Chapter 242 - Tenth Story: The Beginning of Trade
=== CHAPTER 242 ===
Regarding the matter of the ghost search, we decided to leave it to the former Lords and return to the lake where the Water Dragon lives. Purification must begin quickly, and we can't stay for so long. Evans-sama said we should just come again in three months, in September, so we departed after promising to meet again.
When we returned to the lakeshore, the Water Dragon's spots had become smaller. The one that was at the base of its neck was gone. I had set the magic circle to intermediate specifications. It was having an effect.
When I had Dune examine it, she told me it was healing smoothly.
The King came to see it, bringing Aira along. After reporting, we also called Dune and Mel, and it became a temporary farewell banquet for Fiona.
"Although it is unofficial, I received a report from the Lord of that land regarding the matter of the orb via a letter sent by Teleport. Mary, Priest Jeanne. You have truly been a great help."
At the banquet, the King came to us and expressed his gratitude.
"And, Fiona. I apologize for the trouble. Actually, I had expected it to turn out like this. However, it seems you offered of your own accord without me having to say anything."
"No. If I, who am no longer human, can cooperate in purifying the lake's water with my power, I shall gladly serve."
"I have heard about you from Jeanne. A true knight is someone like you. Surely, your father must have been a magnificent knight as well."
"Such words are more than I deserve. Surely, my father would be happy as well."
I was also praised.
"No. It was because the former Lords of that land were cooperative. After that, I believe we can leave it to the priests and the Priestesses."
"You likely already know, but the northern lands of Finis have insufficient food production. We still rely on such means. However, in the future, things will likely change a bit."
It seems they are planning to proceed with ghost exploration including the Royal Capital and are considering its use throughout the northern lands. If it goes well, he said they would also consider dispatching Priestesses to Sertoria to make orbs. They have apparently obtained the consent of the Priestesses and Obaba-sama of that land.
I pulled Evans-sama over with the King's permission. When I had the King tell that story again, even the State Chancellor was speechless.
"I-Is such a thing possible?"
It would be a secret technique. Normally, it's the kind of thing where use in other countries, let alone other regions, would be rejected. After all, if there are ghosts who will cooperate, it becomes possible even for those who cannot use magic to use super-high-level magic time and again.
"You should already know that our country prohibits human sacrifice. However, reality is not that simple. It is all due to poverty. However, that which would not change even if one wanted to change it, might change. Priests and Priestesses were sacrificing human lives to protect the land where they were born and raised. And they were offering their own lives as if to take responsibility for that. Such a cycle should be broken. Furthermore, a thing called a secret technique changes in any way depending on the user. It cannot be passed on to the careless. However, the Priestess of that land apparently said that if it is Sertoria, she does not mind. For now, I cannot make a promise, but I will consider it positively."
Even the great Evans-sama was at a loss for words, and in a panic, he threw away the wine in the cup he held and drank water instead.
"F-First, we must confirm the future results. After that, please reconsider. I shall convey to my country's King only that he received such words of praise from Your Majesty."
"Umu. Manage it as you see fit. However, I want you to not forget that Finis holds such feelings of gratitude toward those who came from Sertoria, starting from this incident with the Water Dragon."
The King, looking toward us, bowed his head slightly.
I part with Fiona and return to the Royal Capital. Since Aira had made scrolls for me, I imbued magic into the scrolls for the Water Dragon and several scrolls for conversation. In exchange, I decided to take back dried cod, sweets, and checkered patterns as samples. I also talked with Aira, and it was decided that the products of the region that made the Purification Orb would also be subjects of trade.
I also spoke to James-sama, and it was decided that they would be handled in Medioland as well. For the time being, it's only James-sama's private land, but if the reputation rises, the Class of 175 could open a shop in the Royal Capital. If that happens, I can finally make use of the right of free passage and the right of free commerce.
Eventually, Regnentes is also scheduled to come forward. If that happens, Mary will be straddling four countries. However, since the main goal seems to be exchanging the strong local alcohol here for grains, the cargo we handle will likely be an afterthought. Mary promised to meet again in one month, and we in three months, and we said our goodbyes to Aira. Both of us will prepare for trade in the meantime.
When we went to the port town where we first landed, the Lord and the priest came out to meet us. It seems there had already been word from the Royal Capital, and they knew about the trade.
"The warehouse managed by Aira-sama is currently being newly built. Thank you very much for purchasing the food and fabrics of this land."
"Mary will be coming periodically, so please look after the security and such."
"That person was put in charge of security by direct order of His Majesty the King. He is now a full-fledged knight."
