第１７１１堀：今回の事件で冷や冷やしている国 (Part1)
The nations on edge due to the recent incident.
Side: Kagura
"…So, Lord Yuki and his party haven't departed for the investigation site yet?"
"Yes. It seems they're having trouble coordinating with the various countries."
"That's only natural. Normally, this would be a national disgrace. It's only natural to try and handle it within one's own borders. This time, it was only possible to bring it up because of the Dark Guild and the great flood. To accept it…"
The Princess trailed off, her expression grim.
Seeing her, Enola wore a troubled look as she…
"I still think it's difficult, Carrie?"
"Yes, it will likely be difficult. Unless it's a country with ties through marriage to Lord Yuki, or similar connections, intervention is impossible for a completely foreign nation, unless it's a special case like the former Vinocia of the Sulus Kingdom or Canary-dono."
"Well, that's to be expected. However, you can't just ignore it on your end, can you?"
As Enola spoke, the Princess's eyes widened.
"Of course not. We may have been compelled by necessity, but we kidnapped Lord Yuki, his wife, and even his daughters. That accomplishment has created a precedent of failure. If we don't act now, at worst, our allies might whisper that we are kidnappers. No, it wouldn't be surprising if such rumors are already circulating."
She spoke in a rush.
Though I denied it, I was one of those who kidnapped Yuki and the Princess, so I couldn't say anything.
"But~, Mikos-chan and the others, or rather, wouldn't Haiden be unable to act? The incident occurred in the villages of Roschur and Gartz… We absolutely cannot get involved. If we force our involvement, won't we be suspected of the crime?"
The fact that Mikos had switched to using "I" as her first-person pronoun indicated just how dire the situation was.
Haiden, and by extension, all the nations in the Haiden region, could have their credibility shattered.
But, as Mikos said, I understood that if we meddled carelessly, we would indeed be suspected.
"I understand that. However, doing nothing is not an option. Have we properly informed Lord Yuki that the Haiden region has also begun its investigation?"
"Yes. Of course. He understands, given what happened before."
"Mhm, mhm. Teacher Yuki is worried about us~. He says he doesn't suspect us~."
"While I'm grateful for those words, it's not impossible that things are happening without our knowledge. Even if it's a different country, that doesn't mean we can say 'we didn't know, so we did nothing.'"
Carrie Princess stated firmly, and Stasia and Aage nodded in agreement…
"That's precisely right. If the cause was on the Haiden continent, there's a significant difference between us informing them and Lord Yuki's investigation team discovering it."
"Indeed. No matter how much our elder brothers forgive us, other allied nations won't see it that way."
"As Sister Stasia and Sister Aage say. If we always rely on Weed's goodwill, the Haiden region will never be recognized."
The relevant parties from the Haiden region who could gather were all present.
Incidentally, members working at the Haiden region's embassy had also gathered in a rented conference room.
Everyone in the room had a serious expression, and it was fortunate that they understood the gravity of the situation.
If there were any fools who thought this didn't need to be worried about, they would be dismissed.
"But~, how exactly will we provide support~? As far as Mikos-chan can think of, it's only financial and material aid~."
"...As Mikos says, that's likely the limit. While understanding that we are suspected, we will be the first to offer support. It will be suspicious, but it's also a way to prove our innocence."
As they were talking, Solo, who worked at the embassy, hesitantly raised his hand.
Yes, that Solo.
The Solo who used to eat lunch alone in the restroom at school.
Considering his past, this was tremendous growth.
However, as he was working as an ambassador, this was to be expected.
"Solo, do you have something to say?"
"Yes. I have a proposal to add to Senior Mikos's idea, or rather, regarding what kind of supplies."
"Supplies?"
"Yes. As Senior Mikos said, it's problematic to have Haiden's cooperation involved, but Weed generally shows consideration for us. Therefore, I don't think they would particularly dislike us providing supplies to the investigation team."
"I see."
Come to think of it, that's true.
If Haiden overtly publicized its involvement, it would be seen as acting in self-preservation, but perhaps providing support to Weed's investigation team, not necessarily in secret but in a way that seems natural given the circumstances, would be acceptable?
"Even if direct intervention is problematic, wouldn't cooperating with the investigation team with sincerity make it difficult to be suspected?"
"Carrie. Those who are no good will complain no matter what."
"That's right. As Sister says, how can such baseless accusations arise? When Sister decided to become a knight, there were surprising complaints."
Ah, Stasia, despite being a princess of Findal, not only aimed to be a knight but had become a general.
In our Haiden region, male chauvinism is strong, and I've heard she faced hardships. I also experienced such harassment frequently at the Haiden Magic Academy.
"Haa, indeed. When we didn't understand Weed well, the people who told us to do as we pleased are now demanding to be included. Those who opposed us were easier to understand, and now they are even cooperative."
"Haha, well, we've seen the mock battles of Yuki and the others, or rather, Deryu-san and Agil-san, up close."
Those who opposed, or rather, the Weed-deniers, had previously seen the demonstrations or training of Deryu-san and the others as a spectacle. They realized that if they were to seriously fight Weed, it would be dangerous.
Therefore, they have now become good collaborators, providing escort and other services.
The people who are now pressuring the Princess and us to be included in Weed's interests either don't understand the danger of Weed or are underestimating it.
What would happen if they made one wrong step…
While I was thinking such things, the conversation progressed.
"In other words, no matter how we act, complaints will arise."