第１５０９堀：渡りに船かな (Part2)
"Haha, honestly, everyone here is more than happy to be considered a mere mistress—it’s not like we have time to be anything else. We’re all far too busy."
I say this with a laugh, but it is the simple truth. There isn't a single woman in Yuki-sama’s life who is merely a plaything. Every one of us holds a position of responsibility. We are entrusted with vital tasks precisely because we are part of his inner circle. In fact, the lack of leisure time in Yuki-sama’s life has become a source of quiet anxiety for us all, myself included. He always insists he’s fine, claiming he carves out enough time for his games and plastic models to keep his spirits up.
"I understand the situation. So, Mikos is the right person for the job, then?"
"Exactly. So, can you handle the negotiations with Bamai-dono?"
"Sure. Oh, what about Kagura?"
"Kagura... let’s see. I suppose she should tag along. It’s related to trade with Haiden, so her presence is necessary, and it would be problematic for her to meet him on her own, wouldn't it?"
"True. If Mikos is going to act as the negotiator for a Haiden barony, we have to clear it with the higher-ups. That means we should probably inform the Princess as well, don't you think? How do you want to handle that?"
"That’s a fair point. I don't want to cause Princess Carrie any unnecessary worry. I’ll speak with her later. I need to get in touch with Bamai-dono, too. Let’s see..."
As Yuki-sama’s gaze shifts toward me, I immediately pull out my tablet to begin the inquiry.
"Currently, Bamai-dono is staying in the town of Wean. That said, he is residing in a hotel provided by Weed and seems to be conducting his business from there."
"What is the nature of his activities?"
"Primarily, he is networking with the connections he forged during the auction. Since there is a gate, he can move to Weed at any time while staying in Wean, and he can facilitate the exchange of goods. It appears he is currently focused on supplying materials to Wean and managing his trade interests."
"So, he’s acting as a merchant, then."
"It would seem so. How would you like to proceed? Shall I contact Bamai-dono and request that he remain in Wean for the time being?"
"Yes, do that. Since I need to clear this with Princess Carrie, we can't move immediately, so ask him to wait for us."
Just as Yuki-sama is about to issue the order, Mikos-sama interjects with a question.
"Um, is it really okay for Yuki-sensei’s side to be the one sending the liaison?"
"Well, even if he is a baron, he belongs to a major power on another continent. I’m the only one who can facilitate that kind of contact."
"Oh, right."
That is exactly how it is. While Mikos-sama’s standing among the auction participants is quite low compared to the daughter of a barony, she still represents a major power from another continent. Officially, any communication must pass through Weed to avoid any impropriety. Therefore, it is perfectly natural for Weed to act as the intermediary.
"Then, can you negotiate for him to stay for about a week, with us covering his lodging expenses?"
"Understood. Should I state that the request is for the purpose of negotiations with the Haiden barony?"
"Yes, that is the primary reason, but make sure to convey that Weed also has matters to discuss with him."
"Is that wise?"
As far as we know, it hasn't been confirmed whether Bamai-dono’s merchant guild is colluding with the Dark Guild.
"It’s fine. Kirika is already moving to verify the truth behind the scenes. If Bamai-dono is secretly connected to the Dark Guild, he’ll make a move, and we’ll be able to catch it."
"I see."
If Kirika-sama and her team are already in motion, this conversation is the perfect way to observe his reactions. At the very least, it will clarify whether Bamai-dono himself is an enemy or an ally.
"Yuki, by the way, is Mikos’s role just for show? Or are you expecting actual results? That changes what I need to tell the Princess."
"Ah, discuss that with Princess Carrie. On the surface, this is a Haiden matter, so it wouldn't be appropriate for us to interfere too much. But tell her that if they lack the leverage, we are willing to cooperate."
"Understood. Come on, Mikos, let’s go."
"Ehh, already?"
"We only have a week left. We don't have time to play around."
With that, Kagura-sama leads Mikos-sama out of the office. It is true—a one-week deadline for a matter involving the scrutiny of a major power is, by any normal standard, an impossible request. I must get to work as well.
"Then, I shall proceed to contact Bamai-dono immediately. What should I bring as a gift?"
"Ah, just some baked goods for now. They keep well. Get them from Alfin’s place."
"As you wish."
And so, I set out to initiate the negotiations with Bamai-dono. Sometimes these things overlap, and sometimes they don't. That is simply how the world works.