kscans

Chapter 52 - An Explanation of the Nations

Let me take a moment to explain the continent.

This continent's name is Noomuden.

There are four nations where people live.

The Harg Kingdom.

Located in the southern part of the continent. The northern side is surrounded by rocky mountains, which act like a great wall separating it from the rest, but to the northeast, there is a vast, dense forest that serves as a den for monsters. The national border is drawn at the entrance of this forest.

This country's main export is ore, with silver and copper being particularly abundant.

To the north, on the other side of the mountains, are three nations, each occupying a third of the land: the Retil Republic, the Deomu Empire, and the Saint's Church.

Why the Kingdom alone is separated by mountains is a mystery to everyone.

As for whether ore can be mined on the other side, the answer is no.

The reason is that the other side is a lava zone, a place so dangerous that even working there, let alone living, is impossible.

Therefore, the Kingdom is the only place where ore can be safely mined.

Of course, the Kingdom is aware of the lava on its side as well. If they dig too deep, they use Earth Magic to replenish the ground and prevent rockslides.

The Retil Republic.

A nation on the eastern side, close to the sea, which handles trade with the Kingdom. Among the imports from the Kingdom, they appraise the ore and send it on to the Empire.

Monster materials are acquired by the Republic, processed into clothing, bags, and other daily necessities, and then sold for export, enriching the nation's treasury.

It is often used as a venue for diplomacy and negotiations, and the annual conferences between the nations are held at an exchange facilities owned by the Republic. They also export marine products to the Empire, the Church, and sometimes the Kingdom. But how do they transport perishable goods like fish?

The answer lies with the Empire.

The Deomu Empire.

A nation located north of the Republic. This region is slightly colder than the others, and during the one month of winter, it becomes a frigid land where everything freezes over. However, the people of the Empire do not fear such cold.

Why is that?

The Empire's technology is more advanced than that of the other nations, and their skill allows them to develop tools made of iron.

As for the aforementioned perishable fish, the Empire has developed a box with processed and enchanted water magic stones, in which they place fish, fruits, and other items to freeze them.

In short, it’s a freezer.

Using this, they transport fresh goods in a preserved state.

However, there is a drawback. The size of the box is as large as a full wagon, so it takes time to transport. Moreover, the same size boxes are loaded onto ships bound for the Kingdom, making them impossible to unload from the vessels.

Because they are too heavy.

They have developed other things as well, but I will explain those later.

One more thing: the Empire does not have a very good impression of the Kingdom.

Therefore, they have adopted a policy of not providing technology or tools but will assist with transportation.

The Saint's Church.

Located south of the Republic and the Empire. It is near the southern lava zone, but the actual inhabitants live in a town built in the middle of a vast, fertile forest. They have the Holy Knights, who manage monsters and crime, and their strength is said to be equivalent to B-rank adventurers. In addition, the forest has abundant fruits and medicinal herbs, which they cultivate and sell to neighboring areas and other countries.

In the past, this land was a dangerous zone teeming with monsters, but thanks to the deeds of a certain hero, the number of monsters decreased to the point where people could live there. The hero worshipped a god named Hermes, so the people who accompanied him began to worship Hermes as well, and their descendants spread the faith throughout the land.

Since then, it has become a country where people with strong faith who revere him gather.

And that concludes the introduction to the three nations north of the Kingdom.

In the rocky mountains, on a path.

Along the way, Tina gave me a brief explanation of the three northern nations.

"So, three countries, side by side. Do they get along well? Those three?"

To my question, Tina replied.

"Even if you say they get along, it’s only on the surface. In reality, it’s a relationship of using and being used. The Kingdom has a similar mindset."

At that moment, a thought occurred to me.

"...? In that case, why doesn’t conflict break out? I’m not talking about war, but are there at least some skirmishes?"

To this question, Tina replied.

"No, if they were to do something like that, they would be attacked by a horde of monsters and annihilated."

To this surprising answer, I asked.

"?! A horde of monsters? Are there really that many?"

To this question, Tina replied.

"There are many. Especially in the region north of the Empire. It used to be Empire territory, but several decades ago, an abnormal outbreak of powerful monsters forced them to retreat to their current location. After that, for some reason, the monsters stopped advancing and have remained there."

To this answer, I asked.

"They’re staying there? Are the monsters building a nation there or something?"

To this question, Tina replied.

"I’ve never heard anything like that. However, the Empire was desperate to reclaim its territory and at one point went to war with the Republic and the Church to acquire resources and manpower to build up its strength. But that was a bad move."

