if they can pull you to their side, their safety is effectively guaranteed."
"Hmm. Securing national security, is it? Still, that’s where the talent of the kings leading those small nations should shine. If they can only manage their countries by leaning on me, then that’s the extent of their worth. I can't spend my life dealing with every single one of them."
It might sound harsh, but what these small nations are essentially saying is that they can't survive on their own, so please take care of them. I’m not a good enough person to accommodate such foolishness. I leave the mediation of those troubles to the major powers; it’s not my place to interfere, nor is there any reason for those small nations to come crying to me. They should appeal to the major powers that protect them.
"Yes. I believe that judgment is correct. However, the number of slaves from small nations is increasing due to these causes. This might be a good opportunity to gather information on various countries."
"Ah, that angle. Fine, let's go ahead and buy those slaves."
After all, buying slaves is a way to gather intelligence on these small nations. I don't expect to find hints about the magic power depletion phenomenon there, but consistency is key in these matters.
"But who knows, they might introduce some excellent women. Since the small nations are seeking protection, they won't send anyone foolish. What will you do if that happens?"
"Well, I want talented personnel, but spies are another matter. Let's wait and see."
And so, instead of hearing the internal reports of Weed as I had intended, I ended up reviewing the information for tomorrow's meetings, feeling my spirits sink.