Pointed out ahead was the old guy from the barrel-drinking contest. It seems he's been promoted. When he found us, he came running while waving his hand.
"Yo, Roberts. No, Roberts-sama. It's good of you to come."
Perhaps he's not yet used to being a knight, as there's a sense of incongruity in his wording.
"Oh. I think people from our country will be in your care frequently from now on. I'm counting on you."
They are rejoicing at their reunion, slapping each other's shoulders.
"I was selected as the person in charge of Princess Aira's protection in this land. Of course, I will take responsibility for protecting those coming from Sertoria as well, including their journey within the country. It's all thanks to Roberts-sama. I'm in your debt."
"What, I only told the King of Finis that there is a truly reliable warrior. There should be no need to worry if it's you. Eventually, you should come to our country as well. I'll welcome you at the royal palace."
"T-The royal palace? Give me a break. I don't even know proper etiquette."
"No need to worry. Our country was also originally a country made by hunters. I also ignore etiquette and such. You can be the same as here."
In the end, they were toasting that night as well. Since I didn't call Dune, it seems the two of them settled their drinking contest, but since the surroundings gave out first, no one could confirm which one got drunk first. They were probably both dead drunk together anyway. A draw is good enough.
I parted with the heroes in that land. We split up and boarded a ship, and the heroes departed for Septanaquila.
To think I have to go across the sea again with that feeling like I'm going to vomit... If only it weren't for this.
As soon as we were out at sea, while Beatrix and I were leaning against the cargo near the bow, I heard a familiar voice.
"You must be missing the bowl by now, aren't you?"
When I looked back, Eleanor-sama and Henry-sama were standing there. Both were dressed like Sertorian Navy soldiers.
"What's going on?"
Did they come to do diplomacy again?
"No, just killing time. I heard from the captain that your seasickness was terrible. I came to pick you up."
"Thank you. That helps. Were you able to do enough scouting?"
At Beatrix's words, they looked away in unison.
Apparently, using the pickup as an excuse, they had been scouting Septanaquila and Finis from the sky in the invisible, ultra-high-speed bowl. Which means Wilson-san should be here.
"Wilson is in the cabin now. His seasickness is terrible, so he's lying down."
Call him sooner.
In the end, we were able to return in the bowl. The distance that took twenty hours by ship from Medioland, at ultra-high speed, easily reached the Sertorian Royal Capital in three and a half hours, including breaks along the way.
During the journey, I handed over the letter entrusted to me by Evans-sama. Seeing them break the seal and read it, it seems Evans-sama was also in on it.
"Fumu. So Fiona entered the orb."
"Yes. Since the condition is not to tell others, I cannot speak in detail, but it seems the purification of the lake is possible."
"She will be released, right?"
"Yes."
"Then, we have to go pick her up again."
"That's right. I'm thinking of going in September."
"I understand. I will also tell His Majesty so that he will give permission."
He is truly a reliable person.
"And you know. Jeanne's anti-mold magic has powered up. Isn't it amazing?"
For some reason, Beatrix is boasting. She might have started to resemble Henry-sama.
Magic has also become powerful due to the Black Stone effect. Until then, it was only superficial, but now it has become possible to cover things that could be called ingredients for home cooking. Of course, food served on a plate is also fine. A whole salmon or a whole lamb is impossible, but even so, I found that things that have had their heads removed and been bled and gutted will last even raw.
"That's wonderful. Moreover, you have come one step closer to the secret of the Black Stone. It was worth going to Finis, wasn't it?"
Eleanor-sama is full of praise. I'm not entirely displeased.
"And trade is going to begin, isn't it?"
"That's right. We're going to participate too."
"How do you plan to manage it?"
Since I was asked by the two of them, Beatrix began to talk about the rough concept.
"We'll put one warehouse at the port and one shop in the downtown area of the Royal Capital. The manager will be Mary. We'll hire someone and handle products from the Class of 175 and products from Finis and Medioland. It would be nice if we could serve simple meals like the ones in Nakanohara. I think dried meat and dried fish should be sold wholesale to the downtown market or to taverns."
"Even if you unload them at the port, they'll be carried to the Royal Capital by riverboat anyway. The warehouse should be near the riverbank of the Royal Capital. Also, aren't you going to sell wholesale around the royal palace?"
"Customers won't come anyway. We'll wait to target high-end customers until after sales have grown sufficiently and our reputation has risen."
"Starting trade means the Finis ambassador will come. If you have the right of free passage, it's tax-free, right? If Finis ingredients can be obtained cheaply, why not handle some of the ingredients for the ambassador and their entourage? The ambassador should live near the royal palace with their family. It won't be on the main street, but it will surely be appreciated."
