第１７５５堀：新大陸でも書類が大事 (Part2)
"No, they aren't ready yet either. That’s precisely why I’m having them head to the southern town in advance. With Tori and Vilia there, they should be able to manage the military command and handle the search for the missing persons."
"About that search—you didn't ask the Oue side for help?"
"No, we’re moving too fast for the messages to keep up. They’re probably still in the middle of writing their reply as we speak."
"Ah, I see. I’d forgotten that the communication methods we use are a luxury compared to theirs."
As Seraria pointed out, it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that the Oue Kingdom’s primary means of communication is still via post-horse. While they do use letters, the physical act of transporting them takes time, and delays are inevitable.
"Besides, we only made the request on the first day. They’re still in a state of indecision regarding how to handle us, too."
"So, there’s a good chance they’re dragging their feet?"
"Highly likely. They’ve probably sent out additional riders from the northern town by now, but..."
"Even so, that’s barely enough to give them a nudge, isn't it?"
"And the content of our request is so outlandish that it’s hard to blame them for being skeptical."
"Couldn't you just leave that part out and focus on having Lord Tsunaai and General Daua cooperate?"
"That, too. Even if they do move on that, the missing persons are being kept separate to be trained as heroes—or rather, as combat assets—so they aren't all in one place."
"So, just getting in touch with them is a chore in itself."
They supposedly possess useful skills, so training them isn't a bad idea, but that very fact makes coordinating with them a massive headache.
"...Tell me, is there a chance they’ve already lost their lives in a skirmish with monsters?"
"The possibility isn't zero. I heard they have guards, but accidents happen, and trouble is always lurking."
We are in the business of taking lives; no matter how much we prioritize safety, injuries are inevitable, and the threat of death is an inherent part of the job.
"Once the Weed members arrive, the quality of medical care will improve, so we should be able to manage. Assuming they’re still alive, that is..."
"We’ll just have to pray for that. Now, regarding the negotiations with Oue—or rather, the coordination of our schedules—what do you intend to do?"
"What do I intend? I’m currently drafting the negotiation points while juggling paperwork, but we still have too little information. At best, I’ll secure permission for our expansion into the south and arrange escorts for the envoys heading to other nations."
I still don't understand the enemy's true objective.
If their goal was simply to purge demi-humans or seize territory, they would have been better off executing everyone from the start. Well, they are doing something close to that, but they’re showing enough restraint to take hostages, which suggests they’re treating us as a recognized enemy—or perhaps they’re just employing the most efficient method to dismantle us.
One might think that *is* a purge, but looking at it from another angle, taking hostages implies they view us as a significant threat. In other words, they recognize us as a formidable barrier. They claim to be allied with the Demon Lord, but if that were true, they would be attacking in tandem with the monsters, and surely they realize that contradiction.
They might be able to fool fanatics under the guise of faith, but they can't fool those who see the world as it truly is. Religion and faith are tools used for gain; they aren't meant to be instruments of self-destruction. If a nation leans too heavily into religious fervor, it usually ends up fractured. The fact that they haven't collapsed and are instead acting in unison means there is a specific reason for it.
"Their objective, huh? I have a feeling it’s nothing good."
"I agree. The amount of trouble they’ve stirred up so far outweighs any potential gain."
It’s a scale of chaos that has effectively mobilized most of the northern countries. Just think of the sheer amount of supplies and capital being burned through. The net result has to be a massive deficit.
Well, that’s just my subjective view; I’m sure the parties involved believe there’s a point to it.
"Well, investigating the enemy’s intent is a given. I have no intention of dancing to their tune."
"With that said, I’m swamped, so I’ll leave the Weed matters to you."
"Yes, leave it to me. Oh, but you’re still working the completion party for Glass Port Town, right?"
"I know, I know."
And so, I continued to work from the car as we made our way toward the Oue royal capital.
*Sigh.* If I had gotten car sick, would I have been able to take a break? No, I’d just be stuck working on the other side anyway. I suppose I have no choice but to keep pushing.
I say this every time, but paperwork is the lifeblood of everything. Getting it done is what keeps the gears of the world turning. Being at the top is a heavy burden, indeed.