第１６１５堀：良い条件は良いとは限らない (Part1)
Chapter 1615: Good Terms Are Not Always Good
Side: Eupia
“...And so, to avoid the damage caused by the unauthorized use of cores, we are considering providing cores that can be used properly. What do you think?”
“““...”””
Everyone sat frozen, clutching their documents, unable to utter a word in response to Yuki’s proposal.
We had gathered without any prior information, having been told only that there was a matter of grave importance to discuss. But this was, quite literally, earth-shattering news.
I suppose I should have expected it, but still...
“I understand your confusion. However, if we simply ignore this, the potential for catastrophic damage is high. Above all, it is clear that gods and other Dungeon Masters are acting independently of Luna’s intentions. I believe that not only I, but each of your nations should also utilize these cores to establish your own dungeons to counter them.”
Hmm. It is a logical argument.
In fact, for us, it holds nothing but advantages.
Though, I suppose it is also a matter of preventing the damage that would inevitably occur if people started meddling with cores on their own...
“With that said, I imagine you will need time to deliberate. In the meantime, we will continue our surveillance of the Dark Guild. Let us set a period of about a month for now. If you’ll excuse me, I shall take my leave.”
With those words, Yuki promptly withdrew.
As for the monarchs of the various nations left behind...
“““...”””
I, too, remained silent.
It was the kind of proposal that made it impossible to speak without careful consideration. Still, sitting in silence would get us nowhere.
“Hmph. My son’s words are as chilling as ever. That said, if one organizes the situation, what he says is only natural. First, let us each take this back to our respective nations to consolidate our thoughts. Let us reconvene in one week. It is not as if having more time will make a consensus easier to reach or lead to an optimal solution. What do you think?”
It was the King of Roschur who broke the silence.
I suppose that is to be expected of someone who has had contact with Yuki from the very beginning.
“Agreed. We are too stunned to have a productive discussion right now. Gartz agrees with Roschur.”
“Lowell is the same.”
“White Forest as well.”
And so, it was decided that we would take the matter home and deliberate among ourselves. Naturally, Schans was with me.
“They have steered the ship in a rather bold direction, haven’t they?”
“Indeed. You are quite right.”
“But given that the enemy has already obtained and used a core by chance, this was an inevitable development.”
“You think so too, Schans?”
I picked up a piece of meat that had been grilled to perfection before me and brought it to my mouth.
The flavor exploded across my palate.
It was only grilled, yet with just salt and sauce, it was exquisite. Ah, the food here is truly wonderful.
“My lord, please don’t just start eating. We are still in the middle of our discussion. And why, of all things, yakiniku?”
“I wanted to organize my thoughts before we start talking seriously in the conference room. Besides, if I brought this up with the upper echelons, I wouldn’t have the luxury of eating a meal in peace.”
“Well, that is certainly true. After all, a proposal to hand over cores, operate dungeons, and allow for the extraction of resources at will—every nation would want a piece of that power.”
“Naturally. Now, this looks about ready. And yours looks good too, doesn’t it, Schans?”
“Ah, yes. Thank you.”
For someone who was complaining, she was eating with quite the appetite.
“However, I thought you might have chosen curry for a time like this?”
“Curry requires one to focus entirely on the eating. This is the best place for a private conversation. Besides, they have curry here, too.”
While not their specialty, the curry at a yakiniku restaurant has a deep, complex flavor.
“I don’t know about being so obsessed with curry, but you are right that this private room is suitable for such consultations. We don’t even have to call a waiter to order.”
“Indeed. I think it is better to discuss these things in a relaxed atmosphere.”
“The upper echelons certainly wouldn’t see it that way, though.”
“Now that we’ve filled our stomachs a bit, let us return to the meeting—or rather, Yuki’s proposal. Do you think it is reasonable, Schans?”
I brought up Yuki’s words once more. Schans stopped eating and looked up.
“As I said before, I think it is reasonable. If Weed didn’t mention it or make this proposal, the other nations might have started securing and researching cores on their own. Don’t you agree?”
“...Hmm. I cannot deny that. I only just realized it now, but what were your thoughts, Schans?”
“I had realized it, but nations like Litea and Rogari were already on edge due to the incident in Suurus, and we were focused on gathering information about the Great Deluge. We had no intention of moving yet. I imagine the other nations were the same. To act recklessly would be akin to declaring ourselves the next Dark Guild.”
“Indeed. It would be like declaring that we intend to artificially trigger another Great Deluge. And even if we didn’t intend to go that far, the mere sight of such movements would turn Weed against us. We would have no chance of winning.”
Well, Weed would likely try to settle things peacefully, but the other allied nations would not be so forgiving. They would certainly take decisive action. That is precisely why it hadn’t even crossed my mind.
“Exactly. However, only the top leaders of each nation and their inner circles would be able to grasp the reality of this. Most would simply see the acquisition of core and dungeon skills as a way to stand on equal footing with—or even surpass—Weed.”
“...I suppose so. The power of a Dungeon Master is, by any measure, a divine miracle. Of course, there is a cost, but it is said that it simply siphons life force to generate DP. I do not know the exact conversion method, but if you can just create a dungeon and let it run, it is far easier than growing crops. They would likely say it is foolish not to do it.”
No matter how you look at it, it is a dream-like ability. It would cause a nation’s power to jump several times over in an instant.
“That is why Yuki-sama made this offer. The core the Dark Guild obtained was something done without Luna-sama’s knowledge. In other words, it is not something sanctioned by the Goddess. It means no one knows what kind of malfunctions might occur, and if something happens, they are on their own.”
“Exactly. In exchange, Weed will provide the cores, impose certain restrictions, and allow for the extraction of resources. And safety will be guaranteed.”
“Yes. Given the actions of Weed and Yuki-sama thus far, they will be trusted. And considering the incident in Suurus, they will likely conclude that it is best to avoid using such cores on their own.”