第１２３４堀：動き出す大国 (Part1)
Chapter 1234: The Great Powers Stir
Side: Yupia
A heavy thud echoed as a stack of documents was dropped onto the table.
Yes, these were the budgets and drafts for the "Exchange Student Program" proposed by Yuki-dono.
There were still many details to iron out, but for now, this would suffice. After all, this was not something the Zurable Great Empire could decide on its own.
"…As always, your reading speed is astonishing."
"It is a waste of time to linger on such things. Besides, it is far easier than it used to be. The characters are much more legible now, which has only increased my pace. Computers are truly a blessing."
Indeed, these documents had been prepared by Show using a computer.
Ah, it is truly convenient. The speed is literally incomparable to handwriting. Furthermore, the reader is no longer troubled by the quirks of someone else’s penmanship. I heard that Show had to struggle initially to create and register the characters himself, but the value of that effort is immeasurable.
With Show having mastered the Weed language and the operation of these machines, the paperwork of the Zurable Great Empire is set to improve drastically.
The next step will be figuring out how to acquire these convenient tools from Weed and, eventually, how to produce them within our own borders.
But that is a matter for the future; for now, the focus is on the exchange student program.
"It is certainly easier to edit than handwriting. Setting that aside, what do you think of the content?"
"Hmm. At this stage, there is little more we can refine. It is impossible to calculate an accurate budget without knowing the scale of Weed’s capacity to accept students."
"That is true. However, the actual number of students accepted will likely not be very large. After all, Weed itself is only on the scale of a single regional city."
"Well, that is true."
Yes, unfortunately, Weed likely lacks the capacity to host a large number of students.
I hear their total population is only just reaching one hundred thousand.
Though, the reality of what lies within those borders is entirely different. I personally believe that, despite that population of one hundred thousand, Weed’s power far exceeds that of our own empire.
Nevertheless, that is a matter of pure "might," and it does not mean they are equipped to handle a massive influx of people.
"The primary topics for discussion will be the number of exchange students, the types of educational programs, the duration of study, and the deliberation of 'International Common Sense.'"
"Just hearing that gives me a headache. Weed, which has to coordinate all of that with every nation, must have it even worse."
"Indeed. It will be a monumental headache. Especially since the establishment of international common sense will form the foundation of the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance; every nation will be desperate to push their own interests into it."
"That is only natural. To have contributed to the establishment of international common sense is synonymous with being held in high regard by the international community. That is precisely why we are here, examining these details. Though, it is not Weed that decides these things simply by gathering information."
"True, the 'common sense' will be decided primarily by the great powers of each continent, but Weed’s intentions will carry significant weight. You are aware of that, are you not?"
"I am. However, as long as it does not deviate too far from Weed’s own common sense, they likely won't 'interfere.' Doing so would only invite unnecessary trouble. Besides, the goal is to reduce the complications Weed faces when traveling to other countries."
Yes, I have heard from Yuki-dono about the underlying purpose of this initiative.
Or rather, all the great powers are well aware of it.
I heard that even when they visited the Goblin Village recently, they were subjected to incredibly cumbersome procedures and explanations.
The hope is that the exchange student program will help shorten such processes, even if only slightly.
From our perspective, it is also a nuisance for Yuki-dono to have to explain everything from scratch every time he visits the smaller nations under our umbrella.
If we can reach a point where the name "Weed" is met with eager acceptance, it will save everyone a great deal of trouble.
"I understand that. However, it is also true that if Weed makes no demands, it may affect their standing in the future."
"Hmm. As you say, Show."
Indeed, if they simply follow the decisions of the great powers without a word, will the true greatness of Weed be conveyed?
On the other hand, if they demand too much, they might invite backlash from other nations… though, is that even a concern?
"Hmm. Perhaps Weed is thinking further ahead than we realize."
"What do you mean?"
"Show. You are, without a doubt, the 'Great Imperial Strategist' I have longed for. Your intellect and tactical acumen are my pride."
"Ah, I don't quite understand, but thank you for the praise."
"But I do not believe the prominent figures of Weed could fail to imagine the 'conclusion' you have just reached."
"Now that you mention it, that is true."
"Well, if they make no demands, we can simply support them. Though, I doubt the likes of Yuki-dono or Queen Seraria fear a little backlash at this stage."
"Do you think so? Shouldn't we avoid discord within the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance?"
"That is true. Besides, it is a problem for the great powers, including our Zurable Great Empire, to have Weed continuously treated as if they were just another small nation."
We cannot have people complaining about Weed being given preferential treatment.
There are countless fools out there who do not know better. They have no idea that we are the ones carefully gauging Weed’s mood.
Once I say this much, Show should be able to grasp…
"I see. By utilizing this situation, we are to publicly declare that it is only natural for Weed to be treated with preference."
"Exactly. There will undoubtedly be those who make a fuss, but the number of such fools who persist in the long run will be quite small. That is how much power and achievement Weed possesses. Those fools who only saw them as a small trading nation that happened to use the gates well will be forced to reconsider their perception. I suspect the other great powers are thinking the same thing."
"Indeed, through the exchange program, they will finally recognize the reality of Weed. Facts that were previously obscured by the intervention of the great powers will come to light."
"Well, that is my assessment. Even so, there are many in this world who will complain about things they do not understand. Regardless, there are no flaws in these documents. We shall enter Weed as scheduled. How are the preparations?"
"Without issue. Only the 'Rock-Paper-Scissors Tournament' to decide who gets to accompany you remains."
"Good grief, what a bunch of idiots."
Lately, whenever I visit Weed, the number of people coming up with nonsensical reasons to accompany me has increased exponentially.
Well, I suppose I can understand their feelings.
"I wouldn't call them idiots across the board. As you know, the food, the entertainment, the hot springs—that place is truly incredible. The studious ones are always looking for an excuse to visit the relevant facilities, even if only for a short time."