第１３８３堀：予想外の結果 (Part2)
"Hmm. I wonder if they’ve officially recognized us as envoys?"
"Yes. They acknowledged that much, but they seem to believe we lack the military strength to protect the town..."
"Did you mention the possibility of war? Including our involvement?"
"They were skeptical about the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance. They don't even believe such a thing truly exists."
*Oof.*
So that’s the level we’re dealing with.
They don't even believe the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance is real.
"Well then, I shall go first as an envoy from Lithea. If they won't listen after that, there’s nothing more to be done."
"In that case, I shall accompany you as your guard. What of you, Agil? Will you come along as representatives of the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance?"
"Hmm. No, we’ll remain on standby so we can respond immediately if something happens. They don't believe in us, and with my appearance... it might only invite further suspicion."
"True. There’s no need to complicate matters unnecessarily. They’d likely find it offensive if we showed up with only women."
"Indeed. While our composition is intentionally designed to provoke such friction, if envoys were to be harmed deep within enemy lines, Weed’s safety management would be called into question."
Menou and Showu agreed with the assessment that it would be better for Agil and the others not to join.
Well, it is true that the other side is an army of men.
And we are female envoys.
To those old-school military types who believe that men should be the ones standing at the forefront, they would likely feel mocked.
That is precisely why we are going only as Lithea, where women hold the top positions.
Having women as guards shouldn't pose a problem.
"Then, Suurus will also send Knight Captain Unau as an envoy and guard, as previously discussed."
"Understood. I shall protect everyone, even at the cost of my own life."
And so, with myself, Lady Lilishe, the Suurus envoy, and Knight Captain Unau acting as our guard, we set out to meet with the representatives of the Kinauf Kingdom, currently deployed in the midst of their military forces...
"This is a formal warning from Lithea. The Great Flood has already been repelled, and the situation is moving toward resolution. If you continue to occupy this town illegally, you will be forcing Lithea and the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance to take action."
"Hmph. A mere priestess speaks with such grandiosity. Do you truly believe you can move an army?"
"Yes. That is precisely why we have already deployed forces to the area."
"Those? The numbers are far too few. You think you can protect this place with that? This land was originally the territory of our Kinauf Kingdom. It is only natural that we protect it. We cannot entrust it to an army incapable of doing so."
I see. So that’s their stance.
They don't trust our military strength.
But still...
"I am aware that you have already received a notice of eviction from Suurus as well. If you persist, we will be forced to use physical measures. Are you prepared for that?"
"Physical measures? With that army? Or do you intend to call for reinforcements from Lithea or this so-called Intercontinental Exchange Alliance? Will they really move? I’ve heard that alliance is nothing more than a hollow shell."
Well, it is true that the only time the alliance moved as a whole was at Sea-Cypho.
It’s understandable they would think that, but we have been conducting mediations and resolving issues.
Ah, right. This country was turned away at the gates by Lithea, wasn't it?
Perhaps that is the root of their defiance.
"Then, shall I take it that by the General's own decree, you are declaring war not only on Suurus, but on Lithea and the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance as well?"
"That is exactly what I desire! An alliance that refuses to aid us is meaningless! We stand by our own strength, and our nation shall be the vanguard! Now, return at once. We have not fallen so low as to strike down an envoy. We shall meet you head-on and cast you back!"
I was taken aback by the General’s clear declaration.
I hadn't expected them to be so blatant about making us their enemies.
Do they truly believe they have the strength to win?
Or were they hoping for a war all along?
I can't imagine they are simply underestimating us.
...We have already gathered some intelligence that something is moving behind the scenes.
Is that the reason?
Regardless, the Kinauf Kingdom refused to back down, contrary to our expectations. And so, we opened hostilities here, beginning with the liberation of the eastern town of Suacania for the sake of Suurus.
Yuki, what will you do?
Surprisingly, they have chosen war.
From their perspective, they believe justice is on their side.
Well, if it’s war they want, we have no choice but to give it to them.