第１４３６堀：国としての責任の取り方について (Part1)
**Chapter 1436: On How a Nation Takes Responsibility**
**Side: Yuki**
"Ah, well, things like that do happen, don't they?"
It was Seraria who said this. She offered a wry smile as she listened to the report regarding the recent banquet.
"Haha, I’m glad I didn't go. I would have killed the person on the other side."
"Indeed. I share Eris’s opinion."
Eris and Milly said these unsettling things with bright, cheerful smiles. It wasn't exactly a pleasant situation for me, either...
"Did I make a mistake in my selection?"
I hadn't expected that sending women to this negotiation would backfire in this way. No, it wasn't that I couldn't have predicted it, but it was still more unsettling than I had anticipated.
"Yes, yes. Please, calm down. Riel, could you prepare some tea?"
"Oh, yes, of course."
At Ratz’s prompt, Riel began preparing the tea.
"I don't think the selection was wrong. If we’re talking about reliable subordinates who can grasp our intentions and act according to instructions in that kind of situation, those girls are the only ones who fit the bill."
"...Still, I hate that I put them through such an unpleasant experience."
"That hardly counts as an unpleasant experience. If anything, they went to resolve this incident precisely because it would be useful to you. What is it? Are you jealous?"
"Probably. It seems I don't like the idea of my precious wives being subjected to that by other men."
I saw no reason to hide it, so I spoke my feelings plainly.
"That’s true. You do treasure your wives, don't you?"
"Exactly. Or rather, I know there are people who don't, but I prefer it when things are harmonious."
"Yes, I think so too. And honestly, if you send this footage, everyone will work even harder."
"Is that how it works?"
When I asked that, everyone, including Eris, nodded. Do people actually enjoy watching scenes of their partner’s jealousy? Well, if Seraria says it’s fine, then I suppose it is. I turned my gaze toward Orelia and the others standing nearby.
"I think it conveys your love very well."
"That’s right! It’s just so wonderful!"
"Yes. It’s perfectly fine."
"Alright, I’ll accept that. But, Orelia, you three—if something like that happens again, refuse. It’s not about whether you’re my wives or not; I don't want that kind of negotiation to happen in the first place."
"Yes!"
The three subordinates replied honestly. What kind of sweatshop would force someone to sell themselves? My heart ached at the thought; I would never allow it. Steve’s overworking? No, they get their breaks, so that’s not an issue. I pay them properly for overtime, too.
As we were talking about this, Riel returned with Sasari, carrying the tea.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
"Here you go, everyone!"
"Thank you."
I thanked them, took the tea from Riel, and drank it to calm myself.
"Oh? Was the Master feeling some distress? Your face is unusually grim, you know?"
Sasari easily saw through my discomfort.
"You noticed, huh?"
"Well, I am a maid. And I’m exclusive to this inn, aren't I? If I couldn't tell that much, I’d be scolded by the Mistresses, and Senior Kirue would make me redo my maid training. So, what happened?"
As expected of a maid. I suppose they are trained to keep a close eye on the physical and mental state of those they serve. Just as I was wondering how to answer, Labyris and the others spoke up easily.
"Oh, it’s about that..."
"Brother was..."
They laid it out plainly. I had been trying to be considerate, thinking it might be unpleasant for Sasari given the situation with Samantha, but they completely ignored my efforts. Upon hearing the circumstances, Sasari simply laughed.
"Hahaha. That level of trouble is something anyone born into nobility experiences, even without being an envoy to another country. Well, I don't doubt the Master understands that, but it’s just like you to worry about it. And I’m sure the Mistresses are happy to know you feel that way."
"I see."
"Well, even if the world were ending, it’s impossible for the Mistresses to leave the Master’s side, but I wonder about Lady Shau and Lady Menou?"
"Ah, I heard those two were dealing with the same kind of people, but they told me not to worry about it. They even said that compared to times when they’ve had weapons pointed at them, this was cute."
"I see. Well, the Master might not like the term 'barbarians,' but there are plenty of people out there who resort to force simply because they don't know the world."
Indeed, as Sasari said, dealing with such types is part of the job for a noble acting as a representative of their nation. Still, unpleasant is unpleasant, and I should definitely thank those two when they return. The nation will likely offer its own rewards, but I want to thank them personally.
Wait, in this case, would it be a double reward from both the motherland and Weed? Yes, I suppose it would. But setting that aside...
"Still, the only saving grace is that things have remained peaceful for now."
"That’s true. There don't seem to be any movements from the Dark Guilds, either. I hope the negotiations continue to go well."
"Well, as Seraria and the others saw, Lilishe really drove the point home."
She had smiled and clearly stated that if they continued to act like spoiled children, the Litea Church would withdraw and cut them off from their protection. Even if the claim for damages was a rigged game, those who didn't know any better should have understood just how much they had angered the other party.
"And Lady Lilishe squeezed them for even more than planned, didn't she?"
As Ratz said, while there is still a possibility of fluctuation, it settled at about 1.25 times the initial amount. The plan was to start at three times, drop to half at 1.5, and finally settle at 1, but she didn't cut it down and left room for more. Well, Lilishe likely had her own share of anger to vent. Since it’s Litea, we can't really interfere.
"That just shows how much Litea wanted to drive the point home. And as the compensation rises, more people will come to work to pay it off, and they’ll try to collect taxes from that to pay the compensation. It’s a vicious cycle."
"I don't want to think they’re that stupid, but they did do this, so they must be."
Milly tried to deny Eris’s words, but she couldn't. If they had been able to gather even a little bit of information, this wouldn't have happened. Perhaps the Dark Guilds had hidden that fact well, too. No, that would just mean the Kinauf intelligence network is completely useless.
"Come to think of it, what’s happening with the captured generals and soldiers?"
Dressa asked as if she had just remembered.
"Ah, the generals have been taken away, but the subordinates will have to wait until the compensation is paid."
Dressa frowned at that answer.
"Is there a problem?"
"It’s not so much a problem, but... Seraria, if a defeated general returns home, at best they’ll be dismissed, but if they’ve brought a national crisis upon themselves through a crushing defeat..."
"Unless it’s an extraordinary circumstance, they’ll be held responsible and executed."
"Ah, I see. That’s what you meant."