第１７４３堀：戦いと対話にその準備を (Part1)
Chapter 1743: Preparing for Battle and Dialogue
Side: Kirue
"Yes."
At Tori-sama’s command, she took a running start and struck the scumbag with all her might.
In that instant, a chorus erupted.
"Yes!"
It wasn't just the wives watching the monitor; everyone present joined in. I found myself clenching my fist in sympathy.
"I was worried when he didn't move, but that was a nice hit. If she hadn't done it, I would have stepped in myself."
"Indeed. Even an old woman like me would have headed over there."
The ones adding those comments were Miyabi-sama, the Queen of the High Elves, and the village chief from Eris-sama’s village. Since this was a nation of demi-humans, they had come for the conference and to oversee the site, and it seems things are moving in a positive direction.
Well, that is only natural.
After all, attempting to execute a young child? It is an act that defies sanity, even for a conventional nation. It is nothing more than a gathering of absolute filth.
『So, the situation on the ground has settled for now. How are things on your end, Seraria?』
Hearing Master’s voice while I was feeling relieved helped me regain my composure.
"…Yes, we saw everything perfectly. With evidence like that, the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance will certainly accept our justifications."
Seraria-sama nodded as she spoke. If we had sided with those who committed such atrocities, Weed’s reputation would have plummeted.
"Indeed. I shall certainly put in a good word regarding this matter. No one would condone the public execution of a child."
"I agree. That was beyond the pale. I will add my support as well."
"I feel the same. One cannot even begin to talk to people who treat children in such a manner without first delivering a blow."
Miyabi-sama, King Taiki, and Advisor Taizou nodded in agreement. Since this is an official setting, these titles are necessary. Moreover, Miyabi-sama is the representative of the demi-humans, and Taiki-sama and Taizou-sama are from Japan, just like Master; they would never tolerate such things.
"Likewise, that is unacceptable. Even if they had their own intentions, we cannot hold any meaningful dialogue until they have paid the price and settled the score."
Menou-sama, another reincarnate from Japan who serves as a diplomat for the Kingdom of Seasypho in Weed, offered her own sensible opinion. It is only natural that the citizens would never forgive us if we simply let such people off the hook without a conversation.
『At this rate, it seems you all will take charge of the explanation to the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance.』
"Of course. In fact, if we show them the footage from earlier, everyone will be nodding in agreement."
"The status of demi-humans in the current Alliance is surprisingly high, after all. To treat them like that..."
"The If Continent has also begun a shift in consciousness. If they foolishly side with those humans now, all their previous policies will have been for nothing."
That is true. Even the If Continent, which had previously moved toward the exclusion of demi-humans, is changing its stance. After all, Master has demonstrated their immense utility. Of course, it also helps that Master despises such discrimination.
"The If Continent where Taizou-san resides is quite something, isn't it? All that talk of excluding demi-humans... We’d be happy to take them in over here, you know?"
"I don't have the authority for that, Menou-kun. Besides, if you’re seriously considering that, you should take it up with White Forest."
"That man is so obsessed with Comet-sama that he seems to hear things, yet he doesn't really understand them..."
As Menou-sama says, the King of White Forest—or rather, his people—have a history of being saved by Comet-sama and Hifie-sama during their founding. They owe a great debt to them and worship them like goddesses. Because of that, a single word from Comet-sama or Hifie-sama could truly move them in an instant. No, they are the heads of a nation, so I would like to think that wouldn't happen...
『Alright then. Proceed with the completion party for Glass Port Town as scheduled. Understood, Sisua, Sona?』
"Yes, sir!"
The two responded to Yuki-sama’s words with a salute. Since they are currently acting as lords, they could simply place their hands over their hearts as lords rather than soldiers, but Seraria-sama noticed this and merely offered a wry smile without saying a word. Well, it was a report from the battlefield, so it wasn't exactly a mistake...
『Seraria, please proceed as planned as well.』
"Understood. And what do you intend to do after the battle? You’ve already recovered the hostages, haven't you?"
『It’s not so much "after the battle" as it is just the end of the first match. Well, how we get involved depends on our discussions with the Ohe Kingdom. Our original goal was just to recover the summoning victims.』
"True. But you don't intend to pull out once that’s done, do you?"
『Of course not. We’ve finally reached a land that’s perfect for researching the magical depletion phenomenon. We’re short on hands, but the more samples, the better. Also, I’ll check later to see if Luna is involved in this.』
"Ah..."
At Master’s words, we couldn't deny that Luna-sama might be strangely involved in this commotion.
"She has been, in a sense, stable lately, hasn't she?"
『It’s an immense nuisance to me. Still, I won't know for sure until I ask her myself.』
"Setting that aside, what do you think, Yuki? Have you made any new discoveries in the New Continent?"
『Not at all. There are no changes visible that would be immediately apparent. Ah, though I don't know if it’s related, I did report that monsters living in the south are migrating north.』
"I see. That would be the source of the trouble, then. Did something happen in the south of such a massive continent?"
『Well, there is also the question of why that is reaching the north, especially since the Ohe Kingdom was supposed to be the breakwater.』
"..."
We fell silent at those words. It is true; it feels unnatural that they would try to eliminate the Ohe Kingdom, which was protecting them from monsters. They are essentially destroying their own breakwater and inviting monster attacks upon themselves.
『There are many questions, but the basic rule for this kind of thing is to gather information first. We’ve secured the northern town. Next, we’ll head to the southern town to stabilize it. Then, we’ll investigate.』
"In the meantime, we’ll handle the explanation to the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance. And don't forget the completion party for Glass Port Town. You will be attending, of course?"
『I know.』
That is correct. After all, Yuki-sama is the Lord of Glass Port Town. Even if Sisua and Sona are his proxies, it is unthinkable for him not to show his face.
"Say, regarding that party in Glass Port Town... couldn't you drag those people from Ohe over here?"
『Ah, I see. As Dressa-sama suggests, if we invite them, we can explain our side of things as well. What do you think, Brother?』
Indeed, Dressa-sama’s suggestion is a good one.
It is good, but...