第１８３１堀：使者の旅路 (Part2)
"As for that, it’s not particularly noteworthy. That said, if you engage them with sincerity, they tend to quiet down. The rank-and-file believers seem incapable of even entertaining the thought of defying the Clearstream Church."
"…I see. They must wield immense power and authority. Still, it’s strange that none of the Church’s heavy hitters were present for this invasion."
"That’s a question I’ve been asking myself. It’s unnatural to send someone like Oue—who spoke as if he were a subordinate to a Southern Demon Lord—without backing him up with someone from the Church’s central hierarchy."
"Do you think they didn't consider the possibility of betrayal?"
"Well, the people of this kingdom don't really care about such things unless it directly harms them, you know? In the North, the Clearstream Church is recognized as a benevolent institution that helps defeat monsters and aids in reconstruction, right? Maybe they just never imagined anyone would betray them?"
Mikos has a point.
Even so, putting aside the common folk, would they really risk losing such vital combat power meant for conquering Oue?
Though, to be fair, the numbers were too small for a true conquest from the start.
"Mikos’s theory is plausible, but as I said, the force was too small to begin with. It felt like half of them were anti-Clearstream Church factions anyway; perhaps the goal was simply to whittle down that specific group."
"So, they let us prune their internal opposition while simultaneously stoking the fear surrounding Oue’s danger?"
"Ugh. Doesn't that mean Baron Siana and the others might be purged once they return?"
"The possibility isn't zero. Baron Siana and her group were aware of that risk, too. That’s precisely why they chose to return in a large group rather than as a small detachment. Of course, they could still be ambushed, but in addition to their own numbers, I’ve attached intelligence officers from Weed and subordinates of Kirika. Unless they run into something truly catastrophic, they should be able to handle it."
Indeed, if they are Kirika’s subordinates, intelligence gathering is a given, and they are capable of scattering an entire enemy battalion on their own.
Though, since they are intelligence operatives, standing out is generally a no-go—it’s a last resort, to be sure.
"Also, as I’m sure you’re aware, Baron Siana’s group won't reach the Giadana Kingdom capital for another month. Even if the journey goes smoothly, it’ll take at least twenty more days, so they won't make it in time for these negotiations. We don't have the luxury of waiting for useful intel."
"I know. The Jeyaes Kingdom is closer, and we’re traveling by vehicle, so that’s a given."
I’m not such a fool that I don't understand that much.
Besides, even if they had arrived, it would take even longer for that word to reach the envoys in the Jeyaes Kingdom, and that’s assuming they’d even believe the information.
From the start, we’ve had to force the Clearstream Church’s envoys to back down on our own.
"Well, we won't know until we meet them. I just hope they’re people we can actually talk to."
"Agreed. That would be ideal. But I wouldn't hold my breath."
As Yuki says, the rank-and-file are so stubborn that it’s hard to imagine them being docile when faced with an envoy from Oue.
Though, we could always use that to our advantage—provoke them, make them lose their temper, and use that to convince the people of the Jeyaes Kingdom that they really are a dangerous bunch.
Just as I was thinking this:
"Pardon the interruption. The capital of the Jeyaes Kingdom is coming into view."
Following the report from the subordinate at the wheel, I shift my gaze toward the driver’s seat.
"Oh, we’ve finally arrived. That’s an impressive wall."
"Indeed. It seems they’ve suffered their fair share of monster damage, much like Oue, so defensive walls are a necessity."
Before us lies a city fortified with magnificent ramparts.
Surely, many lives are thriving within.
"I’ve confirmed Kagura’s vehicle on the drone feed here. You’ll be arriving in about twenty minutes. I’ll cut the connection for now. That alright?"
"Yes. You’ll be able to tell our situation from the mic, but assume I won't be able to reply."
"Understood. Good luck."
And so, we finally arrived at the capital of the Jeyaes Kingdom, ready to begin our negotiations with the nation.
Kagura and the others reached the capital of the Jeyaes Kingdom without any particular trouble.
Camping cars really are convenient at times like these.
Of course, it’s a pain when they break down, but that’s true of horse-drawn carriages as well.