第１３９０堀：交渉の結果 (Part2)
I’m not entirely sure I follow the nuances of how Narjia’s talent and skill-granting abilities are supposed to harmonize, but as I’m turning that over in my mind, I spot an envoy from Suurus—who had been dispatched to the Irinau Kingdom’s army—walking toward us.
"Wait, are they... are they disarming?"
"Indeed. It certainly appears so, Agil."
"We’ve confirmed it on our end as well. It looks like they’re dismantling their camp at the same time they’re laying down their arms. Could it be that the negotiations were successful?"
"As the situation suggests, yes, but we must not let our guard down. We should hear the report from the envoy first to confirm the details."
Jessica is right. We can’t jump to conclusions on our own. So, while maintaining a wary eye on the Irinau Kingdom’s forces, we prepare to receive the explanation from the Suurus envoy.
"Apologies for the wait. The discussions with the Irinau Kingdom’s army have been concluded successfully. They are to withdraw immediately. However, we must verify their departure, so we will be following them to the border. We would appreciate it if the Allied Forces would accompany us."
It seems they really did manage to persuade them. As I wonder how they pulled it off, Agil asks the question for me.
"That is welcome news. We have no objections to verifying the Irinau Kingdom’s withdrawal. But tell us, what was the deciding factor that led them to retreat?"
"This," the envoy says, presenting a standard-issue banner of the Kinauf Kingdom, an ornate sword, and what looks like a military decoration.
I’m puzzled, but the envoy explains.
"This is the Kinauf Kingdom’s main headquarters banner. The sword is the token of transferred military command bestowed by the King, and the decoration belonged to the general who was commanding the western town of Suakania. He was a man of some renown in these parts, so the Irinau Kingdom’s forces accepted that we had indeed defeated the Kinauf army."
Ah, I see. It’s not exactly a severed head, but it’s the kind of gear you couldn’t possibly possess unless you’d actually taken them down. That was enough to convince them.
"Besides, even if we were to demand reparations from the Irinau Kingdom, it wouldn't amount to much. They didn't occupy the town; it was merely a border transgression. Of course, there was the matter of their attempt to seize our water, but they never actually carried it out. Their official pretext was that they came to 'assist' us, so it might even be difficult to squeeze any reparations out of them at all."
"That’s true, isn't it? The Irinau Kingdom’s army hasn't actually caused any real damage. They’ll probably try to claim back the cost of the supplies they used later on, I imagine."
"Yes, that was mentioned, but we agreed to discuss it at a later date. We will likely ask for your presence at that time."
I suppose that’s how it will go. It’s obvious that Suurus would have a hard time negotiating alone. Without the Alliance standing behind them, the other side would surely try to push them around.
"So, for now, if we see them off, the situation should be considered settled?"
"That would be the likely outcome. Suurus’s request has been fulfilled, so it would be appropriate for us to pull back for now and attend the discussions between the two nations when the time comes."
"But what about the investigation into the Great Flood?"
"That will continue, of course, but it’s only natural that the military presence will be scaled back. We can’t keep things as they are. If we leave too large a force here, it will only make Suurus nervous."
Well, as Menou and Show are saying, the Allied Forces certainly can’t stay at their current strength forever. Just having an army stationed here costs a fortune, so keeping a massive number of troops isn't feasible. That said, since the Great Flood and a Dungeon Master are involved, we at Weed have no intention of skimping on our efforts.
As we’re talking, a voice cuts in.
"The Irinau Kingdom’s army is beginning to move. Let’s head back to the vehicles. Keep your guard up."
"Understood!"
In any case, I suppose we can consider the immediate crisis in Suurus averted. This time, things went well. It’s a good reminder that it’s important not to assume something is impossible before you’ve even tried.
Well, having a few extra cards to play certainly didn't hurt, either.