第１０７１堀：大国としての意見 (Part1)
### Chapter 1071: An Opinion as a Great Power
**Side: Schau**
I was in the middle of enjoying a relaxing—ahem, a therapeutic session known as "hot spring recuperation"—at the Weed hot springs. As I was cooling off after my bath, I decided to browse the souvenir shops in the hot spring district, thinking I should pick up a gift for Her Majesty, Eupia.
"Oh? Is that Yuki-sama?"
By some strange coincidence, Yuki-sama was there.
"Hm? Ah, Schau-dono."
"Oh, hey there, Schau."
"Oh my, if it isn't Schau."
"Ratz and Eris, too? Does this mean you are on official business?"
Ratz, who controls the flow of goods in Weed, and Eris, who manages the treasury. Seeing these two titans of Weed accompanying him, it must mean they were engaged in some significant negotiation.
Though, given how excellent their relationship as a married couple is, it could just as easily be a simple date...
"Excuse me, but who might this person be?"
Hm? A woman I don't recognize is speaking to Yuki-sama. Could she be a wife I’m unaware of? No, that’s impossible; I’ve been introduced to all of Yuki-sama’s wives. Then, who on earth is she?
A woman with beautiful deep green hair and a dignified face? ...Oh, my apologies. She had so little "curvature" that I momentarily doubted her gender. There are men like that, after all.
"Oh, my apologies. This is Schau-dono, who serves as Vice Chancellor for the Zuraburu Great Empire."
"Greetings. My apologies for the late introduction. I am Schau of the Zuraburu Great Empire."
If Yuki-sama is introducing me so formally, then this woman must be...
"This is Princess Fiora of the Dafaio Kingdom, who has come to our country to seek counsel."
"I also apologize for my late introduction. I am Fiora of the Dafaio Kingdom. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Schau-sama."
I see, a princess. That explains it. Her demeanor is not that of an ordinary person. Yes, I can feel her refinement. Despite her youth, she is remarkably composed. She must have received a far more prestigious education than I.
Hmm, perhaps the Zuraburu Great Empire should establish proper etiquette standards as well? Up until now, we’ve been in the midst of war, so we’ve kept things to the bare minimum, but it is clear that etiquette will be important from here on out. Besides, a princess like this is far better suited for diplomacy than our own Majesty. That woman is, for better or worse, simply too boisterous.
But, putting that aside...
"Yes. It is a pleasure to meet you. So, you are here to consult with Yuki-dono? It seems you have some trouble you are facing."
I decided to casually probe into what I assumed to be diplomatic secrets. After all, Yuki-sama is not the type to accidentally let such things slip...
"Ah, that’s right. Princess Fiora, if you don't mind, would it be alright to discuss that matter with Schau-dono?"
"Eh? With her? But, to someone from another country..."
"That will be fine. She is someone we have a close relationship with, and her country not only possesses vast territory but also holds many other nations under its influence. You might find that she has some good advice."
"...I see. However, our domestic problems..."
Hmm, I see. So, the consultation involves a national weakness. Naturally, a country would not want an unknown party to learn of such things. However, Yuki-sama is not the type of person to be unaware of such nuances. The fact that he brought it up means he believes my strategic insight might be of some use.
If that is the case, it would be foolish to refuse or hold back. After all, we have been helped by Yuki-dono countless times; if there is any assistance we can provide, we should do so proactively. Besides, Her Majesty has also said that ties with other countries will be important in the future, so let us consider this a commemorative first step.
"I, too, am a servant of my country. I understand Princess Fiora’s concerns well. However, I cannot betray Yuki-sama’s trust. I swear that I will never speak of what I hear to others, and I will avoid anything that would be to your disadvantage. What do you say? Will you tell me?"
Princess Fiora did not answer immediately. She closed her eyes for a moment, seemingly deep in thought, but eventually, she opened them slowly.
"...Understood. I trust Yuki-sama, and I trust you, Schau-sama."
The fact that she didn't answer immediately earns my respect. If she had simply believed my words without hesitation, I would have found her a bit unreliable as a member of royalty.
"Yes. Thank you. Now, I would like to get straight to the discussion, but I suppose this souvenir shop is hardly the place for it."
It was obvious that the contents of this conversation were not meant for a storefront.
"In that case, we were planning to have a meeting at the inn where Princess Fiora is staying. If you’d like, we can talk there."
"Indeed. We won't have to worry about the people around us there."
"Yes. I will send word to add one more person for the meal."
Oh, how lucky. It seems I’ll be able to join them for a meal as well. Well, since I am offering consultation, I suppose this much of a perk is acceptable.
With a sense of excitement, I headed to the inn where Princess Fiora was staying and enjoyed an after-bath meal in one of the rooms.
"My, that was delicious. How was it for you, Princess Fiora?"
"Yes. It was a wonderful meal. Even though this is my fourth day in Weed, I am still finding things that surprise me."
"Haha, is that so? Only four days? I’ve been here for about a month, and it’s been a continuous stream of surprises."
The high standard of living for the people of Weed, the level of technology used, the knowledge—I have been painfully made aware that my own country doesn't even come close. Ah, if there is one thing we might win at, it would be the size of our population. Though, that’s just in terms of raw numbers.
"Even after a month? Are there still so many other delicious things?"
"Yes. If you wish to conquer all the delicious food in Weed, it would take years. I am still only halfway there myself."
Or rather, if I were to carelessly enjoy food as I pleased, Her Majesty Eupia would be "furious." Still, the fact that she makes it a mandatory part of my daily official report to list what I ate that day... that Majesty of ours really is a glutton.
However, my answer seemed to be quite a surprise to Princess Fiora.
"Is there really that much delicious food?"
"Yes. For example, the ice cream we just had—not only is there vanilla, but there are also versions with various fruits, or mixed with other sweets like chocolate and cookies."
"That is amazing. Such things exist? I would certainly love to try them."
"Indeed. Then, in order for you to enjoy them with a clear mind, let us resolve the problem Princess Fiora is facing."
"Yes."
Princess Fiora nodded honestly at my words this time. After all, it is difficult for anyone to enjoy a meal while carrying the burden of a problem. During the meal, she seemed to lower her guard, and I caught glimpses of her true, lovely self behind that dignified mask. Well, every woman loves sweets, after all.
And above all, I couldn't have heard the details of the matter without getting close to her like this. Still, considering this was a consultation that required the presence of Yuki-dono, Ratz, and Eris, I braced myself for what kind of difficult problem it might be.
"...A water shortage?"
"Yes."
In a sense, it was more than I imagined, and I understood well why Yuki-sama, despite meeting her by chance, wanted me to provide consultation. This is truly a major problem—the kind where there is no simple, correct, or appropriate solution to be found.