GalaxyTL
『I hope Stella can act as a liaison with each country. I’d like for the representatives of each country to come to the fighting tournament.』
We all perked up, hearing Mara-san’s voice coming through the shadow bird. Eh, eh? Does that mean the kings will be coming to see the fighting tournament? It’s getting bigger and bigger…!
『Stella has the complete trust of the country. Well, it’s the same for Ortus and Annulus, but Stella has an especially good reputation, I think. That’s how you all think too, right?』
『Mara’s really not afraid of speaking her mind, is she.』
Dad, sounding exasperated, interrupted Mara-san, who’d said all that without hesitation. It’s true, she’s very straightforward. And wouldn’t it also be a problem, agreeing with her? It’s frowned upon for Special-grade guilds to favor specific countries, and it’s the same the other way around.
Sainsley, on the other hand, was shady as a whole. They were clearly favoring Nemo. It could even be said that they’re being incredibly selfish, now that Nemo’s gone and they no longer have that trump card, suddenly asking for help.
『That’s irrelevant. So? Are there any benefits for us?』
A man’s voice, business-like, answered Mara-san’s direct question, not addressing her other comment. I’m not completely sure because I only heard a little bit, but I think it’s Shezario-san, the leader of Stella.
『Right. Before that, I want to confirm… Stella’s goal is the peace and tranquility of the Demon Continent, correct?』
『Yes. That is our motto.』
The peace and tranquility of the Demon Continent… what a noble goal. That’s probably why they have such a good reputation. Completely different from Ortus, whose guiding principle is “when our hearts are moved.” But even that’s fine, I think. Most Ortus members have a strong sense of justice.
『You haven’t been able to completely achieve that goal, have you?』
『What…』
『It’s okay, you don’t have to try and sugarcoat it. I have absolutely no intention of reporting any of this to the country. To be blunt, Sainsley is hindering your goal. Isn’t that right?』
I could almost hear them gasping at Mara-san’s blunt words. D-Did she hit a nerve? Mara-san’s making me nervous! I’m sure she’s calmly smiling, her posture graceful!
『I want to use this fighting tournament… to properly integrate Sainsley as a part of the Demon Continent. Aside from the High Elf Village, Sainsley really is isolated, wouldn’t you say? Even the High Elf Village has started to branch out, little by little. There’s nothing that can’t be achieved.』
Even the High Elf Village. As expected of the former patriarch’s older sister, her words are incredibly persuasive.
『That means we need to change the Sainsley King’s mindset. I know that. But he doesn’t understand the world. He needs to have more discussions with the leaders of the other countries. But I can’t arrange that. Stella’s cooperation is essential.』
Changing someone’s mindset is easier said than done. It takes courage to change what you’ve been doing for many years. But a catalyst is definitely needed. Nothing will happen without it.
『Stella’s motto, the peace and tranquility of the Demon Continent. Can’t that only be achieved by the different countries working together?』
I see. It was good that she presented a clear reward to Annulus, the commercial guild, but a similar approach wouldn’t have worked on Stella. Because they don’t desire those kinds of things. So it’s a brilliant negotiation tactic, appealing to their nature. They can’t say no, because it’s their motto.
『Haa, your proposal… leaves a bad taste in my mouth, like you’re exploiting our weakness.』
『You don’t have a weakness. If you do, I’d love to hear about it.』
『There are none. There might be individual weaknesses, but not as a guild. We don’t mix business with personal matters.』
So it’s a “work is work” kind of thing, huh? Wow, they’re so rigid. But it’s true that it’s easier that way. Unless you have a close relationship like we do in Ortus. It makes me forget that Ortus is actually the unique one.
『So will you accept? This is something neither Annulus, nor Ortus, can do.』
『…That comment was unnecessary. You’re making it sound like we’re competing with the other guilds.』
『Oh my, I apologize.』
Mara-san’s a tactician. I heard a sigh, I’m sure it was Shezario-san. I kind of get how he feels.
