第１４０７堀：視察団到着 (Part2)
For the time being, my position here is that of a general, serving as a guide for Princess Hasnia and her retinue.
"Er... so, in other words?"
"Ah, my apologies. Our task is to observe the investigation team as they conduct their work. This includes the recovery of monster remains and the retrieval of any corpses."
"Are we not meant to assist with that?"
"That comes only after the investigation is concluded. You must not touch anything without authorization."
Tampering with the scene would only compromise the integrity of the site.
"I hate to say it, but there may be those who would attempt to hide evidence."
"Surely, you don't mean to imply that one of us would—? Besides, a Great Outbreak is not something a mere human could easily orchestrate..."
"Please, remain calm. That is precisely why we are accompanying this investigation. By working under mutual supervision, we ensure that neither side can act recklessly, thereby proving our respective innocence."
"...Is that so?"
Princess Hasnia glances toward the envoys from Suurus standing beside her. One of the envoys who catches her gaze wears a troubled expression.
"To claim there is no one within Suurus capable of such things is suspicious, given that we failed to detect the invasion of two nations. There were even fools who cut off communications and envoys from Litea."
"...I see."
The princess looks dejected, unable to deny the reality of the situation.
*Honestly, is she really at an age where she believes all her subordinates are saints?*
I find myself questioning her surprisingly naive reaction. Is this a case of a "honey trap" in the making? There are two types of women sent off in marriage alliances. The first is the type drilled in the intricacies of politics, intended to leverage the power of the receiving house. The second is the type kept in the dark, sent into a household to be utilized by those pulling the strings.
Both paths lead to the same destination: using the bride as a conduit to exploit the power of the other house. Though, if I’m being honest, we aren't much different—though we lean toward the former. We are fully aware of our position and act to secure Weed's support. Of course, in our case, Yuki is always the top priority.
Princess Hasnia, however, seems to be the latter. A blank, white flower sent to be protected—or perhaps, to be used. Still, it’s not as if I’m unaware of such tactics; perhaps she was truly intended to be a tool for domestic stability.
To put it bluntly, these royal and noble women are often treated as mere tools for forging connections. Whether it is better for such a tool to possess wisdom or to remain ignorant depends entirely on how the state is run. Regardless, ignorance serves no one.
*Sigh.* So, the burden of her education is being dumped on us, too? No, I suppose her own envoys will handle that. This inspection was an unexpected development, after all.
"Well, there is no need to be so disheartened. There is no guarantee that there aren't strange elements on our side, either."
"Oh?"
"That is the nature of nations. Even if the Great Outbreak was caused by another entity, those within our own borders might exploit the situation to bring harm to Suurus for their own ends. That is why an inspection team—a supervisory presence—is necessary."
Under normal circumstances, it is unheard of for the main investigation to be handled by an ally while the nation involved in the incident acts merely as an observer. To treat the nation in question as an afterthought is essentially telling them they are useless. Usually, this would be cause for outrage.
But in this specific instance, the convergence of the Great Outbreak, the invasion by two nations, and the fact that even the mediation of Litea—the coordinator—had been ignored, meant this was no longer a matter that could be contained by a single country.
"I see... you are right. Priestess Lilishe said as much. This is the harshness of the world, isn't it?"
"Indeed. Diplomacy has its own brand of harshness. You would do well to learn from your envoys. Consider this your first step."
"Yes."
She seems willing to learn, at least. If she can improve even slightly, that would be for the best. Then again, there might be those who would be troubled if she actually gained any wisdom.
*Ah, I should confirm this with the King of Suurus through Priestess Lilishe.* I find it hard to believe he would entrust an intercontinental exchange alliance to a fool. It’s entirely possible someone is intentionally leading her astray.
As I ponder this, a call comes through, and I verify the contents.
"It appears the members of the Adventurer Guild have arrived. I am having them guided here, so please wait a moment."
Well, I just hope the conference doesn't grind to a halt because of Princess Hasnia. It’s the same as not being able to search someone else's house without permission. Nations and cities alike—everything is so complicated.