第１７２５堀：親戚の年上に関して (Part2)
"If we shift our perspective, we can see that if the negotiations go well, we only need to deal with the lower-level issues. It means this is a discussion of the utmost importance."
"I see, I understand. I will certainly put my full effort into this."
"Indeed~."
With that decided, Ratz and I left the school immediately to rendezvous with Yuki and the others.
However...
"Big Brother really didn't choose to subjugate them, did he~."
"True. I expected as much, but it just goes to show he views the other side as a properly functioning organization. It would be more troublesome for us if they were lawless, and if it can be settled through dialogue, as frustrating as it is, Yuki is right—that is the best path."
On the way, I talked with Ratz, organizing our thoughts on what had just transpired.
I had told Yuki that I would press the other side, but listening to the situation, it seemed clear that negotiating through the state would reduce the waste of military resources and supplies. Still...
"Caught between attacks from the north and south... Well, providing reinforcements for that sounds like a colossal headache, doesn't it~."
"If we could just save the villagers and say our goodbyes, that would be fine, but..."
"That’s not how it works, is it~. Being summoned against your will, and then having to deal with people who might be high-ranking officials rather than just villagers—that’s a massive ordeal."
"...I suppose we have no choice but to help."
Having reached that inevitable conclusion, we arrived at one of the military's surveillance monitor rooms.
"Hey, Taiki. Why don't you go as the Hero?"
"I will not. Even if things don't go south, I’d be the first one in the line of fire, wouldn't I?"
"No, with the Hero's name value, the other side will calm down. You have your track record in the Ioa Kingdom, and Queen Fuiala would likely support you, right?"
"And you want me to get dragged into the quagmire of a civil war while you're at it?"
"I’m saying we’ll provide support, or rather, Ranks can't handle this alone. We desperately need a name, even if it’s just for show. So far, we’ve only heard from Princess Suena of the Oue Kingdom. We can't take that at face value; there's a possibility she's lying. Having someone with clear, undeniable power in tow is a huge advantage for us."
"Guh, you're making a logical argument."
"I only ever make logical arguments. If I tried to joke around, I'd only face resistance."
I see. It seems Yuki had reached out not only to Queen Miyabi and the Elder but also to Taiki, the Hero.
Indeed, as Yuki said, we don't know how much we can trust the other party, nor how much information they are willing to disclose. In such a situation, having a powerful, recognizable trump card is surely a relief for both sides.
We, the Elves and the Rabbit Beastmen, were called in as part of that hand.
"Hmm, Eris and Ratz, is it?"
"That is correct, Lady Miyabi."
As I was lost in thought, I heard a voice from behind. Turning around, I saw Queen Miyabi and the Elder, who had been guided there by the goblins.
"Thank you for coming despite your busy schedules."
"We truly appreciate it~."
Since Yuki was currently in negotiations with Taiki, Ratz and I stepped forward to offer the welcoming greetings.
"Think nothing of it. We were in Weed to begin with."
"Indeed. It seems you have your hands full, Eris."
"Not exactly, but this is all to support Weed."
"You have raised a fine successor, Elder."
"Yes. Eris is the pride of our village."
It is always strange to see the Elder bowing his head to Queen Miyabi, who appears so young, but her status and age are indeed higher than his.
Just as I was thinking that:
"Ah, Eris, Ratz. And Queen Miyabi, Elder—thank you for coming."
"Indeed. It’s been a while."
Yuki and Taiki noticed us and came over to greet us.
"It is no trouble. It was at Lord Yuki's request."
"Yes. We don't mind. Oh, and if you feel indebted to us, perhaps one or two of the village children..."
"Elder."
"Ho ho ho..."
Honestly, there is no letting one's guard down around him. He’s trying to use Yuki to solve the fact that Elves have difficulty conceiving children.
"Haha, I’m quite satisfied with Eris and Ratz and the others for now. Come, please, this way."
Yuki brushed it off lightly as if it were a common occurrence, but I have to stay vigilant, or he’ll try something again.
There’s something about older acquaintances of one's relatives—they sometimes say the strangest things. Even when they aren't doing anything inherently wrong, it still sends a chill down your spine.
Have you ever had an experience like that?