第１４３６堀：国としての責任の取り方について (Part2)
A penalty for defeat is, indeed, necessary.
While there is no doubt the nation suffered a loss, the question of who bears the responsibility within the country remains. One might argue that the blame lies with the upper echelons who issued the orders, but if you were to cut off the heads of the leadership, the state would cease to function. More than that, it serves as an apology to the citizenry and the subordinates. No matter how unwinnable the situation may have been, lives were undeniably lost. It is a human sacrifice, a scapegoat offered to appease that misplaced, burning rage. And, of course, the remaining territories and assets are seized to satisfy the public’s dissatisfaction.
"Hmm. Dressa, are you concerned about that general's treatment?"
"Concerned? If he’s killed carelessly, won't that just spread even more discontent? There hadn't been any casualties until that point, and he’s the first. He might bear the responsibility for the defeat, but the Kinauf fools are claiming the war started due to a misunderstanding caused by the Dark Guild. To us, it sounds like nonsense, but that could conversely..."
"I see. From the perspective of the masses, they might say the general died because of an alliance that sought to pin the blame on a Kinauf that was merely deceived and pitiable. As a result, distrust toward the alliance would fester."
"Ah, the possibility isn't zero. How do you come up with such troublesome ideas?"
"Well, it just crossed my mind. I was something of a defeated general myself, after all. Doesn't this create a perfect breeding ground for the Dark Guild to exploit?"
"True. For them, it’s easy to twist our words and stir up trouble."
This type of situation exists everywhere. When something happens, the question of who must take the blame inevitably arises. It is a common tale for someone to be forced to swallow the mud. In this instance, it just happened to be that general.
"Besides, if we think about the reparations, it’s not impossible to confiscate the general's lands and assets and squeeze them from his subjects, is it? Even if that’s not enough, we’re providing land to the alliance and hiring Kinauf subjects. There’s a projection that we could pay the reparations from their taxes as well. Is there really a need to go out of our way to give money to Kinauf?"
"That makes sense. If they kill the general, take the money, and leave Kinauf—not to mention Weed and the alliance—feeling resentful, it’s nothing but a win for the Dark Guild."
Ratz nodded in agreement with Dressa’s assessment. Indeed, while the Dark Guild is a factor, it is also a convenient path for the Kinauf leadership.
"True. I understand what you’re saying, Dressa, but even if we urge them to spare his life, they could just assassinate him and be done with it."
As Seraria pointed out, we might be able to temporarily extend the general's life, but if they deem him a nuisance, they can simply dispose of him. That is the nature of this world.
"Even so, we could say it wasn't the alliance's fault, right? That’s better than nothing. Plus, we can keep Kinauf in check. If a general who remained loyal to his country until the end is assassinated, that becomes an internal Kinauf problem. They won't be able to pin the blame on Weed, Ritia, or the alliance."
"That’s true. Since we requested his life be spared, if he is then assassinated, Kinauf’s position only worsens."
"Then, why don't we make the general's survival a condition of the reparations?"
"That's it!"
Everyone chimed in at Milly’s suggestion. If that were the case, even if the general wished for his own punishment, the nation as a whole would stop him. He would be treated as a hero who saved the country. The more rigid and upright the general, the more he would be forced to nod in agreement for the sake of the nation.
"While we're at it, let's make sure the general is always present at the negotiating table. We can say there are things only those who have fought can truly understand."
"I like that. That's common practice in post-war negotiations, after all."
"Well, for now, I’ll take it to the higher-ups and contact Lilishe and the others."
With that, I gathered the group currently holding a ramen party to discuss the matter.
"Why is it always ramen with you people?"
"If it's a late-night snack, what else would it be?"
Faced with that, I had nothing left to say. In times like these, it is standard for someone to take the fall for the sake of appearances, but usually, it’s just a case of cutting off the tail. The fact that I have to think about stopping such things makes the world a tiresome place.