第１４３７堀：温情と思わせつつ目的は別にある (Part2)
"Indeed. If they choose to resist this, it would be tantamount to inviting the destruction of their nation. The Dark Guild will surely make its move as well."
"Ah, right. I’d almost forgotten about the Dark Guild."
As I said this, their gazes pierced right through me.
"It couldn't be helped, could it? I was more concerned about the generals, and the Dark Guild hadn't shown any signs of activity."
"That is precisely why this proposal exists. Under normal circumstances, the only way for Kinauf to pay would be for their leadership to cough up their personal fortunes. Well, I imagine Yuki has already devised some means to handle that side of things."
"It’s certainly possible. Forcing them to surrender their personal wealth without causing dissatisfaction... wait, could it be?"
Claudia’s eyes widened as if a sudden realization had struck her.
"Did you figure something out?"
"No, nothing concrete, but do you remember what we’ve been doing during our banquets these past few days?"
"Eh? We were just presenting the Alliance’s food and products... oh!"
"I see. You mean to export those goods to them. If they buy them, that becomes a source of revenue. We’re talking about convenient tools, incredibly delicious food, and even rare commodities. Since they’ll be satisfied with their purchases, they won't mind parting with their personal wealth. Though, there is a chance they’ll try to recoup those costs from their own citizens..."
"We can’t be expected to account for that, but at the very least, it won't feel like they’re being forcibly robbed."
"But does that really count as reparations?"
"That isn't for us to worry about. It’s the victims in Sulus who desire the money. The Alliance will provide the compensation, and how the Alliance chooses to recoup those funds is our own business. Even I can see that a continuous stream of trade—buying delicious, useful things—is far more profitable in every sense than a one-time payout."
"True. And it begs the question: is there any reason to reject such a generous proposal just to side with the Dark Guild?"
"Exactly. That’s where it all ties together."
Given how far we’ve gone, how many people could possibly have a reason to cooperate with the Dark Guild? A small minority might have their own motives for protecting or shielding them, but the vast majority wouldn't.
"There was little benefit to aiding the Dark Guild to begin with, and now even less so. This leaves them with only two choices: strike at us now, or destroy their evidence and retreat. Standing by and watching is a losing move."
"And they have to do it within a few days. Once the negotiations are finalized, the likelihood of them being caught will only increase."
"So, whether they decide to attack or flee, they’re running out of time. This negotiation wasn't just for Kinauf—it was also a form of pressure on the Dark Guild."
"If anything, that was the Alliance’s true objective."
"Yes. It shows just how determined we are to crush the Dark Guild. I’m sure they understand that now."
"Ah... I suppose the Kinauf side is wondering why we’re being so hospitable. But they’ll realize it’s to corner the Dark Guild."
"That is, provided they have the wit to figure it out."
"In any case, there will likely be some movement in the next few days, so let’s make sure we don't wander off alone."
As Claudia said this, she cast her gaze toward...
"So sleepy... This is bad. I thought I could stay awake longer, but not being able to study is torture..."
Agil, who was on night watch, was bobbing her head in and out of consciousness.
"For now, let’s keep Agil company or take over the watch. We can’t afford to be caught off guard."
"Agreed."
"She’s due for a shift change soon anyway, so let’s help her hold out."
And so, we gathered around Agil and began to chat.
Unlike some protagonist in a story, kindness doesn't save the world here; this is benevolence with a purpose. Or rather, since only a select few would be convinced by kindness alone, it’s a reminder that one must always have a proper pretext to back it up.