第１８２１堀：期待とはプレッシャーである (Part1)
Dungeon 1821: Expectation is Pressure
Expectation is Pressure
Side: Mikos
"Ugh, my head hurts for some reason."
"Accept it. Her Highness has great expectations for your achievements, Mikos."
"I know, I know~"
Mikos and the others are currently in the royal capital of Oue on the New Continent. They are there to discuss the envoy mission in detail. But even before that, Mikos is exhausted. The reason is that at the recent Glass Port Town completion party, when she explained the envoy strategy to Princess Carrie—to visit Oue's neighbors on the New Continent and foster good relations with Weed—Princess Carrie stared at her in surprise, asking, "Mikos will be the liaison for Weed, and by extension, Heiden?" Mikos thought, *Well, I was a Heiden diplomat fostering relations with Weed before marrying Yuki, you know? And I'm still assisting Solo, so there shouldn't be any problem.* However, Kagura explained that the core of this negotiation involves bringing goods from Weed and other countries for trade, which requires a certain "sense," and Princess Carrie readily agreed. "If that's the case," she declared, "Mikos is undoubtedly the best." Even though she was convinced, Mikos still felt a lingering unease. *I can do my job properly, you know.* Still, that was fine. The real problem was... "So, Mikos will be the one to establish the memorable exchange with a nation on the New Continent. Heiden will be very proud." Yes, she unexpectedly laid a heavy burden of pressure on Mikos.
"Accept it. Even though the summoning and kidnapping incident is resolved for us, the fact remains that we summoned Yuki and the others. We need achievements to clear our name."
"I know, but... how long is that going to last?"
"...It's a persistent rumor, but acting sincerely is what's important. Please." Kagura frowned. *Ah, I messed up.* That kind of complaint was taboo for Kagura.
"Sorry, sorry. I just meant the trust feels heavy. I'm with the publishing company now, you know. And originally, I was Kagura's assistant, not a main diplomat."
"Ah, I see. Indeed, this time it hinges on your presentation, Mikos. I can handle greetings and negotiations as an envoy, but product introductions aren't really my forte."
"You know I can do it, though," Mikos added.
Kagura, as a diplomat, could certainly introduce negotiable goods and specialties. But whether she could fully convey their charm was a different story. That's precisely why Mikos was asked by Yuki.
"Honestly, the contents of the brochure Mikos chose this time... Clothes and ornaments are one thing, but when it comes to luxury goods, it's a bit delicate."
"That can't be helped. It's Mikos's selection, after all." She exaggerated, but explained that she had carefully selected items, as overly eccentric things wouldn't be understood by the other party. For easy-to-understand tribute items, jewelry and beautiful things are good, but the brochure is for items to be traded, not given as gifts. Also, some of these products involve Ratz, making them optimal for trade. Continuous trade is beneficial for the other country too.
"So, it's undeniable that future relations depend on Mikos's way of introducing things. For now, recognizing Weed as a nation can be done together with Oue, but to demonstrate our national power, tribute is important, yet how much we can trade is also crucial."
"I understand that. It creates a continuous connection with Weed. If Weed is involved, not just Oue, they'd hesitate to sever ties."
This would prevent them from being silent or observing passively regarding northern advances like the current one. If they acted dishonorably, future trade would have to be reconsidered. That's the level of connection they're aiming for.
"Yes, well, after that, it's a matter of whether the Oue kings will approve of what we've prepared."
"That's the thing. We don't know what's taboo. We have to ask." They were in Oue's royal capital and castle for greetings and schedule adjustments as envoys, but also to check if any of the gifts they had prepared for the destination country were unacceptable. Many things could only be known by asking directly.
"When we explained it beforehand, they said 'anything from Weed,' though."
"That's because they don't know the world. They often deal with things unimaginable to others, especially Earth products."
"True. They eat surprisingly strange things."
Yes, indeed. While cooking fish is natural considering parasites, they eat it raw. They eat strange creatures like octopus, and stems and roots like burdock, and even poisonous pufferfish, which are lumps of venom... Mikos couldn't help but feel that Earthlings, especially the Japanese, relentlessly pursue culinary exploration. And it's uncontrollable because it's actually delicious. Still, the aversion before eating is immense, so if they included something like "delicious poisonous fish" as a tribute, they might think it's an assassination attempt. Mikos and Ratz had, of course, put a stop to such things.
"Oh, he's here."
"Ah, Yuki."
"Yuki has arrived too."
"Yes, I finished talking with Stasia. The northern region seems quite calm thanks to Kagura's healing. Thank you."
"There's no need to thank us. Helping Yuki is only natural."
"Exactly. Mikos would come if Yuki asked, too~"
"Thank you, Mikos. I feel like I'd be a terrible person if I stopped expressing gratitude like this. I have no intention of stopping."
"Hmph, well, it's fine because you're likable as a person..."
"That's so like Yuki, isn't it? But you know you'll be taken advantage of if you don't show authority when you need to, right?"
"I know, I know."
Yuki's kindness was a great virtue, but there were quite a few fools who didn't understand it and took advantage of him.
"Leave that to us. We will eliminate such fools."