Chapter 600 - Chapter 2 The Tenth Meeting (Sertoria)
In the second week of May, the tenth meeting for the Karmic Disease and aid for the impoverished was held at the National Medical Research Institute. The main topic was the movements on the continent. According to Sianya, the disease affecting the stomach in the northern coastal region of West Liber, which had reached a lull during winter, has spread to the area around the Royal Capital and may see an increase in infected people toward summer. The informants are the West Liber disease officials who are acquaintances of Anri-sama and Lloyd-sama.
"What is the situation like in the West Liber Royal Capital?"
Saxburg, the representative of Northern Gram, asked. Northern Gram, in cooperation with Finis, is providing magic water to West Liber. Since they regularly send scrolls and water tanks with magic circles drawn on the bottom, they are naturally concerned about the movements. Incidentally, Aira, whose pregnancy was announced, is absent as a precaution.
"In the Royal Capital, almost no infections have been confirmed. This is likely because they are utilizing the transport capacity of the river flowing through the capital."
The mouth of the river is in the territory of the Duchy of Germania. Theresia-sama has reportedly not placed restrictions on traffic other than the military. Since Anri-sama is also there, that point is reassuring.
"In other words, are infections being confirmed between the Royal Capital and the northern coastline?"
"No, it's not the Royal Capital, but infections are being confirmed in places a bit away from the large river that has its mouth on the northern coastline. In other words, it's the limit of land routes."
To transport the provided scrolls and magic circles as far as possible while the magic water's effect lasts, they are being activated on West Liber's dedicated ships docked at the dedicated pier of Count Vectis on the opposite shore of Vectis Island. Naturally, the magic water for the coastal areas is transported from what was made in the ports of Northern Gram. Magic water is also transported inland using rivers, but if there is no river flowing through the infected area, they have no choice but to unload it and transport it by horse-drawn carriage. It is simply too vast, and there are limits. Unfortunately, it seems that regions that can receive the benefits of magic water are refusing to accept infected people from regions that cannot, so patients cannot be moved. Since measures cannot be taken on a national scale, there is nothing that can be done.
"However, since the river basins are stable, it is considered unlikely to spread to the entire country from the regions where infections are currently being confirmed. And because the infection prevention measures discussed at the Great Unity Conference are being disseminated to the people, the number of infected people is reportedly lower than in the spring of last year. Additionally, it seems a tax has been imposed for the purchase of magic water."
The taxation is likely for the necessary expenses. Even though the price of the scrolls themselves is set low, the magic circles for large water tanks are expensive because they take time and effort. Since they are being transported by ship, freight costs are also necessary. Of course, since they are using trade ships, they shouldn't be charging special rates. This is just how it is.
"Also, the route of infection may have been identified."
According to Sianya, it seems to be related to the digestive system.
Primordia... accurately, the Western Church, is accepting and treating patients in the wetlands. As a result of magnifying the substances excreted from those patients' bodies using Sight, many 'Black Heavens' (T/N: The term used for the disease-causing agents) that are the source of the disease were discovered in the digestive system... especially the 'large' side.
"Therefore, the first priority is to move toilets away from wells and water sources. We believe that by thoroughly washing hands, faces, and gargling after excretion, infection can be prevented to some extent. Particular caution is needed after handling soiled undergarments of patients. If possible, wearing leather gloves is desirable. Also, when washing gloves, there was a significant difference between using soap and not using it. Boiling them in water is also effective, but while it's fine for cloth, it's difficult for leather products, so washing with soapy water is better. Naturally, the same applies to hand washing."
Although unconfirmed, this is apparently the result of experiments in the wetlands conducted jointly by the three nations of Primordia, Harmonia, and Sertogne, with Cadogan-sama as the lead. It couldn't be done in Sertoria because there were no patients.
The research results, being unconfirmed, have not become an official report. However, as preliminary information, the research results from the wetlands have been transmitted under Cadogan-sama's name to all nations of the White Island and the officials of the continental nations that participated in the Great Unity Conference.
"It is a wonderful achievement. Truly 'Great Unity', isn't it?"
Saxburg's cheeks were also flushed with excitement. The spread of the disease in West Liber also affects the reputation of Northern Gram. The end of the epidemic is also important for the nation.
"My master, Count Vectis, has a proposal for everyone."
