Side: Yuki
Well now, the break is over.
I suppose I should hear how each nation plans to handle Rankus.
Based on the Rankus Princess's outbursts, it seems any movement from the demons will likely be limited to scouting, so we probably don't need to be on high military alert. We were also able to pass the demon information to the kings, so I'd call it a pretty good result.
Honestly, in a way, I should probably thank the princess of Rankus. Thanks to her, we were able to smoothly disclose information regarding the demonkin.
If we had simply introduced them, it would have been difficult to avoid immediate execution or having the information dismissed as worthless. But because of the Rankus princess, we were forced to pay attention to the demons' movements.
To know the enemy's moves, no, normally you should gather information in any situation, but on this continent, demons are fundamentally considered evil, so we had to create a situation where we could listen to them.
I used the possibility that the Demon King might attack with an army to make that happen.
If I had just come out and said, "I'm capturing demons and putting them to work," those who don't like Weed would have spread unnecessary rumors about us being in league with the Demon King. I don't think that would cause a major rift in our alliances, but it would increase the personal risk to me... Like assassinations.
I don't really care if some idiot with a warped sense of justice gets riled up and tries to kill me, but if they bared their fangs at my wives, I'd be worried sick.
When I mentioned that to my wives during the break...
"""We're the ones worried about you."""
"""We must find a wife specializing in protection immediately!"""
They said in unison.
They're seriously planning to find me another wife...
When I suggested a monster would be fine:
"""It has to be someone who can disobey your orders!"""
Ah, I see.
"Protection" doesn't just mean from assassins; it covers other areas too.
I've never been popular before so I hadn't thought about it, but from a status perspective, it would be a huge problem if some strange woman cornered me and demanded I "take responsibility." To prevent that, I need someone who can guard me 24/7.
A soldier can't disobey my orders, and if I say it's "private time", they'd be easily sent away. But if it's a wife, that's a different story. There's no problem with her being with me at all times.
Yeah... I should probably look for someone myself too. If they're going to double as a guard, they need to be capable. This isn't something someone can handle just because they like me. Someone like Oriel, Qual, Killue, or Anna—people with loyalty, martial prowess, and intelligence...
...But where am I supposed to find someone like that?
I could pull one of those four over, but they all already serve someone else—and they've got their own duties. Well, this isn't a problem I can solve quickly.
While I was mulling this over, everyone began taking their seats, so I sat down as well.
"Alright, the next topic is how each nation will respond to both the demonkin and Rankus. Let's confirm this."
Seraria spoke, and everyone nodded.
The Kings seemed to have no objections.
"Then, Father, Onee-sama—may we hear from you first?"
"Very well. Aria, how do you think we should judge this?"
"Yes. Regarding the demons, I believe we should raise our alert level. There is no guarantee that scouts will only come to Weed, and we cannot say for certain they won't change their minds and attack other nations."
Hmm, Aria's right. This is just credible information, not an absolute certainty. It's only natural to strengthen surveillance near the borders.
"As for Ranjus, honestly, we have no way to intervene directly. While we don't doubt Weed's victory, we cannot openly side with you from the start. The opponent is a Hero, after all. What we can do is provide relief supplies to Rankus once everything is over. Though, I wonder if that place will still be called Rankus by then."
Roshure can't really do more than that. Unlike Gartz, which has been providing support for a while, they can't just interfere in a country they don't even patronize.
"I see. Thank you, Onee-sama."
"Not at all. It is the duty of those who govern a nation. You've really grown up, Seraria."
"I'm now truly feeling the burdens you carried. But with a good husband and capable consorts, I have no concerns."
When Seraria said that, Aria's face broke into a happy smile.
"Ahem. Next... yes, may I ask for Rithea's response?"
Seraria, her face slightly red, prompted Arshtelle.
"Yes. For Rithea, our only countermeasure against the Demon King and demons is to raise border security. Regarding Rankus, we have already sent fast horses to our churches there, instructing them to dispatch personnel to save and support as many people as possible."
