第１３５６堀：緊急同盟会議 (Part2)
I have heard that the clan that tormented Riel has been punished, but there are surely others who harbor grievances, so that remains a difficult problem.
"Indeed. It is a good thing to have a clear will. In that case, this is an alliance participation request from Litea, is it not?"
"Yes. I ask for your support. I have kept records, so if you could also provide testimony and documentation stating that it is dangerous for a single nation to handle this alone, that would be appreciated."
"That much is no trouble at all."
"Agreed."
I gave my consent without issue.
"However, my son, and Seraria. The Principality of Suls was a nation that maintained a so-called neutral stance. If a dungeon were to appear there and monsters began to emerge, would it not be said that Weed—that the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance—orchestrated the whole affair?"
"We have anticipated that, so it is not a particular problem."
"Exactly. It is better to have it happen externally than to have an internal explosion; it was merely a delay in response, and beyond that, there is no issue."
I understand what the King of Roschur is saying. From an outsider's perspective, it could be seen as harassment against a neutral country. This could potentially lead to a negative impression of the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance, but...
"That logic applies to the other side as well."
"Hmm. Indeed, I suppose that is true."
"Considering their position, Suls is closer to Litea, after all. It is more natural to assume it is the work of the Anti-Weed Coalition."
We have anticipated being accused as the true culprits, but the same holds true for our opponents. In the first place, when it comes to these types of people, they fabricate evidence and everything else, so one can neither deny nor prove anything. The claims of a nation-state can be twisted however they like.
Besides...
"Originally, the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance has enough national power that there is no need for petty tricks. Anyone who speaks out against us now can simply be considered an enemy."
As Seraria says, if any organization or country issues a statement after this, they will be easily identifiable as an enemy.
"I see. Indeed, if there are those who criticize Weed and the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance over this incident, it is a clear act of hostility."
"It is truly straightforward. It is far better than having them cause trouble internally under the guise of the student exchange program. Was that their plan? Since they couldn't attack the school in Weed, they chose this method instead?"
"It is possible. Well, that is only speculation, so I ask that you keep the school's security as it is."
The Queen of Seasifo, the Emperor of Zurable, and the King of Haiden all nod in agreement. While problems may arise from here on out, it also means that the situation is finally in motion. As long as the opponent does not move, there is nothing we can do. One cannot arrest someone as a criminal when they have committed no crime.
Therefore, this incident is actually convenient for us. Of course, as the King of Haiden suggested, we cannot rule out movements at the school, so we must exercise the utmost caution in that regard.
"Very well, then it is unanimous. The Intercontinental Exchange Alliance will dispatch reinforcements to aid the Principality of Suls. I ask for your immediate support."
As I say this, the kings of each nation sign the prepared documents and hand them over. Now, all that remains is the preparation to send everyone over.
"The time limit is until Steve and his forces arrive. Can we manage it? By the way, will you be monitoring the battle in Suls in real-time?"
"We will."
They all answer in unison. It seems they wish to confirm the information regarding the Great Overflow for themselves. For now, I proceed with arrangements to prepare a lounge while ensuring they can easily gather in this conference room at any time. I will have to keep the heads of these nations detained for about a week, so I have to handle the procedures for that as well.
Ah, even though it is something that must be done, dealing with a group like this is inevitably a chore. Surprisingly, the leaders of each nation remain calm. Perhaps it is because they are monitoring from a safe location and have had prior warning, but more than that, it is due to their trust in Weed.