第１３１９堀：各国へ連絡を (Part1)
Chapter 1319: Contacting the Nations
Side: Orelia
Yesterday, the upper echelons of Weed held a council and decided to mobilize the International Joint Investigation Team.
Though I had heard rumors of it, the content of the discussion made it painfully clear just how deeply Weed is intertwined with every nation. Under normal circumstances, if one were to suggest cooperation so casually, a refusal would be a foregone conclusion. After all, it would be tantamount to exposing one’s own failures; no one would voluntarily act in a way that tarnishes their own reputation.
Yet, knowing this, Yuki-sama and the others not only deemed it a non-issue but actually claimed they could cooperate precisely because they had been involved in these problems from the start. It makes one wonder just how many of these nations' troubles they have thrust themselves into. While this speaks to the immense power Weed wields, it also highlights the staggering burden it places upon them.
In other words...
"I suppose I’ll have to go around and greet the relevant parties myself."
Indeed, Yuki-sama’s burden is only increasing. He began delegating tasks to us because he was too busy, yet it seems as though he is simply piling different responsibilities onto his own shoulders in their stead.
And so...
"Yuki-sama. Is it not possible to pass such tasks on to us or the other subordinates?"
There is no reason for the Prince Consort himself to make these rounds. He should be able to use his subordinates to handle the communication, but...
"No, if I say it directly, the paperwork will go through more smoothly, and the heads of state will be more receptive. Besides, I want to inform them about the Anti-Weed Alliance while I’m at it."
"Didn't we conclude in yesterday's meeting that it was still too early to contact the sovereigns?"
"I’m not going to tell them we’ve infiltrated their ranks. I just need to tell them not to get ahead of themselves if they find something. It wouldn't be convenient for us if they destroyed the evidence on their own. Well, I can't deny the possibility that the people on the ground might do just that, but simply informing those at the top should serve as a deterrent."
"I see... that is true."
I understand why they would want to cover it up—having an enemy organization within their borders or among their vassal states is a national disgrace within the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance. But if the King himself says, "Do not hide it; that will only cause more problems," then the incentive to conceal it vanishes.
"Many nations already harbor dissatisfaction with their participation in the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance. Well, it’s mostly just a lack of understanding on the part of their subordinates. For those who think they can still gain territory and military glory through war like in the old days, this is unbearable. Especially for the lords who have shed so much blood at the borders, there is a deep-seated resentment. With those emotions at play, this kind of dissatisfaction is inevitable."
"In other words... the kings of these nations must not refuse cooperation, if only to suppress that dissatisfaction?"
"Exactly. I suspect Hovis’s prediction will hold true. Especially for those who have just shifted their policy away from the strategy of subjugating neighboring countries. There is a non-zero chance that the border lords might join forces with other small nations and raise the banner of rebellion. In that sense, this is the perfect situation to show them that we are ready to act at a moment's notice, by actually facilitating human connections—specifically, the movement of soldiers—through Weed."
...He finds so many layers of meaning in a single action. Or rather, given Yuki-sama’s personality, he is likely retroactively justifying his decisions with these convincing reasons.
*Sigh.* I understand why the wives are worried. Why must he insist on creating so much work for himself?
Nevertheless, we serve Yuki-sama, so we cannot refuse. All we can do is...
"I-I understand the situation. T-then, which country shall we start with? I will contact them immediately."
Yayui is already asking where to begin. Yes, all we can do is minimize Yuki-sama’s burden by contacting the relevant parties and adjusting the schedule.
"Let’s see... Hm? Wait a moment..."
Yuki-sama opened his call screen and began scanning his schedule.
"Hey, Fiora. I need to confirm something."
"Yes? What is it?"
"Didn't we have word that those idiots were planning a secret yakiniku party tonight?"
"Those 'idiots'... Ah, please wait a moment."
Fiora-sama opened her own call screen to verify, and...
"Yes. Indeed, the King of Roschur, the King of Gartz, and the King of Rumel. And the King of Noble, the King of Zilba, the King of Roday, and the King of Enaria. Emperor Zulabl, Queen Nonoa, Saintess Hifie, and Principal Popuri are all reportedly coming to Weed separately to eat yakiniku, according to reports from the military and police."
" " "Eh?" " "
We couldn't help but exclaim in unison. Why are they all coming to Weed at once? And for yakiniku, of all things... I know the food is delicious, but is it really appropriate for sovereigns to visit Weed so casually?
As I was thinking this, Yuki-sama spoke.
"They probably want to have private discussions, too. Weed is perfect for counter-intelligence; it’s better than talking in their own countries."
"Regarding the matter from earlier?"
"Likely. They probably want to coordinate on the issue of the local lords. So, Fiora, could you use Orelia and the others to contact the men and tell them I want to speak with them all together? I’ll handle the women myself—there are only three of them. That should cover nearly half of them in one go."
I see. They didn't just come to eat yakiniku. Of course they didn't. It is impossible for sovereigns to gather for a meal just because they want a bite to eat. Despite how foolish it might appear, they are likely using this as a cover to coordinate on the very issues Yuki-sama mentioned.
"There are countries in the Haiden region and the If Continent that are not participating. How shall we handle them?"
"Consult with the participants first. If they give the green light, contact them. If you tell them we can inform them later, they might complain about it being unfair if they don't hear it at the same time, so keep that in mind. Tell them if they are willing to hear us out, I’ll guide them to my recommended yakiniku restaurant."
" " "Yes!" " "
We immediately responded and began contacting the relevant parties. Four of us gathered quickly to divide the tasks.
"Then, Orelia, you handle the Rogali Continent group. Alstaire-sama is a woman, so Yuki-sama will handle her. Hovis, you contact the If Continent group. Yayui, you handle the Haiden region. I will secure the restaurant."
Fiora-sama took on the most difficult task herself.