Side: Yuki
Seraria is wrapping things up nicely. Now, we just need them to agree to let us build a dungeon...
"Build a dungeon? Here in Gartz?"
"Yes. We would install a 'Gate'—a type of transition trap—inside that dungeon to connect it directly to our own," Seraria explained.
"...And you said Rithea is already connected?"
"Yes." Rurua chimed in, "Rithea and the dungeon are already linked. A dungeon has been constructed beneath the Great Cathedral of Rithea."
"Beneath the Cathedral!?"
"Well, there was a bit of pressure involved, so we had it built there. If you have a preferred location, we can build it there instead."
She and Rurua are tag-teaming them perfectly.
If Rithea acknowledges it being built in such a critical place, then its safety is practically guaranteed. If Gartz hesitates out of fear and places it somewhere distant, they might end up being looked down on.
"I-Is it true that the Adventurers' Guild has declared it safe?"
"Yes. There is already an Adventurers' Guild branch within the dungeon. As part of its attraction policy, we've created multiple standard 'conquest-type' dungeons inside it, gathering adventurers to challenge them. The Grandmaster himself has already inspected it and given his full approval."
"Even the Grand Master..."
With further support from Guild Master Rock, we're in a good position...
"This is a large-scale proposal, and it doesn't need to happen this second. We plan to stay here for a while anyway, so you can decide during our visit."
Seraria gave them a sweet, reassuring smile.
"I see. Thank you. We appreciate the time to deliberate."
"Of course. If you agreed to build a dungeon under your capital the very second I asked, I'd question your sanity."
Seraria stood up.
"Now then, the rest of our main proposal will have to wait until after the dungeon is built, so we shall take our leave for now."
"...There is more?"
"Yes. For us, trade and the activation of the Gate are merely milestones. If you want to hear what lies beyond, it must wait until the dungeon is built. Everyone, let's head back to our rooms. I'm sure they have an important meeting to get to."
...Good grief, she's so sharp at everything that isn't direct combat.
Following her lead, we all rose from our seats.
"Oh, and feel free to discuss the dungeon with your high officials. The only things we ask you to keep secret are the source of the reparations and the truth behind the conflict."
"...Understood," King Gartz nodded heavily.
I call it a "meeting," but honestly, they have to find a way to suppress any opposition and convince themselves to agree. If they don't, they'll clearly be at a disadvantage from here on out. They don't really have a choice.
* * *
Side: King Gartz
After Seraria-dono and her group left, those of us who had heard the story held an emergency meeting. Frankly, as Seraria-dono said, this was the main subject.
The source of reparations, the truth of the war—those are things of the past. She is looking at the future. I must say, that old man in Roshure raised a fine successor.
But why bring this to us?
I don't fully understand the motive... What do they gain? It would be more advantageous for Roshure to keep this technology to themselves.
"Let us begin the emergency meeting. First, regarding Seraria-dono's proposal..."
"I don't think the construction itself is a problem," Teak noted. "The way she spoke made it sound like it could be installed or removed relatively easily."
"The problem is that I cannot fathom Seraria-sama's true intent." Sharl added.
"Agreed," said Teak. "I've been trying to puzzle it out, but I don't see why she would come here to negotiate as an individual."
So Teak and Sharl are on the same page.
"If she wanted money or power, she wouldn't have handed the reparations to her country or be managing the dungeon privately," I mused.
"Exactly," Sharl said. "If she wanted wealth, negotiating as one nation to another would be far more lucrative. Going as an individual with less leverage only invites people to take advantage of her."
"...Does she need urgent personal funds? No, that's not it."
"Impossible. If that were the case, she could just sell off the extraordinary goods she brought today and make a fortune."
"The fact that we don't know her goal is what's dangerous," Teak summarized. "If we make a wrong move, I feel like the country could collapse. I agree with Brother—her sheer confidence suggests that moving against her would be perilous."
Indeed. That woman is planning something we haven't even dreamed of. That is the core issue... Is she someone I can handle...?
"Dungeon gates... created at will? ...No way... but... that's absurd."
Amidst our debate, Higil—the sharpest mind in our kingdom—hadn't said a word. He was staring at his notes, muttering to himself.
"Higil? Is something wrong? Even a small observation will do. Can you sense anything?"
"Yes, Higil's mind is the place for this, isn't it?"
Teak and Sharl had noticed his odd behavior and chimed in.
