第１７６０堀：お願いをしつつ情報を引き出す (Part2)
"Returning to the subject at hand, what is the status of the ownership of the southern lands? If it were to fall under Oue's jurisdiction, I would need to offer appropriate compensation for the territory."
I steered the conversation back to the expansion of Weed's domain. By subtly framing it as Oue's land, I was maneuvering them into a position where they could claim they had granted it to us, should the need arise...
"…I am deeply grateful for your sentiment, but I cannot lay claim to what is not ours. If I were to do so, I risk encroaching upon the territory of a nation we have yet to verify."
"That is, indeed, a fair point…"
What they were saying was undeniably correct. If I were to arbitrarily claim the land and perhaps sell it off, only for another owner to emerge, it would invite disaster. While this was a matter between nations—where, ultimately, might makes right—the stance of avoiding unnecessary trouble was sound. If I pushed too hard, I risked dumping that very trouble onto our own doorstep. It was a proposal fraught with high risk.
"However, I am well aware that the current situation is dire. While we cannot cede the land, Oue pledges its full support and backing for Weed's nation-building efforts in the south, where the monsters gather."
"Oue King, surely that is going too far…"
I wanted to point out that there was no tangible benefit for Oue in this arrangement.
"As you mentioned earlier, the benefits are clear. Weed will become a recognized nation on this continent, and it will serve as a bulwark against the monsters. Furthermore, trade will become possible. Is there anything more to be desired for both our nations? Though, I suppose from your perspective, it is nothing but a loss."
"Not at all. To have made the acquaintance of such friendly people from Oue is a stroke of good fortune amidst our misfortunes."
Having been told as much, I could only offer a wry smile and accept the situation. In essence, I had secured their permission—or rather, their tacit approval to do as I pleased.
"The remaining question is, where would Oue suggest we establish our presence? Ideally, I would like to construct a defensive wall spanning the entire breadth of the southern land."
"Hahaha, Lord Yuki, you do enjoy your jokes. Certainly, that would be ideal, but it is an impossibility."
"That is true enough."
It wasn't that I couldn't build a wall, but since I intended to create a dungeon, I would need a massive amount of DP. Moreover, if a dungeon were to manifest in the south, it could lead to further complications. Above all, even if I brought such a vast expanse of land under my control, it would be nearly impossible to manage it all. I could utilize automated weaponry, turrets, or summon monsters for defense, but… the question remained: was it truly necessary to go that far?
Ultimately, a commander is required. We lacked the personnel, and as mentioned before, the potential existence of other landowners only added to the headache. In short, the most prudent course of action would be to establish a single base at a strategic location and observe how things developed.
Still…
"Have there been any visitors from the south until now?"
"Officially, no."
"And 'officially' implies…?"
"It is unverified information, but rumors persist of people arriving from the south. However, no one has ever approached us as a state entity. It is likely just those who sought land in the south and eventually returned."
"Ah, I see. Pioneers, then."
"Yes, such types appear from time to time. We do not condemn them, as the clearing of new land is not inherently a bad thing, but we have yet to see a single success story."
It was only natural that some would set out in search of a new frontier. It was a common enough tale that they would eventually return, their ambitions unfulfilled…
"Does the Kingdom of Oue have no intention of expanding its territory into the south under state leadership?"
This was an obvious question. With so much virtually untouched land to the south, it would be strange for a nation not to move to expand its borders… especially given that they possessed the budget, resources, and personnel on an entirely different scale.
"As you say. In truth, that plan was in motion during the previous reign, but it ended in failure. Since then, the region has remained untouched."
"I see. That implies the danger is significant indeed. Would it be possible to obtain the information from that time? If we were to fail in our own reclamation efforts, it would be a laughingstock, to say the least."
"Of course. Though, given the military strength you displayed earlier, I judge that you will face no such issues."
It seemed they had no intention of hiding anything and were willing to provide the information readily. And so, we proceeded to hammer out the details of our future expansion into the south.
I asked for land, and instead, I received information. For Oue, this was a welcome development, so they were happy to spill what they knew. The way one phrases a request can yield a wealth of information—sometimes, it is the best way to extract it for free.