Side: Yuki
Now, just as Seraria and Sheila mentioned, if we intend to connect this dungeon to numerous other nations in the future, the other countries definitely won't be happy if we are recognized as merely a part of Roshure's territory.
But that's a bridge we'll cross once we start moving in earnest.
"So, here's the thing. Even if we wanted to declare independence from Roshure, we haven't produced any tangible results yet. Without them, there's no basis for independence, and it won't be recognized."
"Huh? Why not just declare it already? If they attack, we just beat them back."
As usual, Seraria's solutions are a bit on the violent side.
"Seraria-sama, Yuki-sama is searching for a method that doesn't involve bloodshed. How can we call ourselves his partners if we don't cooperate with that goal?"
"I'm joking. Though, realistically, gaining recognition for independence is nearly impossible unless the circumstances are extreme, you know? Wouldn't it be easier to just reveal that we have Lilyshe-sama—and even Luna above her—backing us?"
"That won't work. While my father—the King of Gartz—and the King of Roshure might be convinced, there is no way all their vassals would accept Lilyshe-sama as the real thing."
"That's true... Even if we could convince them, if we start talking about gods to the vassals and inner circle, Rithea will start shaking again. Isn't there some good solution?"
As the two princesses were humming and hawing over the problem...
"By the way, how do you get recognized as an independent state? I don't really know much about that stuff."
Riel muttered.
Well, that makes sense. It's not exactly common knowledge how to break away from a country and start your own. To be fair, I don't know the specific rules of independence for this continent either.
"Well, normally, if you achieve a great military feat, you might be granted the enemy territory you conquered and be permitted to call it a nation."
"Alternatively, if someone conducts large-scale land development and the results are significant, they might be granted independence as a form of recognition."
"Though, in reality, that's often just a way to foist a troublesome piece of land onto someone else. In the former case, you're left with citizens of a former enemy state who are full of resentment. In the latter, you're stuck with the grueling task of further development. Since it's an 'independent' country, the costs of reconstruction and development become that new nation's responsibility."
"T-That's a very blunt way to put it. But just as Seraria-sama said, they approve independence because they don't want to deal with the land themselves."
I see. So it's basically: "We'll recognize your independence, so go handle it yourselves. But let's stay on good terms for trade."
"Umm, what about our situation here?"
"Well, normally, since this was considered a troublesome area, independence wouldn't have been a huge issue, but..."
"We've already proven the utility of this place. It's not a 'troublesome area' anymore; it's a treasure house that produces countless riches."
"The big shots in Roshure will be very reluctant to let go of this place."
"Yes, I agree. Seraria-sama negotiated a five-year tax exemption as a condition, but the resources produced here will yield profits far exceeding that. When the five years are up, they'll likely try to impose massive taxes to fatten the national treasury."
I bet. From a narrow perspective, if Roshure monopolizes this dungeon, they can unilaterally set prices for goods produced here and collect usage fees for things like the dungeon's instant transport. It would be a gold mine. However, looking at the big picture, doing that would buy them a massive amount of animosity from other nations. It might even spark an invasion.
"...Hmm. From the sound of it, is independence basically impossible for us?"
Riel tilted her head while voicing her concern.
Well, given the current status quo, yes.
"From what Seraria and Sheila said, we've established that we can't talk about independence without achieving some kind of result first, right?"
"Yes, we understand that... but what should we do?"
"Exactly. Thanks to Yuki-san, I've even become a manager for the Adventurer's Guild... but high-level politics is beyond me. Should we ask the Grandmaster?"
Eris and Milly seemed stumped as well, looking at me expectantly.
"Don't worry about that. I've already thought of something."
"Hee~? Can we hear it?"
"Yuki-sama, what method do you have in mind?"
Seraria and Sheila looked intrigued.
It's not like I'm keeping it a secret, so I might as well tell them.
"My prediction is that by cooperating with Rurua's Rithea and Sheila's Gartz, this dungeon town will be recognized as an independent state."
As soon as I said that, Rurua, who had been deep in thought, muttered her realization.
"I see... By loudly announcing that two other major powers already know about this dungeon, and preventing Roshuru from monopolizing the profits. For the two countries, if the dungeon becomes independent, it will be much easier to negotiate through us, and they won't have to go through Roshure."
"Exactly. For Roshure, if two other Great Powers are vocally supporting this dungeon's independence, they can't really refuse. If they were the only ones to object, they'd get a reputation for being blinded by greed, and it could even crack their existing alliances. Besides, we haven't actually started pumping out massive profits yet. No matter how much of a 'money tree' it looks like, there's no track record yet, so the majority will lean toward independence. If we were already doing massive trade with nations and generating huge profits, the opposition would be much stronger."
Seraria and Sheila nodded in understanding.
"That's the problem with being a major power."
"Yes. Small nations would cling desperately. This is a very clever way of using the major powers."
The room went quiet as everyone processed the plan.
"So... does that mean we're going to go ask Rithea and Gartz for a favor?"
Riel asked, her brain clearly working at full capacity.
"That's right. From here on out, we'll be going to Rithea and Gartz to ask them to help us out because we want to be independent."
"True. Well, for Rithea, it will mostly just be a formality of going to talk. I can speak with Arshtelle-sama via 'Call' anytime, and since Rithea has to coordinate with Roshure regarding the dungeon anyway, it's apparently quite a headache for them."
Rurua indicated that Rithea wouldn't be an issue. Since I'm an acquaintance of Arshtelle and she owes me a few favors, she wouldn't say no. In fact, since there's plenty to gain, we might even get something out of it.
"...Which means, Yuki-sama, the biggest hurdle will be the negotiations with my home, Gartz, right?"
Sheila looked at me with a serious expression.
"Yeah. I'll need Sheila to return to Gartz soon to talk about the dungeon and secure a promise for aid in our independence. Also, we'll need to build a dungeon in their basement and connect it directly here via a Gate."
"W-Wait just a moment! Milord, Sheila-sama has only just recently married. To suddenly send her back to Gartz as a messenger..."
Killue jumped in to stop the conversation, sounding panicked.
I guess if a daughter who was sent away to be married returns within a few months, people might think she's been sent back in disgrace.
"I understand that concern, but this is a race against time. If we wait too long, Roshure will start getting stubborn. I want a commitment and cooperation as soon as possible. Our relationship as husband and wife is good, so I don't care if people are suspicious."
"Yes. Killue, there is no need to worry. This is a stepping stone for Yuki-sama to save the continent. As his wife, why would I refuse? And just as he said, Yuki-sama and I are properly in love. If they suspect anything back home, you can explain since you know the truth, Killue. I can even get a doctor's diagnosis to prove I am no longer a maiden."
Sheila said this with total confidence.
Oh, by the way, nights with Sheila are usually one-on-one, but lately, she's been joining in with Aslin and the others. Much like Labyris, she's like a big sister to them, and while it's nice they're so close, spending the nights together too feels almost too close.
"For this mission, I'll be going to Gartz using a 'Dummy'... a Doppel. It'll actually be a good chance for Sheila and Killue to learn how to use Doppelgangers as well. Well, I've laid out the plan, but the dungeon evaluations are taking longer than expected, and we still have the inspection from Roshure. We'll move after we handle those."
"L-Leave Onii-chan's body to us!!"
"I will take full responsibility for looking after Nii-sama's body!!"
"...Fufufu."
"...Err, before I lose consciousness..."
"It's fine!! Even if Onii-chan is asleep, we'll feel good!!"
"Yes!! Nii-sama always does the moving, so now it's our turn!!"
"...Fufufufu."
Yeah. Negotiating between nations might actually be easier than dealing with this.
