第１５８７堀：港開発提案について (Part1)
### Chapter 1587: Regarding the Port Development Proposal
**Side: Show**
It has been a mere five days since Yuki and his party returned from Hinsua.
In that brief window, reports were drafted, submitted to various nations, and the groundwork for the next summit was laid. Such dizzying momentum, compressed into such a short time, is unheard of.
I have experienced international exchange through the gates centered in Weed many times, but to have the leaders of various nations gather so effortlessly—that is, under normal circumstances, an impossibility.
After all, for the heads of state of multiple nations to gather in a small country for a conference is, by standard political logic, out of the question. First, the question of where to hold the summit arises, followed immediately by the squabble over who will foot the bill for hosting. Some nations seek the prestige of being the host, while others scramble to avoid the burden to escape potential diplomatic fallout. Some are eager to spend, others are miserly—each has their own agenda. Yet, to possess the influence to sweep those concerns aside and command their presence is a testament to one thing: absolute trust.
"What is it, Show?"
As I pondered this, King Eupia, who is attending this summit with me, inquired.
"My apologies, Your Majesty. I was simply struck—or perhaps astonished—once again by the power of Weed, or rather, the power of Yuki-sama, to summon such dignitaries with a single word."
I spoke my honest thoughts, and King Eupia let out a soft chuckle.
"Heh. Well, if you look at it through the lens of common sense, it is abnormal. To have them gather just because the prince consort of a small nation called for them? And yet, this is neither a mere small nation, nor is he a mere prince consort."
"Indeed. You are correct. Even so, it remains staggering."
"It does. It is not just my trust he holds, but the trust of other great powers as well—a feat that would be impossible for even the most exceptional of individuals. Usually, there are vested interests at play, after all."
"Yes. But in that regard, Yuki-sama is beyond reproach."
That is the truth. Yuki-sama is the furthest removed from such petty interests.
Typically, receiving the backing of a great power necessitates serving that nation in return to repay the debt. Yet, Yuki-sama, as the prince consort of a small nation, holds the backing of countless countries. The reason is simple...
"Haha. The things we deem valuable are, to Yuki-dono, entirely worthless."
"Precisely. That is exactly why he is trusted."
Money, jewels, and even territory hold no meaning for him. Of course, he will seek them if it serves the sake of his people, but he never demands them in excess, and he would never dream of acting in a way that creates hostility. In fact, the recognition has shifted to the point where, if Yuki-dono—or rather, Weed—recognizes someone as an enemy, we ourselves treat that entity with the utmost caution.
"Above all, we are deeply indebted to him."
"Indeed. Not just our country, but every nation gathered here."
Yes, it is not merely his competence or lack of ambition that makes these nations follow him. It is the track record of reliability he has established in every single one of these countries. There is not a single nation here that does not feel they owe him a debt they can never fully repay. And yet, he asks for so little in return. That is why, even when summoned like this, they gather without hesitation. Of course, the convenience of the gates and the guaranteed safety play a role, but that is only part of it.
As I was thinking this:
"Oh, if it isn't Eupia and Show."
I turned to see King Blade of the If Continent and his Chancellor standing there.
"Oh, Blade and Ronri. Did you just arrive?"
"Nah, I’ve been drinking since yesterday."
"Sigh. I, for one, have not. How are things on your end?"
Chancellor Ronri sighed heavily as he asked the question. I fear his stomach might collapse if he hears any more. Though, to be fair, the King often comes here to dine and play with Aslin and the others, so it is hard to say.
"The King has only just arrived. I have come here after finishing my training at the hospital."
"Ah, that’s right. Show, you were studying medicine at the hospital, weren't you?"
"Yes. I am being taught by Rurua-dono."
"I see, I see. Say, shouldn't Ronri also go to the hospital to learn?"
"No, what are you saying? She is there because she has a talent for recovery magic and medical knowledge. And she isn't exactly a 'chancellor' in the same sense. She may not be entirely free, but she is there because she was deemed worthy of visiting Weed."
As Ronri-dono says, it would be arrogant of me to assume I am there solely because of who I am, but someone bearing the heavy responsibilities of a chancellor simply does not have the leisure to go study. More importantly...
"The biggest problem is work. Who would take over my duties? If I’m not careful, the country will grind to a halt. Are you going to do it all for me?"
Exactly. If the person who keeps the country running—the chancellor—is absent, the government will inevitably stagnate. In my case, I am a military strategist, and while I have been granted territory, I have stewards in place. My current mission is to negotiate with Weed and study medicine.
When King Blade was confronted with this sound logic, he replied...
"Ah. I’ll do it if it’s just the finances."
"Hm? What are you plotting?"
"I want an increase in my allowance."
"I will absolutely not allow that. Honestly, if either of you asks for money from here on out, please make sure to charge them ten times the amount."
"Wait, why ten times?"
"Because that way, your allowance will disappear all the faster. And I won't let you take any advances."
"Tch, you really are stingy, aren't you?"
"I am not stingy."
With that exchange, the two of them walked off.
"As lively as ever, I see."
"Indeed. Though, for their subordinates, I imagine it is both enjoyable and excruciatingly painful."
Having a leader who is so free-spirited is nothing short of a nightmare. An inability to manage finances is a direct path to a country's ruin.
"Well, that man isn't foolish when it comes to the basics. It remains within the realm of his personal affairs."
"I suppose so. Which is exactly why it is so troublesome. It’s not at a level that warrants punishment."
It is that precise, infuriating balance that makes it so difficult.
"Come, let us take our seats."
"Yes."
We set aside the small talk and took our places. The attendants waiting in the wings immediately prepared tea and refreshments. We waited for the others to gather, but it took less time than expected, and the meeting began right on schedule.
"Thank you all for gathering despite your busy schedules."
With Yuki-sama’s greeting, the proceedings began.
"Now, I know you are all busy, so I will get straight to the point. First, let us review the results of the expedition to Hinsua..."
He began with a brief report on the results of the expedition to Hinsua, as detailed in the documents. Yuki-sama’s account did not deviate from the reports. He concluded with the revelation that the remaining members of the Dark Guild had fled to other lands, taking the core with them.
"While we have successfully achieved our goal in Hinsua, a new problem has emerged. The group that split off from those hiding in the old Vinosia—we do not know where they intend to deploy the dungeon with that core. This will not bode well for the Rogari Continent, nor for the nations of other continents in the future."
He was right. In the short term, it might only mean chaos for the Rogari Continent, but if the damage spreads, trade from Rogari will dwindle, and the very purpose of forming an alliance will be undermined.