第１４３３堀：共同地の構想 (Part1)
### Chapter 1433: The Concept of a Shared Territory
**Side: Schow**
When I first heard the proposal, I wondered why on earth he would suggest such a thing. But the more I delved into the details, the more I realized there couldn't be a better arrangement.
Post-war reparations are always a source of friction. If you demand so much that the opposing nation teeters on the brink of collapse, you’ll never actually collect the debt, and you’ll only invite further chaos and conflict. Conversely, if you demand too little, you’ll be looked down upon. Honestly, war is a nuisance whether you win or lose. Furthermore, the lingering resentment and grudges born of raw emotion are inevitable. Controlling those sentiments is a necessity, which means that even if you expand your territory, it won't yield immediate profit. We in Zuraburu know that struggle all too well.
Even so, because the Hein Empire and its vassal states had treated their people so cruelly, they welcomed our intervention with open arms. Yet, the remnants of the old nobility were still a thorn in our side, constantly meddling in our affairs. It gives me a headache just thinking about it.
But this idea of accepting barren, worthless land as reparations? To the other side, it’s a painless concession. If you ask for land that produces no profit, reduce the reparations in exchange, and then promise to hire their people and pay them wages, they won't just accept it—they’ll be overjoyed. If you then extract taxes from those very wages, the net cost of reparations drops even further. In that scenario, the resentment falls upon Kinauf, and for us, there is no problem at all.
Above all, there is the "Alliance Shared Territory" concept that Yuki-sama spoke of. Until now, Weed has functioned in a way similar to a shared territory, but because it is ultimately Weed’s land, the rights remain with them. However, if you ask whether I could offer up my own land, that is a difficult question. Those of us who know the economic power of Weed and other nations understand that if we were to carelessly lease our land, it would be swallowed up by a city that would instantly dominate our own economy.
Certainly, there would be a return on the investment, but one would have to fight an invisible war against economic encroachment. That is an experience we have yet to face. Moreover, since we were not defeated in war, simply handing over land is not a particularly appealing prospect. I owe Yuki-sama and Weed a great deal, and I personally wish to repay them, so ceding a mine or a territory is not an issue—but a "shared territory" for the alliance is a different matter.
We would have to hold meetings separate from the ones Yuki-sama already conducts, and whether we could maintain a balance is questionable. Our past track records would carry weight, and arguments over who holds the reins of leadership would inevitably arise. It is precisely because of these difficulties that I realize how grateful we should be for the existence of Weed and Yuki-sama. I won't say he is entirely devoid of self-interest, but his ambition is smaller than anyone else's, and I recognize him as the most impartial among us.
That said, this implies that once Yuki-sama is gone, a bitter struggle for power will erupt within the alliance. In the end, even if we are allies, we are economic rivals. Well, I would like to say we can rest easy knowing our lives aren't at stake and our homelands won't be seized, but from here on out, the economy—that is, those who hold the wealth—will hold the power. No, money has always been a vital element in governing a nation, but that significance is about to become far more pronounced. This is merely the opening skirmish.
Well, it is a chance to get used to it while we still can. Above all, now that the Dark Guild is active, I would like to believe that we won't be acting solely on our own. ...No, they are likely targeting us as well. They will look for fools within our ranks to lend them a hand. That would worsen our standing within the alliance, so we must tighten our internal security even further.
Ah, my head is throbbing. But it is a fact that this must be done. As I was mulling all this over:
"Here. Coffee. You look like you've got a headache, too."
With those words, Menou-dono brought me a drink.
"Thank you. Is this...?"
"Oh, it's fine. It came from Weed."
"I see."
One must always be vigilant, as the threat of poisoning is ever-present. We have to keep up the act, after all.
"I never thought I'd be looking to acquire territory here, though."
"Was it unexpected for you as well, Menou-dono?"
"Unexpected, yes. Well, once I heard the circumstances, I understood, but I wonder if there's enough manpower? Or rather, I wonder about the control and governance of it?"
"I was thinking the same thing. I feel it is all happening too quickly..."
"But if we keep saying that, nothing will ever get started, will it?"
"Indeed."
"Most of all, since we're receiving territory from an enemy nation, there's no lingering bad blood. Well, there might be in the future, but it's a good case study."
It seems Menou-dono has arrived at the same conclusion. However, she didn't look particularly cheerful.
"Is something troubling you?"
"Well, there are many things, but building a town here is just an invitation to the Dark Guild, isn't it?"
"That is true. It will be far easier for them to infiltrate than it would be in the heart of Weed."
"If that happens, tightening the reins on our own people becomes crucial, doesn't it?"
"Ah, you're worried about that. I share your concern."
"Moving forward is a good thing, but it's the way of the world that the burden increases in proportion."
"That is true. Nevertheless, it is also a fact that if we stand still, we will be left behind."
"True enough. Though, the first hurdle is whether the Kinauf lot will accept it. The real test starts now, doesn't it?"
"Under normal circumstances, there could be no better conditions than these, but..."
"It's precisely because the conditions are so good that one becomes wary, isn't it? Especially if they're connected to the Dark Guild."
Certainly, we must think of the future, but if we do not bring the present to a close, we will never reach that future. Still...
"Agil-dono. Are there any movements from the enemy—the Dark Guild or Kinauf?"
I called out to Agil-dono, who was keeping a sleepless watch by the window to confirm. Agil-dono replied without averting her gaze.
"No, nothing. I thought they might move under the cover of darkness, but it seems not. Well, attacking an envoy would lead to immediate, no-questions-asked retaliation. They'd have to be desperate. Even if they are in league with the Dark Guild, I'd like to believe they won't make a move while we are staying in the castle."
Indeed, if the Dark Guild were to storm the castle—or even if the envoy were simply harmed—Kinauf would be held responsible regardless of who was at fault.
"I actually thought they might target us for that very reason, but it remains quiet."
I see, so General Agil had also anticipated that they might try to gain an advantage by disposing of us. ...Well, that wouldn't actually give them an advantage, but it would at least buy them some time.
"But, General Agil, don't you need to sleep?"
"Ah, that's fine. It's about time..."
She said this and cast her gaze toward the back of the room.
"Let's switch."