第１２７６堀：外交の状況 (Part1)
### Chapter 1276: The State of Diplomacy
**Side: Yuki**
We had gathered in the conference room of the General Administration Building to confirm the current state of Weed—or rather, "our current standing."
We had just finished reviewing the operational status of Weed itself. Now, we were moving on to the next item:
* **Diplomacy with other nations.**
Yes, confirming the state of our foreign relations. This is considered an inseparable issue, deeply intertwined with the management of Weed.
Weed’s territory consists of nothing more than a dungeon located in a forest within Roschur and its immediate surroundings. Compared to the great powers, we are a tiny nation, possessing only as much land as a single regional city. Because of this, the prevailing perception among our neighbors is that "diplomacy is our lifeline."
In reality, however, the operation of Weed can be managed easily enough as long as we have the DP generated by the residents living here.
As for diplomacy, now that the great powers realize we are the key to trade, the possibility of them cutting ties with us is virtually non-existent. However, most smaller nations merely view us as a minor state under Roschur’s protection, a country that simply handles the installation of gates.
Well, this is a deliberate measure to ensure that those who know nothing don't think Weed is gaining too much, thereby preventing them from picking fights with us. If we appear to be struggling diplomatically and not reaping much profit, the likelihood of other countries meddling decreases.
That said, the biggest reason we prioritize diplomacy is to spread Weed’s name across the nations, making it easier to investigate the "Mana Depletion Phenomenon" in the future. But since that topic is filed under a different heading, I’ll record it later.
Thinking this, I set my pen to paper.
* **Diplomacy with other nations**
* **The Continents**
* **Rogali Continent**
* **If Continent**
* **Heiden Region**
* **Zurabul Region**
These are the continents and regions we are currently involved with. And as for the countries existing on these continents...
* **Rogali Continent**
* Kingdom of Roschur: Seraria, Quar
* Kingdom of Dafaio: Fiora
* Kingdom of Gartz: Shera
* Kingdom of Ranks: Taiki
* Holy Nation of Litea: Rurua
* Land of the Beast God: Tora
* Land of the High Elves: Miyabi
* Kingdom of Rumel: Recommended Ambassador
* Kingdom of Last: Liliana, Elju
* Allied Forces: Elju, Orelia
* **If Continent**
* Zilba Empire: Jessica
* Holy Nation of Enaria: Agil
* Kingdom of Roday: Samantha
* Kingdom of White Forest: Comet, Holy Sword Users
* Kingdom of August: Cleena
* Holy Nation of Hifi: Hifi, Taizo, Comet
* Kingdom of Ex: Noble, Sakuri
* Lancer Academy of Magic: Popuri, Lara, Wazfi, Nairua, Havia
* **Heiden Region**
* Kingdom of Heiden: Kagura, Mikos, Souta
* Kingdom of Zufia: Fusora
* Findar Empire: Stasia
* Kingdom of Seasifo: Menou
* Haire Church: Enora, Enor
* **Zurabul Region**
* Zurabul Great Empire: Show
* Hain Empire: Wave?
* Gusdo Kingdom: Parfil?
I’m sure there are some omissions, but this is the list as far as I can recall right now. There are various other small nations, but those are basically handled by the great powers. This list covers only those with whom we have direct dealings.
"I’ve written down the members who serve as our connections, but apart from this, we are currently in the process of setting up embassies—primarily in the great powers—so that we can handle interactions through those channels as well."
"I see. By the way, what’s the progress on embassy construction?"
"It’s complete for all the great powers. Well, the buildings aren't finished in some places, but we’re using substitute mansions for now. The setup for embassies in the Zurabul countries is lagging behind, though."
"Well, that can't be helped. We are newcomers, after all."
"I understand the progress, but how is the actual operation going? From where I’m standing, it looks like all the work is just piling up on you."
"That’s only because there were so many urgent matters. Basically, Souta-san and Enor-san are handling a lot of things at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Seraria, you’ve been looking over the document approvals, haven't you?"
That’s right. It might look like I’m the only one busy with diplomacy, but the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, headed by Souta-san, is working hard enough that I’m only dealing with the rest. Simply put, the Ministry handles requests for meetings and aid from various countries, participation in trade with or through Weed, and a mountain of other detailed tasks.
"...I know that. But still, the sheer volume of work..."
"That can't be helped. The basics are handled by the Ministry, but for the truly important matters of state, it’s faster if they go through me. That’s why I have all of you as my wives."
As I said this, I glanced at the names on the whiteboard and then toward Samantha and the others. Marital ties, after all, take precedence over standard diplomacy. It also means they understand that things get done faster when I’m the one moving. It’s not as if I’m being looked down upon by the great powers; such cases never even reach me.
"Well, now that the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance has started moving in earnest, it would look bad if we relied solely on Weed forever. They’ll start processing things within their own great powers soon enough. Besides, that was part of the plan to show Weed’s strength to those around us."
"That’s true. We needed to fulfill that role so we wouldn't be lumped in with the other small nations. How about you, Fiora?"
"Yes. When I was in the Kingdom of Dafaio, Weed was seen as nothing more than a fluke, a nation that had gained its position by sheer coincidence. Or—and I apologize if this is unpleasant for Seraria—it was generally perceived that the King of a great power was simply spoiling his daughter."
"Well, from the outside looking in, that’s how it would seem."
I nodded. Fiora was right; Weed’s position in the world is truly delicate. I had adjusted it that way on purpose, of course, because it was clear as day that if we stood out too much, it would only lead to a cycle of war. It was vital to gradually change the perception of Weed over time.
"That’s exactly why no blood was shed. It’s a total victory."
"...Truly. If we had operated with the old-fashioned mindset, I think we would still be mired in constant warfare."
Excluding the confused Orelia and her group, my wives nodded in agreement. After all, many of them had been in situations where one wrong step would have meant total war.
"If it were me, I might have bumped into Yuki on the outskirts of Betan and died in battle," Taiki added.
"If we’re talking about that, then so would I. I actually crossed swords with Steve and the others on the battlefield."