第１５００堀：小国の動き (Part1)
### Chapter 1500: Movements of Minor Nations
**Side: Taiki**
With the auction concluded without incident, we returned to our hotel.
"Ah, I'm exhausted."
"You’ve worked hard, Taiki-sama."
It was Airi who offered those words of comfort. And watching me with a wry smile was...
"Taiki-sama, you really aren't used to these sorts of things, are you?"
That was Soel, ranked 8th at the Lancer Magic Academy. She now carries herself with the dignity befitting a second wife. Well, she is my wife, and more importantly, she has become a figure to me much like Ratz-san is to the Lanks, so it’s only natural she’d be by my side.
"Can't help it. I was a commoner to begin with. Buying and selling slaves gives me a stomachache, and besides, I never had the time to buy slaves even after coming here. Right, Ruth?"
"Haha, well, we had political strife and physical battles to deal with. It wasn't exactly a situation where we could just buy slaves to bolster our forces."
Ruth is a friend who has traveled with me since I was first abducted to Lanks as a Hero. Though, she insists on calling herself my subordinate.
And the last one...
"You really should get used to it, Taiki. This is just how things go in high society."
Princess Bitz, daughter of the former King of Lanks. She has mellowed out completely now, but we were enemies once. After I used the Dungeon Master’s power to obtain the *Himezuru Ichimonji*, it seemed to contain a fragment of Uesugi Terutora’s spirit, which effectively beat some sense into her—or perhaps she just realized the reality of the world and straightened up. Now, she is a valuable collaborator for both me and the current Lanks Kingdom. If things had gone poorly, the whole "usurper" label could have caused endless trouble, but thanks to Bitz, a peaceful Lanks has been maintained.
"Get used to it, huh? I get that it’s necessary to procure rare items, but is there really a need for someone like me—a heavy hitter—to show up in person?"
"It’s not just about the auction, you know. There’s the theater, and other social engagements. Isn't that right, Ruth?"
"Indeed. There are those who wish to build connections through plays and auctions, and sometimes, the organizers themselves are encouraged by our presence. Though, I’m sure you understand that already."
"Yeah, I suppose."
I know what they’re getting at. Yuki-san uses these methods all the time. It’s not as if I’ve been completely exempt from such things, either. I’ve attended high-society parties to win over the hearts of the Lanks nobility, so I suppose this is just another facet of that.
"Internationalization is only going to accelerate from here on out. It’s of the utmost importance to show the world that Lanks is secure by bringing Airi, Soel, and myself along to expand our reach. In other words, these kinds of events are only going to increase."
"I guess you're right. It’s necessary for the future stability of Lanks. Still, it’s surprising to hear that from you, Bitz. You used to use me as a shield to demand all sorts of things."
"...Don't bring that up now. I didn't know any better back then."
Bitz made a face like she’d just bitten into a bitter bug. Seeing this, Airi and Soel stood up as if to shield her.
"Taiki-sama, I don't think it's appropriate to bring that up now."
"Indeed. To drag up matters that have already been reconciled just to silence her—is that really how you want to act?"
"Ah, my bad. I didn't mean anything by it. I was just struck by how much Bitz has grown. Anyway, I get it. I’ll do my best moving forward. That said, first things first—what about the slaves we purchased? Ruth, how are they?"
I decided to blatantly change the subject, or rather, move on to the main issue. Before I worry about my social calendar, this is the current priority.
"Yes. The slaves purchased under the Lanks name today show no signs of illness, nor any indications of brainwashing. If you wish, we can take them into our custody in Lanks immediately."
"I see. So their health and safety are secured. Still... it might be too early to take them in."
"I agree. We don't know how the Dark Guild will react. Since it was suggested that we gather them in Weed for vocational training, we should take them up on that offer."
"I think that’s for the best. After all, those who receive an education in Weed are exceptionally capable."
"There is no doubt about that. I’d want them as my own subordinates if I could."
"Exactly. Graduates from Weed’s educational institutions are highly sought after. Considering the threat of Dark Guild attacks, it pains me to say it, but—well, it was the plan all along—it’s better to leave them in their care."
We were all in agreement regarding the handling of the slaves. This was something we had discussed from the start. As for whether there were any "standout" slaves, those are exactly the types who are better off being hidden by Yuki-san.
"And Yuki-san, he’s even suggesting that we offer education in Weed to people from non-aligned nations, not just our own, right?"
"Haha, that’s quite something. It’s a hassle, certainly, but it’s a foothold for trade with the non-aligned nations."
"Yuki-sama is truly resilient."
"One has to call him a terrifying businessman. Though, it seems his focus is more on cornering the Dark Guild than on the trade itself."
Yes, as Ruth and Soel say, when Yuki-san initiates these things, he likes to leave behind multiple layers of meaning. Because that’s more profitable. Well, that’s just how reality works. While the primary goal is indeed to corner the Dark Guild, involving the non-aligned nations is a means to that end. Simply placing a gate is one step, but there’s no harm in Weed offering them something more. It’s only natural that they’ll try to counter us as time passes, so laying the groundwork to step further into the non-aligned nations now is only logical.
In other words, as Airi said, Yuki-san is resilient. Or... to put it another way, if you cross him, he pays you back tenfold—or rather, he doesn't stop until you're finished.
"Eris-sama and Ratz-sama are also offering financial aid and supplies. That, too, is a powerful move. They are bringing up not only the aid provided in Kinauf and Irinau but also discussing future prospects. Weed is putting all its effort into building relationships with the non-aligned nations. The Dark Guild must be sweating buckets by now."
Soel laughed without reservation.
"That was the plan from the start. It’s only natural to take measures to resolve the trouble in Suurus, as Yuki-san would say. Well, it is natural. It proves that we didn't just bring aid to Kinauf and Irinau."
The Great Flood might be fading from memory, but the aid talks, as a token of gratitude for the Dark Guild's "cooperation," have only just begun.