第１３７６堀：露骨な反応 (Part1)
Chapter 1376: Blatant Reactions
Side: Orelia
"Yes. Please confirm immediately. Yes, yes."
"Yes~. I’m counting on you~."
"Y-yes. P-please."
We are currently in the process of contacting the smaller nations of the Rogali Continent, which are part of our alliance, to verify their status.
Just a moment ago, we received word from Seraria-sama suggesting that there is a distinct possibility of collusion between the dark guilds and the Dungeon Masters.
In other words, those individuals who think nothing of committing vile acts may now possess the power to manipulate monsters capable of easily harming people.
While it might seem trivial to worry about smaller nations—as if they could be easily targeted—one would naturally assume they are more vulnerable than the great powers.
That is why we are using the embassy channels to confirm their safety.
That said, they wouldn't be brazen enough to conduct assassinations openly, so we are phrasing our inquiries carefully; it remains to be seen how much accurate information we can actually extract.
As I continued making calls, I glanced toward Yuki-sama...
"Rurua, has there been word from Seraria? I see. Increase the security around Ryshi, who is with Hairen, or restrict her movements to be only near me or you, Rurua."
Upon realizing that the dark guilds were involved in this affair, Yuki-sama’s first priority was not only the safety of Ryshi-san, but also confirming the well-being of the victims of that incident who are currently working here in Weed.
No, he even included those who had already left Weed.
And to make matters more troublesome...
"Then, are you saying that the Kingdom of Kinauf and the Kingdom of Irinau are willing to send reinforcements to our country?"
"Yes~. If there is a possibility that the swarm of monsters will reach our country—or rather, the Kingdom of Irinau—then this is not a crisis for Suls alone."
"Judging by the speed of your reply, it is proof that your Majesty—no, that the King of Kinauf also understands the gravity of the situation. If we can exchange words and documents here, we can dispatch reinforcements immediately..."
Right now, envoys from the Kingdom of Kinauf and the Kingdom of Irinau are having an audience with the King of Suls.
Lilishe-sama and the others are mingled among the retainers, observing the audience.
This was at the King of Suls’s own request.
As for the content, well, it is the predictable offer to send reinforcements.
If the monsters were still active, this would be a very welcome offer, but the Great Flood has already been suppressed, rendering such aid unnecessary.
"And what is the price for this?"
"The details would need to be discussed further upon our return to our respective countries, but I believe it would include the terms we mentioned the other day."
"Our country is the same. If you would only consider the proposal from the other day, I am sure you would be pleased. The matter of any excessive burdens can be discussed after that."
If one were unaware of the current situation, the price for these reinforcements might sound reasonable, but if this was orchestrated from the shadows, it is nothing short of malicious.
"Hmm. By 'the other day,' you mean Kinauf’s proposal to sell grain and food at a low price, and Irinau’s proposal to divert the river from the Spirit’s Spring to your territories, correct?"
"That is correct."
"Our country is in a dire situation as well."
Should I admire their honesty in not denying it?
However...
"But. Unfortunately, as I am sure you are aware, we have already requested reinforcements from Litea. In the current situation, I cannot provide food support, nor can I cede water rights."
Exactly. Having already requested aid from Litea, asking other armies for help would be an act of extreme discourtesy. They should know this, yet...
"That is certainly true. However, when is Litea expected to arrive? I hear the western town fell in mere days. And I have heard reports that the northern town is currently under heavy assault?"
"We cannot afford to wait for Litea’s arrival. As you said, we have heard that an envoy from Litea has arrived, but contacting them now would surely take a significant amount of time. Considering that, no one would complain if we relied on your country or Kinauf. Furthermore, regarding transportation and construction..."
"Surely we wouldn't trouble Suls. We are prepared to handle those matters ourselves."
They speak with honeyed words, but this essentially means allowing foreign armies into our country.
Moreover, claiming they will handle everything themselves is tantamount to saying they intend to take control of the regions where their troops are stationed.
As Yuki-sama and the others pointed out, they are clearly intent on effective occupation.
Even if Litea arrives, if they claim they are staying to defend Suls because they don't know when the enemy might strike, it would be difficult for us—the Intercontinental Alliance—to intervene.
After all, they are not even members of the alliance.
But if even I can see through this, the King of Suls and his court surely understand it as well.
If Litea truly could not make it in time, this might be a better choice than the destruction of the nation, but...
"I apologize for your concern, but Litea and the Intercontinental Alliance army have already succeeded in eliminating the Great Flood."
" "Huh?" "
The envoys’ voices overlapped.
They looked completely unable to process the information.
"It is no wonder you are surprised, but it is the truth. Litea and the Intercontinental Alliance have already dispatched troops and successfully crushed the Great Flood. And currently, to ensure there is no territorial encroachment taking advantage of this chaos, and to confirm no other dungeons have appeared, we have moved our troops to the south and east. Well, I assume there wouldn't be any troops stepping into our territory without permission, would there?"
" "..." "
The envoys of the two nations turned deathly pale.
That is correct. Stepping in without permission is a violation of sovereignty.
And...
"With this incident, our country has officially joined the Intercontinental Alliance. Therefore, any territorial encroachment will be dealt with by the Alliance. I would like you to convey that clearly to your Kings."
"Y-yes, of course. T-that is wonderful news."
"A-as expected of Litea and the Intercontinental Alliance. W-we would hate for there to be any misunderstanding of information, so may we contact our superiors immediately?"
"Ah, go ahead. It would be a problem if you were to step over the line. If, by any chance, there is any encroachment, we will gather information in the surrounding areas and take appropriate measures."
"T-that is... In any case, we will contact our superiors, so please excuse us."