"Which means, if it's food that keeps... no, if we use Jeanne's Anti-Sepsis magic circle, it'll last for two weeks, so we can handle all of their ingredients!"
"That's how it is. The Princess is your business partner, right? Surely, the ambassador will buy. It's fine even if you rip them off a little."
Surely that would be bad. Even Beatrix was put off. I can't believe those are the words of a former Queen.
"Jokes aside, please have the Marcelo Company prototype several wooden boxes with magic circles built into the bottom. If it goes well, you'll be able to sell fresh goods at a price far cheaper than expected. You'll transport fresh ingredients coming from Finis in those boxes. They'll surely sell for a good price."
Regardless of how much of it is a joke, they'll likely want to eat their home country's food about twice a week. After all, it's tax-free and there are no shipping costs. I don't know how frequently the ships will be sent, but if the magic circle lasts for two weeks, we can manage even with two ships a month.
"Likely, what Finis needs most is grain. In exchange, what they will purchase in Sertoria will be alcohol and dried fish. Even if there is a right of free passage, large cargo is not tax-free. In that regard, clothing will take time until it becomes established, so it will be small-scale. I'll leave it to the Class of 175. Speak to the Queen. If you hire shop assistants as a measure for those in need, it will have the royal family's seal of approval, so those working at the royal palace will buy first. From there, you can spread it to the general public. There is a quarter where those working at the royal palace live together, so the public safety near there is also good."
Mary tilted her head at Eleanor-sama's words.
"If possible, I'd like to hire kids from orphanages in the Royal Capital. So, near an orphanage would be good."
It seems Manager Mary already has an idea.
"The shop is one that handles clothes and accessories for young women. I'm thinking of serving food and drinks with high beauty effects using medicinal herbs, and selling the medicinal herbs used as ingredients together. If we make it a live-in position, those kids will have a place to live too. If we have dried meat and dried fish, we can include meals, right?"
There aren't many orphanages that have kids graduate after having them do job-hunting and finding employment, like in Nakanohara. It's likely the same in the Royal Capital. If we're normally near the orphanage, we'll also know what kind of kids they are.
"There is a perfect place. The orphanage is in the quarter where those working at the royal palace live, which I mentioned earlier. That way, they'll be less exposed to bad temptations. If there's a vacant store nearby, why not make it there? The rent will be a bit high, but it should be fine if Beatrix invests."
It seems it's to make it easier to hire kids from orphanages as servants. Actually, a certain percentage of people serving at the royal palace are apparently from orphanages.
We have the funds. It'll be fine. When we expressed our gratitude, it was decided that we would be allowed to scout the location.
We landed at the royal palace and first met with the Queen. Except for those like the one in Nakanohara that are independently managed, orphanages are supported in the Queen's name. Mary's idea was welcomed, a carriage was prepared for us, and the ladies-in-waiting were to be our guides.
The ladies-in-waiting are marble-dyeing companions. They are also rivals.
"Since it's a shop in the Royal Capital, what we'll handle are Royal Capital designs. But for my designs, except for the ones I send to Gladys-sama, I'll send them to the main shop in Nakanohara."
"I'm relieved to hear that. I thought for sure you were going to defect."
"Because my apprentice is at the second shop. It would be pitiful if it were said that her master defected."
Beatrix is also relieved. Matilda, the manager of the main shop, will also be happy.
When asked what she would do about accessories, she said she would handle things from Finis.
In Nakanohara, Matilda and Bonnie are making them, and they have a reasonably good reputation, but they can't make many. Considering the main shop, the second shop in Regnentes, and even the branch in the Flatlands, they can't possibly handle the third shop in the Royal Capital.
"In that case, please handle the things we make as well. We haven't managed to reach the point of selling them yet. We don't think they're that bad, though."
Being the Royal Capital, the customers all have a discerning eye. Since it bears the Queen's name, they must line up high-quality items. It seems they haven't reached the point of self-production for the accessories they sell yet. They've remained tucked away, and among them are even things the Queen made.
"We can't make the ones the Queen made cheap."
"No. I think it will be fine."
"But if it's found out, there might be a scramble among the customers. We can't say 'it's our craftsman' when asked who made it."
"T-That's true."
The ladies-in-waiting also fell silent at Mary's pointed remark.
"Why not just use a different name? A dedicated name for when you make accessories. A pseudonym is fine."
"I will ask the Queen."
In the end, that's how it turned out. They will apparently use the name of the Queen's maiden family. Many people likely know it, but it's not that rare of a name. It shouldn't come to mind immediately.