第１１１７堀：治療するのは彼女の仕事 (Part2)
"Ah, I see. That certainly sounds like something Master would say. Above all else, he is a man who values information."
I see. So, by sharing information about Nilua and the others with Shou, it directly impacts how Popuri and her colleagues are perceived. And for Shou, who is seeking to strengthen ties with the If Continent, this situation is nothing short of ideal.
"But we shouldn't linger here. I’ll need to confirm this with Master anyway, so how about we all meet at the usual bathhouse?"
"Oh, that’s right—this is a hospital room. Understood. Let’s discuss the details then."
With that settled, I confirmed that the doppelgangers of Kagura and the others were in good condition, then went to ask Master about the conversation I’d just had.
"So, why did you tell Shou about Nilua?"
"Oh? Yuki, you told him?"
"Huh, aren't you just making things complicated for yourself?"
Just then, it seemed Yuki was discussing training schedules for Deryu and Kagura’s group, as well as an expedition to the Great Sea of Trees with Comet. However, neither of them seemed aware that Master had already briefed Shou on Nilua, and they were waiting for his reply.
"It’s a matter of consideration for the Zuraburu Great Empire, I suppose."
"Consideration? What do you mean by that?"
"Well, the Zuraburu Great Empire has been unilaterally receiving aid from Weed for some time now. We do have an agreement that they will provide full cooperation in surveying the magical energy of their territories in return... but..."
"Ah, I see. Since that’s standard practice for the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance, the Zuraburu Great Empire is looking for some kind of diplomatic leverage for the future."
"Exactly. I told them they could have the land, but we don't have the personnel to maintain it even if we did take it. They’d likely appoint a magistrate, but what good is adding more exclaves? They keep talking about mines and the like, though..."
"And that isn't something that can happen overnight, either."
One cannot simply hand over land to a foreign power so easily. Proper procedures must be followed. After all, to the Zuraburu Great Empire and the nations that follow it, we are a nation from across the sea—a country with no name. Handing over territory so suddenly would be akin to inviting an invasion. If handled poorly, it could spark a second war or rebellion under the guise of "eliminating foreign threats."
Therefore, the plan is to focus on stabilizing the country first, and once that is settled, we can discuss land like mines. Besides, if they just tossed a mine at us without any of the necessary infrastructure in place, we’d only feel murderous intent toward them.
"There are adjustments to be made with the surrounding areas, too. And naturally, their gratitude toward us will be delayed, won't it? To Zuraburu, knowing our true strength..."
"That would be enough to make them break into a cold sweat internally. After all, they haven't been able to offer a single tangible token of gratitude. It wouldn't be strange if we decided to call it an insult, cut ties, and march on them. Especially since they know our power all too well."
"So, Yuki, you’re intentionally teaching them about your own vulnerabilities, and consulting them on matters like the Dafaio Kingdom and the Lancer Magic Academy to get their cooperation?"
"I see. Is that why Shou is so readily cooperating?"
When I think about the country, I realize that cooperating with Master here is the absolute best thing they can do right now.
"Of course, as I said before, it’s also a gateway to exchange with other continents. It’s all part of the coordination. Now, Shou wanted to observe the training, right?"
"Yes. If that is Shou’s intention, there is no reason to refuse."
"Right. That should be fine. They likely want to gauge our strength anyway. If we can build a connection with the Lancer Magic Academy in the process, all the better."
"Understood. Then, since it’s already quite late today... shall we start from tomorrow?"
"Ah, what about that side? Can Kagura and the others train tomorrow?"
"Hmm. I haven't thought about the schedule yet, but Rurua, how are the doppelgangers of Kagura’s group?"
"Their wounds have been properly healed with Extra Heal, of course. The only question is whether Kagura and the others are up for it..."
"Hmm, I think it’s fine to go ahead. Besides, fighting Deryu was fun for the first time in a while."
"No, Comet. Your fight with Deryu wasn't training. Honestly, I was surprised you could actually fight that well."
"Eh? Comet-san is that strong?"
I am genuinely stunned by Master’s words. I never imagined there was a mage capable of going toe-to-toe with Deryu. When I fight Deryu, I’m forced to rely primarily on close-quarters combat...
"Fufu. I was a Dungeon Master once, after all. I know how to fight. Well, we’ve both lived a long time, so there’s that."
"No, in Comet’s case, she was half-dead for most of it, wasn't she? Still, I suppose that means she has a natural sense for combat."
"Well, setting aside the fact that Comet can actually fight, let’s see how Kagura and the others are doing. Shou can just go to the academy tomorrow to observe."
"Understood. I will convey that to him."
And so, I headed off to the super bathhouse as promised. Rurua is surprisingly busy with rear-guard support. Naturally, the same goes for Milly and Eris. And now, Shou is heading to the Lancer Magic Academy.
What will happen next?