第１８４２堀：仕事が終わったら仕事が待っている (Part2)
"It seems an envoy from the Clearstream Church arrived at the Jeyaes Kingdom, representing the North. They started spouting some truly absurd nonsense, demanding that the kingdom hand over their demi-humans for execution. They didn't even offer a single coin in compensation for the trouble."
"What? Are you serious? They just walked in and told them to take a loss? Is the South really held in such low regard compared to the North?"
"Apparently not. That’s why they were shown the door immediately."
That makes sense. You don't go around barking orders at a nation that isn't particularly friendly, nor one that has a clear power imbalance in your favor. It’s a miracle the envoy didn't lose their head right then and there.
"At the same time, they were ordered to assist in the siege of Oue. The Jeyaes Kingdom started to wonder if they were next on the chopping block, so they’ve been busy gathering forces and scrambling for intelligence."
Ah, I see. They didn't lay a hand on the envoy because, after hearing about the situation in Oue, they realized they might be the next target. But if that’s how they’re handling things...
"Yuki, is it safe to assume the North is effectively picking fights with the entire South?"
"For now, it’s just the Jeyaes Kingdom... but would you believe me if I said they were just singled out because of bad blood?"
"Not a chance."
"I don't think so either."
"No."
It’s safer to assume they’re declaring war on the South as a whole.
"So, the forces attacking Oue were just pawns? They were meant to be coordinated and then crushed?"
"That’s a possibility we’re considering. After all, if they wipe out the Oue invasion force, they can claim the demi-human nation is a threat to justify their actions."
"Hah! They start the fire themselves and then play the victim. They certainly have a way with words," Kishua spat, her voice dripping with genuine disgust.
I feel the same way. It’s as if...
"In other words, Yuki-san, you believe war is inevitable?"
Sia voiced the grim future awaiting us. It’s not that I think Weed would lose, but war is the ultimate drain on resources. If there were some shred of logic to their cause, perhaps it could be endured, but based on the current intelligence, the South—and the demi-humans in particular—are being unjustly trampled.
"As things stand, yes. Besides, Oue is already at war with the Northern coalition."
"But with Baron Siana and the others back, can’t they hold the line?"
"It’s possible. The Giadana Kingdom seemed suspicious of the Clearstream Church’s movements, too. If Baron Siana informs them that the main force was routed, the Church might lose some momentum. But it’s naive to think the Church only has its claws in the Giadana Kingdom."
"...No way. People capable of manipulating a major power wouldn't limit their reach to just one country."
"Exactly. If they didn't have more forces at their disposal, they’d be met with immediate backlash."
Yuki, Kishua, and Sia are right. The Clearstream Church isn't just a Giadana Kingdom problem. From what we’ve heard, they’ve been accepted across a wide swath of the North; there’s no doubt they have other nations backing them.
"So, even if Baron Siana makes his case, the Giadana Kingdom might hesitate, but it’s doubtful the others will stop. That’s why we’re hoping to coordinate with nations other than Giadana independently, but..."
"We don't have the manpower, do we? We’d be trying to find allies for the demi-humans from within the Church’s sphere of influence. You all know how difficult that is, don't you?"
"..."
Operating in a sea of enemies is an uphill battle. Even when we were being goaded by Hifie to topple various regimes, we were constantly crippled by a lack of personnel. Weed has the Intercontinental Alliance behind it, and our individual strength—including our own—is overwhelming, so defeat isn't on the table, but...
"I don't like them setting the board to their advantage. I’m looking for a way to counter it, but... Nina, are you and the others available to move?"
"..."
I mean, we just finished our last job. I understand that we’re better suited for this than Yuki and his group, but... you want us to head to the New Continent?
Well, that’s how the world works. When one job ends, another rolls in. You get a short break, and then it’s back to the grind. That’s just the cycle of life.
We’ve become the "convenient" members of the Holy Sword team. Still, there’s no denying that we’re the ones they can truly rely on.