第１６５０堀：こっちにも来てくださいって話 (Part2)
Visiting a single school could never shift the collective perception of an entire nation’s youth. In truth, this was little more than petty jealousy over Yuki’s absence.
"Well, that is the reality of it. But you understand why not going is a problem, don't you?"
"…I understand. Having visited schools on two continents while ignoring the others—from an outside perspective, it could easily be interpreted as a lack of interest."
"Precisely. As a nation, that is something we must avoid. There are fools who point that out and complain, and this is, in part, to suppress such dissatisfaction."
"I see. But why now? Why at this late hour?"
I had finally been looking forward to finishing the work currently on my desk now that the chaos had begun to settle.
"Because the Suurus affair has calmed down. This issue existed from the moment the International Exchange School was proposed, and there was talk of having Weed participate. However, when the priority is strengthening alliances, progress inevitably slows, doesn't it? I was in favor of deepening ties with various countries as an Intercontinental Exchange Alliance."
"So, now that the dust from Suurus has settled...?"
"Exactly. Or rather, the schedule has slipped, so there is a sense of urgency. If not for the Suurus incident, the talks would have already been underway. They had intended to coordinate the International Exchange School’s examination period with Yuki’s visits to the remaining two Weed locations."
"It was about two or three weeks after the international exchange began, wasn't it? The Suurus matter…"
The timing was truly abysmal.
Then again, perhaps it was fortunate that he hadn't been visiting a school at the time? Thanks to that, he was able to respond immediately.
"Well, that’s how it is. Tell Yuki-san; if you explain the situation, he’ll understand."
"So, we are framing it as Weed being considerate of the circumstances."
"Yes. I suppose we could issue a formal request from our side, but that would inevitably invite resentment."
"Haa... Yuki-san isn't so oblivious to the atmosphere that he would refuse. He will go. So, where does Rogari want him to visit?"
"We’ve discussed it, and we would like to request the Magic Kingdom. The previous two were also centers for magical study, weren't they?"
"Understood. However, Nonoa-sama’s domain? I had assumed it would be one of the greater powers."
"If we did that, one of the Five Great Powers—including the Demon Kingdom of Last—would gain the prestige, so they ended up yielding to one another. Besides, given Nonoa-sama’s hidden nature, and the fact that the Great Powers already respect the Magic Kingdom and send students there, it shouldn't be an issue."
I see.
Well, since they are asking for a balance to be struck, they clearly want to avoid favoring any one of the major powers within Rogari.
"Oh, by the way, my sister told me about Rogari, but what about Zurable?"
"Ah, I don't know the internal situation there. Shou-dono said he would try to talk to them, but they don't have people like Shera and her group over there, do they?"
"No. In that case... the communication will be delayed. Honestly speaking, which should come first: Rogari or Zurable?"
"If we are talking about face, then naturally Rogari, where our nation resides. But you see, if we rely on Weed again so soon after the Suurus incident, we will be looked upon with cold eyes by other continents and regions."
"Well, that is true."
The Rogari continent has been saved by Weed—or rather, by Yuki-san—countless times. It is easy to blame the Suurus incident on the lax management of Litea, but the underlying responsibility lies with the various nations that failed to suppress the dark guilds. Therefore, it is undesirable for the Rogari continent to keep asking Weed for favors. Though, of course, there are emergencies, and the Suurus affair was one such case.
"So, that discussion is already settled. Zurable first, then Rogari. Besides, Weed is already well-known in Rogari, and it was always going to be Zurable eventually. They haven't quite settled down after the war, have they? All the more reason for Yuki-san to go there and make a strong impression; it would silence any student or noble who dares to look down on Weed. Or rather, knowing Yuki-san, he’ll likely go beyond that and run wild. What do you think?"
"…I cannot deny that."
Yuki-san would likely use the opportunity to maneuver and make various demands of Zurable. Emperor Eupia and his right-hand man, Shou-san, will likely be left holding their heads in their hands.
With that, I decided to go and speak with Shou-san first.
The issue of unfairness is a difficult one. Being told to visit everywhere properly is a heavy burden.
It’s a hassle, truly.
But it is important.