第１３８９堀：女神様のゆったり指導 (Part2)
"When you think about it, the great powers are playing their hands quite well."
"Well, I suppose that’s because they’ve secured their upper echelons with the purity of royal blood. Here, the scale of the nation is smaller, so perhaps we’re just avoiding the risks of decentralizing power?"
"Well, that’s neither here nor there."
"General Agil has already drafted the strategy for that, so there’s no issue there. But, you see, the most important thing before that is to persuade the Irinau Kingdom’s army. I mean, that’s the whole point of sending an envoy, isn't it?"
Though the assumption has been that our Allied Forces would simply scatter the Irinau Kingdom’s army, if we could actually persuade them through dialogue, they would surely withdraw.
"However, I fear that will be difficult."
Princess Hasnia frowned as she replied, and the Captain of the Knights spoke up to support her.
"I believe the Princess is correct. Even if we wish to make them retreat, we lack the numbers. Only Suurus knows the true strength of our Allied Forces. Do you truly think they would withdraw just because of that?"
"Sigh. Dealing with such things is exactly what negotiation is for. Wielding the art of rhetoric is the envoy’s job. Well, even if Princess Hasnia doesn't know it, the envoys accompanying us seem to have their own preparations in place."
As I glanced toward the envoys standing behind Princess Hasnia, they gave a silent, subtle nod.
"Is there some sort of method, then?"
"Ah, hmm..."
Oh? It seems the envoy is hesitant about whether or not to share the details with Princess Hasnia. They’ve likely judged that her lack of experience might actually become a liability. I can understand that sentiment. Very well, I shall lend a hand.
"Princess Hasnia. Do you understand why he is hesitating?"
"Eh? ...Is it... because I would be a hindrance?"
She thought for a moment and looked visibly shocked, but it seems she has at least grasped that much.
"Precisely. The state of a negotiation shifts depending on how you play your hand. If you were to let something slip, it could derail the entire plan."
"...Lilishe, you truly have no reservations, do you?"
"I don't believe in holding back. If things go poorly, it doesn't just endanger the envoys; it puts you in danger as well, Princess. And if a battle breaks out, there will be casualties. I couldn't possibly overlook that."
I left the implication hanging: that if a fool interferes, the damage only escalates. She shivered slightly, then lifted her chin.
"...You are right. If I, knowing nothing of diplomacy, were to speak out, chaos would be inevitable. All I can provide is the prestige of a royal presence."
"Exactly. That is what you can offer right now. But, if you promise to remain silent, perhaps they might be willing to teach you."
"Eh?"
Princess Hasnia looked surprised by my words. She clearly didn't expect me to offer support after being so blunt.
"Everyone is ignorant when they first begin. That is why one must be taught. This time is no different. But if you understand the flow of the negotiation as you watch it, your perspective will change. How about it? If you promise not to interfere, shall we ask them to teach you?"
I turned my gaze to the envoy acting as the negotiator, who hesitated for a moment before...
"...Understood. I suppose it is as His Majesty predicted—that you would act exactly this way, Lilishe-sama."
He answered as if squeezing the words out. Still, the fact that King Suurus anticipated this is mildly irritating.
"However, this is quite a gamble. If the Princess’s words cause the negotiation to collapse, there will be no escaping the reprimand for the responsibility. That would not bode well for your future, Princess. Do you understand that?"
The envoy was testing her resolve.
"Yes. I have borne the responsibilities of a princess until now. I shall see to it that I conduct myself with the grace of a diplomat."
Princess Hasnia declared this with a dignified expression. Yes, yes—this is how people grow. Usually, the world prefers things to be settled peacefully, but there are always those who break that normalcy and run wild. It’s the same in reality, isn't it? It’s truly a difficult world.