第１７２６堀：交渉するうえで大事なのは (Part1)
Chapter 1726: The Essentials of Negotiation
Side: Taizo
Just when I thought Yuki-kun had summoned me for something else, it turns out there’s been a development in the abduction-by-summons case. Or perhaps "development" is the wrong word—"new complication" would be more accurate.
"Now then, everyone, thank you once again for responding to such short notice."
Yuki-kun offered a polite greeting before beginning to explain the situation.
"We, the Weed, grew suspicious of the missing villager incidents and conducted an investigation, which led us to a remote village in a certain country. While investigating there, Holy and Vilia encountered a summoning ritual. We’ve confirmed that the victims taken thus far have been forcibly conscripted into a war at the destination."
Ugh. No matter how many times I hear it, it’s as moronic as it is infuriating.
*If you want to go home, cooperate.*
I doubt anyone would fight with true conviction under those conditions, but if they have no way back, they’re forced to give it their all, aren't they?
"Incidentally, we didn't have permission from the country to investigate that remote village. We tried to negotiate, but they refused, citing 'matters of national honor,' so we had to infiltrate disguised as traveling merchants."
That was the only way. I don't intend to cast stones at that country regarding this matter. After all, there’s no concrete proof. When national face is on the line, you can’t really complain. That said, if it turns out to be true, it’s going to be a massive headache, so Yuki-kun and his people have no choice but to act.
"Now, let’s set the negotiations with that country aside for the moment. The issue at hand is the negotiation with the other side. From what we’ve gathered, they are a demi-human nation currently fighting a war on two fronts: monsters and a Demon Lord to the south, and a human nation to the north. They were performing these summons to bolster their military strength."
I can’t help but think that such a desperate attempt to replenish their ranks won't accomplish much, but I suppose they have no choice but to cling to whatever they can. Since it only requires magical power to replenish, it’s convenient, I suppose—though whether the summoned individuals are actually useful is another matter entirely. In that sense, I suppose I was one of the "useful" ones myself.
"According to Holy and Vilia, the country has been identified as the Kingdom of Ohe. Through coordinate detection, we’ve pinpointed its location on an as-yet-undiscovered continent. It’s right here."
Yuki-kun gestured to the monitor in the back, displaying a world map. The coordinates were marked in the center of a long, vertical continent located to the right of the Rogali continent—where Weed is situated—near the Far East.
So that’s where they came from. And the landmass itself is the third-largest in the world, even bigger than the Rogali or If continents. The people summoned are being dragged into a war on that scale.
"That is what we know so far, based solely on the testimony of someone calling herself Princess Suena. The other side didn't believe that Holy, who was summoned, would be able to contact a country like Weed. When we informed them that they had effectively declared war on us, they were speechless. They knew that conscripting summoned people was wrong, but it seems they never imagined it would escalate to this."
I see. They understood that what they were doing was wrong, but they never dreamed a third party would intervene. Well, if they had the capacity to think normally, they wouldn't have done this in the first place. I suppose they’ve finally realized that.
"To them, it was an act to save their country, but it turned out to be an act that invited a new enemy. Princess Suena is in a state of confusion, and since she cannot handle this situation alone, she is currently buying time to speak with her superiors—the King. Incidentally, we have set up our base, the dungeon, in the middle of their castle courtyard, so it would be difficult for them to dismiss our presence as a delusion or a trick of the mind."
With that, Yuki-kun displayed the footage of the courtyard. Unusually for Weed, they were using human soldiers—specifically beastmen and elves—to secure the dungeon entrance. They were likely being considerate of the other side.
"How unusual. Against this sort of opponent, monster soldiers would surely be safer," Queen Miyabi remarked. Yuki-kun replied:
"If we are to believe Princess Suena, they are already being attacked by both humans and monsters. We thought it best not to provoke them further, hence the current personnel. That is why I asked for your presence, Queen Miyabi, and yours, Elder."
"I see. A reasonable approach, I suppose. Am I here as your collaborator, Yuki-dono?"
"Precisely. However, for safety reasons, I would prefer that you, Queen Miyabi, do not attend the negotiation table. We would like you to serve as an advisor, observing the situation. Elder, while it is dangerous, I would like you to be present. Unlike Queen Miyabi, you possess a certain... gravity of appearance."
It’s true—Yuki-kun is the primary party involved, so he’s fine, but having the leader of the High Elf nation at such a negotiation table might look bad for various reasons. Besides, Queen Miyabi looks so young; she would likely be underestimated, even if she didn't intend to be. That’s why he called the Elder from Eris-dono’s faction. Though, phrased like that, it sounds a bit like a backhanded compliment.
"Ho ho, I shall take that as a compliment. I understand the consideration for Queen Miyabi, and I see no reason to be dissatisfied."
Since he isn't actually an elder, he just laughed off the comment, but the problem seemed to be Queen Miyabi. When I looked at her, she certainly looked displeased.
"To come all this way only to be relegated to the rear... how dull."
"I understand your feelings, but we must wait until safety is fully secured. However, I would like you to convey any inconsistencies or oddities you notice through the monitor. That is something only you can do, Queen Miyabi."
"It is a foreign country, and a different continent at that. I cannot promise how much I can help, but I shall do my best."
She seemed to have been persuaded.
"As for those at the negotiation table: myself, Eris, Ratz, and Taiki-kun as the Hero. And, of course, the parties involved, Holy and Vilia. Miyabi-sama and Taizo-san, please observe the other side from the monitors. Seraria, could you join them in observing?"
"Of course. Though I’ll have to do it while I work."
"My, is Seraria-dono that busy?"
"Yes, Queen Miyabi. Unfortunately, there is still so much to settle—the defense of the remote village, the negotiations with that country, and how to explain the situation regarding the Kingdom of Ohe to our allies."
"Ah, indeed. One cannot simply handle such things on their own."
It’s true. Considering this matter involves a new continent, we cannot ignore the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance. Besides, we had been cooperating from the start under the suspicion that this was a case of summoning.