第１０７２堀：メイドが動く (Part1)
**Chapter 1072: The Maid Takes Action**
**Side: Kirue**
"Am I truly permitted to accompany you?"
The request from my husband to join him on this mission was so unexpected that, despite it being improper, I couldn't help but confirm it. It is usually considered rude to question a master’s decision, but it is rare for Yuki-sama to ask me to follow him outside the borders of Weed. Well, I suppose I did accompany him during the incident with the Zurable Empire, but that was an exception.
"Yeah. Since this matter is within the Rogari Continent, bringing Rurua or Shera along would be..."
"I understand. From the perspective of the Dafaio Kingdom, it could be perceived as a threat, and they would certainly worry about their relationship with Roschur. On the other hand, Ratz-sama or Eris-sama hold too much influence, and if we don't choose our personnel carefully from the others, the Dafaio Kingdom might find themselves the target of jealousy."
"Exactly."
It is true that both Weed and the Dafaio Kingdom are internationally classified as small nations, and in that sense, they are on equal footing. However, that is only in the context of that specific classification. Across the Rogari, If, and New Continents, there exists a complex hierarchy and power balance based on more than just national status. Ignoring those nuances would only invite backlash.
"In this situation, considering their original backgrounds, Agil-sama, Mikos-sama, and Enora-sama would be the optimal choices."
Agil-sama is a general of the Enaria Holy Kingdom—a noble, but below royalty. Mikos-sama was originally the eldest daughter of a baronial house, so the other party wouldn't feel overly pressured by her. Enora-sama holds the position of a bishop within the Haire Church. Most importantly, none of these three hail from the Rogari Continent, meaning they are free from the entanglements of inter-country or personal relationships, which should put the other party at ease.
"Is Kagura still a bad idea?"
"Yes. Kagura-sama is from a ducal house. Even if she is the second daughter, the fact that she is the daughter of a duke from a foreign great power—and one of your wives, Yuki-sama—would cause them unnecessary anxiety."
That would be different if the Dafaio Kingdom had properly researched us, but if they had, they wouldn't have come to consult Yuki-sama so abruptly. If we aren't careful... no, it is because they are the type of people who come directly to Weed rather than having their kings summon us, that we must be cautious.
"Therefore, wives who were originally of ducal rank or higher should refrain from appearing in official negotiations and focus on support. Conversely, those who have risen to high positions despite humble origins might become targets of envy, so they should also refrain from attending."
"Understood. Though, at this rate, people might start calling me an upstart too."
"You jest. Even if it were only in the shadows, any nation that speaks ill of my husband deserves to be crushed immediately."
To mock my husband is to mock his wives. And to do that is tantamount to picking a fight with all the great powers. A nation so foolish has no bright future, so crushing them would indeed be the best course of action.
"Well, let's set the 'crushing' talk aside. I’ll gather that team and head to the Dafaio Kingdom."
"Under normal circumstances, I would say 'as you wish' and make the arrangements immediately. But for this matter, is it truly necessary for you and the wives to go out of your way? While we are equals in the sense of being small nations, considering Weed’s true significance and your position, Yuki-sama, it is... well, it seems beneath you to visit such a trivial kingdom, even if they requested it."
I offered this remonstrance knowing full well that my husband’s decisions are rarely overturned. There must be many meanings behind his choice to go. However, as a subordinate, a citizen of Weed, and a wife, I must voice my opposition to him visiting any place where he might be exposed to even the slightest danger or unnecessary trouble.
"Kirue, I understand what you're saying. But this might lead to a solution for the water shortage. If we find a method to fix that, it will make intercontinental exchange much easier. We’ll just use the pretext that the Dafaio Kingdom is serving as our experimental site for this project."
"Understood. In that case, both sides will be able to save face."
Weed has leased a portion of the Dafaio Kingdom as an experimental site for new technology. The Dafaio Kingdom accepted this willingly. Even though they took the risk of suffering disadvantages, they lent their land. Because of that, even if there are benefits, there will be fewer complaints from the surrounding nations.
"Besides, as I said yesterday, it’s to have them increase the number of investigators on the ground. With this, the Dafaio Kingdom won't be able to spare any effort in cooperating with the investigation."
"Indeed. After we have gone this far, it would be impossible for them to refuse our requests. Now, that aside..."
I shifted my gaze away from my husband and looked at the woman standing next to him for some reason.
"Why is Show-sama accompanying us as well?"
"Ah, Kirue-dono. I have been asked to join as an advisor for this trip."
"...That is rather sudden."
"I happened to run into her while I was moving to have a proper talk with Princess Fiora yesterday. So, I asked for her advice on the spot. After all, her country is the largest, and she clearly has experience with these kinds of issues. It would be foolish to ignore such a wise person, wouldn't it?"
"I see. The words of someone with experience are certainly valuable. However, Show-sama is a high-ranking official of the Zurable Empire. Is it truly safe to let her know the internal affairs of the Dafaio Kingdom?"
"That is not a problem. I have already received permission from Princess Fiora. Right now, Princess Fiora and our diplomats are confirming this with the Dafaio Kingdom. Well, depending on their judgment, my accompaniment might be denied..."
"If the nation were to go back on something that you, Yuki-sama, have pushed for and Princess Fiora has approved, it would become a matter of national prestige. That is impossible."
Show-sama must understand that as well. Still...
"Is Show-sama not still recuperating? And more importantly, what will happen to your duties as the liaison for exchanges and negotiations with Weed?"
Yes, although she appears healed on the surface, Show-sama was suffering from severe burns just recently. She is under instructions to have a daily medical checkup to monitor her progress. That is precisely why she is stationed in Weed—to learn our technology and serve as a liaison for negotiations. Is there a reason to abandon all that to go to the Dafaio Kingdom?
"That is not an issue. Rurua will be accompanying us this time. She doesn't plan to stand at the forefront, but she will act as a mediator if the need arises. And above all, as this will be the first step toward intercontinental exchange for our Zurable Empire, it was decided that I should go."
"So, Emperor Eupia is also aware of this."
"Of course. His Majesty has ordered me to ensure we earn the Dafaio Kingdom's gratitude."
"Diplomacy is indeed like that."
It is true. A nation will never move on goodwill alone. Conversely, when someone claims to be acting purely out of goodwill, one must always suspect what lies beneath.