Chapter 477 - Seventh Tale: Gnome's Cave (14)
To be honest, I didn't really understand the story about the magic power swell.
However, I understood why a user of [Light] appears once every two hundred years, and the reason why people who existed five thousand, three thousand, and a thousand years ago were involved in the search for a means to seal the Demon Lord. In short, they were in a special environment where people with high abilities or rare magic were born and raised.
And, after the series of stories ended, I was shown the last Black Stone. It's black and flat like the others. Since it's a pentagon, it's a star. It should increase the power of [Sight].
“This Black Stone was entrusted to the Dragonewts when the Priestess from a thousand years ago went to the Dragonewt Village. After that, it was entrusted to me. The Dragonewts did not join forces with the Demon Lord's army and were distant from humans. Do you know why?”
Maintaining neutrality means, in short, they hated conflict. However, it seems more like it was because of Gnome and the Earth Dragon...
“We have nothing to do with it... I think. They wouldn't be able to live in the perennial snow, but they would have migrated. Don't you know that in the distant past, this area, including the plains, was covered in ice and snow? During that period, they were prospering in it. They won't perish from just that much.”
I didn't know that. Maybe they like it cold.
“Now, what do you think?”
Because I blurted out something unnecessary, we entered a reset. His gaze is no longer on me. It's on Eleanor-sama, who has a dead serious face.
“Was it not because they were proud and tried to be solitary beings?”
“You understood well. That's right.”
“As I thought.”
Normally she would do a fist pump or something, but for some reason Eleanor-sama's expression hasn't softened.
“They know their own power. Probably, the Dragonewt race alone could resist the Demon Lord's army, and at the same time resist humans. No, perhaps they even surpass both.”
“I don't know without trying, but the possibility cannot be denied.”
“And, because of that, aren't they looking down on the conflict between the Demon Race and humans from a high vantage point, so to speak?”
“What would they do after looking down on it?”
“Proud ones do not lower their status to fight those they look down on. Aren't they thinking of delivering a hammer blow after one side wins? At least in the past.”
Since she said 'in the past,' does that mean it's different now?
“How about now?”
Gnome had the same question.
“Now, probably, the maintenance of the race is in a difficult situation.”
“Hmm. Why do you think so?”
“As Gnome also knows, this Jeanne has established friendly relations with various dragons. However, the story of Dragonewts never came up in the end. Of course, I haven't seen them either. This isn't just trying to isolate themselves from humans, but perhaps they are quietly waiting for the race's demise because they are solitary.”
Quietly waiting for the race's demise... Is it possible to make such a decision?
According to Eleanor-sama, in short, they're too proud and are refusing help from other races. They hate having various concessions extracted in exchange for receiving aid.
I think it's much better than perishing, though.
Since Gnome is showing me the Black Stone, the beastmen got a bit excited, but of course it's not like that.
They were ignored, being told the Black Stone isn't like that.
Leaving the disappointed beastmen aside, Gnome told me the conditions for handing over the Black Stone. He wants me to meet the Dragonewts and persuade them to aim for racial prosperity.
“Whether it succeeds or not is another matter. Could you convey that I and the Earth Dragon are worried? That's all.”
“Is that all?”
“Yeah. With human power alone, it won't be easy to approach the Dragonewt Village. Just by reaching it, the Dragonewts will probably evaluate you. Especially Jeanne. User of light magic. Talking to you like this, I can somehow understand why the other spirits established friendly relations. Please visit them once.”
“Yes. I understand.”
I'm already planning to go to the Dragonewt Village. When I replied that, Gnome said, 'I'm counting on you.'
“Now, next is you guys.”
Is it the beastmen's turn after the humans? Gnome turned toward the beastmen.
Since being rebuked by Gnome about the Black Stone, the Horse Man and Deer Man have been quiet. The Horse is the temporary leader, but perhaps because he's serious at heart, he has a respectful air. On the other hand, the Otters are drinking happily with the Fox and the Ghouls.
“You did well to bring the user of light magic this far. I shall praise you.”
“We are honored by your praise.”
Even their words are respectful.
“And, this Jeanne you brought has already established friendly relations with three of the four spirits and gained their protection. It seems she has already built a good relationship with you too.”
Gnome looked at the Fox Man.
“You guys are probably expecting some kind of benefit from me and Jeanne meeting like this, aren't you? However, in my opinion, haven't you already gained something?”
The Horse Man and Deer Man looked down.
