第１２６１堀：落ち着いて考えてみましょう (Part1)
Let's take a moment to think this through.
Side: Ratz
Today, Seraria, in her capacity as "Queen's Decree," gathered only us, the wives of my elder brother. It's quite a rare occasion these days. A "Queen's Decree" typically signifies an official meeting concerning the operation of Weed, where representatives from each district would convene, consolidate their discussions, and then seek Seraria's approval. Our roles, having stepped down from our representative positions, are usually minimal.
Ah, but even so, the vice-representative, our dear rabbit beastman, is surprisingly busy in her own right.
But setting that aside, regarding the reason Seraria, as Queen, has convened us…
"A plan to draw in and deal with, or rather, annihilate, forces opposing or hostile to the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance?" Eris murmured, a vertical crease forming between her brows as she glared at the documents handed to her. She was likely calculating the necessary funds for such an operation in her head. Even I'm wondering what kind of supplies we'll need. And indeed, the other members are also staring at the papers, lost in thought. After all, this is an action that could plunge Weed into the flames of war.
Or perhaps, it's more accurate to say we're deliberately embracing a spark. This means that not only the residents of Weed, but also the exchange students who have come with such hope and anticipation, and our precious children, would be exposed to danger. Well, honestly, I don't think they could overcome Weed's renowned defense network and actually inflict harm…
"..."
Everyone has fallen silent. It seems no one can give an immediate answer. As my elder brother often says, terrorists and criminals find the flaws and exploit them. Therefore, the very thought of being "perfect" is a form of complacency. Indeed, if we were truly perfect, all criminal activity in Weed would cease. However, unfortunately, there are still minor offenses like shoplifting and fights. And attempted murder between adventurers. The fact that these aren't zero is why we hesitate to say anything.
As I pondered what the best course of action would be…
"I understand everyone's unease. But please recognize that there are clear benefits to this plan. And also, the disadvantages of *not* accepting it."
"Eh? The disadvantages of not accepting it?" Riel tilted her head in confusion. We were discussing the potential disadvantages of drawing enemies into Weed, so one might think that by not accepting it, there would be no such disadvantages, only benefits…
"Riel. If we don't accept this plan, the 'danger level' of Weed will certainly decrease. However, it doesn't mean nothing will happen. It's more likely that the threat will move outside of Weed, and we'll eventually have to investigate and deal with it."
"Ah, I see. So, we'd be letting the people we planned to capture in Weed run loose."
"Hmm, it's not exactly 'running loose,' but in that case, the country where the hostile forces exist would be the one to monitor them. And whether their management capabilities are superior to Weed's… "
"Hmph. That's impossible. In other words, if we don't get a handle on them in Weed, future developments will become troublesome. Specifically, things involving gods or the phenomenon of magic depletion."
That's right. As Cleena says, if it were simply an organization hostile to another country, we could leave it be. But if it involves "my elder brother's original objective," then moving forward would require coordinating relations with that country, which would be incredibly troublesome. Moreover, as Samantha mentioned, their management capabilities would inevitably be inferior, and we might find ourselves having to deal with the situation in a panic after the alarm has already been raised.
"Ah, that's a possibility. Unless an incident occurs in our own country, it's not easy to intervene in another. However…"
"If we capture the hostile organization 'in Weed,' then Weed can request investigative cooperation from that country, correct?"
"Originally, it's unthinkable for another country to intervene in the investigation of internal dissidents. That's precisely why the idea is to gain information within Weed first."
"Conversely, without doing this, we probably couldn't request investigative cooperation. Furthermore, though we hate to consider it, if that country is involved in something on a national level, we wouldn't be able to take action otherwise."
Deryu, Rurua, and Shera, being princesses, clearly understand the difficulties of intervening in other countries. They seem to have judged that this method might allow for some intervention. Indeed, it's unthinkable for an investigation team from another country to come and be granted full authority over an incident that occurred in Weed. It would be a matter of pride. And then, Fiora's final words. It's not impossible that a country might be plotting something against Weed or the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance on a national scale. In such a case, the country would naturally refuse any request for cooperation, and if they escape to that country, it would be the end of it. This is necessary to prevent such a scenario.
"...Um, Seraria-sama. If Yuki proposed this, it means Yuki wants to carry out this plan, right?"
"Yes. As Kagura said, Yuki wants to try it if possible. However, he also said that if we refuse, he won't go through with it."
"Ah, that's just like Yuki-sensei…"
"While I want it to be decided decisively, that's precisely Yuki."
"Yes. It's a judgment befitting Yuki-sama. Well, if we force him to comply, it might not lead to a perfect plan. In that case, it might only lead to unnecessary sacrifices."
Hmm, that's certainly true. It's typical of my elder brother, and it's also quite rational. However, it's clear that behind it lies my elder brother's love, valuing us even if he himself has to endure hardship.
"Everyone. While confirming the merits and demerits is important, shouldn't we also discuss the success and failure rates of the operation? Right, Agil?"
"That's true. Milly is right. No matter what the benefits are, if there's absolutely any chance of harm to the residents of Weed, or to the children, I won't agree to such a plan. Right, Tori, Riel?"
"Yeah. If it's at that level, I won't go for it."
"I definitely wouldn't do it either. But, what's the actual probability?"
Indeed, that's the crucial point. We can't make a judgment without hearing about that as well.
As we came to this understanding, Kirue and Sasari began preparing tea.
"Everyone, perhaps we should calm down for a moment."
"That's right."
"I agree. Filia-chan, Labyris-chan, Vilia-chan, Hiiro-chan, let's help."
"Leave it to me."
"Yes. It'll be a good change of pace."
"Okay. Let's do it."
"I'll do my best."
"Hey, why aren't you asking me?!"