第１８５４堀：新大陸の情報まとめ (Part2)
"If the intervention of a foreign power like Weed is the reason, King Giadana cannot simply make unreasonable demands. It would be an immediate casus belli. While one could argue that we accepted the Clearstream Church, any move to interfere with the people of Ohe would require our consent."
"Even so, facing down the Clearstream Church and their supporters in that scenario is..."
"Undoubtedly our burden. Though, I suppose we could simply display enough power to silence them."
It’s a difficult position.
We cannot condone violence or plunder against the people of Ohe.
To us, Ohe is a friendly nation.
We are the ones who rescued the citizens of Ohe from the suffering caused by the coalition army led by the Kingdom of Giadana.
We can never allow that to be undone, but...
Using force to threaten them is a straightforward solution, yet it carries the risk of Ohe being branded an enemy once more.
Ah, and in that case, Weed would be included in that designation as well.
Still, if it comes to that, would it at least buy us some time?
But then, the position of Baron Siana and the others would become precarious.
"Baron Siana and her group are still in the royal capital, aren't they?"
"...Yes, indeed. They and their country are in danger."
"After all, they defied the policies of Giadana—or rather, the Clearstream Church."
"In that case, a flashy display of power is out of the question."
"Considering the safety of Baron Siana’s nation, the only path forward is to apprehend the Clearstream Church and their supporters."
"Rather than letting them slip in and cause trouble, it’s easier to keep a tight grip on the ones we’ve already welcomed. It seems we’ll be sticking to the original plan."
"Well, rather than searching for a clever trick, sticking to the initial plan seems more reliable. That said, there’s no harm in always keeping an alternative strategy in mind."
Whatever we do, we must further investigate the movements of the Kingdom of Giadana, the Clearstream Church, and their supporters.
Ideally, we would gather all the information on the Clearstream Church, but that’s easier said than done.
"By the way, what’s the status with the Jeyaes Kingdom, where Mikos and Kagura achieved success?"
"Envoys have arrived in Ohe, and they are currently conducting an internal investigation. Well, in practice, it’s preparation for the Northern Alliance."
"Ah, they were overjoyed with the catalog, weren't they?"
Indeed. It seems the catalog Mikos created was even more effective than I had imagined.
The tools use a system to convert magical energy into electricity, and while the efficiency of that conversion isn't quite perfected yet, to them, it must have looked like a treasure trove.
No, perhaps it was like when the Black Ships arrived in Japan, or when Tanegashima—the matchlock guns—were first introduced. Those were treasures, weren't they?
...Or perhaps not.
At first, they probably couldn't even tell if they were treasures at all.
But since these were items for household use, they recognized the convenience immediately.
"And the southern fortress?"
"There’s no sign of monster activity. Firia and her team are working hard on surveying the materials, but there’s nothing particularly rare. Thanks to Tori and the others, we’ve discovered mineral veins through geological surveys. As for the plateau, the ecosystem is completely different, so progress is slow. Still, overall, the land is quite promising."
"The Demon Lord and the monsters are a mystery, but the rest has value."
"Yes. The value of the land seemed subtle at first, but it would be a perfect location for factories and research facilities. Since the materials are right there, we’ll save on transportation costs."
"I see. So, the only problem at the moment is the North?"
"Yes, everything else is mostly settled. The port town of Glass has been open to the public since then and is already bustling."
"Indeed. The dignitaries from other nations who were practically living in Weed have all moved to the port town of Glass."
"So I hear."
After that grand party, the kings of the great nations seemed to stay behind to enjoy themselves, and it seems they shared the news upon returning home; now, they are using it for both tourism and diplomatic meetings.
Of course, they haven't forgotten how to enjoy themselves.
Well, it is a model case for a port town, after all.
It’s not wrong for people to come and go.
As I was thinking about this, Seraria looked toward Orelia and the others for some reason.
"Come to think of it, did you all open your shop? You secured a location on the main street, didn't you? For the purpose of gathering information and developing products."
" " "Ah." " "
I had completely forgotten.
And naturally, so had Orelia and the others.
"Honestly, I know you’ve been busy with various things, but if you leave it as a vacant property for too long, not only Sisua and Sona, but Ratz and Eris will start complaining. You know that’s the most profitable spot in Weed, don't you?"
"I know. Alright, everyone, back to the shop meeting!"
" " "Yes!" " "
And so, we immediately returned to discuss the shop in the port town of Glass.
The work I had forgotten—or rather, the information-gathering shop.
Despite saying I’d leave it to Orelia and the others, I hadn't made any time for it.
We’re going to have to scramble to get it done now.
Leaving a prime location empty for so long... well, it’s only natural that people would be angry.