第１３２０堀：周りの国の調査組織について (Part2)
If they can claim the results as their own, they will undoubtedly earn the respect of every nation; for anyone seeking a promotion, this situation is an opportunity too golden to pass up.
"Well, that goes without saying. There is the matter of national pride, after all. If the investigation is within one’s own borders, I would certainly tell them to give it their all. Even I would feel the same."
"Indeed. As for me, I would certainly not want to be outpaced by other nations when it comes to an investigation within my own country."
Yupia and Alstaire nodded in agreement. I, too, found the sentiment only natural. While there is the aspect of individual achievement, the weight of national prestige is undeniably present.
"Those are the kinds of issues we have to contend with, so we’ve agreed to discuss the specifics at a later date. My expectation, however, is that it will settle into a structure where the members of the country conducting the investigation take the lead, with others providing support."
"That would be the safest approach. Furthermore, the base of operations for these investigative teams should be established here in Weed. It would significantly improve our responsiveness."
"That aligns with the opinion Shau expressed. It would be best to operate with Weed as the hub. It would be wiser to make the basic preparations here before deploying to the target nation."
"That would certainly make it easier to demonstrate that we are acting as the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance. Though, I suppose that also makes it easier for information to leak to the enemy."
Hifi voiced her concern. It is true—moving through the upper echelons of government means our actions will be blatant. Anyone watching those entering from Weed would be able to discern our movements to some extent. If we are dealing with a hostile organization, this is a matter of life and death; it would be naive to assume we could avoid their notice entirely.
"Entering separately, or perhaps establishing multiple bases—those are the only solutions that come to mind."
"Well, those are reasonable enough. Still, the circumstances vary from country to country, so we really do need to sit down and hash out the details."
Nonoa muttered this with a look of annoyance, all while continuing to eat her meat. International organizations are truly a headache. One must be mindful of every nation’s unique circumstances, which in turn requires a great deal of education and coordination.
"However, the fact that we have begun to move is a positive development. There will be troubles, certainly, but we are all aware that we can refine the process as we go. That is precisely why His Majesty, Yuki-sama, and the leaders of every nation are in agreement."
No one offered a word of dissent to Shau’s statement. Everyone present felt in their bones that such an organization was necessary. It would be no surprise if the enemy were already considering using this gate system to coordinate with their own distant cells. If the enemy is going global, we must go global to counter them. It is as simple as that.
"And yet, when I consider our current situation, it really highlights how many nations are bitter about the existence of the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance. After all, Yuki-dono has gone to such lengths to implement these countermeasures."
"We haven't seen any overt moves yet, but I’d rather not be caught on the back foot."
"That is true, but Yuki-dono is the only one who could move the nations to form such an organization in the first place. Under normal circumstances, inviting foreign intelligence agents into one’s own country is an act of madness."
"Indeed. There is naturally some resistance, but it seems that whenever it is framed as an organization under the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance, centered on Weed, even the opposition has no choice but to fall silent."
"The profits are simply too immense, after all. More than that, it provides a chance to make contact with the intelligence agents of major powers, so there is no reason to refuse. If anything, it wouldn't be strange for people to argue that the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance is a form of security for the great powers themselves, and that we should deepen our cooperation."
Menou agreed with Shau and Emerald’s assessment, but...
"Say, it might be a bit late to ask, but is it really alright for Menou to use that tone with Queen Emerald and the others?"
"We’re off the clock, so it’s fine. Besides, we’ve been meeting here with the other queens and executives, and we’ve become quite close."
As Menou said this, the surrounding members nodded without hesitation. Ah, I see. Just as the men have been forging their own connections and friendships, the women have been doing the same in their own way.
Regardless, the investigative wing of the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance seems to be off to a strong start. In other words, we’re essentially becoming the international police—the "Old Man" of the ICP. Though, I suppose we don't have any master thieves to chase just yet.