After the excitement had settled for a bit, the Head Maid of Count Vectis asked to speak.
"As you all know, although my master's territory belongs to the Kingdom of Engrio, complete autonomy and neutrality regarding all wars are guaranteed by successive Kings of Engrio. Naturally, this is also recognized by the current King Seldic. The only exception is if a foreign country targets the port and port town on the opposite shore of our island for attack; at that time, the annihilation of the enemy army is mandatory."
She said 'annihilation' instead of 'repulsion'. It's terrifying because they truly have the power to carry it out.
"In other words, as long as no fool appears to challenge my master, the coast of our island is basically neutral with any country."
She's quite bold in front of royalty from other nations. Depending on the situation, that would be intimidation.
"In other words, you are saying we may utilize that neutral position?"
At Magdalena-sama's words, the Head Maid nodded.
"The Count is considering building a magic water production facility at the island's port and simultaneously allowing the docking of ships involved in the supply of magic water to the continent."
Currently, more than half of the scrolls I make go to Engrio. If we consolidate them on Vectis Island to make magic water and transport it to various places by ship, that would be good.
"Will you allow the crews of the ships to enter the island?"
"We will conduct expansion work on the port and create an artificial island. That area will be treated as outside the island, and only ships involved with magic water will be allowed to dock, and the crews will be allowed to land. However, we will not permit them to cross from the artificial island to the main island. It remains as before. And anyone who tries to enter the artificial island without prior permission will be regarded as an enemy and annihilated."
Expanding the port to create an artificial island... as expected of a Vampire, the scale is different.
On that artificial island, it seems they will not only load magic water made on Vectis Island but also produce it on contract or pack it into barrels to make it easier to transport by horse-drawn carriage. Until now, there were no such facilities on land. The reason is that Engrio is in a state of war with West Liber. It could only be done on trade ships that could claim the territory of an independent nation. In other words, it's the same idea as when Cadogan-sama consulted with the King of Primordia to create an isolation facility in the mysterious neutral zone where the entire wetland was considered the border. The port on the opposite shore of Vectis Island is, of course, Engrio territory and under the direct control of King Seldic. Landing wouldn't be easily permitted. But by the Count of Vectis establishing a mysterious neutral zone called an artificial island on his island, the crews of various nations can get rest and be supplied with water and food.
"Has King Seldic been informed of this?"
"Of course, it is already approved."
When Magdalena-sama asked, she replied simply.
Well, it's that King Seldic. If Count Vectis is fine with it, he'll likely make it no problem.
"However, the Count does not care for dealings with the royal families of other nations. Since the Count is a vassal of the King of Engrio."
Hmm. He's saying he doesn't want people going over his head. However, scrolls and magic water are basically under the management of the royal families in each country. The exceptions are the wetlands under the management of the Western Church, and the Class of 175 and the Marcelo Company to which I belong.
"If possible, we are hoping you could place a branch of the Class of 175 there. Please leave the management to us."
I immediately look at Mary.
"Pardon me, but when we open a branch, we make a member of the Class of 175 the manager. This business also relies on the trust of our customers. Could you at least allow us to dispatch someone from here to supervise, perhaps even just once a month? Even in that case, at the time of opening, we would like to oversee it for at least a week."
Mary handled the response well.
Actually, that's how it is. The first branch we opened was the second shop in Regnentes, and we decided that after consulting with everyone. Beatrix is the manager of the second shop. Of course, she isn't there all the time, so Mary's disciple is the acting manager. In the case of the fourth shop in the Flatlands, the current manager is Miana, a member of the Associate Class of 175, but Lyudmila did it until she got used to it. Though, Lyudmila left it all to Bonnie and hardly showed her face. Incidentally, the candidate for the fifth shop is Primordia, but the shop managed by Sianya is still treated as a temporary shop.
"Then, how about Lyudmila-dono? I shall serve as her deputy."
Since she brought up the name without a moment's thought, she must have intended it from the start. But Lyudmila is suitable, if anyone is. Or rather, even if it's just in name, there's no one else.
Lyudmila is currently struggling to turn the wasteland of Vectis Island into wheat fields.
