Side: Teak Gartz (First Prince)
The broad policy has been decided.
However, this alone will not be enough to convince the high officials—the vassals who support our nation. Just because we have chosen to believe Seraria-dono doesn't mean our subordinates won't suspect someone else of harborring ulterior motives.
Actually, the same could be said for our own country. Anxiety is inevitable. To suppress that unease, we must secure favorable conditions or ensure the situation remains advantageous for us; otherwise, the discontent of the vassals will fester.
"Now then, assuming we move forward with accepting Seraria-dono's proposal, we must still expect pushback."
"Yes," I noted. "The idea of building a mysterious dungeon beneath this capital... there will certainly be an opposition faction."
"That's to be expected," Sharl added. "But with the endorsement from Rithea and the Adventurer's Guild, can't we just push it through?"
"We could. But would that not create unnecessary resentment and lead to problems later?"
"Indeed," Father mused. "To keep things under control, we should ask for their requirements. We'll have to consult with Seraria-dono and find a middle ground."
"That is the most reasonable path," I agreed.
It always comes down to this. Resistance is unavoidable. To minimize it as much as possible, we must incorporate the opinions of the opposition and aim for stability.
"However, what if... just what if they are planning something sinister?"
I voiced our greatest lingering fear, despite how rude it felt.
"Hmm. It's not wise to exclude that possibility entirely from our calculations... but..."
"Elder Brother," Higil interrupted. "If Seraria-dono or the people controlling the dungeon intended us harm, there's nothing we could do. In fact, there wouldn't even be a point in talking. You saw those Doppelgangers. Perfect fakes. If they were serious, they could crush Gartz or replace us at any time."
"I know that. But we have to consider other factors. For instance, sabotage by those who do not wish for friendship between our country and the dungeon."
"...I see. We must avoid making an enemy of someone we absolutely don't want as a foe simply because of a third party's interference."
Exactly.
At all costs, we must avoid antagonizing the dungeon Seraria-dono governs. Yet, there will always be those who dislike this alliance. They will surely try to drive a wedge between us. We must prevent that, no matter what.
"Umu. That is another point we need to discuss thoroughly with Seraria-dono."
"Yes. The best flow would be to talk to her first, get her agreement on the points we've decided, and then use that to persuade the high officials."
"Agreed. It will be easier if we clear it with Seraria-sama first."
"Then, tomorrow, we shall hold another meeting with her."
"""Understood!"""
* * *
Side: Seraria
"What do you think will happen?"
We had returned to our assigned quarters and were holding a meeting with everyone via Call. We don't need a formal round table. I haven't told the Gartz royals how convenient this communication function is, but they'd surely be shocked if they knew.
『Well, since the dungeon is an unknown entity, even if they trust you personally, they'll probably attach various conditions to appease their vassals, don't you think?』
Ratz's voice rang out.
"I agree. I think my father and brothers are thinking along those lines," Sheila added.
"Indeed. Unlike with Rithea, this is a full negotiation from scratch. It's only natural for them to have demands," Rurua noted.
So Sheila and Rurua are of the same mind...
"What do you think?" I asked.
I turned to my husband—the person I trust most and, as far as I know, the possessor of the finest mind (Thanks to maiden bias.).
"Well... I mostly agree with everyone else."
"Mostly? Where do you think the difference lies?"
"Hmm. If things go south, they might demand that we all appear before the Gartz vassals."
"I thought that was a given?"
"No, I mean 'all' of us."
"...Oh, I see."
I get it now. That could lead to some rather tedious complications.
"Um, I'm sorry. Is there a problem with appearing before the vassals?" Sheila asked tentatively.
"No, the appearance itself isn't a problem. But if an opposition faction decides we're monsters and attacks us, how should we respond?"
"W-What!?" Sheila's eyes went wide.
『Even if we are 'fakes' right now, there's no reason for us to just sit there and take it,』 Ratz replied sharply.
『...Resistance. Or rather, annihilation,』 Kaya added.
『I agree with Kaya-sama. Even as fakes, we are envoys representing our true selves. To harm such a person... they deserve to be cut down,』 Qual stated.
『Well, I don't plan on dying either. I'm not a Guild Master for nothing; I can at least protect myself,』 Rock chimed in.
"Exactly," Rurua said firmly. "If they try to harm my husband—even this double of him—I'll face them with everything I've got."
"Naturally. If they threaten my husband or any of us, I won't hold back," I agreed.
"I don't like being attacked either. I'd be happy to show them the power of the Fairies," Narjia added.
Everyone was in favor of fighting back. Of course.
"No, that's not what I meant. Protecting ourselves is a given. What I'm asking is: if that happens, what do we do about the negotiations? Do we continue? Do we leave? Or... actually, since it would be a perfect excuse, do we just pick a fight with them?" Yuki clarified.
Ah, so that's what he was getting at. But... what should we do?
『I'd vote for leaving. It would be a threat, basically—telling the other nations how Gartz treated us,』 Ratz suggested.
『...I also vote for leaving. My job is to protect everyone.』 Kaya said.
『I agree with leaving. As a bodyguard, I don't want to stay in a country where such an incident could occur,』 Qual added.
『Hmm, I have business with the Gartz Guild, so I'd prefer we stay and continue the negotiations,』 Rock noted.
"A-Ah, um... I don't think something like that will actually happen... but if it does, I would hope we can find a way to continue the negotiations!" Sheila pleaded.
"Indeed," Rurua added. "You continued negotiations with Rithea even after what happened there. Please, stay the course."
"I was saved by all of you, and I wouldn't want Gartz to be abandoned over that level of trouble," Narjia said.
Sheila, Rurua, and Narjia all want to continue.
"And you?" I asked Yuki.
"If I give my opinion, all my wives are going to change their minds instantly, so 'no comment'."
"Fair enough."
I have to admit, if Yuki says something, I usually assume there's a profound reason behind it and lean toward his side.
"So, with me, it's a tie, meaning the meeting is extended—unless the 'continue' side wins. What do we do?"
"Well..."
Our goal is Gartz's support for the dungeon's independence. Without that, things will get complicated. Since I know we won't actually be in danger, the option of leaving isn't very productive.
"I'll cast my vote for continuing the negotiations. But if such an incident occurs, I'm going to be extremely aggressive with our demands, alright?"
"Y-Yes! Of course!" Sheila replied.
This conversation was clearly a bit much for Sheila's nerves. I suppose we should end it here and see how tomorrow goes.
"Alright, let's discuss the details tomorrow. We're all tired, so shall we head to sleep?"
Everyone agreed. We cut the Call, and I sank into the bed, using our husband as a literal body pillow.
Now then, what will Gartz decide to do?
