第１６６１堀：素敵な授業の狙い (Part2)

第１６６１堀：素敵な授業の狙い (Part2)

"That will lead to the creation of new jobs and serve as the foundation for bolstering our national strength. Convenience in travel alone is not enough to move people. One must clearly demonstrate what exactly will change and how, as a result of that convenience. I often think, 'Use your heads, you fools,' but I suppose if they don't understand that things will be better than they are now, they won't budge.

I can understand their desire to avoid gambling. Furthermore, this is something entirely foreign to them. Even if you tell them they can transport more goods, faster, without the use of horses, they won't believe you if they haven't seen it with their own eyes. Those on Hein’s side who were at odds with me might even suspect that I’m trying to swindle them, stripping them of their money and resources. Well, in truth, I had considered doing exactly that.

The current outcome was decided without a major conflict, thanks to the old man Hein’s decision. However, that also means they were defeated without a fight, and there are no small number of people who believe they wouldn't have lost if they had only engaged in battle. For now, we haven't resorted to forced levies, but there is no telling when those idiots might bare their fangs at Zurable. In that sense, pushing for reform through such indirect means is not a bad idea. After all, it offers a tangible, easy-to-understand benefit. That said, if we give too much, they’ll start to look down on us; the balance is difficult to strike.

'Well, there is much to consider, but for now, let us focus on ensuring Yuki-dono’s visit and the lectures proceed without a hitch. That will be the first catalyst.'

'Indeed. It would be even easier if we could have that discussion at the Weed International Exchange School.'

'That is true. Looking ahead, it would be more effective to involve not just Zurable, but the entire International Exchange Alliance. The number of trading partners will increase through the school, after all.'

'Not just trade, but technological sharing as well. Though, that would require proper negotiations between nations. Still, it is far more diplomatic for it to emerge from a school lecture than for us to propose it directly.'

'Yes. If one of the allied nations were to propose it, the debate would immediately devolve into who gets the credit, and the conversation would grind to a halt.'

This is the tedious part of it all. No, I suppose if the proposal came from our own country, I too would want an advantage over the others—I would likely be asserting it as my natural right. And once that happens, it becomes a matter of how much profit one can secure. In other words, it becomes a dispute over vested interests, rendering any real discussion impossible. Thinking about it that way, it is best that the students gather and make the proposal. In more ways than one.

'…In other words, Yuki-dono doesn't want it to be seen as Weed’s achievement either, does he?'

'Perhaps he calculates that if he doesn't do it this way, the introduction of automobiles and medicine will be delayed?'

'Without a doubt, it would be delayed. Even now, they are just arguing over who will manage the car factories, where the land will be, and how many to produce. Nothing has even been built yet, and they are already bickering.'

'The other allied nations are much the same. They likely realize that controlling the production of cars and medicine is of paramount importance. I can certainly understand their feelings, but...'

'Well, if they have seen the cars and medicine in Weed, they should understand the importance. Regardless, let us assume the flow will be to try out the students' proposal.'

'I agree. Even if it is under the name of the students' proposal, if they manage to increase their influence within that framework, Yuki-sama might not be thrilled about the future of international exchange, but he will be able to take the lead.'

'Indeed. In our era, Yuki-dono is at the top, but this is about what comes after.'

'Yes. Well, he won't be able to do anything blatant, but if they prove themselves capable, everyone will naturally rely on them.'

That is the future we are aiming for. As I spoke, I looked over the submitted documents once more...

'Calling Yuki-dono here was the right choice, after all.'

'Yes.'

I was convinced that this visit was not a mistake.

'Oh, that reminds me—what about dinner? It’s a banquet, isn't it?'

'Yes.'

'Then we had better finish this quickly.'

'Eh? Do you intend to attend?'

'Of course.'

Incidentally, Yuki did not do this by design. He merely hoped it would go well, and Eupia and the others simply ran with it.