第１４２５堀：わくわくの支援内容を決めよう（劇物入） (Part1)
Chapter 1425: Let’s Decide on the Exciting Support Package (With a Dash of Poison)
Side: Yuki
Well then, the discussion has been wrapped up quite nicely.
We’ve effectively decided to launch a forced investigation against another nation.
And not just any nation—one that isn’t even an ally.
Under normal circumstances, this would be a massive diplomatic incident, but given the recent events and the information warfare we’re about to unleash, we’re forcing them into a corner where they have no choice but to accept.
If they refuse the forced investigation, they will be branded by the international community as a nation in league with a criminal organization.
I’m sure there are plenty of smaller nations that would see that as a valid justification to wipe them off the map.
The moral high ground is already secured.
In fact, the mere fact that they’ve angered Alstaire of Lithea is enough to guarantee an attack, and the Lithea Church has already mentioned withdrawing their support.
That alone is a devastating blow, and the Church has even agreed to cooperate with our information manipulation campaign.
Having an enemy in Lithea—which holds the position of the primary supplier of medicine for various countries, not just merchants—is a situation that shakes the very foundations of a nation.
Many nobles owe a debt of gratitude to the sisters.
Unless they are complete fools, they will cooperate.
Anything less would be a death sentence.
I was summarizing the specific details of the support package while pondering these things, but...
"Still, did you really not think they would move this much?"
Setting aside the two nations, I find myself questioning whether the Dark Guild, which has moved so cautiously until now, would really act this blatantly.
That said, there is a strong possibility they have simply underestimated our capabilities.
If they wanted to deal us a blow, targeting the members visiting Suls or the students involved in international exchange would be highly efficient.
The fact that they haven’t done so could mean the enemy lacks the strength to reach out and touch us, but...
Still, the fact that there’s absolutely no movement at all bothers me.
I’d think they would at least try something to test the waters.
There isn’t even a hint of it.
We have had some infiltrators—spies, so to speak—but they are mostly people connected to the two nations, not agents sent explicitly by the Dark Guild.
Well, I suppose it’s possible that some of those coming as "Anti-Weed" factions are connected to the Dark Guild.
Even if the individuals themselves don't know it, the faction as a whole might be the Dark Guild wearing the skin of an Anti-Weed group.
But is it really normal to do nothing?
Could it be that they’re actually getting caught at immigration?
I’ll have to check with the immigration office later.
Regardless, the fact remains that since the opponent isn't moving, we have no choice but to make the first move.
There’s no guarantee they won’t strike our rear once we’re deep in the fray.
I’ll have Ratz and Eris strengthen the school’s security. And the border controls, too.
As I was working away, someone spoke up.
"Hey, Yuki."
"Hmm? What is it, Nina?"
"The meeting on the Dark Guild is settled for now, but should I keep helping out?"
"Ah, right."
Nina is here assisting with the investigation into the Dark Guild.
We hadn’t set a specific duration, but one could say this is a natural stopping point.
However, the full scope of the Dark Guild hasn’t been revealed yet.
"Please continue to help. We’re going to keep tracking the Dark Guild."
"Understood. In that case, are we moving on the information manipulation front as well?"
"Yeah, I think so. For the notifications to the smaller nations, it would be better if Nina, Fiora, and Orelia were involved, wouldn't it? What do you think, Prof?"
"I believe you are correct. We will certainly ask for notifications to be sent to each country, and while Ratz-sama, who oversees the merchants coming to Weed, will handle that, we should also have the various guilds—the Adventurer’s Guild and the Merchant’s Guild—send out notices. It shouldn't just be a declaration from the major powers; we should convey that officials meeting with the governments have delivered the message directly. Including the details of the support package will add credibility and make it feel more tangible."
She’s right. Just hearing on the "television" that a policy has been implemented doesn't mean much; people only really feel it when they’re at the register or on the front lines.
"However, that must wait until the discussion is finalized. We cannot convey anything until you decide what kind of rumors to spread."
"True. Telling them to 'just do whatever' would only cause confusion."
That is precisely why an official government announcement is necessary.
That is what will give the rumors credibility.
"But, why is it that you, Yuki-sama, are the one deciding the content of the rumors and the support package? Isn't that something the major powers should be discussing and deciding?"
Fiora tilted her head, clearly questioning my workflow.
Indeed, thinking about it normally, this isn't something Weed should be dictating.
Even if we are the center of trade.
It just goes to show how unique Weed’s position has become.
"Well, yeah. Normally that’s the case, but the news that the two nations are visiting and that a forced investigation will take place has already been leaked. In other words, we don't have the luxury of spending too much time on the details of the support package or the specific rumors. If we left it to the various countries to discuss and decide, how long do you think it would take?"
"...That would certainly take a long time."
"Exactly. The larger the group, the longer it takes to reach a decision. But in this specific case, there’s a possibility the Dark Guild will move to destroy evidence. That won't just be documents; they’ll likely erase people to keep them quiet. If the state itself is involved, it’ll be easy for them."
"..."
Orelia and the others fell silent at my words.
I thought perhaps I should have been more considerate with Lyushi present, but I decided this wasn't the time for such hesitation and continued.
"So, it’s a race against time. If we drag out the forced investigation, dissatisfaction will grow. If we set a firm schedule and get it done cleanly, the countries watching from the sidelines won't feel anxious. Conversely, if we let it drag on, our allies will become wary of our methods. To avoid that, I’m not going to wait for a consensus; I’m going to draft it myself and then have them make adjustments. If I waited to solicit opinions from scratch, we’d never make it in time."
"You say that so casually, but that’s impossible in any other country."
"I know. Well, it’s the fruit of the trust I’ve built up until now. You could say it’s the result of how sincerely I’ve dealt with people."
"..."
For some reason, the atmosphere turned cold when I said that.
Huh?
As I was thinking that, only Lyushi’s eyes were shining.
"That’s right! Yuki-sama has always helped people!"
She said, beaming.
I walked over to Lyushi and gave her a treat.
"Thank you! ...Wait, is it just me?"
"Ah, no, I’ll give some to everyone else too."