Side: Eris
The festival ended without any major incidents.
At least, on the surface, the festival is over.
We also had Yuki-san dress us in wedding dresses, held a big wedding ceremony, and succeeded in reintroducing ourselves to the townspeople while boosting the festival's excitement.
We certainly enjoyed Yuki-san's company that night, but that's a story for another time.
Weed is gradually returning to its daily routine.
However, for the various nations, the situation is different. For them, the real battle is just beginning.
During the festival, we showcased this city's economic power, technological prowess, and the simplification of trade via the Gates. Now, through the three nations of Roshure, Gartz, and Rithea, they are desperate to establish a connection with us at any cost.
Ah, and during the wedding, several nobles turned pale when they realized we were the high-ranking officials of Weed. There were some who had been quite... persistent, after all.
"Now then, please make use of this room."
Currently, I am providing conference rooms for the nobles who stayed behind after the Foundation Festival for negotiations.
These nobles have sent messengers back to their homelands while they remain in Weed to keep an eye on one another, watching our every move to secure better terms than their rivals.
"Hoh, this is quite a proper venue."
One noble praises the room, looking around.
It's only natural.
Anticipating this situation, we prepared ten conference rooms for VIP use. Each room is spacious enough for twenty people to sit and talk comfortably, and they are fully soundproofed.
Well... everything is still completely audible to us, though.
"We have prepared these to ensure you can utilize them without inconvenience. Over here..."
"We prepared these so that everyone can use them without inconvenience. Over here..."
As I say that, I explain where the copy paper, writing tools, beverages, sweets, and other items are placed.
The maids and attendants listen carefully, determined not to inconvenience their masters.
"And this door here leads to the restroom."
"You've attached a restroom to the conference room itself!?"
"What extravagance!?"
Surprised voices rose one after another.
This toilet is arguably the most surprising aspect of Weed's technology. I remember how hard we struggled initially to prevent people from relieving themselves on the streets.
In other villages and towns, there's a pungent smell everywhere, but Weed is different. We even established a fine system just to ensure people used the toilets. With the help of the residents, we guided newcomers and explained the system thoroughly.
The area with the most fines was the Adventurer District. Apparently, Milly was furious that her managed district was being dirtied, to the point she issued a quest to adventurers to enforce toilet regulations.
"Yes, these rooms were prepared for meetings, so they are designed for long discussions. The restrooms are included to prevent people from passing in front of other conference rooms and being treated as spies."
"I see. With multiple nations present, it's a consideration to avoid unnecessary conflict."
"Exactly. However, I would still recommend stationing your own trusted attendants outside for security. We have taken various precautions, but the best security is still people you can trust."
"Indeed. We shall select personnel from our side to handle external security."
With that, the nobles began their preparations.
"Then, I shall take my leave."
"Yes, Representative Eris, thank you for the guidance."
I exited the conference room and soon joined Milly, Ratz, Tori, and the others.
"How was it?"
"No problems to speak of."
"Nothing here either."
While chatting, we headed back up to the conference room in the government building.
This one is reserved exclusively for us—the leaders of Weed. Naturally, everyone was gathered there.
"Welcome back. Eris, everyone, how did it go?"
Seraria greeted us while sipping tea and casually sorting through documents.
Everyone sat down, repeating that there were no issues.
"Ara? I thought some impatient fools would rush to call out to Ratz or Milly first."
"Actually, they seem too busy keeping each other in check. Besides, if they openly called out to us in front of everyone, it might put them at a disadvantage during the negotiations."
"Well, that makes sense," Seraria mused.
As Ratz said, this conference isn't for just one nation; it's a gathering of neighboring countries. If it were only one country, they could simply use the private rooms in their assigned inn, and there would be no need for us to lend out conference rooms.
"So, how are the nations grouping themselves?"
"Mostly as Seraria and Yuki-san predicted. They've rented rooms based on which of the three nations—Roshure, Gartz, or Rithea—they are under the protection of."
I answered while looking over my notes.
This international conference is essentially groups of neighboring countries talking amongst themselves.
"Hmm, so it turned out that way after all. What do you think?"
Seraria turned her gaze toward Yuki-san.
"Hmm? It's only natural, right? Everyone wants to enrich their own country. To keep others from getting ahead, to check their movements, and to settle things with their neighbors first so they don't get their legs pulled. Anyway, more importantly, what do you all want to drink?"
Yuki-san was casually opening the refrigerator as he asked us.
"Coffee for me."
"Onii-san, tea for me. Cold is fine."
"...Tea."
No one hesitates. Yuki-san, not minding, quickly prepares almost everyone's different orders.
"Eris, you wanted milk tea, right?"
"Thank you. I'm sorry—as your wives, we should be the ones looking after you, Yuki-san."
"Don't worry about it. You're handling the troublesome stuff, so this much is fine. Besides, Killue is helping too, so it's no problem."
"Yes, Eris-sama, please do not worry. I shall support Danna-sama. You ladies should focus your strength on Weed."
Killue used to be Sheila's maid, but now she looks after all of us. She really is an outstanding person.
"But Danna-sama, do you think the international conference will actually reach an agreement?"
Rurua-sama was looking at the monitors for the conference rooms with an exasperated expression.
At her words, everyone checked the monitors for the rooms they were responsible for.
『Are you stupid!? Our country will be the first to open a Gate with Weed!!』
『Impossible!! We will be first!!』
『Listen, we will have priority access to their supplies.』
『Hah! Save your jokes for somewhere else. We will have priority for their goods.』
『With this, we won't have to buy from you at those ridiculous prices anymore.』
『What was that!? I know you've been overcharging us too!!』
It wasn't so much a meeting as it was a shouting match.
"Nah, they'll reach an agreement eventually. Right now they're just asserting their positions, but the sooner they decide the order of installation, the sooner they can actually start setting things up. The smarter ones will realize that and wrap up the meeting quickly."
"I see. Once one group finishes, the others will get impatient. So even if it's just for now, they'll try to conclude the meeting and move on to installation."
"Exactly. As for pricing, since the Gates are involved, it'll depend on future negotiations. It should settle at a reasonable price. That aside, some will probably try to slip us bribes or under-the-table money to get priority. How do we want to handle that?"
Yuki-san shifted his gaze to Seraria.
Bribes are distasteful, but sometimes necessary for a nation. However, the decision rests with Seraria as the Lord.
"Hah! Rejected. Tell those fools who try it to pack their bags. Make it clear they are polluting the way this place operates. If they're persistent, tell the other nations and make an example of them."
"You're quite aggressive, Seraria."
"Of course. Otherwise, what is Weed for? This is a country for the people."
Everyone nodded at Seraria's declaration.
"It's only going to get busier from here. The war with the Hero, opening Gates to various nations, the movements of the Demon King's army, the unknown situation in Roumel... we have plenty to do. Everyone, please lend me your strength—for the country, for the people, and for our husband."
"""Yes!"""
Yes, we have founded a nation, but this is only the beginning. It is but one step in Yuki-san's journey to save the continent. With our hearts steeled, we moved forward with the discussion.
During the meeting, one particular document caught Yuki-san's eye.
"The list of nations that didn't participate this time... I need to check their locations."
Yuki-san glared at the names of those countries.
