Chapter 509 - Episode 4: The Dryad of the Royal Capital Area ④
The main points of the Dryad's negotiation proposal were successfully finalized. Guided by the Rabbit Man, we headed to the Beastman village to call for their cooperation.
After all, they had been abandoned last time.
The Rabbit Man introduced me as a user of Light magic, but the reaction was cold.
"It doesn't matter what happens to me, does it? More importantly, why don't we make it so you all can live at the foot of the plateau?"
These words seemed to have an effect. Furthermore, although they were avatars, three Dryads were acting as their backing. The Beastmen who came from Regnentes also passionately explained how wealthy their lives had become as a result of restoring their relationship with humans. Of course, they kept quiet about the secret silver trade with the Royal Brother's faction.
"I heard this land was said to be unsuitable for agriculture, but that's an ancient way of thinking. Agricultural technology has advanced now. It's true this forest has many undulations and steep slopes, but that should have its own uses."
After much back-and-forth, it turned out the Dryad of the Royal Capital area had a strong desire to reclaim her ancient home. As a result of Serena and Renata also offering their cooperation, the Beastmen agreed to move. However, just in case something happened again, the forest on the plateau would also be placed under the Dryad's management, and several avatars would be left there. While the main body of the tree would be moved, it seems they can manage somehow if multiple avatar trees are planted.
The policy was decided.
The Elves were mobilized to create a green wall in the western part of the forest. The Alraunes from Flora and Serena's forests also agreed to help.
I flew off riding in the bowl controlled by the Elf Prince.
Looking from above, I could see the remains of the highway, planted so densely it was clearly visible, stretching out like a dark green line. However, it was only about one-third of the eastern side; the remaining two-thirds were gone. Since there was a green line extending north, the highway must have stretched in that direction. As proof, it turned into a brown line where no trees grew midway.
When I actually descended to look at the wall, shrubs filling the gaps between rows of tall and short trees were planted like a hedge. It was a complete wall.
"You've made this quite well again."
"Thank you very much!"
"It would be good to wrap vines and thorns around this shrub hedge. Let's have the Alraunes help."
At that point, it's practically a barricade.
"If the temperature were a bit higher, the plants would grow faster, I suppose."
"It is sufficient, Sister. If it looks different from the surroundings, even humans will understand."
We received support from Little Serena, the Beastmen, the Elves, and the Alraunes from Serena's forest. Everyone consulted together, decided on the division of roles, and set a policy to move existing trees rather than planting new ones. When it comes to moving trees, it's Alex. We decided to hire him with fruit wine made by the Beastmen.
"What are you planning to do this time?"
When I explained the situation, he laughed loudly.
"Honestly, Jeanne, I can't tell if you're a human or a spirit."
I don't think I'm a spirit. Even if I get the fifth Black Stone, the Gnome said I'd remain human.
Since it was a rush job, we couldn't afford to look for trees one by one. Prepared to create a clearing, we moved trees from a single location.
First, we moved one tall tree and one short tree. Next, we transported shrubs and undergrowth dug up with their soil on a medium-sized bowl. After planting them in pre-dug holes, we poured magic-produced water over them. The Dryads and Alraunes gave them strength to encourage growth, and one spot was finished. We proceeded with such work while maintaining a certain distance.
It was far from the sophisticated work the Dryad of the Royal Capital area had done to crush the highway, but the point was that the densely grown areas should be connected compared to the surroundings. From above, it looked more like a dotted line than a green line, but that couldn't be helped. Once we created a certain fait accompli, it would be ours.
While building the green wall, we stayed at the Beastman village at night.
They didn't seem very welcoming, but since I stayed at the Rabbit Man's house, it wasn't particularly problematic.
However, their lives were indeed poor; even though it was called a house, it was just a cave. They had furs spread on the floor, so at least I didn't have to sleep on the bare ground. Besides, during expeditions, it's usually like that.
Regarding food, they had just finished wintering. It wasn't exactly abundant. I had heard about this from the Beastmen of Regnentes, so I made do with the dried meat and oats I brought in my item bag.
By the way, it seems the Rabbit tribe lives a relatively blessed life. The reason is simple: taking advantage of their short-range Teleport magic, they take turns going to human villages once a month to pilfer various things.
They know it's wrong, but they say they have no choice but to do what they must to survive.
