第１４０４堀：返答が来る (Part1)
Chapter 1404: The Reply Arrives
Side: Yuki
“……And so, Orelia and the others are working hard on the investigation.”
It was Prol who brought this up. Fiora was standing right beside her. While I was busy chatting away with the various kings, they were keeping me updated on the progress of Orelia’s team, who were busy gathering and vetting information on the elusive Dark Guild.
Well, I’m sure it’s a massive headache for the ones actually doing the legwork.
“Fiora, from your perspective, how are the three of them holding up? Are they being pushed too hard? This is quite a departure from their usual duties, isn’t it?”
Orelia and her team’s primary role is to handle meetings and paperwork on my behalf—not to play detective and sniff out enemies.
“There are no issues, sir. They are properly incorporating it into their afternoon schedules, and they are clocking out at the usual time.”
“That’s good to hear. Still, keep an eye on them. It’s a universal truth that taking on a new, unfamiliar task places a strange kind of burden on a person.”
““Yes, sir.””
Fiora and Prol answered in unison.
I mean…
“I’ve only been seeing them in the mornings lately, so I was worried, but it seems they’re managing better than I thought.”
“Yes. It is likely the result of the thorough guidance you have provided them until now, Yuki-sama.”
“Indeed. I agree. Though, I am also in a position of being guided myself.”
“Fiora, you have the natural aptitude of a princess, so that’s just a difference in baseline. I believe they can handle it, too. Just make sure they don’t overdo it.”
“Yes. Thank you for your concern.”
Then, turning to Prol…
“And Prol, I’m sorry for dumping this extra trouble on you, of all people.”
“Not at all. There is nothing that brings me greater joy than being of service to you, Yuki-sama. Above all, the Dark Guild may be connected to the anti-Weed factions that threaten our home. How could I possibly stand by and do nothing?”
In work mode, Prol is as sharp and reliable as ever. It’s truly reassuring.
“Is everything alright with your primary duties?”
Aside from assisting Orelia’s team, Prol also serves as the department head for both the Resident Affairs and Information divisions. It’s an absurd arrangement by any normal standard, but since those two departments need to be closely linked, we’ve kept it as is for now.
“Yes, there are no problems. My shifting to support you, Yuki-sama, is something both departments should welcome. More importantly, it serves as excellent training for the section chiefs to operate independently. They must learn to function to some degree even in my absence.”
“Well, I suppose there’s that aspect to it, too.”
If an organization falls into total dysfunction just because one person is away, then what was the point of the organization in the first place? It’s meant to be a system that compensates for trouble. There are certainly tasks only Prol can handle, but eventually, someone else needs to be able to step into those shoes. Thinking of it as practice isn't a bad way to look at it.
Just as I was thinking that, she spoke up.
“Setting us aside, how are things on your end, Yuki-sama? Are the matters regarding the two nations and the investigation moving forward?”
“Ah, as for that, fortunately, both nations have agreed to enter into discussions.”
“Oh? Irina is one thing, but Kinauf? Even after they so brazenly picked a fight with us?”
“That seems to be exactly why. It appears the army that occupied the Eastern Town was Kinauf’s main force. Once that was scattered, they realized they had no means to resist. They were apparently quite desperate, begging us to stop the offensive in exchange for coming to the table.”
It makes you wonder why they were so aggressive in the first place, but…
“Then, why the declaration of war?”
“According to their general, they thought our intervention was a bluff. The truth seems to be that the home country received word from their envoy and sent out a fast horse, but it didn’t arrive in time.”
“So, it’s a case of our response being too fast? It’s not as if they were unaware of our methods of travel.”
“It’s a matter between nations, so they operated under the assumption that an army would take much longer to mobilize.”
“……Ah, I see.”
As I explained, Prol gave a wry smile.
Well, sending an army isn’t just a matter of marching them out. You have to send messengers and follow proper protocol. Considering that, it’s perhaps understandable that they didn’t expect us to arrive so quickly. Of course, that was only possible because I used the Gates and summoned the kings of various nations to mobilize the alliance immediately.
“In that case, does this mean the investigation will begin shortly?”
“Yeah. Since we received a letter from their envoy stating that the situation no longer requires an immediate military presence, we’ve decided it’s safe to divert personnel to the investigation. As expected, the representative envoy from Suurus who will be accompanying our investigation team is Princess Hasnia.”
“Well, from what I’ve heard, they seem intent on positioning her as Weed’s diplomatic representative. Or rather, they likely feel they have no other choice if they want to maintain a balanced standing.”
“Personally, I’d prefer someone who can actually do the work over their status.”
From what I’ve heard, Princess Hasnia isn’t exactly well-versed in diplomacy. No, it’s more like she’s completely green. She knows how to carry herself as a princess and understands the influence she wields, so she’s not incapable, but compared to a career diplomat, her skills are lacking.
Fiora gave a wry smile at my comment…
“Yuki-sama, you are always like that. However, Princess Hasnia will be interacting not just with Weed, but with other diplomats as well. Many of those people hold positions that go beyond mere diplomacy. Simply having the title of ‘Princess’ carries its own inherent value.”
“Fiora-sama is correct. Yuki-sama and your wives have achieved such results that your status is almost secondary, but for others, they are starting from zero. Having even a shred of a title is vital.”
Hearing that from the two of them, I suppose they’re right. That’s how the world works. It’s impossible for a nobody to suddenly step into the spotlight without any backing. Even in my case, there’s the fact that I had the support of the King of Roschur through Seraria and Elju. And before that, though it’s quite involuntary, I had the ‘benefit’ of Luna’s meddling to give me leverage.
That is precisely why being good at your job isn’t enough to be entrusted with a high-stakes position. You lack trust, you lack a track record—or rather, you might have a track record in your own country, but other nations don’t know that. That’s why a title is necessary.
“Well, people grow. Weed is the same. Let’s pray Princess Hasnia becomes a fine diplomat.”
“Indeed. According to what we’ve heard from Agil and the others, she is a sincere person, so we can be somewhat optimistic.”
“Fiora-sama, it would be best not to have excessive expectations. It will only put pressure on her. Now, Yuki-sama, regarding the companions for the investigation—how are the preparations coming along for that?”
“I’ve already heard from Milly. It’s been decided that Kate from the Dosou Kingdom will be joining us from the Adventurer’s Guild headquarters.”
I’m sure Fiora and Prol have already heard the rumors, but I decided to tell them anyway.