第１３７３堀：多分味方かな？ (Part1)
Chapter 1373: Perhaps an Ally?
Side: Stasia
We are currently waiting in the guest chambers provided for us. Outside, I imagine guards are stationed, with maids standing by to cater to our every whim.
"How was that? I said everything I wanted to say, and asked everything I needed to know, didn't I?"
Lilishe-sama says this in her usual leisurely tone, but to be honest, we were sweating bullets with worry. Even if it is a small nation, we are dealing with a king. I never expected her to adopt such an attitude in the throne room, where appearances are everything.
It is true that in terms of raw power, there is no way we could lose, but war is a place where such certainties are often overturned. Even with our husband’s protection, I would prefer to avoid an armed conflict. The sheer audacity to step into that lion’s den without a care... is that just what one expects from a Goddess?
Still, I suppose we did manage to ask the questions we had for Suurus.
*“I’m grateful for that. If it’s come to this, it seems the upper echelons of Suurus aren't connected to the Dungeon Masters or the Anti-Weed faction after all. They didn't show any particular reaction when they saw the wives, after all.”*
"Ahaha, well, their intelligence gathering is lacking, isn't it? Small countries tend to be self-contained worlds."
Aegil replies to our husband’s words. It is true that while Lilishe-sama, as the envoy of Litea, is the most important figure in that room, we, dispatched by the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance, hold a position of equal weight. Though we are married to our husband, our original stations are as princesses of great powers, and we are the leaders of the Alliance. For them not to know that is, frankly, beyond the pale.
Well, considering the situation where our messengers have been intercepted, perhaps it is to be expected?
"Still, I never imagined Lilishe-sama was acquainted with the King of the Suurus Principality. How did that come about?"
Jessica asks about the history between Lilishe-sama and the King of Suurus. I must admit, I am curious as well.
"Like I said before, that child was spoiled rotten back then and was quite the tyrant. He acted like he was the center of the universe. He was being arrogant even within the Church, so I gave him a good, hard lesson."
I see. A typical case of aristocratic rebellion, then. I, too, have had to discipline my younger brother in the past.
*“I’m surprised you weren't beheaded for that.”*
"Oh, please. I’m a priest of the Litea Church, the kind that makes even crying children fall silent. The power balance was already tilted in Litea's favor back then. Besides, I'm not the type to be handled by mere brute force~."
*“And yet, you were turned away at the gates of the Litea headquarters, weren't you?”*
"You know exactly why, don't you? Beating them into submission with force doesn't solve anything~."
Indeed, the corruption of a nation cannot be solved by the strength of one person alone. That is why Lilishe-sama was moving to garner support from those around her.
*“Fair enough. So, you were on good terms because of that?”*
"That’s about the size of it. Though, I was surprised that the former king handed over his position to the prince~."
*“What, you didn't have that information?”*
"I didn't know until I asked Alstaire-chan. Well, he didn't die, so he must have had his reasons. I was a little worried about that brat becoming king, but it seems my fears were unfounded. He didn't seem to be under anyone's control. You’ve been investigating that too, haven't you, Yuki-san?"
So that was the situation. It is a bit troubling to think that a former brat is now the king. It is difficult to trust someone just because of a personal acquaintance, and considering the sluggish response to this current crisis, he may be a "good" king, but perhaps not a "reliable" one.
*“Aye, I’ve looked into that, and there are no particular issues. As for the former king, he seems to be relaxing deep within the royal castle.”*
"That’s a relief. I’d like to pay him a visit once things settle down~."
Hmm, it is fortunate that the upper echelons have not fallen into enemy hands. As for the rest...
"Husband, it is a relief that the Suurus leadership is stable, but what of the two nations that prepared their armies—the Kingdom of Kinauf and the Kingdom of Irina? And is there a possibility that the Dungeon Master's associates are on the move?"
*“I don’t have the specifics on that. But as you will likely confirm yourselves, the two nations that sent envoys and the viscounts within Suurus who are aligned with the Anti-Weed faction haven't shown any movement. They must know that Lilishe and the others have entered the city, though...”*
It is true. Ever since we turned this Suurus capital into a dungeon, I have been tracking those who might be our enemies, but they have shown no movement. It is strange to wonder what they are thinking. Regarding the deployment of troops, there is nothing suspicious around us, nor around the Suurus royals.
Just as I was thinking that...
"Mikos might have figured it out. Maybe the enemy is so overconfident that they think they’re still safe."
"..."
Everyone falls silent at Mikos's words. It is not as if saying it out loud changes anything, but...
*“Well, that’s a possibility we should consider. I’ve thought about it too, and the chance isn't zero. Since they aren't Weed, it wouldn't be strange for them to worry that if the two nations suddenly announced they were sending reinforcements, it would look suspicious.”*
"Setting aside Mikos's intuition, Yuki is right—a response that is too fast would also be strange."
"It would be like admitting they are blatantly involved. In that case, it’s not that they *won't* move, but that they *can't*. And meanwhile, the Great Outbreak they were supposed to be 'exterminating' has already been erased. What will the envoys do? Or rather, is there no issue with them having entered beforehand?"
"That shouldn't be a problem. They can just claim they brought the news after receiving word via carrier pigeon or their own private channels."
Hmm, there are many possibilities, but the fact remains that they have not moved, nor have they attempted to keep us in check.