第１５８５堀：ある少女との会話 (Part2)
"No, that’s not it. Right now, it’s about..."
"The two of you, we’re talking about what Yuki-sama is planning regarding those who fled."
"Ah, right, that was it. So, what do you think, Arge?"
"Hmm, let’s see. If they’ve truly fled to other countries, then it’s a situation where we have no choice but to pursue them. But we don’t even know where they’ve gone. And if they move to yet another country, the bureaucratic red tape will be endless. In that case, is he planning some grand project—perhaps framed as a request from the Alliance—that would include dealing with those tedious procedures while simultaneously silencing the smaller nations?"
Oh?
As expected of Arge.
Even from a young age, she had a sharp intuition for these things, but to hit the nail on the head this precisely...
"You’re mostly correct."
"Oh, I’m glad to hear that. So, what are the specific details?"
"To put it briefly, there is a proposal to survey the coast of the Rogari Continent and establish ports."
"The coast and ports? But I’ve heard the Rogari Continent is teeming with monsters, and that the waters, in particular, are home to especially powerful ones."
"That is precisely why. It’s an area that has remained untouched until now, and those who escaped from Hinsua mentioned they were heading toward the sea."
"Ah, I see. So the idea is that the coastal small nations, being far from the major powers, are prime locations for the Dark Guild to hide, correct?"
"Exactly. If they were to gain strength there and end up destroying those small nations, it would be a nuisance. That’s why we want to move forward with surveying the coast, establish ties with the small nations that utilize the sea to ensure safety, and operate under the pretext of profiting from marine resources."
The logic holds, but it is not without its problems.
"I understand the reasoning, but Sea-Cypho already profits from marine resources, and we in the Hyden region—both Findal and Hyden—rely on the aquatic resources of our lakes. Other continents also profit through trade within the Alliance, so will they really permit the development of Rogari?"
Yes, as Arge pointed out, the nations that have profited from marine and aquatic resources until now will worry that their own profits might dwindle. Even if Weed—or rather, the Alliance—grants permission, there will be many who feel dissatisfied and anxious.
"That is something we will have to persuade them on. They are anxious because they are anticipating the future. We have stated that we will provide maximum consideration, and if the development of Rogari goes well, there is the added benefit of providing that technology to other regions as well."
"Is that so? If you can provide solid countermeasures against the monsters and share improvements in catch yields with other countries, then the benefits would indeed outweigh the current situation..."
Arge still doesn't seem entirely convinced and is lost in thought, so I decide to bring up a certain matter.
"And that is where Weed has a request for you, Arge."
"A request from Weed?"
"Yes. Until now, Aslin and the others have been infiltrating the school under the guise of monitoring, but with our expansion into the sea, that won't be possible. And once the examination period ends, the International Exchange School will begin in earnest. Therefore..."
"Arge, the request is for you to act as a student to gather information and keep watch."
That’s right. With this current situation, Aslin and the others from the Navy will be leaving the school. We need a replacement.
"Ah, so that’s why you brought this up to me. Brother, you could have just had Queen Seraria or someone else convey this. My affiliation is with Weed, after all."
"Don't be like that. It just shows that your brother-in-law is also concerned for your well-being."
"It’s not as if there is no danger involved."
"Is that so? Is there danger to the students, or rather, to Weed?"
"We cannot rule out the possibility of an attack by the Dark Guild. And above all, you shouldn't underestimate the task of monitoring the students. The ones selected for the exams are highly capable, and they are people who understand Weed."
"Ugh. So, does that mean there will be idiots coming, too?"
"Yes. Well, unless it’s something extreme, it likely won't escalate into an international incident, but the children from smaller nations often take pride in their homelands and look down on others. Of course, even among the 'proper' students..."
"You’re going to send such fools?"
"It is also to make them understand. Of course, there will be teachers there to keep an eye on things, but within the student body, it’s not so simple. We will be sending students from Weed as well, but there is still the matter of their status as nobility."
Hearing that, Arge’s face contorts even more. She has seen plenty of such idiots in her time. After all, she was a princess herself.
"I don't think there are any students in Weed capable of dealing with nobles, are there?"
"That is true. Ratz and Eris have been teaching them how to handle such things, but those kinds of issues happen where eyes cannot see. That is why..."
"That is why it has to be me, then. ...Understood. I will see this mission through."
And so, Arge agreed to take on her new job.
You haven't forgotten about Arge, have you?
Her biological brother is Stasia’s younger brother—do you remember him?
I had forgotten both of them, so I had to look them up.