第１４２４堀：やるからには徹底的に (Part2)
Emerald of Seasifo in the Haiden region, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke.
The other nations nodded in unison.
"Indeed. We are only forced to pursue them after they have already moved within the alliance because there is no other way. Given that this situation also involves the aspect of being under Lithea’s umbrella, I understand the justification for the sake of our nations' future peace. If Lithea is determined to act, there is no reason to stop them. In fact, I feel apologetic that you are the ones stepping into the line of fire. Naturally, like Seasifo, we will spare no support."
With those words from King Forest of the If Continent, the conclusion of the meeting was set.
All that remained was to determine the nature of that support.
"We can settle the finer details later. For now, I ask that Roschur, Gartz, and Rumel—all on the same continent—disseminate information regarding the upcoming forced investigation to the countries under your jurisdiction. Weed will also issue notices through our merchants and magazines. Of course, it is necessary to inform the nations on other continents that such an event has occurred, but the scale of that is left to your discretion."
My husband summarized the policy to a certain extent.
Well, that’s about all we can do, isn't it?
"Of course, regarding the content, please ensure it is conveyed that the recent Great Stampede involved the interference of the Dark Guild. Especially in the Rogari Continent, it would be better to inform the entire citizenry rather than just the heads of state. For a nation harboring hostile organizations, that alone serves as a deterrent."
"Indeed. If we only tell the heads of state, they can freely twist the narrative, or in the worst case, choose not to relay it at all. But if we disseminate it to the public ourselves, the facts will be widespread, and they won't be able to easily act against the alliance. It would mean admitting their own nation is in the wrong. The people wouldn't follow them."
"There is also the option of intentionally withholding information from those we suspect, but information is scarce right now. It is better to state clearly that the investigation of the two nations is legitimate and that we have no intention of seizing their territory. We could even offer support as 'investigative cooperation.'"
"Hahaha! That’s brilliant. If they help with the investigation, they receive support from the alliance. Those who despise the Dark Guild will side with us without a moment's hesitation."
Honestly, it’s amazing how quickly he comes up with these things.
"It’s easy to say, but where will the funding for that support come from?"
"We can draw from the funds pooled within the alliance for emergencies. We have been continuously adding our trading profits to this reserve. Well, the exact amount will require further consultation, of course."
"Naturally. But with this, the two nations can prove their own innocence or purge the Dark Guild, and if they accept the investigation, they even receive funding and supplies. If they refuse to accept this, the people themselves will surely whisper that they must have something to hide."
"Exactly. So, before our envoys even arrive, we should start leaking this information. As for the routes, since they are using merchants, we shall use them as well."
Wow. Using the very same merchants the enemy used—I mean, it’s only logical, but while they were using them for underhanded deeds, we are using them for a cause that is both righteous and transparent.
There is no way they can prevent us from providing that support.
"If the enemy wants to skulk in the shadows, we will push forward openly using funds, supplies, information, and people. They may have erased the Dark Guild’s evidence, but what about the people they contracted with? Even if they destroyed the documents, they can't erase what’s in people's minds, and it’s not as if every single person in those nations is cooperating with the Dark Guild."
Hmm, he really is going to tear those countries apart, isn't he?
Still, since he has declared that he has no intention of encroaching on their land and is even offering support, it means that for those who want to purge the ones using the Dark Guild, he has become quite the benefactor.
"It doesn't pay to do evil. With this, the opponent is all but checkmated. Right, shall we have some ramen? Princess Lowell, you’ll join us, won't you?"
"Yes, I would be honored. King of Lodei."
*Sigh.* In the end, we’re eating ramen.
What even is this meeting?
Not that I won't eat it too... but it’s exhausting having to exercise every time we hold a meeting.
Be kind to allies, be harsh to enemies.
We’re just doing what’s natural, after all.