第１４７７堀：報告を受ける側 (Part2)
"No, that’s impossible. Even outside of the black market, buying and selling slaves is a common practice. There are no restrictions on trading rare races, either. It’s only strictly prohibited within the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance. There are places that simply loathe Weed, after all."
Indeed, while the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance enforces strict regulations, countries outside the alliance have no such limitations. If anything, there are those who view it as a prime opportunity for profit.
"Right? Well, the silver lining is that for now, the only way to move people or supplies is through Weed’s gates. Since it’s impossible to transport slaves in secret, we haven’t faced any real issues yet."
"That is truly a relief. Even bringing a slave into Weed carelessly would likely spark a disaster."
"It would. If word got out that it violated our contracts, our credibility with the surrounding nations would plummet. Well, that’s unthinkable for the alliance members, at least."
"Exactly. The exchange of beastmen and demi-humans across continents is a recipe for chaos. They claim it’s impossible because they manage it so strictly, but that only applies to them. It’s the others we have to worry about."
"Small nations that know nothing of the circumstances on each continent will likely poke at that vulnerability to try and drag Weed’s reputation through the mud. It’s likely the work of the dark guilds, but there’s personal spite involved, too."
"Haa... That means a formal proclamation is essential."
"It does. Before they can get the jump on us, we need to issue a statement—not just to the upper echelons, but to the entire citizenry—that unnecessary slave trading invites chaos into the alliance and must follow proper procedures."
"And we’ll need a meeting to decide on that proclamation, won't we?"
It’s something that must be done across the entire alliance; a proclamation from Weed alone would be meaningless. Still, even that is a monumental task.
"We shouldn't drag our feet, though. Fortunately, the leaders of the alliance are in and out of here all the time, so that makes it easier. Besides, they’re looking forward to the report on the Great Flood."
"Looking forward to it...? Ah, I see."
"It’s not just about the Great Flood itself. Everyone has been keeping a close eye on the two nations that invaded Suurus and the dark guild movements that triggered it. This confirms they are definitely moving in relation to the slave trade. Eris has even confirmed financial activity. They’ve been working on the Adventurer Guild, and once the other nations hear this..."
"They’ll all move in unison to restrict the dark guilds. They’ll start checking if similar activities are happening on other continents, too."
"If that happens, the information Ratz is gathering on slave traders will start coming in. And it will reach Ratz herself."
"Ratz has been operating in secret so far. If we share the information within the alliance and act, Ratz will be able to conduct her investigations openly."
"Well, investigating other countries is bound to cause friction."
"That can’t be helped. Perhaps if we tell them that Ratz is investigating on our behalf, they might be a little more cooperative?"
"A little, maybe. But they have their own pride—the belief that they should protect their own country’s security themselves."
"True."
To have an outsider come in and solve everything... it’s not just insulting; it’s simply impossible.
Hm? Security, slave markets...? Ah.
"You know, I just remembered—are you aware that Nina is consulting with Ratz?"
"Ah, that’s why she stepped out yesterday."
"How is that progressing? I recall her saying she was going to track the logistics routes used by the dark guild headquarters, right?"
"Progress? It’s only been a day. Still, it should be easy enough to track. The largest dark guild in Rumel has been crushed. The merchants who collaborated with them are all going down with them. The survivors are scrambling to fill that void. Merchants will always jump at a chance for profit. Tracking that trail isn't a mistake. Though, I’m sure there are some merchants who are completely oblivious."
"So, weeding them out will take time..."
"It will. And even if we find them, we can’t just strike immediately. First..."
"It won't start until you and I, the ones at the top, have had our say."
"That’s how it is. Still, Seraria..."
"You need to show your face, too."
I grabbed my husband by the scruff of his neck as he was preparing to bolt. I’m not about to let him push the most troublesome tasks onto me.
I’m declaring it right here: the meaning of "meeting someone halfway" is different than he thinks. Generally, people use that phrase to mean aligning with someone’s feelings, position, or situation.
But is that really "meeting" them?
Is it truly meeting someone if you grasp their intentions only to manipulate the situation and steer the policy in a direction that suits your own convenience? Perhaps that is where the true essence of Yuki lies.