"Using the church to support the people... that helps. Even if the Hero has made preparations, there's a limit to what he can do alone."
This is the power of a religious state like Rithea, led by Arshtelle. There are countless churches on this continent under Lilyshe's influence. Since she presides over love and mercy, there are churches in almost every country for weddings and such, with priests dispatched to them.
"However, like Roshure, direct support will only come after everything is finished."
"Of course. Alsteer, thank you for your cooperation."
"No, in this matter, Rankus is clearly in the wrong. I will cooperate as much as I possibly can."
That was about as much as we could expect from Rithea. They're doing more than I thought. I hope this eases Taiki-kun's worries even a little.
And finally, Gartz."
"Regarding the demons, we can do little more than the other two nations: raise our alert. However, regarding Rankus, due to the movement of their army, we must issue a declaration to our citizens. We also need to dispatch monitors to ensure no looting occurs in the villages where they will be stationed. Even after the matter is settled, we must support the Hero and cooperate in the pacification of Rankus."
"Yes. It's a headache. I wonder where we should find the budget for those expenses..."
Sharl, in charge of Gartz's administration, looked troubled.
To permit Rankus's military action, Gartz has to allow passage through its territory and specify the route. Measures are also needed to protect villages near the staging areas. Even though the war is technically "over" for them, the expense is a bitter pill to swallow.
"Since this is also our problem, I don't mind providing the funds," Seraria offered.
"A generous offer, but the Rankus situation is Gartz's blunder."
Seraria offered to help, but for the sake of Gartz's reputation, they can't simply accept aid.
Especially if Rankus is destined to lose. If they took aid from Weed, it would look suspicious and cast doubt on Gartz's national strength. Furthermore, Gartz was the one who guided Rankus to Weed in the first place. Pushing the blunder of a guest you invited onto someone else—especially the host—looks terrible.
But they can't help Rankus either. Gartz knows Rankus's misdeeds firsthand, and they'd actually be quite grateful if Rankus collapsed. Therefore, Gartz has to handle this themselves no matter what.
"I see. Then, how about we offer technical assistance through the Hero after the matter is settled?"
"Heh, that's a good idea, Ratz."
"If we do that, it won't look like Weed provided aid, and it can be framed as a reward from the Hero to Gartz. What do you think?"
"If that's the case... I'll withhold a final answer, but it's likely not a problem. But technical assistance... exactly what kind?"
"My husband and the Hero will figure that out. We could just provide current technology. I think it's best to wait and see what my husband and the others come up with. Their ideas tend to come from left field, after all."
What a harsh thing to say.
"Craftsmanship Japan," what's wrong with that? Peeler-style vegetable skinners are super convenient! And graters too!
...Oh, wait, if I make those, won't they sell like crazy? We have plenty of general sundries, but for cooking utensils, we only sell basic stuff like knives, cutting boards, and pots.
"Look, he's already come up with something."
Don't look at me so happily, Seraria. Seeing my disgruntled face seems to satisfy her, and she smiles even wider.
"By the way, Seraria. I understand the other nations' responses, but what about Weed? I have a general idea, but just for the record."
"You're right, Father. Then, as for Weed — since we expect demonkin scouts to come due to this incident, we will strengthen security at all entrances and exits. We will particularly reinforce the outer town at Weed's main entrance and urge citizens to remain vigilant. Regarding Rankus, since we don't know the exact scale of their forces, we will avoid making any definitive statements for now, but we will definitely crush them. As for trade, we will suspend it with Rankus the moment we receive reports of their army arriving in Gartz. We plan to resume trade one week after the complete destruction of the Rankus army. Furthermore, we intend to capture or eliminate every single member of the Rankus army. However, some may escape. There is a possibility they will turn into bandits within Roshuru or Gartz, so we ask that you remain alert for that as well."
With that, the discussion on national responses ended, and we moved on to trade negotiations.
Since it was about money, things got incredibly heated. I guess that's unavoidable when national prosperity is on the line.
"Now then, what should we tackle next?"
As I looked over the documents, I began thinking about the next move.