『…Very well. We’ll cooperate, for the sake of our motto.』
『Thank you. I’m incredibly reassured!』
The one we thought would be the hardest to negotiate with, Stella, has fallen…! No, that’s not the right way to put it. Mara-san, what a terrifying woman!
“She’s been planning this for a long time, huh… She’s flawlessly conquered each guild.”
Conquered, Saura-san? My face twitched as I saw her taking notes, saying, “This is so educational!” What part is educational!?
“Stella’s conscious of appearances. So it’s actually quite easy if you exploit that.”
And then Dr. Ludo casually said how easy it was, he’s also incredible. Well, I knew that from the start.
“The trick is to flatter them and not hurt their pride while negotiating. A backhanded compliment, without being too insulting! And her beauty helps a lot, doesn’t it… Schlie, you could pull that off too, you know.”
It’s a secret that I agree. I mean! He’s looking at me, smiling! I didn’t say anything!
“Now it’s just Demon Castle and us.”
Gil-san said that, and I was brought back to reality. So they’ve secured the cooperation of Annulus and Stella.
“I wonder what kind of proposal she’ll make to Demon Castle.”
“It’s us we should be worried about. I think we’re the biggest hurdle.”
Kei-san said this cheerfully in response to the excited Saura-san. Eh? Ortus is the biggest hurdle? Why?
“We’re… going to agree, right?”
So I couldn’t help but ask that question. All the adults then smiled, making me flinch. I instinctively clung to Ronny’s arm. Even Ronny’s face is twitching, I’m sure he feels the same way.
“Of course we’ll agree.”
“But we can’t act without some sort of reward.”
Saura-san and Kei-san, grinning, said that.
“Of course we’d like to cooperate. But accepting a request of this scale without any reward, I don’t think that would be appropriate, as a Special-grade guild.”
“Out of all the Special-grade guilds, Ortus has the vaguest conditions for accepting quests. I’m sure it’s been giving Mara quite a headache.”
Schlie-san, also smiling, said this, and then Dr. Ludo chuckled wryly. Ah, I see.
“Free spirits are harder to deal with, compared to merchants and honor students who are motivated by gain and loss…”
So that’s what it is. You can do this, Mara-sensei! …For some reason, my words made everyone laugh. They all started laughing after looking at each other, bewildered.
“That’s so funny! So true it’s surprising!”
“Ahaha, Meg-chan, your comments are always spot on.”
They’re practically in tears now. Seriously, they’re laughing too much!?
“…Heh.”
“Even Gil-san!?”
When I looked up, even Gil-san was chuckling, looking away. Come on. I mean, aren’t they laughing at themselves?
“Sorry, sorry. Fufu, but I am incredibly curious to see how Mara handles these free spirits.”
“Actually, Demon Castle’s also full of free spirits, but since the representatives this time are Licht and Kron, it’s probably not that bad.”
That’s right, the meeting’s not over yet. Now that I think about it, what kind of benefit is there for Ortus and Demon Castle to hold the fighting tournament? It’s not like they need land, or a connection with a specific country. And it’s not like they have some noble objective.
“We’re the ones who created protective barrier magic tools, after all. We only allow them to be used after properly receiving a request and compensation from a country. We can’t allow Sainsley to use it if they don’t make an official request.”
“So basically, the hurdle’s higher than with the other guilds, and Demon Castle?”
“Yes, Ronny, that’s right.”
I see, permission for use. Maybe it’s like a patent. Though it might be different. In that case, it makes sense that they can’t allow it no matter how much Schutor begs, they need a request from the country.
Hmm, how’s she going to handle this? It feels like they have no choice but to appeal to Ortus’ good nature. But they probably won’t agree if that’s all there is to it. Just as I was thinking that, I heard Dad’s voice coming through the shadow bird.
『Okay, now it’s our turn, huh? Mara, I want to hold the fighting tournament. It sounds fun! So…』
I see. They can agree to holding it, but it doesn’t mean they can cooperate in its current state.
『Let us dance too.』
『…Huu, I knew it. I thought it would be hard to deal with you all.』
Dad had provoked Mara-san, looking expectant.