第１４７８堀：知らないこと (Part2)
"That would be quite a while ago—five or six years, if we’re talking about the time of the nation's founding. Back then, those trade routes didn't exist yet. So, it’s no wonder you didn't know."
"Exactly. There’s not a shred of reason for you to feel guilty about it. At the time, we were all caught in a whirlwind, dealing with the subjugation of Demon Lords and the like. There were countless small nations collapsing economically or tearing each other apart over territory. It was precisely because of that chaos that the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance was formed to restore order. In that sense, not only the small nations that joined the Alliance but even those that didn't were saved. They managed to avoid wasting their national strength, and where citizens were starving, the Alliance—with Weed at its center—provided supplies to prevent famine. Of course, the major powers also stepped in to handle monster threats, which helped them bolster their own standing even further."
Hmm. Listening to Lowell, it sounds like everything was sunshine and rainbows, but in reality, there were places that suffered total economic collapse.
I shot her a look that basically said, *“That’s a bit too convenient of a narrative,”* and...
"Well, I just want you to understand that I am grateful. If things had gone differently, there’s a distinct possibility that Seraria and I would still be crossing blades to this day."
"Yes, that’s true. So, you should accept my thanks with a clear conscience."
"Fair enough. So, what about the countries that went bankrupt?"
"It’s not exactly a mysterious tale. Back then, we were drowning in problems: Demon Lords, monster incursions, food shortages, and the discord between the four great powers. There were very few small nations that didn't have issues. Some were simply beyond saving. To put it simply... like Ranks, perhaps?"
"Ah..."
"?" "?" "?"
As I buried my face in my hands, Orelia and the others, along with Rushi, tilted their heads in unison.
I suppose, while Orelia and the others know that Ranks is currently under Taiki’s governance, they probably haven't heard the gritty details of how it came to that. They likely just think, *“Oh, the Hero rebuilt it?”*
Seraria and Lowell seemed to sense their confusion, offering wry smiles.
"It feels a bit awkward for us to be the ones to say it, but... I suppose it can't be helped."
"Indeed. It’s a story that ought to be told, if only to show that such things happen."
"?" "?" "?"
Even after hearing the two of them, the others still didn't seem to grasp the gravity of it. Well, I suppose it takes a special kind of disaster for a country to go bankrupt without even being at war. Usually, the standard path is to just get invaded and conquered...
"Um, Lady Seraria, Lady Lowell... what exactly do you mean by a country going bankrupt?"
"Rushi, it means exactly what it sounds like. To be blunt, it was a national collapse."
"A national collapse?"
Even Orelia, the sharpest of the four, seemed to struggle with the concept; her reaction was sluggish.
"To put it in simpler terms, it’s easier to understand if you think of it as an individual. Imagine someone who took on so much debt they couldn't turn back, and instead of just selling their assets, they were stripped of everything they owned—even sold into slavery themselves."
"Hah?"
The idea that a country could be so crippled by debt that it simply ceased to function left them stunned. Samantha and Cleena, who had come along, were shaking their heads; they clearly didn't feel confident enough to explain it. As subordinates, it wasn't their place, and Lia and Jessica were doing the same, crossing their arms in an 'X' to signal their inability to help. Fioria, another princess like Seraria and Lowell, was mouthing that unnecessary interjections would only cause confusion.
...She’s right. Indeed.
Just as I was thinking that, Prol stepped forward.
"Lord Yuki, and Your Majesty, Lady Lowell... may I offer an explanation in your stead?"
She looked at us, adding, "I also wish to confirm if my understanding is correct."
We exchanged glances.
"I don't mind. Seraria? Lowell?"
"I agree. It’s best to ensure we’re all on the same page."
"Indeed. It’s a good way to check if the subordinates have a proper grasp of the situation. Though, Prol, you’re quite direct. Yuki is your top priority, and Seraria is second, I take it?"
"Yes. My primary duty is to the master I serve, Lord Yuki. I apologize if that causes any offense."
"No, no, not at all. How about you, Seraria?"
"Do you really think I’d be angry about that? Of course not. Besides, when my husband isn't around, I become the top priority, and more than anything, that’s what I desire. Prol, keep taking good care of my husband."
"Yes, ma'am."
Man, Prol is always so sharp when she’s in work mode. She’s gotten used to things lately, but she still turns into a puddle of nerves every now and then—though, honestly, that’s just part of her charm. Now, let’s hear what she has to say.
Something suspicious was beginning to surface. This was a story from back when I hadn't even been in Aulorito for a year. There are just some places you can't reach. The world doesn't revolve around me; it moves on its own accord.