CH 95

Chapter 95 – Measures against the political heavyweights

Side: Teak, first prince of Galtz.

We had finally decided on a rough policy going forward.

However, this alone will not be able to convince those bureaucrats, or even those who genuinely support the country.

We chose to believe only in Seraria-dono, there’s something about her. It made us feel like unnecessary thoughts and procedures were simply in the way.

I’m guessing it won’t be the same for the ministers of this country though since they are missing the whole picture and, as usual, will only see things from their own eyes1).

I’m starting to feel anxious.

In order to suppress that anxiety, I need to find a positive point or an advantage our side holds in the upcoming discussion, and then focus on how we will turn that into victory.

Well, just as Higil said earlier, refusing them doesn’t seem to be an option.

The truth is, Galtz is rather isolated, politically at least, from other countries.

If other countries bare their fangs, then we have no choice other than to deal with them ourselves.

(Teak)「Then as decided, Seraria’s proposal will be accepted. I’m sure the opposition will be harsh though. 」

(Higil)「Yes, it’s about making a Dungeon underneath the Royal Capital after all. Surely, they will be more than just opposed to it. 」

(Teak)「That’s obvious. However, they have the official recognition of both Ritea and the Adventurer Guild with them. If we use those, do you think we will make it through without forcing things?」

(Higil)「It’s possible. But then again, that may actually make things even worse, since Ritea is another country and all.」

(Teak)「That’s true. Do you think we will be able to hear their issues concerning the Dungeon and then answer accordingly, or do you think a more active approach would be better? Perhaps we should consult with Seraria and see if they have any good ideas. 」

(Higil)「That’s reasonable. 」

After all, it’s come to this?

In the end, it doesn’t really matter how we deal with the opposition.

In order to limit their options as much as possible, we need to repel their complaints decisively, and then throw the ball back at them.

This time, getting some help will probably be necessary

(Teak)「But what would you do if they were to say something unexpected?」

Although it’s rude, I articulate my greatest anxiety.

(Lowel) 「Fumu. I think it’s not a good idea to exclude that possibility….. huh?」

(Higil)「Nii-san. If Seraria-dono and the person who can control the Dungeon bear malice,2) there isn’t any way we would be able to oppose them. Or rather, do we even have any means of dealing with them directly? You saw it, didn’t you? That indistinguishable doppelganger. If they wanted to, they could kill off a few of their fake leadership with our bodies and then crush Galtz with apparent righteousness on their side. 」

(Teak)「I know that. But the fact that they aren’t using such an advantage means that other factors have to be considered. For example, we should be wary of third parties, who don’t wish for our friendship. Or are they going to squeeze us dry and then crush us? 」

(Higil)「…… I see. You are forced to antagonize the partner whom you otherwise wouldn’t dare to lay a finger on, because of a third party. 」

Yes, I would like to avoid hostilities against the Dungeon Seraria-dono rules, even if we make a mistake.

But those who aren’t comfortable in regards to the friendship will make their presence very clear.

They will definitely do their best to stop the creation of a “major threat” to the capital.

The only thing we have to consider is countering them.

(King Galtz)「Umu. Then it is necessary to discuss things with Seraria-dono first. 」

(Teak)「Yes, now we can tell Seraria that we have discussed her proposition and accepted it. And that we would like to talk about how to persuade those ministers. 」

(Higil)「That’s right. It will be easier if we talk with Seraria once. 」

(King Galtz)「Then, let’s meet with Seraria-dono again tomorrow then.」

「「「Hah」」」

Side: Seraria

(Seraria)「What do you think will happen?」

We return to the room we were given and all our members are chatting using Call.

We no longer need to use the display as well.

I didn’t tell the people from Galtz about this function, but they will surely be surprised when they do hear about this.

(Lutz)『Let’s see. I understand their characters a little now and it looks like we can afford to trust them, but the surroundings… Won’t their retainers restrict things with various conditions to try and stop the Dungeons creation, or at least to try and move it out of the capital?』

(Shera)「I agree. I think that otou-sama and nii-sama will think in that way too. 」

(Lulu)「That’s right. Unlike Ritea where it was pretty much forced on them. I think they will try to push for some advantages and conditions. 」

Seems that Shera and Lulu have the same opinion…..

