The art of probing.
How to grasp the other party’s intentions without them realizing it.
This in itself is something that happens all the time in everyday life.
As the most prominent example, perhaps concerning romantic feelings is easier to understand. When one has feelings for someone of the opposite sex, regardless of gender, they become curious about the other person’s feelings and try to confirm them indirectly or through mutual acquaintances.
As adults, this is akin to the negotiations conducted in sales. The company wants to secure profit by selling at a certain price. The receiving company wants to secure goods by lowering the price as much as possible. They repeatedly hide information from each other, and then uncover that hidden information.
You want to know, but because you know it would be bad if they realized you wanted to know, you gather information indirectly, like collecting puzzle pieces, to avoid appearing as if you’re searching for the crucial information.
Now, why am I talking at length about this probing?
“King of Humans, it is an honor to meet you. I am the lord of Ehhas territory.”
All eyes were on me, and the chatter that tried to eavesdrop on this greeting was incessant. Around me, a fierce positional battle for the best listening spots was underway during the conversation.
I casually memorized the words of the middle-aged man who appeared to be a lion beastkin, matching his name and face, summarizing what he wanted to convey, and storing it without straining my memory capacity, all while paying attention to my surroundings. I could clearly see that.
As my true nature is still unknown, I need to greet them, but since I haven’t seen what kind of person they are, they seem to be debating whether to get close, use them, or keep their distance.
While it may be more sophisticated than the jostling of a crowded train, their refined movements and the way they subtly change positions while listening to me during the greeting suggests a master craftsman’s skill, honed by surviving in this aristocratic society.
As for me, I’m busy maintaining a calm demeanor, keeping my aura and magic power stable, and putting on a good face.
Without even a flicker of my eyes, I envied Instructor Kio, whom I saw out of the corner of my vision, casually dismissing the nobles who had come to greet me while enjoying his drink.
Normally, it’s common for dignitaries to come first during these noble greetings, but this time, it seems different.
“Hmm, I suppose most are just observing for now,” Evia tells me telepathically.
To use a modern analogy, the nobles who have greeted me so far are like the presidents of small and medium-sized enterprises. The presidents of major corporations are likely using these smaller company presidents to probe the situation.
“Is it a tactic to buy time under the guise of greeting the ‘presidents’ first?”
“That’s probably it. Those gathered around the Demon Lord are the top power brokers in this country.”
It’s natural for me, who has been appointed General, to greet the Demon Lord, who is my superior, like a president. However, this is a party celebrating my inauguration.
“Hmm, are they being cautious?”
Yet, the dignitaries who run the country are merely watching from a distance, showing no signs of approaching.
“No, it’s more accurate to say they’re looking down on you. They believe their status is higher and expect you to come to them.”
“Whoa, the power struggle has already begun?”
Evia, having accurately discerned the reason, plays the role of my supportive wife.
From a distance, nobles are murmuring that “cold-hearted” Lady Nordis has finally found her spring. Since I can hear them, I assume Evia can too, so I mentally warn her that she might need to start tidying up her affairs.
“Now, what should I do?”
The territory ruled by the noble speaking to me now specializes in wheat and wine. There’s a lot to remember, but it’s not impossible. From the perspective of future actions, there’s no option to leave this party without greeting them. However, if things continue like this, I might not be able to greet the dignitaries and could end up with rumors of discord with them spreading. That would be exactly what they want, and they would likely aim for my downfall.
“…Should I scatter some bait?”
Bullying newcomers, huh? Since I can see their moves, I want to surprise them.
“Oh? I thought you’d observe a bit longer, but you’re going to make a move?”
Evia is acting as a deterrent against the nobles approaching me. Suella and Memoria are forming a protective barrier for the noble ladies attending this party. Himik is being vigilant about the food. Thanks to them, it’s possible for me to go on the offensive. Evia does not object to this course of action. Instead, she watches with an unreadable expression, ready to see how I handle it.
“…I’m thinking of doing…”
However, what I’m about to do requires Evia’s indispensable cooperation. And it’s likely that Suella and Memoria will also be inundated with inquiries. So, I explain this to them via telepathic call with the accompanying details.
“Interesting. Very well. I’ve been annoyed by those condescending types. I will explain to the Demon Lord. Do as you please.”
“You can leave the response to us.”
“Yes, the influential figures are conveniently taking a wait-and-see approach, so we will show them that their approach is wrong.”
Our women are fully supportive, urging me to raise the flag of counterattack.
“Hmm? What’s all this excitement about?”
Only Himik tilts her head with her innocent expression, due to her vigilance around us, but I’ll explain later, so please bear with me.
“Therefore, I would be most grateful if the King of Humans would favor our territory’s wheat, and so on.”
“Hmm, in that case, it seems only you would benefit. If it’s a business proposition, I have a proposal as well.”
