第１３６９堀：色々やっても最後は顔を合わせて (Part1)
Chapter 1369: No Matter the Maneuvers, We Face Each Other in the End
Side: Seraria
I am currently in a meeting with Lilishe and the others, reviewing the documents brought to us by Yayui, when additional intelligence arrives from Kirika.
"Sigh. Regarding the Kinauf and Irinau Kingdoms—according to Kirika, it seems their militaries are prepared to depart at a moment’s notice."
"Oh my... does that mean they intend to send reinforcements?"
I can hear the sharp edge in Lilishe’s voice. Well, that’s only natural. It’s as if they are colluding with a Dungeon Master to seize the Suls Duchy for themselves. That said, we have no concrete proof of their connection to a Dungeon Master, so we cannot press them on it.
"We don't know for certain if they are reinforcements. For now, it depends on the situation in the Suls Duchy’s royal capital. Tell me, did you confirm the presence of envoys from those two countries in the dungeonized capital?"
"Yeah. The unit led by Steve, which arrived ahead of us, executed the dungeonization and performed the appraisals."
The documents he hands over indeed list individuals bearing the title of "Envoy" from both nations.
"Does this mean they beat us to the punch?"
"I wouldn't necessarily say that. It’s far too quick; it would only invite suspicion that they were pulling the strings from the start."
"Ah, you’re right. That makes sense."
I find myself nodding in agreement with my husband’s observation. For envoys to arrive at the royal capital immediately after a Great Calamity and offer "assistance" is far too suspicious. If they were going to go that far, it would be more efficient to simply threaten them.
"Is there no possibility that they have already offered terms of surrender or are providing reinforcements?"
"We won't know that until we arrive on-site. The envoys haven't left the inn. It’s unclear if they’ve already finished their negotiations or if they haven't made their move yet."
"Given the timing you mentioned, they likely haven't acted yet. It’s been a little over a week since the western town fell. If we weren't here, the Great Calamity that would have swarmed the northern town would only just be entering the heat of battle. Suls grasped the situation and sought help from Litea for the time being. Would they really ignore that fact and wait for reinforcements from two other countries?"
"Usually, that would be unthinkable. Asking for reinforcements from one party while accepting them from another implies that the first party is untrustworthy. Well, there might be treaties for special circumstances during a Great Calamity, but given the scale, smaller nations would be wiped out if they didn't act immediately. Seraria, are you unaware of such treaty relations? I apologize, but having only recently married into this place, I haven't studied them much."
Agil looks apologetic on the other side of the screen. It is only natural that he wouldn't know, but as a general, he likely feels he *should* know such things. Even though I brought him into Weed as a researcher, he doesn't need to feel that much responsibility... It just goes to show how much he values my husband, all of us, and Weed itself.
And it seems Agil isn't the only one. Jessica and Stasia, who are waiting in the background, and Fiora, standing behind me, all have darkened expressions. They, too, were once leaders of armies. They likely feel ashamed of their ignorance regarding such matters.
Just as I am wondering how to follow up, my husband speaks.
"It is only natural that you wouldn't know. There hasn't been a Great Calamity in over a decade, and the last time a nation had to mobilize its military for one was over fifty years ago. Even if treaties exist, they’ve likely become mere formalities. Above all, Weed is obligated to act in accordance with the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance during such calamities. This is a problem specifically because the Suls Duchy is not part of that alliance."
My husband assures him that his ignorance is expected. I decide to offer some support as well.
"As my husband says, the treaties exist, but they are mostly at the level of 'let's all cooperate during a Great Calamity.' There are no concrete stipulations regarding how much in the way of supplies or troops should be provided. Besides, no one ever knows where these things will occur."
"Ah, I see. Indeed, that’s not something you can decide the details for in advance. But if that’s the case, wouldn't it be fine to receive support from other countries?"
"It wouldn't be. The more parties you accept reinforcements from, the more you have to pay back in return."
As soon as I say that bluntly...
"Ah..."
Everyone is immediately convinced. Yes, in this world, nothing is ever given for free. Even if it starts as a favor, there will be harsh demands for repayment later. If you fail to meet them, you will find yourself in a difficult diplomatic position. That is why they are hesitant to ask for reinforcements so carelessly.
"I understand the situation, but the fact remains that we are heading into Suls as Lilishe’s guards and representatives of the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance, correct?"
"Yeah. Menou and the others' movements remain unchanged. For now, since our investigation suggests those two countries are suspicious, we should stay on high alert."
"Well, it is quite blatant. What do you think of this, Great Emperor Show?"
Menou turns the conversation to Show, who is presumably sitting next to her. Menou and Show’s perspectives lean more toward Seasypho and Zlabul rather than Weed. Perhaps they will offer a different viewpoint.
"Indeed. There is no doubt they are suspicious, but nothing is confirmed. Shouldn't we reconsider our actions once we arrive at the Suls royal capital? We’re only a few hours away, aren't we?"
"True. And until Steve arrives?"
"Um, as scheduled, we should arrive at 10:00, so in three hours. If we arrive too early, there’s a risk of being ambushed. If there are no witnesses, they can spin the narrative however they like."
That is true. While we could easily repel an ambush, we certainly don't want them spreading baseless rumors.
"Hmm. In that case, let’s enter the royal capital through the East Gate. As our adversaries, they likely have the direction from which the Great Calamity originated under heavy surveillance. Is a detour possible?"
"It is. Though, the moment the vehicle passes, it will be obvious that envoys from Weed or Litea have arrived, won't it?"
"There is no need to show ourselves openly. We can use optical camouflage to move to the East Gate."