第１４３７堀：温情と思わせつつ目的は別にある (Part1)
Chapter 1437: A Facade of Benevolence, A Hidden Agenda
Side: Kaya
Is it just my imagination, or is my presence as an envoy feeling increasingly redundant?
"What’s wrong?"
"Something bothering you?"
Difes and Claudia notice my mood and chime in.
"Oh, it’s nothing. It’s just... we came here as envoys, but I feel like we barely have any say in the actual proceedings."
It’s true. We’ve been in Kinauf for several days now, but the negotiations are handled primarily by Lady Lilishe of Litea, while we just sit back and listen. The rest of our time is spent at the endless banquets. After the warning we issued on the first day, the hosts have been walking on eggshells, so it hasn't been particularly unpleasant.
In fact, during those dinners, I’ve been introducing the food and lifestyles common in Weed and the Alliance, just as Yuki requested. The Kinauf side seems to be coming around to the idea that joining the Alliance might be for the best. Naturally, the dark guilds haven't dared to make a move, either.
"Well, that’s fine as it is. Even if they did demand something of us, all we could say is that we’d have to consult our superiors."
"Indeed. And since the terms would be so lopsided, they’d be rejected regardless."
"Exactly."
I suppose they’ve realized that through our presentations at the banquets, because now they’ve settled into a tone of, "We look forward to a favorable relationship." They’re finally starting to grasp what it means to host envoys from a Great Power.
"Come to think of it, we are envoys, but what exactly is our status in terms of nobility?"
"Ah, well, since I’m from Ex, I was granted the equivalent of a Count’s rank."
"A Count!?"
"Don't be so surprised. It’s not like I have a fief to manage. It’s just a rank to ensure I’m treated as an equal in this diplomatic capacity. King Noble did offer me land if I wanted it, but I declined. I have Comet-sama to consider, after all."
I see. So it’s just a title in name only. I suppose it would have been helpful for Noble if Difes, who knows the inner workings of the world, were to govern a territory within his borders, but for us, Weed—where Comet-sama resides—is what truly matters.
"And as for you two, you don't even need a title, do you?"
"Eh?"
"Don't 'eh' me. Kaya, you’re the sister of the White Forest’s Chancellor, and Claudia, you’re the King’s sister. You are high-ranking officials among high-ranking officials."
"Ah..."
Now that he mentions it, I remember. That’s right. We actually hold quite prestigious positions, don't we?
" 'Ah,' she says. Honestly..."
Difes looks at me with half-lidded eyes, but I let his gaze slide right off me.
"Well, our status aside, does this mean the end is in sight? I heard we added a clause to ensure the safety of their generals, didn't we?"
That’s right. At the suggestion of Yuki and the upper management, we included a treaty provision stating that the generals and officers who invaded Suurus would not be punished. On the surface, it’s a gesture of praise for those who fought to the bitter end for their country, especially since the conflict ended without any casualties on our side—it would tarnish the Alliance’s reputation if we started executing people now.
But the hidden motive is clear: if they punished the losers and confiscated their lands and assets to pay for reparations or appease the public, Kinauf wouldn't suffer any real damage.
Normally, even if a war was unwinnable, some form of punishment for the defeated soldiers would be expected. Without it, the public grows restless, and the question of accountability becomes a headache. Ideally, the head of state who issued the orders should take responsibility, but if they were the type of person capable of that, they wouldn't have launched the invasion in the first place.
"I understand the reasoning, but will the other side just accept it quietly? They’re losing their chance to offset their fiscal deficit, aren't they?"
Exactly. Yuki intentionally blocked their path to financial recovery, which is essentially the same as cutting off their oxygen. That’s something the Kinauf side will find impossible to forgive.
"The people who actually have the money will keep their purse strings pulled tight in times like these, won't they?"
It makes you wonder what they’re hoarding it for in the first place.
"Well, I understand your concern, Kaya. In that scenario, the ones who suffer are the virtuous lords and the common people."
"Indeed. Reparations must be paid eventually. But if the leadership refuses to pay, it’s inevitable that they’ll force the burden onto those below them."
"Exactly."
In the end, the burden on the populace will undoubtedly increase. The process is so convoluted that they probably won't blame Weed or the Alliance directly, but if Kinauf’s responsibility leads to the collapse of their own nation... well, would that be a problem?
"...Are you planning to destroy Kinauf?"
"Who knows? If Kinauf manages their state properly from here on out, they shouldn't face an uprising from their subjects... but..."
"Given their track record, that seems unlikely. I suppose that’s exactly why we have troops stationed here and why we demanded the cession of land."
"Oh, I see. That’s what it’s for."
If anything chaotic happens within Kinauf, we’ll be notified immediately. In the worst-case scenario, we can even take in the refugees. Kinauf will likely implement policies to prevent their people from fleeing, but in the face of a rebellion, those measures will be meaningless—especially since they’ve already exhausted their military strength in this war and have no soldiers left to keep order. The lords will try to use their own private forces to prevent their people from escaping, but when even those lords are dissatisfied with the central government, the foundation is already crumbling.
"So, it’s a win-win either way. We can help Kinauf, or we can help the people. You really are ruthless, aren't you?"
"No, it’s simply a matter of being prepared. It’s far worse to be caught off guard and react too late."
"Stationing troops is meant for exactly that purpose. Plus, we have the authority to provide support and investigate the dark guilds, so it should be easy to maintain control over Kinauf’s internal affairs."
Ah, so under the guise of "investigation," we’ll be consulting with various lords. By offering them an overt escape route, we ensure that even if Kinauf falls into civil war, it can be brought to a swift conclusion.
"Haa... so, if they realize this, Kinauf has no choice but to govern with benevolence, right?"
"That’s right. With the net tightened around them this thoroughly, I’d like to think they understand the message..."