第１４３８堀：話がまとまる (Part1)
**Chapter 1438: Reaching an Accord**
**Side: Kagura**
After a week of grueling negotiations over reparations, we finally reached an agreement. The outcome exceeded our initial expectations.
Regarding the indemnity, we secured 1.5 times the original amount. As for whether they could actually pay it, we settled on offsetting the cost through their purchase of imported luxury goods and culinary items—the very things they had marveled at during our banquets. Since they would have to import these supplies anyway, they were more than satisfied to simply buy what they desired.
For our side, it’s technically a deficit. I’m not even sure if this covers half of our raw material, labor, and transportation costs. However, we’ve judged that this will lead to a long-term trade relationship, ultimately turning a profit in the future. Of course, if we only focus on selling to them, the Kinauf side will eventually run dry, so we’ll need to devise some exportable goods for them to produce—though that will be under Lithea’s guidance.
The matter of stationing our military on the plains adjacent to the Kinauf royal capital was settled without issue. Since the supplies for the reparations would be transported through that route anyway, they accepted it as a matter of course—or rather, they were convinced it was only natural. They had originally asked us to hand over a town, but since we settled for open land, Kinauf felt they had gotten off lightly. Furthermore, we’ve agreed to hire local labor from within Kinauf to construct the military outpost. Since they can collect taxes on those wages to put toward the repayment, the Kinauf side had no reason to complain and accepted the terms readily.
As for cooperation in investigating the Dark Guild within Kinauf territory and granting us rights for independent investigation, we received approval, provided we accept Kinauf guides. This is usually unheard of, but after the relentless threats from Lady Lilishe and considering the leniency we’ve shown regarding the aforementioned terms, they likely concluded that it wouldn’t end poorly for them. Or perhaps they decided that refusing would be even more terrifying? It was as if they were desperate to prove they weren’t in league with the Dark Guild.
Finally, regarding support from our side—that is, from the Alliance—it was decided that this would be determined through a separate conference. Choosing to demand money here would be laughable. I suspect it will take the form of other types of aid, but that is for the people of this country to decide; we are keeping our hands off that.
Oh, I almost forgot. The request to spare the generals was also accepted. That, in fact, is why we dropped the monetary reparations and switched to the sale of luxury goods. The generals themselves had wanted to be executed, claiming they couldn’t face their people, but once we—and Lady Lilishe, or rather, Lithea—conveyed that this was our wish as the victors, and that we held their unwavering loyalty and dedication to their duty in high regard, they finally knelt and offered their gratitude. They were likely prepared for their lands to be confiscated and their families to be cast out into the streets. To have that anxiety, that tragic future, wiped away brought them genuine relief.
Honestly, men are so clumsy. Though, being too clever like Yuki is also a problem. If you leave him alone, he just charges ahead on his own. In that sense, perhaps he’s clumsy in his own way, too.
Thinking of such things, I compile the documents to be sent to Heiden. Now that the negotiations are over, all that remains is the paperwork. We’ll learn the results through Yuki, but that doesn’t exempt us from the misery of having to submit our own reports.
"Phew... well, I suppose being able to work here is fine..."
Hearing that murmur, I look over to see Enora also typing up a report on her laptop.
"I agree. Usually, we’d have to wait until we got back, desperately trying to recall every detail to write the report, and then we’d have to print it out on bulky paper and make sure there were no typos in the final copy."
I couldn't help but respond to her mutterings. I know that feeling all too well.
"Are you finished with yours?"
"Still halfway there. But making it on a computer makes fixing typos and errors so easy, and all I need is a digital signature."
"That really is a relief. Still, because it’s so easy to do, Mother... no, the Bishop and Archbishop expect daily reports..."
"It’s a double-edged sword, having work become so efficient."
I feel like our eyes are both dead. Thanks to Weed, information transmission has become incredibly fast, which is a good thing. But because work has become so efficient, we’re now expected to keep working through the night, leaving us to toil away even here in the field. I really have to wonder if this "convenience" is actually a good thing.
"By the way, what about the Dark Guild? It seems they haven't moved at all."
"Yeah. According to Steve’s unit, who are monitoring them, they haven't been able to grasp our movements either."
"Does that mean, surprisingly, that Kinauf and the Dark Guild have severed ties?"
"Well, considering our pursuit, I suppose that would be the most logical move. However..."
"The question is whether they’re actually that smart. Given everything we’ve seen so far. Come to think of it, has any testimony regarding the Dark Guild come out from the Kinauf side?"
"That’s Agil’s team’s job."
We are, after all, merely envoys. What matters is the resolution between Kinauf, Lithea, Suurus, and the Alliance, and how the reparations are handled. Investigating the Dark Guild is the job of the military and the International Police Investigation Team. I mean, if we really pushed, we could stick our noses in, but that would make our position incredibly complicated. We’d have to get involved in the investigation, as well as the mediation with Heiden and others. Honestly, that sounds like a death sentence.
That’s why we won’t force our way in. But there is one thing I know for sure.
"But I understand why there’s no evidence. If there were such clear evidence, they would have rounded up the people in hiding by now."
"True. If the background was that well-known, there would be no need to let them swim."
Exactly. The fact that they are letting the Dark Guild "swim" means they haven't been able to extract the information yet. If it weren't necessary, the members who infiltrated ahead of time would have already caught them, even before the talks about reparations with Kinauf began.
"So, does this mean our duty is done?"
"I suppose so. Provided nothing else happens."
"Do you really think something will happen now?"
"Well, they’d be most likely to strike while we’re still in this castle or the Kinauf royal capital, but since it’s not officially over yet, we shouldn't let our guard down, right?"
"I suppose you're right."