第１２１４堀：遠回りしてここまでやってきた (Part2)
As for that, I’ve been using the territory of Micos’s father—a part of Haiden—to build an airport and cultivate fruit orchards, so I’d like to consider us even. But then again, the airport serves to defend Haiden, and the fruit has become a specialty product of the region, so it’s a bit of a wash.
"Is it true that the formal greetings have been delayed?"
"Ah, well, I wonder about that? Kagura and Micos were married, so didn't we technically reconcile before that?"
"Yes. While it’s true that the formal greetings haven't been delayed, the payment for the compensation regarding the help we provided has yet to be settled. We are leasing Baide, but it is merely a lease. Furthermore, that was an apology for the kidnapping and a measure to suppress domestic backlash within Haiden; it is a separate matter from the rescue operation itself."
That’s true, isn't it?
The acquisition of Baide was compensation for them kidnapping us.
Thinking about it now, Haiden really is going to be a headache.
I need to have a thorough discussion about that through Kagura.
And I must warn Orelia and the others to be vigilant, as there’s no telling if someone might try to manipulate them.
"Have you heard that Haiden has suffered quite a bit of damage recently due to those who were operating in the shadows using the Haire Church?"
"Yes. And we heard that you and your people, Yuki-sama, saved them from that."
"Right. That’s the basis of our current relationship, but I suspect that during this upcoming visit, there will be those who attempt to make blatant overtures toward Weed. I want you to be careful—or rather, make sure to refuse any personal requests."
"Um, what do you mean by that?"
"I mean there’s a possibility that people might try to offer money or gifts to you, Orelia, or the others personally, asking you to grant favors to Haiden or to them as individuals. I’m sure I’ve told you to refuse such things in the past, but..."
"I see~. We’ll be fine on that front~."
"It’s not just commoners; pressure from the nobility is also a possibility. If that happens, contact me immediately."
"Yes!"
Even if they are officially handling commoners, there are those who would try to get close to Orelia and the others because of their connection to me.
I can trust Princess Carrie and the King of Haiden, but the lower-ranking officials are another story.
I’ve shown them Deryu’s training sessions with Kagura and the others, so that should have had some effect, but such things don't always reach the bottom rungs, and there are always fools who think only of their own convenience.
"However, if that’s the case, won't the results of the first phase of the Great Forest survey be available by then?"
"Just because the survey results are in doesn't mean we have to immediately proceed to the next stage. We’ll decide which to prioritize when the time comes. But the goblin village in the New Continent is on my mind; I suspect that will take priority."
"A... a goblin village? Not a nest?"
Orelia and the others stiffened at my mention of a "goblin village."
Ah, that’s right. To Orelia and the others from the Rogari Continent, the common perception of goblins is that they are monsters who attack people and violate women.
"Yes, a goblin village. From what I hear, unlike those on the Rogari Continent, these goblins possess intelligence and reason, and they interact with humans. Well, I wouldn't trust them completely, but we do have Steve and his kin with us."
"Ah, if they are goblins like Steve-san and the others, then that is a relief."
"I see~. Does the existence of such a village have anything to do with the magical depletion phenomenon~?"
"I don't have any concrete proof yet. To get to that village, we have to pass through several countries in the New Continent. We’ve arranged to request their cooperation since they are allies of the Haiden Kingdom, but to those countries, Weed is essentially a nameless, insignificant nation."
"The Haiden Kingdom, the Findar Empire, and the Seasypho Kingdom are promoting Weed, but since we have never met with other countries directly, there is a possibility they may be rude to you, Orelia, and even to you, Master. We will continue our combat training rigorously. Is that understood?"
"Yes!"
All three of them gave a sharp, spirited reply.
Well, it is essentially heading into uncharted territory.
I need to ask Kagura about that as well.
A goblin village, indeed!
Does everyone remember it?