第１８６７堀：晩酌とこれからの話 (Part1)
### Chapter 1867: Evening Drinks and Future Plans
**Side: Yuki**
"Ah, there is truly no greater solace than these moments spent with you, Yuki-dono, and Oue-dono."
"Indeed, I couldn't agree more."
Reflected on the screen were the King of Giadana and his chancellor, Daeda, both sitting back in a relaxed posture, glasses in hand. They appeared to be old friends who often shared such intimate evenings, though lately, the pressures surrounding the demi-human situation had kept them relentlessly busy. Apparently, the foolish nobility were making quite a racket.
"Phaah, delicious. To think there are those who would seek to invade a nation that produces such spirits."
"Quite right. The cuisine is top-tier, the confections are exquisite, and the magical tools are unparalleled. To make an enemy of such a country would be nothing but a loss. As the saying goes, 'befriend the distant and attack the near'—there is no logical reason to march against a power so far removed."
The two men continued their discourse, savoring the liquor and food provided by Ena. Naturally, their guards and maids were present as well; they, too, had been treated to Weed’s cuisine, which had proven so popular that I had handed over a fair amount to be used as a tool for winning hearts and minds.
"I am pleased to hear that you enjoyed what Ena brought for you."
"Oh, I enjoyed it immensely. Anyone who couldn't appreciate this would have to be a fool with a deadened palate."
"Indeed. One may have personal preferences, but to be unable to distinguish true quality is a failing of character."
"Now then, Yuki-dono. Regarding the transport of supplies—how does that stand?"
He set his glass down, steering the conversation toward business. Or perhaps it was merely the natural flow of their talk.
"The preparations are underway. Once you have finalized your end, we can proceed with the handover."
The "supplies" in question were the magical tools I had entrusted to Ena—or, in Earth terms, everyday household appliances. Much like the Kingdom of Jeyaes, they had seen the catalogs I’d given to Micos, and despite Ena’s clumsy explanations, they had grasped the utility of these items and desired them. They intended to use these goods to sway the fools clamoring for demi-human expulsion, effectively turning them to our side.
It makes sense, really. Rather than trying to eliminate us, they’ve realized it’s far more profitable to utilize us.
"Our preparations, you ask? Daeda, what is the status?"
"As it stands, we have informed the Clearstream Church, so we expect word within three days. For the escort departing from Giadana, I intend to rely on Baron Siana and his men."
"Hmm, Baron Siana and his group? Is it not better to have them return home?"
"That would be my preference, certainly, but doing so would invite interference from the Marquis Torul’s faction and other interests. We could send the King’s or my own personal forces, but that would hinder our coordination with King Oue."
"I see. Well, the scheduled return of the troops is still some time off, but is there any concern regarding morale? It was an unreasonable deployment to begin with, was it not?"
"We have no choice but to explain the situation clearly and provide them with proper compensation."
Even though some time had passed since then, reorganizing the forces now would be a logistical headache. Considering that, utilizing the troops already stationed there was faster and avoided any discrepancies in intelligence. That said, given the state of the Giadana Kingdom, Baron Siana and his men had essentially been sent out as sacrificial pawns. If they were forced to return to the front lines after surviving such an ordeal, a drop in morale would be inevitable. They had been coerced into the deployment by political pressure, after all.
Still, if I were to work with Baron Siana and his men—people I was already familiar with—it would undoubtedly be easier for me.
If that were the case…
"I shall speak with Baron Siana and his men myself. Furthermore, I will ensure that their achievements are officially recognized by their home country. Compensation alone might not be enough to make them feel the effort was worth it."
"Ah, you are right. It is essential that their success is reported back to the capital. I leave the liaison with Baron Siana to you, Yuki-dono."
We had already provided Baron Siana’s group with significant accommodations; if we explained the situation beforehand, I doubted they would refuse. After all, this would serve as a bridge to the Giadana Kingdom, which would surely improve their standing within their own country.
"It was an unreasonable demand from the start. We must ensure the country provides guarantees for them as well. Shall we demand that from the Clearstream Church, too?"
"A fine idea. They would likely pay it gladly right now. They were the ones criticizing us for not sending troops, after all. If we frame it as the Clearstream Church providing the rewards for all nations, they will be eager to do so, hoping to tarnish the authority of the Giadana Kingdom in the process."
"Well, we shall flip the script on them later."
"Is there a method to do so?"
If they were aiming for a reversal of fortune, I feared it might take too long, potentially becoming fatal for the Giadana Kingdom. Assuming they had a strategy in mind, I asked for clarification.
"Hm? Ah, I hadn't mentioned it to you, Yuki-dono. I told you that the Giadana Kingdom and the Clearstream Church are at odds, did I not?"
"Yes, I am aware."
That was precisely why they had sheltered demi-humans and offered almost no support to Marquis Torul. And it was why they were here, speaking with me and King Oue.
"Well, that is why we have been working behind the scenes for some time to eliminate the threat posed by the Clearstream Church."
"If we could borrow the hands of Yuki-sama and King Oue, our chances would increase significantly. I would like you to hear our proposal."
"I see. That is quite interesting. Please, tell me more."
Whether I would help or not depended on the details, of course.
"It is nothing overly complex. We have secured evidence of the Clearstream Church’s scandals. We intend to make them public on a grand scale to ruin their reputation."
"I see. Scandals. A straightforward approach, but why is there a need for our help? Or rather, is there anything we can actually do to assist?"
Scandals meant they were doing something illicit. But that was something that could only be handled locally. Weed could provide supplies, but given the lead time for transport, I didn't see how we could be of much use.
"Ah, it is not that we need you to help directly. Or rather, perhaps you *would* be helping?"
"What do you mean by that?"
"You have agents of Weed currently operating here, do you not? We are talking about cooperation with them."
"Ah."
So, they wanted Vilier and the others to do something. But…
"However, those who have infiltrated the area are currently in the process of establishing a foothold. I don't believe they are in a position to provide direct assistance."
Indeed, Vilier and her group were currently building a track record under Archbishop Dodona, and for now, they were only known as promising young talents.
"It is not that I need them to actually *do* something… well, they would be doing something, but it is not dangerous."
"I’m afraid I don't follow. What is the intent behind your words?"
Their contradiction left me tilting my head. How can one help without helping? Was this a riddle?
"Do not overthink it. My apologies, Yuki-dono. We simply need them to witness the scandal. To act as witnesses, so to speak."
"Ah, I see. I understand now. It is indeed a form of assistance, yet not 'assistance' in the traditional sense."
They just needed someone to happen upon the truth.