“Yes. Gnome. It is as you say. Jeanne has taught us how to overcome the winter food shortage. Besides, trade with humans is also under negotiation. Although we won't know until next winter, we have a good feeling.”
The Otters next to him look like they want to say something. Surely, they won't be satisfied with just medicinal herb trade.
“But, Gnome.”
The Fox Man continues.
“The Otters over there haven't received that much benefit. Since a long time ago. Even this time, it's medicinal herb trade. Since they target river fish, they don't have that much trouble in winter, but even so, it's a bit much that there's not much benefit.”
The Otter man and woman are also nodding greatly. They were absent when the beastmen gathered, and it's clear they were half-reluctant about this matter too.
“I see. There was a disparity.”
I was suddenly asked by Gnome.
Even if it's thrown to me here, I don't have any fisherman acquaintances... no, I did. One is the sea, but the other is a lake. Since a lake is also connected to a river, if you think of it as an exceptionally wide river, it's the same. The sea would be similar too.
“Um, Otter-san, do you do fish farming?”
“We put what we catch into live-wells, though.”
Well, they'd do at least that much.
“Are there deep pools in the river?”
“Yeah, there are.”
“The fish in the pools are large, aren't they?”
“Well, yeah. You know well.”
“I had an opportunity to study a bit.”
Then, it might be fine.
I pull Eleanor-sama's sleeve and lean in to consult.
“The fish in the pools seem to be large.”
“They must be turning into monsters. A ranch?”
“Yes. Can we manage somehow?”
“Leave it to me. I think all the necessary things will be gathered.”
As expected of royalty, she's truly reliable.
When we finished the strategy meeting and proposed it to Gnome and the Otters, the Otters looked at us and Gnome alternately with suspicious faces, and Gnome laughed loudly.
“Can you do it?”
“Yes. We have our digging companions. However, I think it's close to Gnome's domain, so how about the change to the surrounding nature?”
“I think it'll be fine. You should also consult with other spirits.”
“Then, why don't we gather and have a banquet in the beastmen's settlement?”
“A banquet? With beastmen? I don't mind.”
The beastmen are cheering at Gnome's words.
“Um, can I also call other spirits I'm on friendly terms with?”
“Whether it's good or bad, you've already called Fire and Water. Only Wind is left, but won't she come if Jeanne calls?”
“Then, please do so.”
“When should I go?”
When I looked at Eleanor-sama, she thought for a bit and put out two fingers.
“In two days... let's see. I'll go call you at the Priestess's grave. How about that?”
“Understood. I'm looking forward to it.”
We manage to calm down the greatly cheering beastmen and take our leave. We have a lot to do.
We had Gnome jump us to the Priestess's grave and returned to the beastmen's settlement.
Alex was waiting for us at the cave exit while drinking with the Bear, Boar, and Wolf.
When I told them that we successfully conquered the trial and our future plans, the entire settlement decided to help.
The Four Great Spirits will gather in the settlement. Thinking about it, it might be the first time for Dune and Mel too. I don't know about Salamander since I haven't heard.
When we returned to the settlement, the sulky prince was there.
I had been virtually ignoring him until now, but because of the trade matter, I can't do that.
Since he's surrounded by the beastman martial faction, he probably won't suddenly spout abuse, or so I thought, but I was naive.
“Bishop Jeanne. Just what do you intend? Where do you think this is, and who do you think I am?”
His voice is small, but he's treating me, a priest and a Bishop at that, as 'you' (omae). In the royal palace, someone would probably clear their throat.
“Was there a problem? This is the beastmen's land, and humans and beastmen are supposed to be non-aggressive toward each other. Therefore, it is not within Regnentes territory, and the intentions of the Regnentes royal family do not apply here.”
I've developed a splendid theory myself.
“Jeanne, that's wrong.”
It's Eleanor-sama.
“There is no mistake that humans and beastmen are non-aggressive, but this is within Regnentes territory, and for humans only, the intentions of the Regnentes royal family are effective.”
“Is that so?”
I didn't know that. I did something shameful.
“If you understand, follow my instructions.”
The smirking prince said something annoying.
“Jeanne. Let's talk to His Highness about this matter once.”
“Eleanor-sama. No matter who you are, this matter is not something that can be overlooked.”
“I know. But, before that, won't you give us an opportunity to explain?”
“W-Well, if you say so.”
Eleanor-sama mediated for us, and it was decided to explain this matter including the beastman Elder and leaders.