She paused for a moment, then continued.

"Perhaps drawn by the blood and killing intent of the people, the monsters suddenly attacked. Faced with an invasion from their rear, the Empire had no choice but to stop the war and focus on repelling the monsters. They managed to drive them back, but they keenly felt that war between nations only brings disaster. After that, talks were held to end the war and establish cooperation between the nations."

To this story, I said.

"Then they should have just talked from the beginning. Why start a war? I don’t get it."

To my complaint, Tina replied.

"I agree. War produces nothing but tragedy. I suppose the Empire thought that highly of themselves. To continue the story, at those talks, the Empire offered a full apology. The two nations accepted it. And as reparations, the Empire agreed to provide tools and technology. Currently, they get along well, but no one knows what they’re thinking behind the scenes."

Tina’s explanation ended.

I urged the cart forward, proceeding along the path through the rocky mountains.

This path was often used by adventurers, wide enough for two carts to pass comfortably.

However, merchants do not use this path.

The reason is that it is steep and dangerous.

Although the road is wide, there are many slopes and sharp turns, and one misstep could send you plunging off a cliff. Of course, there are no guardrails.

Furthermore, there are many monsters, especially avian types, and one must be wary of surprise attacks from the air. For this reason, merchants do not use this road.

They go to the Kingdom by ship.

It’s safer and more reliable that way.

As I was thinking this, multiple shadows moved across the ground.

I looked up to see three bird monsters circling above, having spotted us.

I was about to draw my sword, but Tina stopped me with her hand.

She’s going to handle it herself, I thought, and decided to watch.

Then, orbs of water materialized around Tina.

"Water Shot!"

The water bullets fired.

It was just like a shotgun blast.

One of the monsters dodged, but even after avoiding the first shot, a second one closed in and hit its mark. A hole was punched through its wing, and it plummeted.

The other two fell in the same way.

There was no surviving a fall from this height. I wanted to harvest their materials, but I didn’t feel like climbing all the way down.

"What was that technique?" I asked.

To my question, Tina replied.

"The other day, I read in a book that there’s an invisible amount of moisture in the air, so I tried creating some with my water magic. It seems to have been a success."

Tina said, beaming with a wide smile.

…Getting stronger just by reading books I brought… Do people in this world have a trait that lets them power up just by looking at a book? I seriously wondered.

Night, we camped out in the rocky mountains.

Setting up a tent on the path was too dangerous, so our policy was to proceed until we found a slightly wider area and then rest there.

At that spot, I created an iron hut, and we decided to spend the night there.

For dinner, we each ate one of the canned goods we had brought, and then it was time for bed.

As Tina lay beside me, I asked.

"...Do you have any regrets?"

To my question, Tina replied.

"Don’t make me say the same thing again."

She said it with a slightly pouting face.

And then.

"I want to be with you. Or… do you not want me to be?"

Tina said, turning her back to me.

Seeing that, I moved closer.

"I don’t not want you here. Honestly, I’m happy. But I was a little worried that I might be causing you trouble with my selfishness. But hearing you say that… I’m glad."

I said, hugging Tina from behind.

The feeling of hugging Tina in her armor was cold, but that, combined with her scent and the smell of the journey’s sweat clinging to the armor, filled me with an indescribable excitement.

Tina seemed a little nervous, her body tensed up.

"...That’s not fair," she said. "Hugging me at a time like this… I’m not responsible for what happens."

As she spoke, she turned her body within my loosened embrace, and our faces met.

And then, we shared a silent kiss.

I thought to myself, from now on, no matter what happens, as long as I’m with Tina, I can do anything. A feeling close to conviction washed over me.

After that, though we didn't go all the way, I thoroughly enjoyed myself with my hobby.

The scene changes to the Saint's Church.

A woman in plain clothes was gazing up at the night sky.

A woman in a sister’s habit approached her.

"There you are. The Cardinal is summoning you."

To these words, the woman replied.

"...Understood. Please tell him I will change into my formal attire and be there shortly."

She said, standing up.

The sister, with a grim expression, asked.

"...Has that group made another move?"

To this question, the woman replied.

"Yes. They are quite a troublesome bunch. I would like to capture them immediately, but my superiors won’t give their permission. They must be quite afraid."

She said, letting out a sigh.

The sister said.

"...I will pretend I didn’t hear that. In that case, I will relay your initial message. Altorine-sama."

The woman, Altorine, nodded quietly.