第１３９１堀：戦後の行動について (Part1)
Chapter 1391: Post-War Maneuvers
Side: Yuki
"Whew."
I let out a breath as I watch the footage of the Irinau Kingdom’s army in full retreat.
"I wasn't sure how things would play out once the Kinauf Kingdom chose the path of war, but it seems Suurus’s envoy handled it masterfully," Eupia remarks, with Emerald nodding in agreement.
"Well, showing off one’s military might to avoid an actual clash is standard procedure, isn't it?"
They are right. The method used to force the Irinau army to pull back was textbook. By demonstrating one’s own capabilities, you simultaneously issue a warning: *This is what happens to you if you cross us.*
"Now then, what about the investigation into the Great Overflow, the demands for reparations from both nations, and the suspicion of their complicity in the disaster? How do you intend to press them?"
The question comes from the King of Zilba. It’s a valid point. While we can certainly demand reparations, if they flatly deny any involvement in the Great Overflow, the investigation will hit a wall. Still, I’ve already accounted for that.
"We’ll leverage the dark guild situation."
"The dark guild? Ah, right—Lowell’s people managed to secure some intelligence on that," the King of Gartz says, as if just remembering.
*Actually, that was information my own daughter worked hard to acquire,* I think to myself. *You really ought to brag about her more.*
"Exactly. We traced the flow of supplies from that source. It proves they intended to wage war from the very beginning. Their current movements only confirm that they had been preparing to act for some time."
"…So, their actions were far too swift to be merely 'for the sake of rescue,' then. Still, they’ll likely try to play it off as a coincidence. After all, they did send their envoys at the same time, didn't they?"
"Even if they offer excuses, the fact remains that they picked a fight with the Intercontinental Alliance. We can use that as our leverage."
The Holy King Enaria suggests we use their past battles as a shield, while King Haiden argues we should simply hold them accountable for their excuses. Both will likely be necessary. If they try to lie, we are already prepared to attack from multiple angles.
"Above all else, we are conducting an investigation into the Great Overflow. The moment they refuse to cooperate, it becomes an admission of guilt. It doesn't matter that they aren't part of the Alliance; the Great Overflow is a crisis that demands cooperation from everyone. That is, after all, the very reason those two nations were supposedly moving in the first place," the King of Roschur declares.
It’s a classic case of their own words coming back to haunt them. And more than that…
"As far as Litea is concerned, this is a matter of profound shame. Not only is there the possibility that those under our umbrella were complicit in the Great Overflow, but the Kinauf Kingdom ignored Litea’s declaration and illegally occupied the eastern town of Suacania. As for the Irinau Kingdom… they did retreat, yes, but their intent to seize our water supply was painfully obvious. 'Moving for the sake of defense'? They weren't defending anything."
Alstaire, the Saintess of Litea, is absolutely livid at having been made a fool of. In that sense, the more the two nations refuse to accept mediation or the investigation, the more troublesome things will become for them.
In fact, it wouldn't be strange if the Alliance decided to dismantle their nations entirely for committing hostile acts against the Intercontinental Alliance. Of course, this wouldn't mean wiping out the populace; it would mean stripping the ruling class and the nobility of their support, forcing the nations to either join the Alliance or see their citizens emigrate.
Even now, within the Alliance, war has dwindled—or rather, practically vanished. We are seeing massive expansions in farmland and production of essential goods, and everywhere is suffering from a labor shortage. Thanks to the spread of medical knowledge and hygiene standards from advanced nations like Weed, Litea, Enaria, and Hifi, infant mortality has plummeted, and the population is booming.
Consequently, food and daily necessities are being sold as fast as they can be produced. And it takes people to produce them. This situation is actually perfect for openly recruiting immigrants. We’ll offer them favorable treatment, of course, but it’s not an act of charity—we simply need the manpower.
Still, the logistics of which nation takes in how many people will be a headache. We also have to discuss the future status of those two nations. It’s going to be a long, tedious process.
But one thing still weighs on my mind.
"Litea, what kind of measures are you planning to demand from the Kinauf and Irinau Kingdoms? I expect the Intercontinental Alliance will stick to Suurus’s demands and the investigation into the Great Overflow, plus the necessary expenses."
"The withdrawal of the Litea Church, the cessation of all medical services, the revocation of preferential trade status, formal notification to all guilds, and the total removal of Litea’s protection."
Oh? The kings are visibly stunned by her declaration.
"Are you going that far? Those two nations will be left without any protection at all. That’s essentially an open invitation for anyone to attack them, you realize?"
As Eupia points out, small nations survive only because of the protection—the "Alliance"—provided by the great powers. While they weren't in the Intercontinental Alliance, they were under Litea’s umbrella, which provided a security guarantee. Losing that leaves them vulnerable to everyone.
"Indeed, as the Emperor of Zuraburu says, if you go that far, won't the Rogari Continent be thrown into chaos? Perhaps you should calm down a bit?" the King of Roschur suggests, trying to soothe her.
He’s right; such a declaration would surely destabilize the continent. It could be argued they brought it on themselves, but other nations might start to fear that if they don't join the Alliance or obey the great powers, they’ll be destroyed. That kind of fear breeds rebellion.
Alstaire, however, remains unmoved by the attempt at persuasion.
"I am well aware of that. Removing Litea’s protection is the final resort if they choose to act like spoiled children. But I will not let the sanctions for this incident be handled half-heartedly. To ignore the warnings of Lady Lilishe is to treat the Litea faith itself with contempt. If we let that slide, then Litea has no meaning."
"..."
The reason for Alstaire’s fury is crystal clear now. That’s right—I had forgotten.