第１８９２堀：妻たちのプチ会議 (Part1)
Chapter 1892: A Petit Meeting of Wives
Side: Samantha
I was summoned by Seraria, but I have no idea why...
"What could it be?"
"Who knows."
Cleena-san is also tilting her head, equally clueless as to why we were called.
Well, it’s certainly related to diplomacy. After all, Cleena-san and I have been constantly occupied with diplomatic affairs lately. Yuki-sama announced that he had discovered a new continent and intended to entrust the development of the southern regions to the nations of the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance.
On top of that, he’s being incredibly generous, offering to lend out production methods and tools for vehicles and medical supplies. Well, the goal is to have each country establish a proper production system, but still. Such a massive undertaking won't be settled easily, which is why we in the diplomatic group have been kept so busy.
"Ah, maybe Aslin and the others have had some success?"
"Indeed. If the survey of the south progresses and we can guarantee a certain level of safety, we can contact the nations of the If Continent."
The reason we are so busy right now is because of this expansion into the new continent. If there’s progress, I thought perhaps things would get easier and we could shift our focus to helping out over there, but...
"They should just make up their minds already."
Cleena-san is as blunt as ever. Well, she doesn't say things like that to the heavyweights, but apparently, she does say them to Grandfather Feigel and Princess Inis, which supposedly leaves the former with a bitter smile and the latter laughing heartily. Princess Inis is one thing, but I hope Grandfather Feigel’s stomach can handle the stress.
"It’s already decided that we will send troops. The problem is the security over there. Or rather, there are matters of face and such to consider."
"That’s exactly why they should just decide it quickly."
"If only it were that simple. Unlike our Weed, they don't have a short history, nor is their will unified."
"I don't see how having a long history is a good thing at all. It just leads to pointless pride and people tripping each other up."
"...That is one aspect of it, but the fact that a country has endured for so long is exactly what leads to an evaluation of stability."
Yes, a country with a long history is one that has solved many problems. The larger and deeper the history of a nation, the more people it has, and consequently, the more problems arise. The fact that they have survived is proof that they have overcome those troubles. It is by no means a negative; it shows that the country has walked a powerful path.
However, as Cleena-san says, the deeper the history, the more the people living there have their own attachments, their own ways of protecting the nation, and their own differences in how they think development should proceed. This leads to clashes of opinion and, eventually, people sabotaging one another... It’s not that Cleena-san doesn't understand that, but she still has no shortage of complaints.
"I can understand that much. Still, what they’re doing is just Yuki’s kindness—deciding on the distribution of aid. It’s stupid to fight over something that fell into their laps from someone else."
"...I cannot deny that."
I agree on that point. If they were trying to launch a national project by taking on the risks themselves, it would be natural to agonize over the burden. But this is someone else’s land—or rather, a place with almost no hostile forces—where they simply need to send personnel. There are certainly things to consider, but I can see why one would think their decision-making is slow.
Still...
"However, it is also true that the geopolitics are not yet stable."
"That’s our convenience. It has nothing to do with them failing to prepare."
"...Mmph."
Rarely am I unable to refute Cleena-san’s words. She is right. Our "not yet" is our own convenience, and it has nothing to do with them being unprepared. If they were to say, "Let us go already," it would show their motivation.
"Sigh. For now, our support for the new continent is still a ways off. Or perhaps, as long as nothing is decided, we should focus our efforts on the new continent?"
"I do think it’s better to have a point of contact, but... that might be an option."
There is no point in waiting for meetings that go nowhere. It might be better for us to head to the new continent to help stabilize it as quickly as possible. They might even feel a bit of urgency if they realize we’ve grown tired of waiting.
"Yeah. Let’s talk to Seraria about it."
"Indeed. We aren't the only ones who can act as a point of contact, and perhaps a change of pace—or rather, a need for me to see the site myself—is in order."
"As Samantha says, if we see the site and voice our opinions, it might be easier to reach a consensus."
"A white lie," as they say—though I’m not really lying. And rather than us staying in the same place, introducing a fresh perspective might spark new movement.
While we were talking about this, we arrived at Seraria-sama’s office. For an ordinary person, this would be a moment of hesitation before knocking, but...
"I’m going in."
Cleena-san says this without hesitation and opens the door. Usually, one would think it rude to be so casual when entering the Queen’s room, but to us, she is family.
Inside, not only Seraria-sama, but to my surprise, a fair number of our family members were gathered.
"You’re here. Have a seat."
Prompted by her, we move to the long sofa. Seraria-sama and Qual are at the desk, while Rurua-sama, Kagura-san, Mikos-san, Enora-san, and Ryushi are gathered, making the room feel cramped. Well, we can just barely squeeze in.
"I’m surprised. What’s everyone doing here?"
"Indeed. It doesn't seem like everyone is here, but is there some kind of trouble?"
It’s rare for this many people to gather. We should assume something significant has happened.
"Well, if you say something happened, then it did."
"Yes, that is true..."
Seraria and Rurua, who answered, are smiling bitterly. It doesn't seem to be an emergency, but the situation is unclear. Usually, one would just state what happened and discuss a solution, but...
"Hmm? I don't get it. Why did you call us?"
Cleena-san seems to feel the same discomfort with the situation and asks for the issue. Everyone looks at each other.
"Right. There’s no point in staying silent or being vague. I’ll tell you clearly."
Seraria says this, takes a breath, and continues.
"Kagura and Mikos are being pressured by Princess Carrie regarding their children."
" "Huh?" "
Words I hadn't expected came out, and I couldn't help but let out that sound. No, wait. That’s not right. It is certainly not a matter to be taken lightly, and for those of us who married into families as noble daughters, the presence or absence of children can literally be a matter of life and death.
"I see. That is indeed a problem."