第１８３２堀：新大陸他国の状況 (Part2)
"Hmm. To have come as envoys despite your youth suggests you hold positions of appropriate standing."
"Indeed, Your Majesty. We have been commissioned by Weed to consult with the Kingdom of Jeyaes regarding the establishment of diplomatic relations, our cooperative framework with Owe, and our future strategic developments."
"I see. I heard you joined forces with Owe to drive back those northerners. How did they fare? What kind of people are they?"
"To be perfectly honest, we have yet to discern the true nature of the Clearstream Church. While half of them defected to our side, the remaining half are stubbornly devoted to the Clearstream doctrine; they seem incapable of even entertaining the thought of defiance. As for their theology, they know nothing beyond the simple mandate that monsters must be slain. Even their leadership speaks only in terms of mutual interest."
They’re completely hopeless, aren't they?
Baron Siana and his ilk were merely the sort of expendable pawns whose loss wouldn't cause any real pain; they were gathered precisely because they knew nothing of the overall strategy or the true intentions of their superiors.
"…I see. It is the same here. 'Defeat the Demon Lord. Defeat the demi-humans and monsters who serve the Demon Lord. That will bring peace to the world. Therefore, lend us your strength.' There is no foundation to their claims, nor any substance to their words."
"So it was the same for you? But surely, did they not attempt to pressure you with military force?"
"That force was used as a threat—the claim that Owe would fall at any moment. We panicked and scrambled to muster our troops, fearing an imminent attack on our own borders. In a sense, it may have been nothing more than a stalling tactic."
"I understand."
*So that’s one way to look at it.*
We knew from the number of troops attacking Owe that their forces were thin from the start. Were they just trying to keep us in check?
"Even so, the notion that a force of only twenty thousand or so could take on Owe, let alone the nations of the south, seemed absurd. We suspected a main force might be lurking elsewhere."
"We considered that possibility as well, but it has been a month since we drove them back, and there has been no sign of reinforcements arriving."
"Hmm. If that much time has passed, perhaps they never intended to send reinforcements at all. Come to think of it, have there been any movements from the messengers who handle their communications?"
"No, we have observed nothing of the sort. Though, as we scattered them a month ago, it is possible the time for such reports has not yet come..."
"Is that so? I would like to believe that, but it is strange indeed for there to be no exchange of messengers for this long."
As for that, the truth is that messengers *are* coming.
We’ve been intercepting them and sending them back with the lie that Baron Siana’s forces have successfully occupied Owe. I suppose they’re currently basking in the glow of a victory that doesn't exist. Still, I wonder what will happen once the truth finally reaches them.
Well, I suppose we’ll only broach that topic with the Kingdom of Jeyaes once our cooperative structure is firmly in place. There is always the risk that they might turn hostile, after all.
"However, with the cooperation of Weed, we have managed to buy time and send these envoys. Would you be willing to cooperate—no, would you be willing to form a Northern Resistance Alliance with us? We have already proven that the enemy can be repelled."
"Very well. If that is the truth, then there is no issue. The nonsense spouted by the Clearstream Church holds no merit for us, and there is no benefit in aligning with them. I cannot hand over my people. I shall send my own envoys as well. How about we finalize the alliance once the details have been confirmed?"
"Your Majesty, I am at a loss for words. We are deeply grateful for your consideration."
"Indeed. That said, monsters are emerging from the forests in great numbers. You must understand that we cannot spare many troops for reinforcements. Oh, and as for the trade that has been halted, we shall resume it immediately."
That makes sense.
Between the monsters from the southern forests and the fools from the north, the Kingdom of Jeyaes is effectively caught in a pincer movement. It’s no wonder they can’t afford to send reinforcements. They’re only saying this now because we’ve managed to push the enemy back and stabilize the situation.
"Now then, cooperating is fine, but what kind of nation is this 'Weed' of yours?"
*Ah, here it comes.*
I catch Kagura’s gaze and give a slight nod.
"May we have the honor of explaining it to you?"
"Proceed."
And so, the great Weed introduction campaign, led by Kagura and Micos-chan, began.
It seems the Clearstream Church had indeed made its way to the Kingdom of Jeyaes. However, they seem like a rather pathetic bunch. I wonder if they’re just incompetent, or if there is some deeper, darker scheme unfolding behind the scenes.