第１７２６堀：交渉するうえで大事なのは (Part2)
"That is why gathering information is essential before we make any reports. Charging in blindly while surrounded by enemies on all sides is simply not realistic."
Yuki-kun is right. If we rush in without a plan and make enemies of everyone, we will only exhaust ourselves. It isn't just Weed; other continental alliances with territorial ambitions would seize the opportunity to mobilize their armies. It is a fact that, with peace being pushed so heavily of late, frustration has been mounting among the soldiers and mercenaries.
Civilians may not grasp it, but the very reason soldiers are soldiers—and mercenaries are mercenaries—is because of conflict. Of course, they understand that peace is something to be celebrated, but for them to gain fame or advance their careers, they require tangible achievements. For them, the battlefield is their workplace.
Naturally, there are nobles who wish to expand their territory or profit from new acquisitions, and war is the simplest means to that end. Therefore, it is a certainty that major powers harboring such discontent will gladly send war-mongering factions our way. There is a high probability they will send them off specifically because they are a nuisance to domestic governance. They might even consider it a stroke of luck if those factions resolve their frustrations or end up as casualties.
For Weed, being on the receiving end of such schemes is an utter nuisance. If things go poorly, the criticism could be directed at us. Furthermore, there is a risk that resentment could be turned toward the Kingdom of Ohe as well. If that happens, who knows how long it will take to stabilize the New Continent... Well, perhaps that is their goal, but we cannot allow it.
That is precisely why we cannot afford to cut corners on this initial intelligence gathering. The members gathered here seem to understand this, maintaining a heavy silence. Within that silence, I speak up.
"Tell me, Yuki-kun."
"Yes, go ahead, Taizo."
"I agree that gathering information is vital. While hearing from people is a given, I believe we also need data to verify whether those accounts are accurate. How is that side of the collection coming along?"
Indeed, information from people is important, but testimonies are not always truthful. If we misjudge them, we will be manipulated to suit the other party's convenience. I don't doubt that Yuki-kun understands this, but since I know he is pressed for time, it is necessary to confirm that there are no oversights.
Yuki-kun seems to grasp this as well; he nods before replying.
"It’s not perfect, but I have slimes, bats, birds, and drones deployed to gather information on the surroundings. Honestly, I’d love to launch a reconnaissance plane and gather data from high altitude, but..."
"Deploying an airfield would be impossible, wouldn't it? And launching from the carriers in Weed, Haiden, or the Zrable region is out of the question—the range is insufficient, and the airspace hasn't been surveyed yet."
"Exactly. It would only cause more problems, so I have no choice but to reject that idea. It would have been ideal if the Kingdom of Ohe had a coastline or a large lake, but it’s situated deep in the forest."
With that, Yuki-kun projects footage onto the monitor, presumably captured from above. The town is blanketed by forest, and there is no space to station an aircraft carrier. If we place one too far away, the logistics become separate, and it just isn't feasible.
As I ponder this while watching the screen, Queen Miyabi suddenly speaks up.
"Say, now that you mention it, where is Rurua?"
"Rurua? I’ve told her to be ready to come if the situation demands it, but for now, she is stationed at the hospital."
I tilt my head, not understanding why she brought up Rurua-kun, but...
"Well, I’m sure you, Yuki-dono, as well as Ratz-dono and Eris-dono, are capable enough, but having a representative who is a doctor would work to our advantage in negotiations."
"Is that how it works?"
"Oh? I’m surprised you didn't realize that, Yuki-dono. The Eupia Emperor, and indeed many other major powers, view medical technology as their greatest interest. Especially in a country currently at war, it will be far more advantageous than negotiating through other means."
"Indeed. Thank you for the advice. I will contact Rurua."
And so, Rurua-kun will be joining our discussions. That was a precise piece of advice. Rurua-kun has never been fond of conflict, so she likely avoided it unconsciously.
Now, how will the Kingdom of Ohe move?
This is a common story, but it is essential to bring what the other party desires. We are bringing various things to demonstrate our prowess, but it is meaningless if the other side does not understand it.