第１７２４堀：向こう側の言い分 (Part2)
"That depends on how the negotiations go. In that case, you're a better choice than Holy. So, how far do you intend to take this?"
"Well, that depends on them, doesn't it? As of now, no high-ranking officials have been snatched away. It can still be settled amicably. Unlike with Hayden."
*Ugh.*
Oops, looks like a stray bullet hit Kagura. I’ll have to smooth that over later, but for now, the discussion takes precedence. Just as we were talking about that:
"The monitor has been set up. Yuki-sama, please take your seat at the negotiation table."
"Understood."
With the preparations complete, I move to the designated seat. On the other side of the monitor, I can see Princess Suena looking utterly bewildered.
"Now, Princess Suena, can you hear my voice?"
"Eh? Ah—yes, I can."
"Good. I can hear you clearly as well. Can you see me on your end?"
"Y-yes. Is this... some form of magical communication technology?"
I see. She’s framed it within the bounds of what she can comprehend. Explaining the mechanics every single time is a chore, so I’ll leave it at that. It’s better than being told there are people trapped inside a box. Besides, since the monitor is an aerial projection type and does incorporate genuine magical techniques, it’s not exactly a lie.
"Yes, that’s exactly what it is. And Holy and Vilia were acting as our liaisons. The communication quality turned out to be better than expected, and it’s fortunate that you’re willing to sit down and talk."
"Talk, you say?"
"That’s right. Your summoning practices have caused trouble in my country. Citizens have gone missing. It’s clear that an organized group is behind this."
Princess Suena’s expression stiffens at my words. I haven’t specified which country I live in or whether it’s a foreign power, but the point stands.
"...What kind of trouble are we talking about?"
"Well, my citizens are vanishing. If it were just a case of someone disappearing while traveling, that would be one thing, but when people vanish right before your eyes, the state has no choice but to act. If you’re conducting kidnappings like this, there’s a distinct possibility that high-ranking officials could be targeted next."
"High-ranking officials... Indeed, that possibility is..."
She seems to grasp the implications, her face turning pale. She may have steeled her resolve to save her country, but she clearly hadn’t considered that her actions would create further enemies. Moreover, she hadn’t even realized she might have accidentally summoned high-ranking individuals. If that’s the case, negotiations with the state will become difficult—or rather, there will be no room for excuses.
"Well, Holy and Vilia, who are right in front of you, are among those officials. We’ve been investigating the disappearance cases, which led us straight to you."
"I-I see."
She looks as if she’s wondering if there are others, and given that the people in those impoverished villages were essentially shoved into this position, there might be more to the story. My intelligence division, led by Kirika, is currently investigating that very matter.
"Fortunately, we tracked Holy and Vilia and pinpointed your location. We’ve confirmed there are others there as well. All that’s left is to go and retrieve them, but I trust you understand that what you’ve done constitutes kidnapping."
"That is... no, wait, retrieve them?"
"Yes. I have the means to do so, which is why I sent them in as investigators. When we do, we may have to hold you accountable for everything that has transpired."
"Accountable..."
"I believe kidnapping citizens from another country is generally considered an act of hostility, wouldn't you agree?"
"..."
She falls silent, clearly aware that my argument is entirely justified.
"Well, I am aware that you treated Holy and Vilia with courtesy, and I’ve heard that you were under certain pressures. We’ll need to iron out the details, but I’m not opposed to making some concessions, or even providing aid, depending on the circumstances."
"I-is that true?"
"For that to happen, we need to negotiate. You aren't the only one who can make these decisions, are you?"
"That is correct. I must speak with my father—the King—and his senior retainers."
"Then go and speak with them. Once that’s done, come to the basement beneath the courtyard."
"Eh? But there is no basement beneath the courtyard..."
Just then, a low rumble echoes from the other side of the screen. Naturally, I had deliberately expanded the dungeon to create one.
"Holy, Vilia, move out."
"Understood."
"Understood."
"Now then, I’ll have guards stationed at the gate. Come once you’ve prepared for the discussion."
"Eh? E-eh?"
Leaving the bewildered princess behind, the two of them exited the room.
"You cut the conversation short on purpose, didn't you?"
"Of course. It’s a hassle if they stay too calm, and it’s better to have them on our home turf. Now, I need to contact the others. When it comes to a negotiation table..."
And so, we began to deal with the fallout of the situation as it shifted. For now, the first contact was a success. The other party didn't show any blatant malice. Though, one can never be too careful.