(Seraria)「Dear, what do you think?」

My most trusted husband and owner of the best brain. （Maiden correction）3)

(Yuki)「That’s right. My opinion is very similar to theirs. 」

(Seraria)「Similar? Dear, what do you mean by similar?」

(Yuki)「Well, if things don’t go well, we might be called to appear before Galtz’s retainers. 」

(Seraria)「I think it’s natural, though?」

(Yuki)「No, it’s all of us. 」

(Seraria)「……. Oh, that sort of thing. 」

I see.

If that happens, it may become troublesome.

(Shera)「Ano, if you’d please excuse me. Is there any problem if I appear before my retainers?」

(Yuki)「No, that’s not the core of the problem. But if by any chance, an opponent attacks us stating we are monsters and fooling them all, how do we respond?」

(Shera)「Huh, that!?」

Ara ara, Shera’s eyes flashed in bewilderment.

(Lutz)『It is because we are not fake even though we are?』

(Kaya)『… Resist. Or more accurately, annihilate. 』

(Kur)『That’s it. I agree with Kaya. Even though we’re using Doppels, we are still messengers and our own persons. If they mean us any harm, of course we’ll kill them. 』

(Rock)『Well, I don’t want to die either. I have my pride as a Guild Master after all. Of course I will protect everyone with my body. 』

(Lulu)「That’s right. If they try to bring harm to danna, even if this body is a fake, I will retaliate with all of my strength」

(Seraria)「It is of course natural. If they try to hurt my husband or any of us, I won’t be going easy on them. 」

(Naruja)「Me too, I don’t want to get hurt. Let’s show them the power of the fairy tribe. 」

Everyone agrees on a counterattack.

It’s no surprise.

(Yuki)「No, that’s not how we should deal with it. It’s normal to defend yourself, but what about the negotiations with Galtz if you do? Can you restart them? Will you go home? Or maybe it’s fate… And it’s just fine to pick a fight and go to war?」

Oh, I forgot.

But….. What should we do?

(Lutz)『Yes, I’d go home. Well if they threaten us, then I would tell everyone about Galtz’s actions. 』

(Kaya)『… I also vote to return. It’s my job to protect everyone. 』

(Kur)『Me too, I’m in favor of returning home. As an escort, I don’t want to stay in a hostile country. 』

(Rock)『Well, I’d like you to continue the negotiations without having to leave, because there is something I have to do with the Guild in Galtz. 』

Lutz, Kaya and Kur want to go home?

Rock has errands related to the Guild, is it normal business for him?

(Shera)「A-ano, I don’t… Think that will happen, but….. At that time, I’d like to continue the negotiation somehow!! 」

(Lulu)「I agree. Ritea did something similar and we dealt with it somehow so that the negotiations still continued. 」

(Shera)「I… Help me, I don’t want Galtz to fall as slow as stopping the negotiations with a rough fight. 」

Shera and Lulu are obviously trying to continue.

Naruja also wishes to continue.

(Seraria)「My dear?」

(Yuki)「If I state my opinion, my wives are going to turn a complete 180. NO COMMENT. 4)」

(Seraria)「…That may be true. 」

I agree, if Yuki says something backed by deep reasoning, no maybe even without a reason, we will just agree with him.

(Yuki)「And Seraria, if it’s a draw, the conference gets extended and we are tied in a deadlock, what will you do?」

(Seraria)「Well…… 」

Our purpose is to secure a promise of support towards our independence.

If we don’t receive that, then things get annoying.

I understand that there would be little damage and that the choice to return is a bad one.

(Seraria)「I am in favour of continuing the negotiations. But, if a situation arises, are you confident that we can escape?」

(Shera)「Ye-yes!! Of course!! 」

For Shera, this conversation must be bad for her heart.

Should we finish up for the day and resume tomorrow?

(Seraria)「Well, let’s have an in-depth discussion tomorrow. I’m tired, so shall we go to sleep for now?」

Everyone quickly agreed and I stopped the call, hug my husband as a body pillow and sank into the bed.

Now, what are you going to do, Galtz?

==========