The explanation will be at the Elder's house.
It's a hole dug into the cliff, but when you go inside, it's the same as a human house, surrounded by wood. The floor is stone, but it has furniture too. Several windows of various shapes were not visible from the outside at all. They must be using [Camouflage].
The room is the same as when I entered the Fox Man's house, with a large table and long benches on both sides. Surely, every house must be the same. However, the room is twice as wide as the Fox Man's house. Since he's the Elder, it's made so that people can enter.
There's one door at the back of the room. A family room would be necessary, and maybe it's a structure where several rooms are lined up along the cliff.
The beastmen sat at the back, and the humans sat along the window... the cliff side. The participants on the Sertoria side are Henry-sama, Eleanor-sama, and me. On the Regnentes side are the sulky prince and Godwynn-sama.
When we sat on the chairs, a white-haired elderly woman, perhaps the Elder's wife, came out, bowls were lined up, and several bottles of fruit wine were distributed.
“Hmph. For beastmen, this is quite extravagant.”
The sulky prince said something unnecessary again.
“Lately, we have also come to arrange such things.”
“Is it in return for letting humans dig the silver mine?”
He knew...
“What are you talking about?”
The Elder is shaking his head left and right. The others haven't changed their expressions either.
“Hmph. Well, fine. If your lives become even slightly better, that's fine too.”
Eh? The opponent is Engrio...
I was about to say that and hurriedly swallowed my words. I was poked in the elbow by Eleanor-sama.
“Now, Bishop Jeanne. I would like you to explain this matter. I heard you broke through Gnome's trial, is it true?”
“Before that, explain what Gnome's trial is. I haven't been told anything.”
Immediately after the Elder's words, the sulky prince said. Come to think of it, I might not have told Godwynn-sama either.
However, to be honest, I don't really know either. So, I decided to leave it to the Elder.
“Hmm. Then, will that world of coexistence and co-prosperity between humans and beastmen come?”
The sulky prince, who was listening to the Elder's story with his arms crossed, asks.
The Elder's explanation is based on beastman tradition. Probably, it's different from reality. However, he didn't talk about the fifth spirit. It's because Gnome and I had clearly refused.
“That, please have Bishop Jeanne, who actually broke through the trial, tell you.”
Well, I guess it'll be like that.
“How is it? Bishop.”
You should stop looking down with your chin up.
“To state the conclusion, just because we met Gnome doesn't mean coexistence and co-prosperity between humans and beastmen can be achieved.”
“Hmph. Well, that would be so. And?”
Each time, it's irritating.
“However, to break through the trial, it was impossible unless various races cooperated.”
Humans, spirits, monsters, beastmen. We finally broke through by cooperating.
“In other words?”
“Cooperating in the breakthrough. This itself was the signpost for the path of coexistence and co-prosperity.”
“Signpost?”
“Yes. The breakthrough of the trial itself is not the purpose. By cooperating, we learn to change the impossible into the possible, and should apply that in the future. In other words, isn't the process toward the breakthrough the purpose?”
In short, it's from now on. We should just get along using this event as a trigger.
“I see. So, what do you intend to do from now on?”
You also have to think about it from your position.
“First, from trade. There are things humans can do and beastmen can do. If you don't mind, I'd like you to approve that.”
“Trade with beastmen? It won't be that easy.”
“I think it'll be fine.”
“Why?”
“Wouldn't it be fine if the people here agree?”
“What?”
Since the Class of 175 intends to handle it for now, the scale is small, just one cart. We don't need a merchant group. I told the prince what I was thinking. In short, we should just start with transactions between the beastmen and the scouts. The beastmen can provide the blessings of the forest, and humans can provide the blessings of the plains.
“No.”
“Why?”
“Beastmen's merchandise can also be obtained in human territory. That wouldn't work as trade.”
If you say that, it'll defeat the purpose...
The beastmen's complexions changed.
“Then, is it a severance?”
The Elder is glaring.
“It's not that. We'll expand the scale.”
Scale?
“That's right. Stop separating each other's territory with the river and calling it non-aggression. Allow humans to hunt in the beastmen's territory.”
If we do that, it'll be too conspicuous. Surely, some elders within Regnentes will oppose.
“There's no way they would. The scouts are going in. Moreover, it's within my management area.”
“Heh?”
The sulky prince says that we should relax the scouts' vigilance against the beastmen and have those personnel hunt magic beasts on this side of the river. Originally, the beastmen's territory holds deeper mountains, so apparently larger prey can be targeted. Will the profit be split in half?