"We know it's bad. So, as a small apology, if there are beasts targeting livestock, we catch them and leave them as if they fell into traps set by humans."
Quite clever. And conscientious in its own way. I hope it can turn into a form of trade from now on.
In the end, building the green wall took ten days. However, that was probably on the fast side. It would have been faster if we did it during a warmer period, but it was unavoidable since time was pressing.
I suspect the Paratroop Jaegers noticed us, but since they didn't say anything, we decided to proceed to the negotiations while feigning ignorance.
The negotiation site was at Renata's tree, and the opponents were Henry-sama's party as usual. Henry-sama, Eleanor-sama, Wilson-san, Will, and Bonnie, who had recently fully joined the gang, were the counterparts. Additionally, as special participants, I had Lyudmila and Miana come along.
On our side were the three Dryads and the Beastmen. The Dryad of the Royal Capital area brought the Elder-class Wolf and the Rabbit Man who had guided us. Plus, Violet. Violet participated not so much as a negotiator but as my advisor. Since Henry-sama held the document for full diplomatic authority, it was an official setting. She seemed happy to be able to participate in such a place by the human side's nomination, and her mouth was constantly twitching into a smile.
Incidentally, as neutrals, the Elf Prince and Alex also participated. Since they helped build the green wall, they have the right to participate.
However, the Elves also want seasonal work engaged in the restoration of the Northeastern Forest. Crafts made by Elves can be sold to humans at high prices. On the other hand, the Beastmen are fine as long as they get food. Their labor costs are cheap.
Alex is, well, just a spectator.
As a result of the negotiations, the Dryad side's proposal, which cleared all the conditions set by Eleanor-sama, was accepted except for one part. The exception was the use of the ruins of the fortress at the far end of the highway.
Since that point had been anticipated, the Dryad side proposed making it a place for trade between Beastmen and humans. This was a project proposed by me and the Beastmen from Regnentes; essentially, a place for bartering with humans. It would be under direct Royal control.
"Will the entry and exit to the fortress be by bowl?"
They are Paratroop Jaegers, after all.
"Yes. We can carry cargo of a certain size. Is the target of trade magic beasts hunted by Beastmen or medicinal herbs?"
"There's that, but we're thinking of fruit."
"Fruit? I bet it's an orchard, then?"
Eleanor-sama smirked.
An orchard jointly operated by spirits and Beastmen. This was actually the biggest highlight of this negotiation. It originated from the strawberries made by Miana and Flora.
If it's an orchard, it should be possible even on slopes if we pay attention to sunlight. Moreover, since the labor force is Beastmen, the power is different. They can use Teleport, and if we teach them Flight Magic, their transport capacity will increase.
"Some of the Alraunes have said they're willing to migrate. We could do it in the Flatlands, but it's difficult to borrow the power of spirits there. But here, they can fully demonstrate that power."
"You've thought this through. That's also why you wanted direct dealings with the Royal Family?"
"Yes. I think it would be good to coordinate with Wilson-san and Lyudmila to advance cultivation methods and breed improvement. Also, we could process them into sweets for sale."
I glanced at Miana.
Being a negotiation with spirits and Beastmen, she was reluctant to attend at first. But hearing she would be a technical advisor for sweet-making, various ideas seemed to occur to her. She suddenly became motivated. Being a negotiation, she had a solemn face befitting a princess, but she couldn't hide the sparkle in her eyes. After all, she's been enthusiastic about sweet-making since going to Harmonia, and she's been asking Sianya and Mary to order various sweets for her. Recipes included, of course. If it weren't for the war, she might have even studied abroad.
"Regarding cultivation methods, the spirits are superior. But for breed improvement, preservation, and processing methods, humans are superior. If we operate while exchanging information and have the Royal Family buy the harvest... if it goes well, it will become a new industry."
Fruit wine, jam, dried fruit, sweets... of course, they can be eaten raw too. Spirits will manage it. I'm sure they'll produce something superior to other countries. No, Northern Gram is a powerful rival.
"That is a wonderful proposal. However, since it's a great opportunity, why not have the fourth shop of the Class of 175 handle them as well?"
"Is that alright?"
Miana, the manager of the fourth shop, bit onto Eleanor-sama's words. It's definitely cheaper to deal directly than to buy from the Royal Family. Moreover, small-scale transactions would become possible.
