第１２６３堀：好きと嫌いと (Part1)
Chapter 1263: Likes, Dislikes, and Everything In Between
Side: Yupia
"Hmm. Yuki-dono certainly has his hands full, doesn't he?"
"Everywhere is much the same, Your Majesty. Though, in Weed’s case, it is particularly troublesome," replied Show, my right-hand man and Grand Strategist.
Recently, we have been working tirelessly to align ourselves with the student exchange program Weed is launching. It was obvious to anyone that the home base of Weed itself would be facing even greater turmoil...
"Well, when one plots something on such a grand scale, there will always be fools who seek to investigate or interfere. For better or for worse."
Indeed. The document that arrived from Weed was titled:
*Regarding Countermeasures Against Factions Seeking to Harm or Infiltrate the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance in Conjunction with the Student Exchange Program.*
It was remarkably straightforward.
Initially, I had welcomed the idea of studying in Weed with open arms, thinking it a cause for celebration. But, of course, things like this are bound to happen.
"Should I say we finally realized it, or that we’ve finally reached this point?"
"Indeed. The fact that we have moved to these countermeasures means the student exchange program is unlikely to be derailed now. After all, to reject the proposals in this document would be tantamount to admitting one has something to hide."
"Precisely. Yuki-dono has thought this through quite well. Organizing a 'Joint Investigation Task Force' to deploy against hostile factions—a group that acts to prevent damage to the host country while simultaneously gathering evidence of involvement. It’s almost laughable. Once a joint task force of various nations declares something 'white,' it can no longer be called 'black.' It is the ultimate form of security."
"Yes. And for nations harboring guilty intentions, if they are forced to accept these investigation teams, they will have no choice but to either discard their hostile factions or attempt to co-opt the investigators."
"The latter would be a poor move. If they did that, they would effectively be refusing the program from the start..."
"And to do so would be to declare to the world that they have something to hide from the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance, leading to their expulsion. They would become pariahs to every nation. I hardly think there is a fool alive who would choose such a path."
"Well, according to Yuki-dono, there are still many countries in the Rogari Continent, the If Continent, and the regions around Haiden that do not trust Weed—or rather, this alliance."
"Those places likely never joined the alliance to begin with. And they should face restrictions on trade and exchange as a result."
"So, the nations outside the alliance are effectively tightening the noose around their own necks, then..."
Well, that is only natural. However, I still feel a sense of unease regarding this matter. Show seems to have sensed it as well.
"Do you have some dissatisfaction with this, Your Majesty?"
"No, I have no complaints about the plan itself. But people do not live by logic alone. Just as we once raised the banner of rebellion against the Hain Empire—we were called reckless back then, weren't we?"
"Yes. We have discussed this before, but is this case not different? We are not forcing anything unreasonable upon them, are we?"
"That is our perspective. To them, it is likely perceived as unreasonable and arrogant. There will be no shortage of those who act purely on emotion."
"I am well aware of that, but... the opposition would be the great powers, including us. And Weed, at that."
"I know. But the start of such things always comes from the unexpected. Just as our own journey began not with a grand conquest, but with the fall of a single local lord."
"...Are you saying we need to be cautious? But aren't we already doing so?"
"That is not what I mean. It is only natural that Yuki-dono is urging vigilance and requesting cooperation, but it is not only us who are capable of exceeding the expectations of others. We must also consider that our enemies may become more powerful through their own form of internationalization."
"I see. I understand what you mean, Your Majesty, but I am afraid I cannot imagine the specifics."
"Indeed. Neither can I. Which means we must hear the details directly from Yuki-dono. We need to take measures so that we are not caught off guard."
"Understood. I shall see to it immediately."
With that, Show left the office at once. Watching him go, I turned my eyes back to Yuki-dono’s document.
"...New changes always invite backlash. But this is not merely a matter for one country. It involves many nations, and even the continents themselves. How far will that backlash grow? Or will it end as mere groundless anxiety?"
I muttered this to myself while sipping tea imported from Weed. It was delicious—even more so thanks to the maids who brewed it. This is the true merit of an 'alliance.' The ability to exchange goods so easily and safely. To realize how incredible that is... to not join the alliance is to close the door on the future.
In other words, the nations that do not join this alliance have no future but decline. Yet, there are still those who refuse. Their reasons vary, but because they have no other options, one never knows how they might act.
Yes. Thinking it over again, this is something I must discuss with him immediately, or we risk suffering grievous harm.
"Come to think of it, I haven't heard any follow-up on the person Yuki-dono captured who claims to be a 'Goddess.' Nor have there been any further reports on the magical depletion phenomenon... Hmm. Interference could come from that direction as well. We need to hear more about that, too."
Until now, I had left everything to them, but if they possess information on entities that could become hostile organizations, that is a different matter. We, too, would be the ones to suffer the damage.
"The student exchange program is the catalyst. The range of travelers, which was previously limited to dignitaries and designated nobles, will expand. ...Is it naive to think nothing will happen?"
As I pondered this, I pulled out the files on the factions currently likely to bare their fangs at my Zrable and began my review. Among them, there are surely those who would deceive me—deceive us—and join the enemy.
Growing tired of such heavy thoughts, I stood up from my seat.
"Right. Let’s go to Weed for a meal. When one is troubled, a change of pace is necessary."
And so, I headed toward Weed with my attendants in tow. The Gate is a blessing. Thanks to it, I can go for a change of pace so easily. Show might grumble about it, but he goes to Weed to 'study' every day, so we are even.
"Still, Hijau and Torne have certainly grown quite accustomed to Weed, haven't they?"