第１３２０堀：周りの国の調査組織について (Part1)
Chapter 1320: Regarding Investigative Organizations in Neighboring Countries
Side: Yuki
"Say, Eupia, haven't you been eating quite a lot of grilled meat lately?"
"Hmm? No, I haven't been to a yakiniku restaurant. Wait, if we're talking about grilled meat in general, I suppose I have been eating it every other day, or perhaps every three days."
Eupia replied as she carried a piece of freshly grilled meat to her mouth.
"In that case, I suppose I’m the same. The tomato-stewed chicken has been delicious lately."
"Alstaire, you’ve been having tomatoes every single day, haven't you?"
As Nonoa pointed out, it was true—Alstaire had a penchant for tomatoes. Ever since I taught Litea how to cultivate them, the region had become a major producer, and a wide variety of tomato-based dishes had flourished there. Yet, today, both Alstaire and Nonoa were happily enjoying the grilled meat.
"If we're talking about frequency, I eat more fish. Right, Menou?"
"Well, obviously. We are a maritime nation, after all."
"Oh, right. Still, meat is delicious. Perhaps we should start producing it in our country as well?"
"It’s not that simple. The meat here is produced specifically for consumption."
"Hmm, I see. Even a single ingredient isn't easily managed."
"Well, it’s not impossible. I wouldn't object to budgeting for it if you're serious."
"Indeed. To raise meat that surpasses Weed’s... that would be a worthy endeavor."
And so, the Emerald Queen of the Sea-Siphon Kingdom and her advisor-cum-diplomat, Menou, discussed national industry while tucking into their grilled meat. Surprisingly, when I reached out to them, they agreed to come without a moment's hesitation. I was grateful for that.
"Hey~ let’s drink more~"
"Lilishe, are you drunk already? Pull yourself together."
For some reason, the airheaded goddess Lilishe was also in attendance, acting as a source of unease. She looked like nothing more than a fool who had come to get a free meal at Alstaire’s request, and even now, she was pestering Hifie.
"Yuki-sama, Her Majesty’s diet is well-balanced, so there is no need for concern. I guarantee it."
That came from the Great Imperial Advisor, Show. I had anticipated that he would tag along for support.
"Now then, I received word from other countries—I heard there was a discussion about this at the men’s yakiniku gathering the other day?"
Show prompted me to get to the point, so I looked around. Everyone stopped their noisy eating and began to dine in silence. I thought to myself that they could at least put their chopsticks down, but since the men had done the same, I figured it was a lost cause and proceeded with the conversation.
"Some of you may have already heard the details, but I will explain it again. We are planning to officially mobilize an organization dedicated to investigating and exposing the hostile groups we’ve discussed in the past. The purpose of this meeting is to ask each of your nations to prepare accordingly."
As I spoke, Eupia picked up a piece of meat from the iron plate.
"Is that all? We finished our preparations ages ago, ready for whenever you might call upon us."
"That’s good to hear. We’re finally at a point where we can move forward with this as well. How about the others?"
"The Holy Nation of Litea already has an organization for such matters, so there is no issue. Like Eupia-dono, our preparations are complete."
It seemed Alstaire of Litea, much like the Zrable Empire, was ready.
"The Magic Kingdom is fine, too. Though, given the scale of our country, our numbers are small. Or perhaps, since it’s only the major powers, does that make our involvement meaningless?"
"Not for now. However, we will likely move eventually. More importantly, there is a connection through Nonoa. If there are any suspicious movements, we will dispatch our people."
"That’s fine for now. Other countries might complain if we get involved alongside the major powers."
Nonoa was fine with that, too. If there was any concern, it was that they were a small nation, but given their connection to the gods, it shouldn't be a problem. As for the rest...
"Hmm. We are prepared, so that is not an issue, but what of the other countries?"
"I’ve received word from both Haiden and Findall in the Haiden region that they are ready."
"I see. That is well. Though, the name 'Haiden region' is a bit..."
"Indeed. I feel it’s a bit problematic to make 'Haiden' so famous."
"Then hold a formal discussion and decide on a name. I can’t exactly call it anything else until you do."
The naming of the Haiden region seemed to be a result of Princess Carrie’s mischief, but perhaps I should tell Kagura to arrange a meeting so that they don't harbor too much dissatisfaction. That left Hifie and Lilishe...
"Yes. We are also prepared, but like Nonoa, we are not a major power, so we are on the back burner, correct?"
"I’m~ doing my best, Alstaire-chan~"
"Yes! I am doing my best!"
Right. Setting aside Hifie, it’s best not to engage with fools. I decided to leave it at that and carried a new piece of meat to my mouth.
"Judging by that, are all the male heads of state cooperating as well?"
"Yes. Many of them, like Eupia and Alstaire, had already made the necessary preparations."
"That’s only natural, isn't it? For major powers, internal dissatisfaction and hostile organizations are constant companions. We’ve maintained a cooperative system for a long time. There are organizations that cross borders to escape, so we’ve been cooperating multilaterally for years."
Contrary to my expectations, many countries were surprisingly well-prepared against such hostile organizations. In fact, every major power that had joined the yakiniku gathering already had such organizations in place. Perhaps it was a necessity of being a major power? No, it was likely that as a country grows, it cannot be maintained without such organizations. Menou, a fellow reincarnate, nodded in agreement, suggesting it was a matter of course.
"I suspect Weed’s response was sluggish because you have never operated such an organization before. Am I wrong?"
"As Emerald says. Weed has barely existed for more than a handful of years since its founding. We have almost no track record of cooperating with the organizations of other countries. I suspect we will cause you a lot of trouble this time around."
"That cannot be helped. That is what an alliance is for—to support one another. Though, I say that, but an organization within an alliance this large is rare. I don't know how it will actually turn out."
"It’s usually limited to two or three countries, after all. I imagine there will be friction over who takes the lead. You’ll have to see how that plays out in practice."
"Yeah, the men were saying the same thing. There will inevitably be those who are desperate to claim the credit."