第１１５２堀：奴隷を迎え入れる意味とその裏 (Part1)
### Chapter 1152: The Meaning Behind Welcoming a Slave, and the Hidden Truth
**Side: Show**
"Hah? What did you say? Yuki-dono desires a slave? And he intends to make them his right-hand person?"
Upon hearing my report, Emperor Eupia, who had been forced to return to the Great Empire before witnessing the conclusion of the ghost incident and was consequently working in a foul mood, responded with genuine bewilderment.
When I first heard the news, I, too, could not grasp the meaning behind it.
If one were to serve as the right-hand person to a man of Yuki-sama’s stature, our nation would naturally conduct a rigorous selection process before dispatching a candidate. If other great powers were to learn of this, they would undoubtedly do the same, leading to an incredibly competitive selection—there would be no need for Yuki-sama to go out and search for one himself. After all, exceptional talent naturally gravitates toward such a figure.
Or so I thought at first, but...
"Well, one reason is his concern regarding personal connections and espionage. Another is that he is seeking a negotiator of low social standing."
It is true that because he represents a nation, it is difficult to handle talent selected and recommended by other countries, and it is impossible for such individuals to possess a low social status. Emperor Eupia seemed to understand this as well.
"I understand the fear of espionage. If they were to remain by Yuki-dono’s side, they would easily gather the secrets of other nations. Thus, he cannot easily accept recommendations from foreign powers. However, a negotiator of low standing..."
"I believe that concerns Yuki-sama’s own position. From what I hear, while Yuki-sama is currently the consort of Queen Seraria, he was originally a mere traveler who happened to save the Queen, which led to his current status."
"Ah, I have heard that story. It is natural for someone who has founded a new nation, and it is not much different from my own path, but I see—that is the narrative being spread, is it?"
"Yes. The recent affair involving the Kingdom of Dafaio and other small nations seems to have been a relatively minor one, at that."
"...Hmph. That is unlike Yuki-dono. No, it is an oversight unlike Weed. To think they lack a negotiator of that caliber. Or perhaps it is because Yuki-dono himself has been moving too actively. But if he did not, then surely no one could be saved."
The Emperor seems to be imagining things and convincing himself, but...
"Your Majesty. May I ask you to explain the details to me as well? I can surmise a certain amount, but I believe we should minimize the gap in our understanding regarding this matter."
"Oh, indeed. On the surface, the significance of Weed’s existence is as a gateway—a window, if you will. A trading port is the easiest way to describe it."
"Yes, that is correct. And because it is a gift of super-technology known as a 'Gate' rather than a ship, it can be installed anywhere, easily connecting nation to nation. It is a trading hub far more convenient than any maritime port."
"True. However, the original purpose of Weed is, after all, to 'investigate the mana depletion phenomenon.' Therefore, while Weed does indeed earn revenue as a trading port, the profit margin is not that significant. Well, it is sufficient considering the scale of Weed. Moreover, the management—or rather, the administration of trade—is left entirely to the great powers. Thus, officially, they merely collect usage fees and are not in a position to voice opinions."
"But the reality is different. They have solved the problems of each great power, and we are well aware of their capabilities; we were, in fact, saved by them."
At first, I had feared what terrifying enemy had appeared, but it turned out to be a mere misunderstanding. It was truly fortunate that they were not a nation aiming for hegemony and that we were able to engage in peaceful dialogue.
"Indeed. That is precisely why numerous great powers gather around Yuki-dono, desperate to maintain a connection. This is unavoidable. If not for such an existence, we would not be interacting with Weed like this, and we would likely still be in the midst of a war with the Highn Empire."
"Yes, that is certainly true."
It was because of the backing from Yuki-dono and the others in Weed that our nation and its citizens suffered so little damage. And that is true for more than just our country.
"Because of that accumulation, it has inevitably become the case that whenever trouble arises, people turn to Yuki-dono. Normally, would one consult the consort of another country about one's own national troubles? It is unthinkable."
"That is certainly true. Under normal circumstances, one would not easily consult another country about domestic troubles. It would be seen as a weakness."
"Exactly. However, Yuki-dono’s Weed has built a track record of resolving such troubles peacefully. Thus, requests that would not normally be made are coming in. Considering everything, it must be difficult for him to refuse, but at the same time, those small nations are truly pathetic. Do they have no sense of shame?"
"Regarding that, we great powers are also reliant on Yuki-sama and Weed, so we are not in a position to speak too harshly. Besides, on the surface, it can be dismissed as mere interaction between small nations."
"That is precisely why he needs a 'negotiator.' If he were to suddenly say he can no longer do what he has done many times before, it would lead to a decline in Weed’s reputation. Now that intercontinental exchange is being promoted, the loss of reputation for Weed, which is the linchpin of it all, must be avoided at all costs."
"Even so, Yuki-dono only has one body, and he cannot respond to every country or every general visitor."
"Hence, the 'slave.' If he is looking for someone clearly free of foreign entanglements, that is the only place to look. Even if it takes time to educate them, it is clear that consultations will only increase in the future."
"So, even if he has to raise them from scratch, a 'slave' has value. That is my assessment as well. In that case, should we offer to introduce slaves to him?"
Just the thought of being able to send someone to Yuki-sama’s side, even as a slave, makes me willing to work with joy. It is worth that much. Well, in reality, it would be impossible.
"It would be impossible. You know that, Show, even as you say it. It is certain that they would be rejected simply because 'we introduced them.' In the first place, the condition is that they have no ties to other countries. I would do the same."
"That is true. However, I feel uneasy about us just standing by and doing nothing. It seems other countries are unaware of this matter, and..."
"Hmm. It is difficult to gauge whether we should act or not. There is a possibility that Yuki-dono and Weed are watching to see how we move."
"That is possible. However, doing nothing would be meaningless, and if he truly intended to have no one involved, we would never have heard of this matter in the first place. Therefore, I would at least like to offer some advice."
Knowing that Yuki-sama is in the very rare situation of purchasing a slave and doing nothing about it would be meaningless.
"Advice, you say. That in itself might earn us a glare, but well, it would be acceptable if Yuki-dono asks for it."
"That is true. We would merely be answering his questions. We are not pushing a slave upon him. We just happened to be present. Besides, there is an interesting story regarding slaves in Weed—or rather, the Rogali Continent—is there not?"
"Oh, now that you mention it, slaves as cheap labor were beginning to disappear in Weed, and indeed, the Rogali Continent."