第１７１６堀：寒村の未来 (Part2)
Indeed, even if the kidnapping was resolved, while the immediate concerns of Weed and the International Exchange Alliance would be settled, the future of that desolate village would remain unchanged regardless.
“...But we cannot simply evacuate the villagers immediately, nor do we have a place to send them...”
“...It is a difficult position. Furthermore, we have already notified the various nations of our movements. If anything happens to that village, suspicion will fall squarely on Weed.”
“Well, rather than ‘suspicion,’ it is a certainty that we will be seen as having taken them under our wing. In that case, we cannot complain if we are accused of abducting their citizens.”
Shera, Cleena, and Samantha—members of the diplomatic corps—all furrowed their brows at the grim reality of the situation.
“However, if we leave them be, the villagers will surely be slaughtered. The fault in this matter lies not with Weed, but with the nation that refused our intervention. In fact, that is the point we must press.”
“Quite right. As Stasia says, if we approach this with a weak hand, condemnation is inevitable. It is vital that we demonstrate the righteousness of our actions.”
Among them, the military minds, Stasia and Jessica, argued that even if their deeds were perceived as overstepping, they had to force their way through.
*Yes, in times like these, their experience as career soldiers shines—even if it’s a bit grim to say they’ve seen worse on the front lines.*
They understood that if one accepts even a shred of malice from others, they end up being forced to shoulder the entirety of the blame.
“...I suppose so. Stasia and Jessica are right. While the other country’s judgment isn't 'wrong' in a strictly political sense, we aren't soft enough to simply stand by and watch this happen.”
“I agree. I stand with Seraria’s opinion. My own Dafaio was saved by Weed. If one were to say that cutting a village loose and letting it perish is the end of it, they would be technically correct—but I did not choose that path. Personally, I would like to trust that nation, but I believe physical force is the best final resort.”
Seraria, for all her role as a sovereign, can never quite bring herself to be truly cold-blooded. I suppose that’s only natural, given she once led knights specifically to save those in need. Or perhaps it’s Yuki’s influence rubbing off on her?
And as for Fiora, her stance went without saying. Unable to abandon the village, she had bypassed Roschur entirely to seek help from Weed, even knowing it might spark a war. In this instance, the lack of an immediate, dire sense of crisis had led to a more roundabout approach, but as Fiora said, in the end, might makes right.
“...Alright. I’ve heard you all. We won’t abandon the villagers. That much is decided. All that remains is the method. For us, any path we take is a hassle, but none of them are actually a problem. Right?”
“Indeed. Though for my part, the physical approach leaves a cleaner aftertaste.”
“Haha, Seraria, your 'solutions' are a diplomatic nightmare, so I’d appreciate it if you’d refrain. Well, on my end, I shall simply use our resources to buy their silence.”
Everyone nodded at Yuki’s conclusion. Seraria remained her usual self, while Ratz offered the diplomatic perspective—only to conclude that Weed would simply use its vast wealth to smooth things over. In a sense, that too was a form of brute force.
“Both are essentially the same. Now, as for the specific plan... it’s a bother, so as soon as the traveling merchants arrive, I’ll instruct them to broach the subject of migration to Kagura and Enola. We’ll explain the situation to the villagers first. Some may choose to stay, and if they do, we’ll provide support if an emergency arises. It’s a dying village anyway; no one will be surprised if it suddenly vanishes from the map.”
“That’s true. Once the policy is set, there’s really nothing to it. Just Weed taking in refugees, as we always do?”
“Exactly. The merchants witnessed their poverty and suggested migrating to Weed, and the villagers accepted. That’s the whole story.”
“Ahaha, when you put it like that, they’re just ordinary immigrants. Which means there’s no problem at all.”
“Ahaha... from the perspective of the local lord, it’s quite an affront, but such results are merely the consequence of their own shoddy management.”
Shera gave a wry smile, making it clear she felt no sympathy for the lord in question. It made sense. Even if their pride was wounded, sacrificing a village over it was unthinkable—not that it had been officially decided that they would.
“Well, let’s proceed on a war footing. We’ll simply be ready to respond accordingly if the worst comes to pass.”
Everyone nodded at Yuki’s words. Once the decision was made, the rest was simple.
With that, they headed back to the Adventurer’s Guild to relay the new course of action. When a party is this uncooperative, one can’t help but feel there’s something deeper at play.
Now then, I wonder what we shall find?