第１３８２堀：笑顔で現実を説く (Part2)
I cast a glance toward Captain Unau and the diplomats waiting at my side as I spoke.
"Indeed. It is not a public forum, and Priestess Lilishe seems to understand the boundaries of such matters," one remarked.
"Still, even with His Majesty’s permission, I never expected them to pivot so quickly in that situation," another added, the members of the Suurus delegation offering wry smiles.
They likely assumed it was all mere social pleasantry.
"It’s fine, really. If they had flown into a rage and attempted to cause us harm right there, well, that would have been that."
"..."
My smiling response caused the Suurus delegation to freeze in place. Princess Hasnia managed to part her lips, her voice trembling slightly.
"U-um, what exactly... do you mean by that?"
"It’s nothing of great consequence. It would simply mean withdrawing, along with the envoys of our allied nations. It would just prove that a brat remains a brat. If one cannot hold the reins of their own subordinates, their worth is easily measured."
"..."
They fell silent once more at my reply. Seeing their reaction, I couldn't help but chuckle.
"It isn't such an odd stance to take. One cannot be expected to aid those who would turn aggressive toward an envoy."
"B-but, wasn't the alliance formed specifically to aid Suurus?"
"Princess, that only applies if the other party shows proper respect. One cannot partner with those who would stab them in the back. Furthermore, even if it is just a social formality, defying the King’s explicit permission is strictly forbidden."
"...Is that so?"
"It’s a test of character, in a sense. A question of whether they are worth saving. That is why we are in this situation now. You should be sure to praise your father’s handiwork."
The air had grown tense, but I made sure they understood that the current situation was the result of that "brat" having played his hand well.
"You are right. My father truly handled it well, didn't he?"
"Exactly. This is what diplomacy is, so if you intend to immerse yourself in it, you would do well to remember that. Though, as a princess, you are always under the gaze of others and must consider their influence, so perhaps it is not so different."
"That is certainly true. But surely the scale is much larger?"
"Precisely. It isn't just within your own borders; you must account for the strength of other nations, the relationships between them, the opponent's standing, their affiliations, their motives, and the shifting circumstances. It is a vast, multifaceted web."
"...And you do all of that alone?"
"Not alone. For every nation, there is at least one diplomat—often several. Through those diplomats, we share information with those stationed in other countries to determine our policy. For instance, you wouldn't know the fair market price for supplies, would you, Princess?"
"I see. So, everyone joins forces."
"That is the way of it. Even so, I suspect you will continue to act as the face of the nation, just as you have until now. That is the duty of a national representative."
"A national representative... I see."
As I let those words hang in the air, the vehicle came to a halt. It was time.
A radio transmission crackled through the car.
*“Arrived at the eastern town, Suakania. Repeating, arrived at Suakania. All units, move to your designated positions.”*
The faces of the Suurus delegation tightened instantly.
"The real performance begins now."
At my words, a look of profound tension washed over the Princess’s face. She was likely reflecting on everything I had just said, feeling the weight of her own perceived inadequacies.
"It will be fine. Your subordinates will handle things beautifully. Won't you?"
"““Yes, ma'am!””"
Seeing the firm resolve in their response, the Princess nodded resolutely and stepped out of the vehicle.
"Now then, I wonder how our opponent will move?"
I wonder if my fists will be seeing some action today? I did put in some extra training just to land a solid hit on Faide, so I wouldn't mind an opportunity to punch someone, just once.
Right, Deryu-chan?
"Oh, please, don't pin the cause of your violence on me. I may have taught you, but still..."
Lilishe never holds back at times like these. She is the type of goddess who spits venom with a smile on her face.