第１６８０堀：次は誰が行きますか？ (Part2)
"It’s not so much that things are stalled, but rather that the meetings have devolved into a chaotic mess. It’s all about who gets to house the cores and how they’re utilized."
"And that *is* what I mean by stalled. Besides, this was supposed to be a way to restore a certain level of trust, so why are you pushing them—or rather, shoving them from behind to make them run?"
"That is a fair point. I found that rather curious myself. Yuki-sama, while providing the cores will certainly boost the logistics and medical infrastructure of each nation, that was merely a measure to counter the Dark Guilds who are already exploiting them. While it is true that we want to see them popularized, the primary goal was to dispel the distrust toward Weed. If Weed acts as if it’s rushing them, wouldn't that only breed more suspicion?"
Quar-sama is absolutely right.
Originally, once it became clear that the Dark Guilds were capable of utilizing the cores, the various nations began analyzing them on their own. The plan was to provide them with safe, reliable cores to ensure they wouldn't be taken advantage of by Dark Guilds or rogue Dungeon Masters.
Therefore, the more the nations deliberate and reach a consensus they are truly satisfied with, the more Weed’s credibility as a dungeon operator should rise. Yet, Yuki-sama is using the children in this current lesson to force the core meetings to a sudden conclusion.
"Look, the core distribution was meant to clear the air, yes, but there’s another side to it: these cores serve as a means of defense and surveillance for those nations. The longer the meetings drag on, the more opportunities the Dark Guilds have to act. There is a reason for the push. I doubt the allied nations are unaware of that, either."
"Ah, that side of things. I suppose the leadership would understand, even if the rank-and-file don't."
Oh, that’s right. I remember now.
Yuki-sama provided the cores so that the nations wouldn't feel the need to buy them and conduct their own research, especially since we know the Dark Guilds are already using them.
The pitch was that they’d come with vehicles and medical support, but behind the scenes, there’s the added benefit that if another Dark Guild uses a core to cause trouble, we can immediately deploy defenses centered around the location where the dungeon was expanded.
So, as Yuki-sama says, pushing the issue like this isn't actually unnatural.
"That’s not my jurisdiction or my concern regarding how my subordinates in other countries handle things. Besides, since I can connect gates through the dungeons, it would be absurd not to connect the vehicle factories as well, wouldn't it?"
"Usually, you’d keep that kind of technology under lock and key to maintain a monopoly."
"Monopoly? I’m the one handing the technology to these nations; there’s no room for secrets. That place is a hub for technology. They can take what they develop there, keep it under wraps, and build whatever factories they want."
"I’ll be sure to explain it to them that way."
"Do that. Wait—are you getting complaints?"
"No, but you’re going to be discussing the same thing with Nonoa’s people, as well as If and Haiden, aren't you? It’s better to drive the point home beforehand."
"Ah, I see. Fair enough. I’d rather avoid unnecessary trouble."
Indeed, if we suddenly started talking about population control and agricultural reform without prior notice, they might wonder what on earth we were planning. Advance notification is essential.
"Now, can we get to the main topic?"
"Oh, I’d completely forgotten. So?"
"About the members going to Nonoa’s school..."
And so, we finally began discussing the main issue.
"Well, I suppose that’s fine, isn't it? What do you think, Quar?"
"I have no objections. That said, it is a country within the same Rogari Continent, and we have had exchanges with Nonoa-sama’s people for some time. I find it questionable whether there is much to be gained from their schools or technology."
"True. Still, it wouldn't do to dismiss it without even looking. For Cleena and Samantha, it would serve as a nice bit of prestige to have attended a Rogari magic academy as representatives of the If Continent, so I think it’s fine."
"Then, the selection is finalized."
"Yes. Submit the paperwork later. I’ll grant the approval."
And just like that, the discussion with Seraria-sama came to an end.
Well, the preparations are going to be a real headache from here on out.
It would be more stable to keep the same members, but that wouldn't be fair to the others. Selecting people for things like this is always such a difficult task.