"I don't mind. In exchange, make sure to create something that surpasses the sweets of Harmonia."
"Eh? Ah, yes... I'll do my best..."
She's obsessed with competition to the very end.
The Dryad of the Royal Capital area didn't seem to understand what it was about, but Serena gave her approval, and the negotiation was successfully concluded.
After that was the customary banquet. We also called the Four Great Spirits. Of course, Will called the Gnome.
At the appearance of the four, the Elder of the Wolf Men from the Royal Capital area fell to all fours.
"Y-You truly receive the protection of three of the five great ones..."
"It's not just three. As I said before, Bishop Jeanne is also on good terms with the Gnome. It's certain she'll receive his protection eventually."
A stone the size of a human head hit the head of the Wolf Man from Regnentes who was speaking out of turn with a thump.
The Gnome had thrown it.
"O-Ouch! Gnome! What if I died!"
It's weirder that you're alive right now.
"I know well enough how hard your heads are. Don't say unnecessary things."
Suddenly, a hole opened at the Wolf Man's feet, and he fell in with a plop.
The hole closed just like that, leaving only his head sticking out.
"I-I'm sorry, Gnome! I won't say it anymore, so let me out!"
"Be quiet. It'll make the sake taste bad. Stay there quietly for a while."
He said with a huff and started drinking fruit wine.
"B-Bishop Jeanne! Help me!"
Don't pass it to me. You brought it on yourself.
"I'm sorry. I can't use attribute magic."
Even if I could, there's no way I'd do it in front of the Gnome.
"T-That's so cruel! S-Someone! Anyone, get me out of here! Bwaaah!"
Dune splashed water on him.
"You're a bit noisy. Shall I remove all the air around that neck of yours?"
This time it was Mel.
If things went poorly, she might actually do it.
"I-I get it. I'll be quiet."
As expected, even the Wolf Man fell silent.
"By the way, Jeanne."
I was called by the Gnome.
"Yes. What is it?"
"It's all well and good to aim for coexistence and co-prosperity with Beastmen and Dryads, but what happened to the Dragonewts?"
He's quite impatient for someone with an eternal lifespan.
"Well..."
I looked at Eleanor-sama. I generally follow Eleanor-sama's lead.
"Gnome. Making contact with them this time also serves as information gathering to meet those Dragonewts."
At Eleanor-sama's words, he looked at the Elder and the Rabbit Man with a "Hmm."
Both of them looked down. They must know something.
"Do you two know any clues? I requested these people to visit the Dragonewt Village."
"W-Well..."
The Elder was hesitant.
"If you know something, speak up. Where are they now? Why don't they show themselves? The Earth Dragon is also worried."
"That is, well..."
"What's wrong? Did you have a falling out?"
"No, it's not like that..."
"Then speak up quickly. Or I'll bury your whole settlement."
At this point, it's an interrogation.
According to the Elder's story, forced out by the Gnome, it seems the Dragonewts are quietly waiting for the extinction of their race, just as the Gnome and Eleanor-sama feared. After all, dragons themselves are rare. The number of Beastmen has also significantly decreased. The Dragonewts are no exception, and it seems there are only a few dozen left. Moreover, they are likely only in the settlement in the Central Mountain Range.
However, it seems there were some lively ones among them, a young couple who had fled the Dragonewt Village. Furthermore, the wife is pregnant.
"You're sheltering them, aren't you?"
"Yes. Gnome. Please keep this secret. If things go poorly, our settlement will be attacked by Dragonewt pursuers."
"That won't happen. Did they commit some crime?"
"N-No, it doesn't seem so, but they fled in violation of the clan's laws..."
"Laws?"
"Yes..."
It seems leaving the Dragonewt Village and migrating on their own is a violation of the laws.
"Listen, you don't need to worry so much. They just want to live quietly. They won't go out of their way to chase them."
"D-Do you think so?"
"Think about it. You had interactions originally, didn't you? If they were to dispatch pursuers, the first place they'd come is here. But they haven't come, have they?"
"T-That's true."
"For now, let me meet that couple."
"Is just the Gnome alright?"
"No, the humans here too. Got it?"
"Y-Yes... I understand."
The Elder was clearly reluctant, but he couldn't go against the Gnome and reluctantly agreed.