"Just say it already! If you don't speak, we'll never know. I'm not the smartest person in the room, so I need you to tell me, even if it's a small thing." Lowelle barked.
"Neesan..."
Lowelle's bluntness seemed to ground Higil.
I must say, Lowelle's talent as a leader is exceptional; she calmed him down effortlessly.
"Fine. I will tell you what I'm thinking. But please, remember this is only a theory. Do not take it as absolute truth."
Everyone nodded. Higil took a slow breath and began.
"First, the answer to what Seraria-dono is planning: She is trying to create a world without war... or rather, a world where it is nearly impossible for war to break out. This dungeon negotiation is the first move on the board."
The room went silent.
I was just as stunned... A world without war? That is the ultimate ideal for everyone on this continent. And yet, it is a contradiction the world has bled for centuries trying to achieve.
"...Can you explain how you reached that conclusion?"
"Yes."
Higil looked me in the eye and nodded. This wasn't just a hunch; he had found a link in the conversation that made him certain.
"What I found suspicious was the disclosure of dungeon secrets and the opening of the Gates despite there being no immediate profit in it for her."
"Umu, I felt the same."
"But that was the answer itself. Because there is no obvious profit, this is the only logical conclusion."
"A world without war?"
"Yes. This dungeon gate—Seraria-dono said it is a safe and shortest route for trade and transport."
"That is what she said."
"That means information exchange between countries becomes easy. In other words, they can monitor each other with ease."
"""!!"""
"?"
Everyone except Lowelle reacts to Higil's words.
"Furthermore, if each country agrees, and Seraria-dono, who manages the dungeon, permits it, then military movements can also easily pass into the country connected by the dungeon. For example, to the dungeon beneath the Rithea Cathedral."
"""!!?"""
"This means that any nation using the dungeon for trade is effectively prevented from attacking the others. In fact, interaction will flourish, allies will increase, and if a nation that hasn't joined the network invades one that has..."
"A coalition force could be formed and deployed with unprecedented speed to intercept them," I finished for him.
"Exactly. And the victors could share the interests of the defeated nation."
"There's no reason not to join such an alliance," Teak whispered.
"There are many fine details to iron out, but I believe this is Seraria-dono's ultimate goal. Peace for this world."
"...It's not a pipe dream, then."
"No. It is realistic, achievable, and perhaps the best possible strategy to end the bloodshed. And I believe I've guessed her specific goal for this negotiation with Gartz."
"What is it? I thought the goal was a world without war?"
"That is the ultimate goal. The negotiation with Gartz is a milestone toward it."
"Hoh, so we are just a milestone?"
"Yes. Seraria-dono's objective here in Gartz is to secure support for the dungeon's independence."
"""!!!"""
Hearing those words, everything clicked into place for me.
"I see... That's why she didn't deny that she might point her sword at her motherland."
"Yes. Seraria-dono chose the stability of the world over the stability of Roshure alone. She mentioned the Rithea dungeon was created through 'threats'. That means if she felt like it, she could simply build a dungeon under our feet and seize control without asking. She is showing us respect by negotiating."
"...Do you believe she is worthy of our trust?"
"I'll be honest: if we don't help her, our country will eventually perish—by its own hand. This isn't about trust; we don't actually have a choice. But if we take her hand..."
"We become the architects of a world without war," I concluded.
"Yes. We have no choice, but there is also no disadvantage. Seraria-dono wants comrades who will support her. We can assume Rithea has already agreed. Roshure will undoubtedly want to stop the dungeon's independence at any cost. But if two great powers—Rithea and Gartz—loudly proclaim their support for that independence to the surrounding nations..."
"Roshure will be forced to recognize it to save face."
"And for us, we won't have to go through Roshure for everything anymore, and they won't be able to look down on us. If they try, we can simply threaten to withdraw our support for the independence declaration. Though, I doubt Seraria-dono would ever let things get that messy."
...I see.
Everyone was looking at me.
"Father, that is my analysis. Having said it aloud, I am even more certain. King, give us your decision." Higil bowed.
"Very well. It isn't a certainty yet, but if this is the truth, I will support Seraria-dono for the sake of the countless people who long for peace. I will persuade the high officials on the premise that we will allow the dungeon's construction. Everyone, help me."
"""Understood!"""
Well then. Tomorrow, I must confirm these things with Seraria-dono.
And the one who came up with this plan...
...Yuki, was it?
It was likely that young man.