“No. A hunting tax. Of course, we can buy what the beastmen caught. Barter is also fine.”
I see, it's the method where nobles have hunters pay money when they enter the forest in their territory.
“There's a river too. That'll be a fishing tax.”
The Otters reacted to this. Whether it's money or barter, they'll be paid without doing anything themselves.
“I-Is that okay?”
The Elder was also surprised. To be honest, wouldn't it be a loss for the scouts?
“There's a condition. The silver mine that we abandoned and you are occupying. We will manage it from now on.”
“T-That... Why such a ruined mine?”
“It's not a ruined mine. The refining method has also been improved. Silver should still be obtainable.”
“B-But”
“In return, we'll pay a management fee. Let's see, twenty percent of the sales of the mined silver.”
“T-Twenty percent?”
“Isn't it double the current amount?”
“N-No, that's, hehehe.”
The Elder suddenly became humble.
In the end, the prince's proposal was accepted. It seems the system will be arranged and implemented by summer. My proposal was brushed aside, but that's fine. The specific parts will be discussed between Regnentes and the beastmen, and the Sertoria side temporarily left. We have to prepare because a grand banquet with the spirits is coming up.
When I met up with Wilson-san and Will and told them the outcome, Wilson-san smirked.
“How about it, Jeanne. That prince is quite smart, isn't he?”
“Yes, he is.”
Since the direct transaction between the beastmen and the prince was established, the King's younger brother's faction can be driven out of the silver mine, and the containment of the secret trade with Engrio becomes possible. Of course, it won't be made public. Surely, the King's younger brother's faction will hear the truth from the beastmen. And they'll surely give up without saying anything. That's Wilson-san's guess.
“That might be so. But I think he should improve his way of speaking a bit.”
“Well, don't say that. He's aware of it himself.”
“Is that so?”
“I think so. That's why he didn't come forward himself and entrusted it to Jeanne. He knew it would fail if he did it.”
“Is that so?”
“Well, of course. If he were a fool, he'd lead an army. But, despite being treated like that, he only ever brought Godwynn and three scouts, right? Moreover, no one blamed the beastmen for their rudeness. Since he knew the beastmen wouldn't carelessly kill Regnentes royalty, he had told them that from the beginning.”
If that's the case...
“What?”
“In a way, he's a fool.”
“Well, don't say that.”
Wilson-san laughed pleasantly.
〇 Class of 175 Management Scale Latest (excluding personal assets like cash and jewels)
・Shops: Main Shop (Nakanohara, Kingdom of Sertoria), Shop No. 2 (Village near the Sertoria border in eastern Regnentes), Shop No. 3 (Sertoria Royal Capital), Shop No. 4 (Flatlands), Temporary Shop (Primordia)
・Free Passage and Free Commercial Rights: Medioland, Regnentes, Finis, Northern Gram, Primordia, Engrio
・Fields: Eight fields (including buildings with farm functions)
・Livestock: Goats, sheep, pigs, a few
・Contract Animals: Eight honeybee colonies
Chapter 19 End
Chapter 19 is finished.
With this, the 4th part, titled 'Growth Period Arc,' ends.
Thank you very much for reading this far.
This time was truly a difficult birth.
Due to various circumstances, in addition to the writing time being shorter than before, perhaps because the plot was weak, I really struggled to spin the story. I rewrote it many times...
Yes, it's an excuse, sorry.
As if following such transitions, in the middle part, new bookmarks and evaluations didn't grow at all, and I thought this might be a big failure, and my tension also dropped, I really fell into a negative spiral.
Despite that, it was truly grateful that I could somehow recover in the final stage.
It's like I somehow got through it with everyone's help.
Bookmark registration, evaluation, and many likes, thank you very much.
I have nothing but gratitude.
Now, as for the future posting schedule, for the reasons mentioned above (it's an excuse. Yes). The writing of the new chapter is significantly delayed from the plan, and not even one-third is done yet.
So, I'm really sorry to those who have been reading, but I'd like to take about two weeks of time, and after finishing writing most of Chapter 20, I'll start posting.
I thought maintaining the posting pace of three times a week was essential, so it's a heartbreaking decision, but I cannot do posting while writing, so please understand.
For now, on Friday, one side story. After that, through a hiatus period, I'll resume posting with full preparation. Please don't abandon me, and thank you.