第１１４８堀：人手の追加予定 (Part2)
"I don't think someone like that is easy to find. After all, who could possibly replace Yuki-sama? Perhaps Her Majesty or Labyris-sama? And if we make a hundred concessions, maybe Comet-sama? Taiki-sama and Taizo-sama are candidates, but they have their own nations to carry. As for the other wives... I doubt they could keep their sanity the moment Yuki-sama were gone."
"You're right. The internal structure of Weed is surprisingly fragile. I’ve come to realize that, actually. In that sense, I suppose I should thank Kagura."
"The kidnapping incident, you mean. Back then, not only Yuki-sama but Labyris-sama were caught up in it, and the only ones left to fill the void were Her Majesty and Comet-sama. The situation was dire. Everyone, including Her Majesty, was practically screaming for war. Though, Comet-sama remained calm, so in that sense, she has a surprisingly large capacity for leadership... but even so."
Quar wore a troubled expression, as expected.
She’s right. Comet simply cannot serve as a replacement.
"...It’s no good. Comet’s identity as a researcher is too overwhelming. Even if we educated her, she might manage to some extent, but it would be far more beneficial for Weed if she continued her work as a researcher."
"Precisely. Besides, Comet-sama isn't one of the wives, and she’s a lich. Plus, coming from the If Continent, things would get complicated."
Quar is right; her origins are a problem. And the fact that she’s undead, too.
"The factions from the If Continent would seize the opportunity to make all sorts of demands. Not that I intend to put Comet in the public eye. That’s exactly why it was such a pity about Princess Fiora of the Dafaio Kingdom."
"She is exceptionally talented, isn't she? It’s clear that with the right training, she would become a magnificent asset. She reminds me of Her Majesty in her younger days."
"You see it too, Quar? I feel the same. Though, she is much more earnest than I ever was."
"Which is exactly why she is trustworthy. That said, I doubt such a responsible princess would easily leave her home country. Isn't she still in the midst of monitoring and managing the water?"
"Yes. With the dragon Coral gone, she’s checking the progress of the magic tools that generate water to see if the water source will return to normal. I suppose it wouldn't hurt to have her come here as 'compensation' once that verification is complete..."
"Hmm. Shouldn't we just consider her arrival a certainty? The other side would likely be grateful that the price for solving their water crisis is merely one princess. Though the official stance is that the compensation is 'providing an experimental site,' do you really think the surrounding nations will be satisfied with just that?"
"I don't think so. In fact, several places have already started suggesting that if providing an experimental site is all it takes to get Yuki-sama to visit, they’d be more than happy to do it."
"Naturally. The idea that Yuki-sama would come just by lending out some land is a dream come true for them."
"Exactly."
My husband told them that this time was strictly about providing an experimental site for new technology, hoping to decline future requests, but anyone would think the same if a mere plot of land could secure a connection with Weed.
My husband insisted it was only for the "water experiment" and that he would refuse future offers, but if he does that, the Dafaio Kingdom—which has already been given preferential treatment—will find itself in a bind.
Not to mention the Roschur Kingdom, which couldn't even solve its own water problems.
That is why it is best to frame it as Yuki receiving Princess Fiora as compensation.
"It is fortunate that the princess is so capable. At the very least, it gives us an excuse to say we won't deal with anyone who lacks her level of talent."
"Yes. Being able to say that beauty alone isn't enough is a wonderful thing. It’s also good that she comes from a small nation. That way, we can handle requests from other small nations through her."
"A dedicated window for small nations, as it were?"
"Precisely. Since she is the first princess from a small nation to join us, there will be many who want to ask how she managed to get in. And there will be fools who think they can use that to threaten us. It will be good to have her act as a filter."
"Yes. We must have Princess Fiora... we must have her come here."
"Indeed. As for the rest, it’s a matter for the general public... but there are reports that the number of slaves is increasing. Perhaps I should have Yuki choose some?"
"Ah, you mean raising new slaves. But if we do that, then Ria-sama would... no, that won't work."
"Exactly. Ria is a Hero at the same time. She isn't someone we can make public, so we can't treat her as a negotiator. Besides, she’s a bodyguard first and foremost. That’s why we need additions. In the end, Eris, Milly, and Ratz are still unable to move freely."
When we founded Weed, we assumed we would be free within a few years, but things never go as planned.
Well, I’m curious to see what kind of women Yuki chooses, so that might be for the best.
"In any case, I hope the investigation of the Sea of Trees concludes soon."
"Indeed. I wonder how it will all end."
We are truly short-handed, so additions are a certainty.
It’s a sad state of affairs when you have so many people, yet still not enough.
Though, that is the result of Yuki doing as he pleases.
Hmm, it’s a bit sad that they aren't heroine candidates, but rather just "windows" for diplomacy.
Is Princess Fiora destined to become a tragic princess!?
And what of the slaves Yuki will choose!!
Incidentally, this will be the first time Yuki has ever chosen slaves himself.
After all, Labyris and the others were brought in by Mauve and his group.