第１３７８堀：依頼の方針 (Part1)
Chapter 1378: Policy for the Request
Side: Yuki
Currently, I am face-to-face with Seraria in the conference room of the General Government Building.
The reason is...
"Regarding the two nations, they have already begun their advance. We are scheduled to dispatch troops to intercept—or rather, to keep them in check—but what is the status of the communications?"
"That has already been relayed to each country. Initially, the units currently stationed in Weed are set to move."
"Why are the numbers so low?"
"I said 'initially,' didn't I? Reinforcements will come later. Though, I doubt they’ll make it in time to stop the idiots currently marching on Suls. Besides, the chain of command isn't unified, which is a headache. I imagine it will end up under Agil’s command."
"If we can't settle that, we can't make a move. I suppose we have no choice but to have Steve’s unit handle it."
And so, since we received permission to station troops from Suls, we are scrambling to set various things in motion.
Well, I had anticipated something like this, but as expected, the weakness of an alliance army lies in its chain of command.
Each country has its own commanders, but the question becomes who will take overall charge.
There’s the concern of only one’s own soldiers suffering losses, and conversely, there are bound to be fools complaining about not being given the honor of the vanguard.
It is an incredibly troublesome situation where you get complaints whether you make them fight or not.
Therefore, since the discussions haven't concluded yet, if someone is to take command, Agil, who is already in Suls, is the best choice.
Incidentally, in this case, Agil would be representing Weed, though Enaria would surely claim it as the grand commander of the Allied Forces...
"And what about the eastern town and the southern side? You have drones flying, right?"
"Yeah. As expected, the messengers couldn't keep up, and they’ve already begun their invasion. There’s no room for excuses anymore."
"Ah, just as I thought."
As I say this and show her the footage, Seraria lets out a sigh.
The reality is that there haven't been any human casualties yet.
Yes, the eastern town has already welcomed the army, believing them to be reinforcements from Suls.
They even seem to be distributing the town’s supplies as part of the welcome.
Man, they really don't think ahead.
Well, Suls is at fault for not sending word quickly, but the leadership of the eastern town is just as problematic.
As for the Spirit Spring in the south, they haven't arrived yet.
Well, they have entered the territory without permission, but since there are no villages there, there is nothing to plunder, and they likely can't take action.
After all, this is an army meant to prevent the Great Flood.
Without a base, they risk being ambushed, and they probably can't start construction to divert the water source either.
"But if that’s the case, is it going to be war after all?"
"Thinking logically, it’s a war-level issue. What, is Roschur going to brush off the territorial violation as a misunderstanding?"
"No way."
"That is impossible."
Not just Seraria, but Quar replies instantly.
Even on Earth, outside of Japan, this would be grounds for a declaration of war.
"However, considering the situation in Suls, it is a fact that dispatching troops is difficult. It’s hard to imagine them declaring hostility so carelessly."
Firia analyzes the situation calmly.
Indeed, Suls must act to resolve the chaos of the Great Flood right now.
They shouldn't have the luxury of fighting a war with another country.
That is precisely why the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance exists, but...
"For now, Suls is saying they should withdraw. If they pull back, we’ll just demand payment for the territorial violation and call it a day."
Lilishe, having overheard our conversation, conveys Suls's policy.
"Payment for territorial violation, huh? Is that even a thing?"
"Well, you could say it’s a thing. Demanding compensation for damages incurred is a natural course of action, but..."
Seraria’s expression is not good.
Then, Quar says with a wry smile...
"If they had that much money, they wouldn't be starting a war in the first place. If they could pay the compensation, they would have achieved their goal by doing so."
She states the facts.
Hearing that answer, Aurelia and the others twist their faces.
"Is it war because they don't have money?"
"What kind of logic is that?"
"I... I don't understand."
It makes no sense to the average person.
So, I explain it concisely.
"They think that taking it by force is pure profit. Above all, this time it’s a reward under the guise of 'helping.' They assume there won't be any resistance."
Fools think that taking from the enemy is pure profit, but that is a terrible move in a land where this Intercontinental Exchange Alliance exists.
That is an outdated sensibility.
That is precisely why they are masquerading as reinforcements.
"...I see. But if they are violating territory because they lack money, don't you think it’s unlikely they can pay?"
"How do you intend to handle that?"
"Exactly. If you demand payment and they can't pay, then it’s impossible, right?"
"In the first place, the premise has collapsed. Wouldn't they withdraw the moment the Alliance shows up?"
Yeah, normally, they would withdraw.
And they would pay the money, but...
"If it were normal."
"If it were normal, yes."
"No, if it were normal, they wouldn't use this trick in the first place."
Seraria and I were in agreement, but Quar pointed out that this territorial violation itself was abnormal.
Well, she’s right.
So, all eyes turn to Quar.
"Do you think an opponent who isn't 'normal' will immediately withdraw and obediently follow a demand for money? Even if they did leave, the likelihood of payment is low. In other words, it will be a bad check. Or rather, since they’ve picked a fight with the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance... they might become desperate and, at worst, trigger a war right there."
"..."
The three are left speechless by Quar’s words.
Prol doesn't seem particularly surprised.
Prol has been through a lot, so she probably understands the absurdity of being dragged into war all too well.
"Yuki-sama, Seraria-sama, what are your thoughts?"
"Hmm, I don't think there will be combat on the spot. Maybe an 80% chance?"
"For me, it’s 90%."