第１５００堀：小国の動き (Part2)
"I’ve sent out the invitations, but there’s no guarantee the non-aligned nations will simply walk through our doors."
"Is that so?"
"Airi, people are inherently suspicious. Taiki and everyone in Weed are just looking too far ahead. Besides, if they fail, everything they’ve invested could go up in smoke. They wouldn't take such a risk unless they had plenty of breathing room. Most of these countries are likely convinced that 'aid' is just a front for us to impose strings on them."
"Bitz is right. The Intercontinental Exchange Alliance—Yuki and his people—may have made their declaration, but from what I’ve heard, we’ve only had a handful of inquiries from the non-aligned nations. And those were just for verification; there hasn't been a single serious discussion regarding actual aid."
Then again, it hasn't even been two months since the Great Flood.
Without telephones, let alone vehicles, there’s no way for those nations to accurately grasp the situation. It was expected that it would take at least another half-year before things really started moving.
However, this auction has provided the perfect opportunity to meet with the non-aligned nations face-to-face.
And there’s no way we’re going to let that chance to pitch our aid programs slip by.
"In that sense, this auction was incredibly convenient. Plus, it gave us a chance to meet the merchants operating within those non-aligned territories. Especially people like Bamai."
"Lord Bamai, is it? To be honest, I have my concerns, but if the backing is Weed, then there shouldn't be any mistakes..."
Since the information didn't come from their own intelligence gathering, Ruth seemed a bit skeptical about Bamai’s past. But verifying that was part of Ruth’s job, so I’d leave them to it and hope for the best.
"Doubt is a virtue. It’s possible Weed has overlooked something. That’s why I’m leaving the connection with Bamai primarily to Weed. I don't want the attention focused on us. We have our own work to do: coordinating with the smaller nations to sniff out the Dark Guild. The incident in Suls—that’s not someone else’s problem. Yuki has warned us to be vigilant, after all."
While this auction was indeed a wedge driven into the Dark Guild by the Alliance, it doesn't mean we smaller nations have to throw our full weight into the fight.
That’s a job for the great powers. Our role is to ride their coattails, foster ties with the non-aligned nations, and prepare for the worst.
"What a troublesome bunch. It’s frustrating that as a small nation, we’re forced into a purely defensive stance."
"It can't be helped. They’re desperate to survive, too."
Having lost their base in Rumel, the organization is effectively a walking corpse. I suspect they’re currently gathering strength in Vinoshia—the nation of the former princess that Yuki secured—so they’re clearly working hard to stay alive.
Well, since their business model literally involves killing people, their current state is just desserts, but that doesn't change the fact that a small nation can’t make any big moves.
We need the great powers to act first. For nations like Ranks, which haven't been targeted yet, and the many other small countries, it’s a delicate matter to pick a fight on our own.
After all, they have a Dungeon Master.
Even I would hesitate.
And that former kingdom is a total enigma.
It wouldn't surprise me if the entire territory of the former Vinoshia Kingdom had been turned into a dungeon. At that level, Weed is probably the only one capable of taking them on.
"When you really think about it, we were incredibly lucky to get involved in that Suls affair."
"Is that so?"
"Yeah. Because of that, the Alliance, centered around Weed, realized the Dark Guild existed. If we hadn't been involved in that incident, the Dark Guild’s power would have grown significantly by now."
Considering that the incident was staged to build their strength and test their own capabilities, stopping them was a win for our side.
Otherwise, a much more powerful Dark Guild might have actually ended up owning a country.
"We’ll proceed as planned: deepen ties between the smaller nations during this auction and stay prepared. You got that, Bitz?"
I said this, turning my gaze toward Bitz.
"Yes. Leave it to me. It’s uncertain if they’ll come, but if they do, they’ll be coming to me."
Bitz puffed out her chest with confidence.
To think I’d come to trust her this much.
Life really is unpredictable.
Anyway, it’s almost time for the banquet.
I’ll grab something I like to eat and check in with Yuki on the situation.
Taiki and his group are also cooperating and moving things forward.
Though, as someone who started as a commoner, Taiki seems to find casual meals with friends more enjoyable than these banquets.
Well, I suppose a meal where you have to worry about your standing isn't really a "meal" at all.