第１７８９堀：各国の教会評価 (Part1)
Chapter 1789: Evaluation of the Churches in Each Nation
Side: Orelia
"I see. While the financial logistics are certainly a concern, that is a separate matter. So, the Clearstream Church is not only spearheading this coalition but is also actively promoting the exclusion of demi-humans."
"Yes, that is correct. I have my doubts as to how they managed to amass such influence, but I was in no position to speak out against it. After all, the kingdom leading this coalition is the Giadana Kingdom, which acts as the patron to our own Kingdom of Budeak."
I immediately set my pen to paper upon hearing the name of a kingdom I had never encountered before.
Honestly, I would find a laptop far more convenient, but out of concern that it might confuse Baron Siana, I have stuck to the traditional tools of notebook and pen.
Of course, I am recording the conversation to review later, but there is something about writing it down and seeing it visually that helps me notice details I might otherwise miss.
"The Giadana Kingdom, you say? Could you elaborate on them?"
"I don't mind. It is hardly a secret; anyone from the North would know of them. There are many nations in the North, but among them, there are several 'Great Powers' that oversee smaller nations like our Kingdom of Budeak. The Giadana Kingdom is one of those."
I see. To those of us living in Rogari, it would be comparable to the likes of Roschur, Gartz, Litea, Rumel, or Last.
"Understood. So, the recent actions against Oue were orchestrated primarily by Giadana? And where does the Church’s intent fit into that?"
"Ah, well. The leader who coordinated this was a Marquis of the Giadana Kingdom, and he happens to be a devout follower of the Clearstream Church."
"I see. Since it is a religion, it is not unusual for nobles to be among its followers."
When put that way, it is true. I am not under the direct command of the Litea Holy Nation, but I am a follower of the Litea faith, which worships Lady Lilishe. Most others are much the same.
"I cannot speak to the exact nature of their connection, but it is certain that the Marquis, acting on the Church's request, was the one who mobilized the Giadana Kingdom."
"Did the Kingdom not object to such a reckless expedition? I assume the selection of personnel was made precisely because the Kingdom of Budeak, under your leadership, Baron Siana, wished to avoid unnecessary casualties?"
Indeed, while they claim they intend to take Oue, the numbers they brought make it questionable whether they could actually succeed. They have resorted to taking hostages and other underhanded tactics, but I find it hard to believe they truly thought that would be enough to conquer it.
"I am not privy to the details of their internal deliberations. Regardless, there is no doubt that the expedition was launched under those circumstances."
"I understand. Do you think there is a possibility that other Great Powers will mobilize for further expeditions?"
"That is hard to say. I do not know the extent of the Clearstream Church's influence within the Giadana Kingdom. However, it is certain that they have become a force too significant to ignore, enough that they could force the approval of this expedition."
"...So, even a Great Power finds it difficult to ignore the words of the Clearstream Church, is that it? The sense of crisis... that must be why they sent such numbers."
"Likely. If this expedition fails, it provides a reason to hold the Clearstream faction accountable. After all, they have suffered a loss of twenty thousand."
I see. I understand what Yuki-sama and Baron Siana are getting at.
While the Giadana Kingdom was the nominal leader of this failure, in reality, it was pushed through by a Marquis who was a follower of the Clearstream Church. Since the Kingdom cannot ignore the Church, they gave their temporary consent, but now they have the leverage to reconsider their ties in the future, using this failure as a pretext.
Since they requested troops from their vassal states only to lead them to defeat, their reputation among those nations will undoubtedly plummet.
"I see. I have heard that the northern nations are not exactly a monolith, but is that how it works?"
"That is exactly how it works."
"Then, I would like to make a proposal. Baron Siana, in order to prevent Oue—and by extension, our Weed—from being attacked again, I wish to take action regarding the North. Would you be willing to cooperate with us?"
"Specifically? I am but a Baron. My influence within the Kingdom of Budeak is limited. I am not sure how much help I could truly be..."
It is true; as a Baron, Siana-sama is at the bottom of the noble hierarchy. While there is also the rank of Knight, they often hold no territory and their titles are generally limited to a single generation. As he says, his ability to exert influence is indeed limited.
"No, no, that is not the case at all. I want Baron Siana to act as the bridge between Weed and the North. If you hold the exclusive privilege of being our liaison, neither the Kingdom of Budeak nor even the Great Power of Giadana will be able to make any rash moves. That is all the more reason to act if you wish to do something about the Clearstream Church."
"...I see. There will be dangers, certainly, but considering the outcome of this expedition, it seems like a simple enough task."
"I appreciate you saying so, but please, do not push yourself too hard. There is no replacing you, Baron Siana. As I mentioned when we first met, the moment I saw that charge of yours, I was convinced not only that you were a man worthy of trust, but that there are very few men capable of such a feat."
Indeed, I could never bring myself to charge forward while staring down the barrel of a gun. And yet, he had his subordinates who followed him this far. And behind them, the people waiting in his territory. Thinking of that, perhaps I, too, might stand my ground...
"I am unworthy of such high praise. Very well, I shall cooperate to the extent that it does not become a burden."
"Thank you. Now, to start, how are your men faring?"
"Yes, as I mentioned earlier, their wounds have been treated, and they seem relieved to have been provided with such fine meals."
"That is the best news. And what of their feelings toward Weed and Oue?"
"Especially... no, rather, they are grateful for the generous treatment they received after committing such vile acts. They are grateful to Kagura-sama and the others as well."
"Well, soldiers are meant to follow the orders of their superiors. In that sense, I trust you, Baron Siana, for having followed your orders to the very end."
"Haha, though it was precisely because I disobeyed the orders of my superiors that I received this treatment."
" "Hahahaha." "
Yuki-sama and Baron Siana shared a laugh. It was a classic example of dark humor.