第１４３９堀：調印式を見守る (Part2)
"Ah, it is impossible to stand on equal footing with the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance. As a Dark Guild or a Dungeon Master, it seems there are no moves left to play."
King Hayden nodded in agreement with Queen Seasifo’s assessment. As they both noted, catching up now was an impossibility, and even given time, parity remained a distant, unreachable dream.
Though, that was only if one considered the status quo...
"It’s a topic we’ve discussed at length. How can other factions hope to rival the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance? That same question applies directly to the Dark Guild. And within that framework, we had to account for the possibility of a Great Stampede triggered by a dungeon."
Indeed, while the invasion of Sulus had been unexpected in its specific execution, it was, in another sense, entirely within the realm of prediction.
"Hmm, indeed. That the Dark Guild would drag an entire nation into the fray was unforeseen, but it was always understood that if a Dungeon Master were to make a move, a Great Stampede would be inevitable."
As Eupia pointed out, everything save for the Dark Guild’s direct involvement of a sovereign state had been anticipated. In fact, I had already drafted and consulted on nearly every conceivable scenario. The members of this alliance were well aware of that.
"Does that mean you have already predicted the next move?"
"Hardly. When you’ve mapped out a mountain of possibilities, claiming to have 'predicted' the next step is a tall order."
I had listed countless scenarios, ranging from the absurd to the starkly realistic. One of them had simply come to pass.
"Nevertheless, one of those predictions has manifested. Surely, you have considered how to counter them by putting yourself in their shoes?"
"Well, I should hope everyone here has done at least that much."
At my words, everyone nodded. There wasn't a single monarch present who hadn't considered the next move. To be unprepared with a countermeasure was simply unthinkable. As we discussed these matters, the signing ceremony concluded without incident.
It was over.
"It seems to have finished successfully."
"With this, it will be difficult for them to lay a hand on Kinauf. That leaves..."
"Irinau."
The word echoed in unison from everyone present. We were in agreement: we would determine our policy regarding the next nation. Incidentally, it appeared the Dark Guild had remained dormant until their formal declaration—either they lacked the means to gather internal intelligence, or they had anticipated our surveillance.
Regardless, my wives had successfully navigated the Kinauf negotiations. Now, we of the alliance were aligned in our intent to gather intelligence on Irinau before setting our course. We all shared the sentiment that trying to force a conclusion here and now would be sheer nonsense.
Gathering concrete intelligence to corner the Dark Guild and the Dungeon Master—that was the priority. It was frustrating for us, but the same held true for our enemies. We could afford to remain composed. Their room for maneuver was shrinking by the day.
And so, with the matters of the alliance settled, the next order of business for these leaders was...
"What shall we eat today?"
"There are so many of us; how about okonomiyaki?"
"That sounds good. We can have yakisoba, teppanyaki, and a variety of other things."
"Is yakiniku not worth considering?"
"An okonomiyaki place might not be a dedicated grill, but we can certainly cook some meat there."
"Indeed. Then it is settled: okonomiyaki it is."
Do these people think of nothing but food? Then again, there is a certain joy to be found in okonomiyaki after a long day of work.
"Alright, leave the flipping to me."
"Lowday, you really are talented at that. I’d just make a mess of it."
"Just put the fool to good use. The food tastes better that way."
"Hahaha! Zilba, don't flatter me so."
"I wasn't flattering you."
Yes, sarcasm truly is lost on the likes of Zilba and Blade.
Now, let us try to see things from the enemy’s perspective. How could the Dark Guild and the Dungeon Master possibly hope to stand alongside the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance led by Weed, or perhaps even overwhelm it and seize true power?
Honestly, even a snowman wouldn't be able to come up with an answer.