第１２９８堀：意外とまともな神様たち (Part1)
"That sounds like quite a predicament for Nonoa as well," Yuki said.
"Well, it's the same everywhere. Corruption from below is a persistent headache," replied Nogosh, the god of war and ruler of the Sword Country.
Nodding in agreement was Noble, the god of war of the Ex Kingdom on the If Continent.
Yuki had explained the student exchange program to them, partly to preempt any tantrums from Nonoa, and partly because he'd been discussing yesterday's events. Both Nogosh and Noble understood the tests for the exchange students and had no issues with them. However, they both frowned, making comments about the failure of Nonoa's subordinate.
"I should probably keep a closer eye on things on my end too," Nogosh mused.
"Indeed. Weed is a new nation. If some fool causes trouble, its reputation will plummet to the ground," Noble added.
"But that's where politics comes in, using such things to your advantage," Yuki thought.
Still, corruption. That was a job for Kirika and the intelligence department, wasn't it? Would they have enough personnel?
As Yuki pondered this, a voice interrupted his thoughts. "Um, why am I here?"
It was Bitz. Was it correct for her to be here as Uesugi Kagetora? When Yuki arrived, the three of them had been chatting casually.
"It started as a discussion about swords, after all. Princess Bitz, you agreed to that, didn't you?" Noble asked.
"Ah, sword talk is always engaging. And so is Tetra-dono's," Bitz replied.
"Oh, I do recall us discussing such things," Yuki said, surprised. "You were interested in swords, Bitz?"
"I wasn't originally. But since Tetra-sama has been instructing me, I've been enjoying training with swords, not just katanas. I can even send out slashes, and it's convenient that I don't need incantations or concentration like with magic," Bitz explained.
"No, that's because you *are* concentrating," Yuki corrected.
"Is that so?"
"Yes, sending out slashes is a phenomenon of projecting magical energy. You can do similar things with magic, but..."
"That's likely a matter of compatibility. Of course, wands often have higher magical conductivity, making them suitable for casting spells, but that's generally speaking. It's probably easier to imagine sending out slashes with a sword than with a wand," Noble interjected.
Yuki agreed with Noble. Magic relied heavily on imagination. That's why understanding the scientific principles behind a phenomenon could lead to a clearer image and increased power. Healing magic was the same. Therefore, it was natural that imagining sending out slashes would be easier with a sword than a wand.
Bitz seemed to accept this explanation. "I see. So that's how it is. Oh, I've been rambling. Did you need something, Yuki-sama?"
"Ah, yes. Separate from Nonoa's subordinate issue, it's convenient that you're here, Bitz," Yuki said.
"Yes? Me too?"
"Yes. Have you heard anything from Lilishe and the others? About any contact from anti-Luna factions, or anti-Dungeon Master factions?"
" " "Ah." " "
The two of them seemed to understand Yuki's explanation.
"I have heard that the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance will be further strengthened, but I haven't heard anything of that sort. Well, there are always those who oppose things within our own ranks," Noble said.
"I'm in the same boat. Those kinds of people probably feel their share of the pie will shrink, and they don't see it as a new opportunity to profit or a place to strive," Noble added.
"It's probably because they don't like being overshadowed by Weed. The nation rejects the aristocracy," Yuki mused.
"The fact that it's a new nation is also a cause. They're probably just jealous," Noble said. "But I haven't heard of any contact from gods or Dungeon Masters, as Yuki mentioned. Are you sure you're not mistaken about that?"
"Mistaken?"
"Yes, we're not anti-Luna faction, so there's no way they'd contact us," Noble stated.
"That's right. We're part of Luna's faction, so contact from them is highly unlikely," Noble agreed.
"Ah, I see. However, wouldn't they consider the possibility that some might be displeased?" Yuki pressed.
"That possibility isn't zero, but it's unlikely. The same goes for the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance. We're part of that alliance, so it would be difficult to try and break it down from the outside..." Noble began.
"Logically, it would be better to discuss things with the anti-alliance factions first," Yuki countered.
It was a valid point, but Yuki had anticipated this. "Well, that might be the case regarding the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance, but I thought it wouldn't be strange for there to be contact related to gods. If there isn't, then that's fine too. So, my request is, if you do get any such inquiries, please entertain them."
"I see, you want to draw them out," Noble said.
"It's a standard tactic. I agree," Noble replied.
"You know, it's fine if they become our enemies," Yuki added.
" "Who would do that?" "
The two of them said in unison. *Tch*, they weren't that foolish after all. Yuki felt a sense of relief.
"Now then, you two are fine, but what about Bitz? Is it likely that anti-Intercontinental Exchange Alliance factions would approach you?" Yuki asked.
"Unfortunately, I haven't received any such offers... though, I have been working with Tetra-sama to draw out those who oppose the current administration for some time now," Bitz replied.
"Ah, the anti-Taiki-kun faction," Yuki said. Ranks had been defeated by Taiki-kun and his allies once, and the old regime faction was now desperately trying to overthrow the current one, led by Taiki-kun. They had lost most of their wealth and power, and given the trouble they had caused other nations, it seemed unlikely their wishes would be granted. However, with Bitz, who was practically the leader of the old regime faction, standing beside Taiki-kun, there was no reason for them not to try. If they succeeded, they could stab Taiki-kun in the back. It was a shame, though, that Bitz, who had become more sensible thanks to Kagetora's education, wouldn't fall for it.
"No, wait. Are there still people bothering you?" Yuki asked.
"Even though you say 'still,' it's only been a handful of times since Ranks was established. There are likely many more such instances," Bitz replied.
"Ah, that's true." It had only been a few years since their country was taken. It was understandable that their grudges wouldn't disappear so quickly. While such resentment might seem trivial to outsiders, it was a significant matter to those involved. For those who had been foolish and lost their wealth and power, their hatred would naturally run deep.