The story goes back about a year, when we were requested by the Count to exterminate monsters. On that occasion, Lyudmila also participated, wanting to see the island's agriculture as an agricultural researcher. The monster extermination itself was settled peacefully in the form of a reconciliation with the Bishop Fish, but afterward, Lyudmila obtained permission to enter the island, met with the Count, and was requested to improve the island's agriculture. Since then, she goes to the island by carriage several times a year and conducts agricultural research together with the local Alraunes.
From the start, she said agriculture in the wasteland was difficult. However, the motivated Lyudmila consults not only with Flora but also with Serena and Renata, and they are apparently making soil by burning cut grass, increasing earthworms, and digging up the wasteland. After all, regarding magic, there's a person who can whip up a storm. Even if it's just a few fields in the testing ground and the area is small, the work itself is apparently done in an instant. Naturally, the Head Maid knows this well.
"Magdalena-sama, what do you think as the Royal Palace?"
"Since I have heard it now, there are no particular problems."
Magdalena-sama's permission was given. After that, it was decided to confirm with the person herself and then reply.
Afterward, confirmation was made regarding ongoing matters from the previous time, and Magdalena-sama reported that there was a prospect for mass production of magic water in the eastern region of the Sertoria Royal Capital area.
When the meeting ended, Phillips-sama withdrew, and it was time for the girls' party. It was held while also serving as a tasting session for Miana's new work. The topic immediately turned to Saxburg's engagement.
Since the partner is the top noble in Northern Gram, it would normally be considered a political marriage, but everyone except Sianya and the Head Maid knows the story from how they met to the present. Everyone is curious about how that quiet Duke Hexham proposed.
"Hey, could it be that Saxburg was the one who asked?"
"S-Sister, th-that's..."
Her own sister-in-law, Gwyn-sama's queen, suddenly blurted it out. Even Saxburg was at a loss for words. Sianya's eyes went wide, and the Head Maid leaned forward without changing her expression, listening intently.
"How was it?"
"D-Duke Hexham... asked me."
Oho, I can't let that slide. When? Where? With what words? Tell us in detail.
It was one day at the end of last autumn, at the rabbit hutches—several of which were set up in the backyard of Duke Hexham's residence. It was while the three of them, including Difodor who was in charge of the rabbits, were proceeding with winter preparations—covering the wire mesh of the walls with boards so the rabbits wouldn't suffer from the winter cold, putting in new straw, and putting in new nesting boxes for sleeping made of woven straw.
"Hey, I wonder what will happen to us from now on."
Saxburg muttered softly. Difodor, who is sharp as expected of a demon, reportedly left the hutch saying she would go get food.
"I wish things could stay like this forever."
With the change of generations, the duties of the House Hexham, which used to oversee military and judicial affairs, changed significantly. Now, it is a house of trade, agricultural reform, and countermeasures for the Karmic Disease and aid for the impoverished. Rabbit breeding is incorporated as a measure for the impoverished, but he himself is breeding them for pets under the pretext of learning the breeding methods.
"I might not be able to continue."
"Are you going to stop breeding rabbits?"
"It seems like several marriage proposals are coming in."
"I see. You are a Princess, after all."
Duke Hexham's expression darkened. Or so Saxburg thought.
"What kind of person is the partner?"
"Are you curious?"
"It's not like that, but..."
Geez, he's so indecisive. Saxburg got a little impatient.
"He's someone who doesn't seem interested in breeding rabbits. That's why, I wish someone who likes breeding rabbits would stop me. I wonder if there's anyone like that."
"Stop you?"
"Yes, someone who says 'let's breed rabbits together'. I wonder if there's anyone like that."
"............"
When she looked up at him suggestively, he apparently looked down and fell silent.
"Hey, what do you think will happen to us?"
"I-I think I want things to stay like this forever."
"Between us?"
"U-Um."
"Will you continue to breed rabbits with me from now on?"
"U-Um."
Duke Hexham turned red and looked down. Well, for his personality, that's a job well done.
"And after that?"
Her own sister-in-law pressed for more.
"O-Our lips..."
She faltered halfway. How frustrating.
"That Duke Hexham took your lips in that situation? He's surprisingly forceful."
"Eh? No, um... that..."
She's stammering.
"Saxburg. Could it be that you were the one who took Duke Hexham's lips?"
When the girl, who would likely completely henpeck her marriage partner in the near future, nodded with a bright red face, she was enveloped in laughter praising her courage and offering blessings.