The noble I was talking to, at just the right moment, turned the conversation to business, so I gladly joined in. I offered a disarming smile, and for a moment, a tense atmosphere permeated the air. The nobles’ characteristic change in presence, marked by strong vigilance, arose from anticipating what I was about to do. This change occurred simply because I, who had been passively listening and politely deflecting greetings until now, had finally made a move.
Now, how will they react to the bomb I’m about to drop?
“Actually, it’s a territory under my direct jurisdiction, an artificial island located a little distant from Japan, on a star called Earth, my homeland.”
“Hoh.”
The noble nods as if interested, but I wonder what he’s truly thinking. I’m not even sure if he understands the term “artificial island.”
“It will primarily serve as a bridge for exchange between the Demon Lord’s Army and your world, centered around that island. If there are prominent products, it will make negotiations easier for us.”
I deliberately act as if I have few resources, shrugging my shoulders in a troubled manner. The surrounding nobles send sympathetic glances, saying it seems difficult. However, I don’t take their glances at face value. I can tell they’re thinking “fool,” and their magic power wavers slightly.
“Yes, it’s quite a predicament.”
So, I’ll make that waver even bigger.
“It’s a massive project, involving the Oni King, the Giant King, and even cooperation from the Machine King, so there’s a lot to do, which is troubling.”
Here, I reveal the fact that major figures have already expressed their willingness to participate. The artificial island I will oversee as General is planned to be constructed about 30 kilometers in a straight line from Tokyo, Japan’s capital. By creating the artificial island within the territorial waters, we can assert that it is not Japanese territory while keeping it within a manageable scope. This is a decision made by the Japanese government, considering international exchange. There might have been pressure from America as well, but I won’t mention that here. What’s important is the fact that I am at the core of a project that has garnered enough credibility for the important figures of this country to express their participation, and that I am leading it.
“Th-that is quite a grand undertaking.”
“Yes, as the Demon Lord also expressed his desire for it, I intend to do my best to meet expectations.”
The Generals, whose names I just mentioned, are also present at this venue. Furthermore, with all this attention focused on me, it would be strange if my voice wasn’t heard. The surrounding nobles briefly divert their gaze from me, and then I see the Generals, who show no signs of concern and are enjoying the party. If my words were false, the other Generals, who are listening silently, would not be so lenient. I have lied about a project that can be called a national endeavor, and even invoked the name of the country’s top leader, the Demon Lord. Even as a General, there are lies one must not tell. If discovered, I could be immediately ostracized. However, I wait and wait, but there’s no sign of them stopping my speech. This means that the fact that I am recognized as the sole representative for exchange with this other world, and that the other Generals will provide assistance, has been disseminated here and now.
“King of Humans! In that case, please consider our territory’s wine!”
“No, no, wouldn’t you prefer our territory’s proud textiles?”
“Forget that. How about this magic tool created by a mage I’ve taken in?”
“My territory has several mines, you see. The jewels produced from them are magnificent.”
When I present such tempting bait, pretending to be troubled, this is the inevitable outcome. The local specialties are presented one after another. It’s as if salespeople are trying to break into the market, showing an enthusiasm that belies their earlier casual demeanor.
“Indeed, I am most pleased by everyone’s enthusiasm.”
However, it’s still too early to take the bait. The bait dangling from the fishing rod must be carefully dangled, not yet to be taken, to lure a bigger catch, not small fish. I force a smile, perhaps overly so.
“However, with so many of you, I cannot possibly fulfill everyone’s wishes. As I have only recently become General, even with my fiancée’s knowledge, I am unable to decide who to engage with.”
This exaggerated behavior, like that of a clown, only deepens the hidden truth of my intentions. I need information to probe what I am seeking and what I want them to do. Behind me, I subtly give instructions to the women. Nobles are gathering to try and verify information from Suella and the others. Suella and Memoria respond calmly, as if they had planned for this. No information will leak from their side. I casually pick up the wine Himik offers and take a sip. As even these gestures begin to draw attention, a reaction returns to the bait I’ve cast.
“You’ve taken the bait.”
Should I grin? Evia’s cheerful words make me feel that it was faster than I expected. I wait to see who has taken the bait, and the nobles part like the sea, and a man with a dignified demeanor stands before me.
“Greetings. It is an honor to meet you, the new General, King of Humans. Congratulations on your appointment as General. My name is Kseru, Kseru Or Baiyan. His Majesty has bestowed upon me the title of Count.”
He is a man who appears too old to be called elderly, but too young to be called a youth. By the standards of this world, his appearance does not reflect his true age.
“Pleased to make your acquaintance.”
And his smile, which can only be described as seasoned—gentle, yet devoid of any emotion, making the techniques of the nobles before him seem like mere child’s play. A fox beastkin. I jokingly think to myself, “I expected a tanuki, but it’s a fox.” I prepare myself, knowing that the real show is about to begin.
Today’s word:
Understanding the intentions of others is difficult.
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