第１１７１堀：処罰としての対応 (Part2)
"Yes, I understand that this is an incredibly difficult request. If handled poorly, it could even increase our own burden. However, I don't believe in giving up from the start, so I intend to find a way to make it work. We may cause you some inconvenience for a while, but I ask for your cooperation."
"No, I am grateful for the sentiment alone."
I see. I thought he was about to pull off another outrageous stunt, but it seems this is what one might call a diplomatic convenience.
...No, knowing Master, he is likely already considering how to legally alter the standing of Princess Fiora and the Kingdom of Dafaio.
I do not know the method, but...
"Then, we shall leave the finer details for another day. For now, I ask that you have a thorough discussion with Princess Fiora."
"Indeed. Well, I imagine she has steeled herself, though it is unlikely she will be able to return here often after this. I appreciate your consideration."
"Not at all. Then, I shall take my leave for today. We are simultaneously conducting an investigation in the castle town to see if there are any grievances or requests regarding this matter, so please contact the embassy should anything arise."
"Understood."
Looking at the situation as a whole, the fact that I requested Princess Fiora has been conveyed, so there is no issue there, but...
"Master. About the matter of Princess Fiora being taken in publicly...?"
"Ah, it would be best if we could manage that, wouldn't it? Bringing her to Weed just like that would only lead to inefficiencies."
"...That is certainly true, but we cannot avoid punishing her in the public eye. If we do not, as the King of Dafaio said, strange requests will continue to be sent to you personally, Master."
Otherwise, what would have been the point of taking Princess Fiora in at all?
"I don't think it will come to that. Well, we can consult on those details later. For my part, I want to avoid increasing my workload any further, for several reasons."
"Yes. As long as you understand that, there is no problem."
While discussing such things, we return to the Weed Embassy, our designated meeting point with Riel and the others.
The word has already been passed, so the guards salute us and let us through without delay.
"Oh, Yuki-san, Kirika, yoo-hoo!"
As we enter the embassy, I see Riel-sama walking through the foyer.
It seems she returned a short while ago.
"Oh. I'm back. It looks like you finished up surprisingly quickly, too."
"Well, yeah. Today was just about notifying the relevant parties that anyone wishing to negotiate through the embassy should gather here. The real work starts tomorrow, I suppose."
I see. Indeed, going door-to-door to hear the requests of the general public for Weed would be problematic in many ways.
That is precisely why we informed the relevant parties that we would begin accepting inquiries at the embassy.
"Where are Riel and the others?"
"They're with Tori right now, preparing the reception area. So far, most of the meeting requests are from the famous merchants here in Dafaio. Aside from that, there's a request from the Ritea Church branch to take in some sick patients."
"That's surprisingly few."
"Well, the name 'Weed' doesn't ring a bell for many people yet. But since we announced that we were setting up a window for inquiries, there have been people reaching out, so it seems those in the know are aware."
"Hmm. Does that mean the penetration among the general public is not yet that deep?"
"Well, I suppose so. Even if we say Weed has started an Intercontinental Exchange Alliance, for the majority of the citizens of the Kingdom of Dafaio, it doesn't have any direct impact on their lives yet. Excluding the merchants and the members of the Ritea Church, that is."
Indeed, even if it is a major movement for the world, it is difficult for individuals living in a single nation to truly feel the impact.
"So, how did things go on your end, Yuki-san? The matter of the water, and Princess Fiora? You didn't... forget to mention it, did you? Kirika?"
"Yes. You need not worry about that. Master properly discussed taking in Princess Fiora and received consent."
"I see. That's good. But, you really do hate these kinds of things, don't you, Yuki-san?"
Even without me saying a word, Riel-sama seems to have sensed that Master is troubled by the situation with Princess Fiora.
As expected of his wife.
"Well, I have no choice but to do my best. Princess Fiora is likely busy with preparations and talking to her parents right now. I hope it eases her mind, even a little. Though, that might be asking too much..."
Given the flow of that conversation, it is unlikely anyone would be overjoyed to be married off.
However...
"It'll be fine. You can make her happy, Yuki-san. We'll help, too. Right, Kirika?"
"Eh? Ah, yes. If it is Master's wish, I shall cooperate with all my might."
That is right.
To fulfill whatever Master desires.
That, and that alone, is my sincere wish.
Riel-sama, you truly are a straightforward person with a strong heart.
I am Master's shadow. My Master's wish is my own.
"Well, for now, I'm hungry. Let's have Orelia and the others guide us to a delicious restaurant."
"Ooh, agreed!"
Hmm. Let us see how Orelia and the others have been performing.
Perhaps we shall have them introduce us to a restaurant that will satisfy Master.
Externally, we must maintain the appearance that she has been punished.
Otherwise, it will only lead to more trouble.
And that way, there will be no complaints when Princess Fiora handles the situation.
Well, even if there are, they will be nothing more than whispers.
The great powers will handle the rest... probably.