第１６３５堀：一応偉い人たちが集まるので (Part1)
**Chapter 1635: Since the Important People Are Gathering**
**Side: Deryu**
I look over the documents resting on my desk once more.
"Why on earth is the meeting at a yakiniku restaurant?"
I can’t help but tilt my head in confusion. If it were at least a tour of Weed’s town, I might understand, but this? Besides, no one would dare cause trouble in Weed, and since the leaders of various nations are coming, they’ll have their own security details. There’s no real reason for me to go.
"So, Seraria. What is the meaning of this?"
I turn my gaze toward Seraria, who handed me the papers. Yuki and the others, having overheard my muttering, are now looking over, curious about the situation.
"Exactly what it says. The leaders of various nations are gathering at a yakiniku place, so we need security. Well, Shera and the others are going too. Plus, the yakiniku is on them—all-you-can-eat."
"Free food is fine and all, but are they idiots for choosing yakiniku for a diplomatic meeting?"
"It’s not exactly an official summit. The cause is the 'bomb' my husband dropped."
"..."
This time, everyone, myself included, turns to look at Yuki. If we’re talking about a "super-sized bomb," that would be the matter of providing Cores. Since that also includes vehicles and medical-related technology, this is essentially a preliminary coordination meeting.
"You aren't exactly free, but it’s fine, isn't it? Dear?"
Seraria doesn't ask for my permission; she asks Yuki. Well, that’s only natural. Lately, I’ve been accompanying Yuki as his guard. Though, between training the likes of Rushi, showing my face to the military and police departments, and gathering information on the Dark Guilds, we aren't always together.
"Yeah, I’d feel more at ease if Deryu were there. Though, I don't think there’s any real danger."
"Obviously. This is Weed, isn't it? Besides, the leaders of each nation are wearing rings with protective functions, so neither blades nor poisons will work on them. Still, not providing a guard would be seen as a slight, which is why it’s Deryu."
"Deryu is our highest combat power, after all."
"I see. Well, I suppose that’s not wrong, given my physical prowess."
I’ve long since realized that brute strength isn't everything, so being called the "highest combat power" feels a bit nuanced, but there’s no doubt that I am valued.
"That said, if you don't want to go, Deryu, that’s a different story. It’d be a problem if I forced you to work and something went wrong. So, what do you say?"
"I don't mind. Besides, the other diplomatic members will be there, won't they? It really will just be a dinner party. Is that alright with you?"
"It’s fine. The diplomatic team has had it rough until now and will continue to have it rough, so consider this a breather."
I highly doubt the diplomatic team will have any time to calmly eat yakiniku, but I’ll keep that to myself.
"What do you mean, a breather? I guarantee they’ll be bombarded with questions from every nation."
Seraria voices the very thought I had. It’s plain to see that the diplomatic team will be in a frenzy over the vehicles and medical tech Yuki proposed.
"No, that should be fine. I’ve told them to just say that we’ll customize things according to each nation’s needs."
"..."
That statement leaves everyone speechless. Now that I think about it, he did say he’d make things easier to use, but...
"Are you dropping another bomb?"
"What do you mean, a bomb? Handing them tools they can't use would just increase our workload, right? What’s the problem with telling them to compile their requests so we can customize things according to their circumstances?"
Hm, as Yuki says, it’s a logical approach, but it also means the amount of discussion will only increase. Actually, I just realized something.
"Do you not intend to go, Yuki?"
"If I go now, it’ll just cause confusion. If I speak up while nothing is decided, it could be taken as pressure, or I might end up buying some strange resentment. So, I’m telling them to convey that. Besides, if they wanted me there, they should have requested it. This whole thing started with Samantha, and the idea of eating while talking just sort of happened. I can’t exactly show up when I haven't been invited."
That is an argument so sound I cannot find a single fault in it. I turn back to Seraria.
"So, will you be participating, Seraria?"
"No, there was no talk of me joining either. I imagine they want to settle things among themselves first, outside of Weed. Also, to prevent anyone from trying to get a head start."
"A head start? What do you mean?"
I’m completely lost regarding a "head start" on vehicles and medical tech.
"Well, that’s a complicated matter. To put it simply, things like restrictions on vehicle ownership."
"Is it not fine to just build as many as they need?"
"If they do that, countries with the resources or the environment to earn DP could build mountains of vehicles, leading to a disparity in national power."
"Ah, that kind of problem."
Even I can understand that much, and I offer a wry smile.
"No matter what, when something is that convenient, people will inevitably think of military applications."
"That’s only natural. Even on Earth, mechanized infantry using vehicles is the standard. Using horses is just too costly."
"I understand what you’re saying, but is this really okay for you, Yuki, who is trying to release these things into the world for the sake of convenience?"
Yuki is far too philosophical about these things. It makes me a little worried.
"Times change eventually. It’s better than when Taizo-san or Menou created firearms, isn't it?"
"Comparing them to weapons is a bit much, but you’re right, it is better."
"That is true."
I understand that compared to Taizo-dono or Menou-dono, this is indeed better. Still, those two had made their resolve. Not that I’m saying Yuki hasn't.
"It’s fine. I’m not as troubled by it as you might think, Deryu. I’m going to release the Cores before that anyway, and depending on how they’re used, that’s even more significant than the vehicles. Well, if I ever feel down, I’ll just have you comfort me."
"Indeed. Don't forget to rely on us properly."
For now, I will trust Yuki’s words. He has a bad habit of trying to do everything by himself, but he does maintain a balance.
"I have one question, then. If I’m to eat meat with them as a guard, there’s no doubt they’ll be firing questions at me, too. How should I answer?"
Yes, the guard duty itself is nothing, but I am one of Yuki’s wives, I am known as the Demon Lord in the Rogari Continent, and in other continents, I hold the title of Weed’s highest combat power. Given that position, there are many things people want to talk to me about. People like Lowell or Dest, the knight from Litea, often want to spar, and the Adventurer’s Guild is the same. Then there are those who try to initiate negotiations based on my status. Having served as a police officer, I also hold that kind of information, so many people try to make contact.