第１４９４堀：取って付けた理由がもっともらしいと困る (Part2)
"You can just throw money at the problem on your end, too. Besides, while I did confirm the presence of rare races, there weren't any species we haven't already cataloged. The appraisal results also confirmed that half of them have criminal records. I suppose there's a chance they were framed or caught up in circumstances, but if we start making excuses for them, we’d have to do the same for every other slave. Honestly, being able to narrow down the list from a random purchase is a net positive for us."
"……I suppose you're right. If you frame it not as a random purchase, but as spending money to save poor, unfortunate girls, our allies won't have any room to complain. Especially if it also provides a chance to strike at what appears to be the enemy's stronghold."
Exactly. Once it’s explained like that, there’s really no choice but to nod along.
"So, we're in agreement then?"
"There is still one problem. We may be convinced, but if the allied nations don't give their consent, we can't make a move."
Ah, she’s right. Even if we’re on board, we can’t just act on our own without the alliance’s approval. I was wondering how he intended to handle that, when—
"Then I suppose I’ll have to go explain it to them and get their permission right now."
With that, Yuki-san stood up and walked out of the room. At the sound of the door closing, we scrambled to follow him. The others, especially Orelia and her group, looked frantic. They couldn't seem to keep up with the pace of events. Had we never acted this decisively in front of them before? Well, it rarely happens even in front of us, but I truly wonder where he gets that kind of drive.
As I followed him, lost in thought, I realized he had already moved to the hotel. For some reason, the majority of the allied representatives were gathered in the lobby...
"So, that’s the situation. I’m planning on acquiring that star attraction, the princess. Any objections?"
"Based on what you’ve told us, I see no reason to deny it."
"Indeed. You’ll be keeping that princess under your care at Weed, right?"
"In that case, I have no issues. Your medical facilities are top-tier, after all."
"The real question is, how shall we go about the purchase?"
It seems they’d already agreed without a hitch and were moving straight to discussing the logistics. While we were still trying to figure out how to join the conversation, the King of Zilba noticed us.
"Hm? Hey, Yuki. Don't tell me you haven't explained this to your wives yet?"
"No, I got their approval, but they told me I couldn't move forward without the alliance's consent. So, here I am."
"Ah, I see. You certainly moved quickly. No wonder they look like they’re still struggling to process everything."
Blade-san hit the nail on the head. Thanks to the King of Roday saying that, we were able to offer a wry smile in return.
"Hah, it’s not easy being your wives, is it? But how do you intend to buy her? If we are to believe the explanation you gave us, Yuki-dono, there should be no issue with buying a former princess openly, whether as a matter of public reputation or as a non-aligned nation. In fact, wouldn't they be happy to be rid of such a troublesome burden? It’s far better than selling her to some fools who know nothing, or to those looking to settle a grudge, wouldn't you agree?"
"Indeed, Emerald is correct. However, if there is a high probability that the Dark Guild is behind this, as you explained, wouldn't the guild become wary if one of the allied nations made the purchase?"
Ah, that’s true. As the Emperor of Uupia said, if one of us in the alliance buys her, the Dark Guild will realize the investigation is closing in. If they find out, they’ll likely flee. That would be a loss for us, since we’re the ones tracking them. What should we do?
"No, they are likely already on guard simply because we have arrived here. And I do not believe the Dark Guild can easily relocate their base under the current circumstances. In that case, should we not proceed openly and boldly?"
"I see. I think that’s a valid point."
The King of Findal and the King of Haiden chimed in. I think they’re right, too. The Dark Guild must already be aware of our movements since we’re participating in this auction, and if their base is located in the former princess's country, they’ve likely already taken some form of action. So, perhaps there’s no need to hold back...
"Well, I understand all of your opinions. So, as candidates for the buyer: we could have one of the allied or non-aligned nations we’ve infiltrated make the purchase to catch the Dark Guild off guard. We could have one of the great powers buy her. Or, Weed could buy her as usual. I suppose the excuse of my 'womanizing nature' would suffice... or perhaps we could have a merchant handle it..."
Yes, Yuki-san. Those aren't really choices; you’re just listing everything. But, the result was...
" " "Then, Yuki-dono shall make the purchase." " "
Of course it ended that way. He’s the classic example of a silver-tongued man—everything he says sounds so convincing, and yet, it’s exactly what he intended all along. That type of person is such a handful, isn't it?