第７００堀：新大陸の現在状況 (Part2)
"I suspect that is the case. There is no reason for them to make demands of Weed, and since they realized the enemy was lurking within the Haire Church, they likely withdrew their army in a panic."
"There was an official announcement from the Haire Church, after all. For the Findarl Empire, the enemy is also an adversary to Prince Age, so they have to crush them to save face, don't they?"
There is no place that takes the threat of monsters—and the fact that there are Magic Gears capable of controlling them—more seriously than that country.
"Yes. I have also been entrusted with a letter requesting that you, Yuki-sama, visit the Findarl Imperial Capital at your earliest convenience."
"That’s standard enough, I suppose. We’ve welcomed Princess Stasia, Prince George, Prince Age, and General Georgin to Weed, so it wouldn't do for us to never pay a visit to their home turf."
"Indeed. Furthermore, I believe they wish to hear about this incident from a third party."
"I bet."
While I was somewhat convinced, the talk from Haiden had only been about General Georgin and Prince George. I had never met the Emperor of Findarl. That was a bit awkward. They had agreed to a ceasefire to save face for Weed, so I really should go and pay my respects. Besides, it would be unfair to favor Haiden exclusively.
"Understood. I'll try to head to the Findarl Imperial Capital while I'm still on this side. It shouldn't take more than a week by carriage, anyway."
"Understood. I will send word ahead. However, it will likely take at least two to three weeks to receive a reply."
"Right, horses. Can't be helped. Well, I have plenty of other work to do, so the time isn't an issue. Now, is there anything else regarding Baide itself?"
"No. The cleanup after the defensive battle was completed while you were still staying there, Yuki-sama. The food shortages caused by the cessation of trade during the war have also been settled thanks to Weed's assistance. Furthermore, rumors of Weed seem to be spreading gradually; merchants from various places are beginning to gather, and they have started trading the goods from Weed designated by Ratz-sama. We anticipate that even more people will gather than before."
...Hmm. It’s not a bad thing, but I feel like using Weed—or rather, Earth's goods—for resale isn't ideal. It’s meaningless if they can't produce these things themselves. Well, I suppose I can't let Baide's economy collapse, so it’s more of a short-term economic relief measure. Still, even though I’ve left the trade goods to Ratz, I should probably check what exactly is being sold.
"That’s good to hear. So, what are the main popular items?"
"Primarily rare fruits, vegetables, and spices. Aside from those, accessories and magic items are also popular."
Ah, so they are being thoughtful about what they sell.
"However, it is quite impressive that crops have become a brand. They are very popular. The crops grown by that person, John, are in high demand. We would like to try that in Baide as well."
"..."
That’s one of my trusted subordinates. Not a person, though—an Orc. Actually, should I change his assignment soon? I’m really torn on whether to make him the Minister of Agriculture for Weed. It would be quite the reform, wouldn't it? A monster who is an expert at growing crops. Maybe I should turn him into an idol?
"Oh, speaking of crops, how was the damage to Baide's agricultural produce due to the war?"
"No, Baide is originally a trade city, so there wasn't that much damage. The farmland that became a battlefield was hit, but we were already supplementing what we lacked through trade, so the impact on those other than the farmers whose land was ruined was minimal. Thanks to the support from Weed, we avoided a food crisis immediately. Because of that, we might even have the budget to compensate those who lost their farmland and provide guidance on branding their crops."
"I see, that’s good. Still, you managed to get a lot done in a short time."
"Not at all. While these projects are under my name, it was thanks to the advice from Shera-sama, Aslin-sama, Firia-sama, and Labyris-sama that we were able to achieve this much. As expected of your wives, Yuki-sama."
"Ah, I see."
"They have also contributed to the public order of the town; Baide will certainly be stronger in its reconstruction than it was before."
Crap. My little ones are demonstrating even higher specs than I imagined.
As I was listening to the situation in Baide like that, Kagura and the others returned...
"Yuki, I’ve made contact with the Princess. She said preparations are complete, so you can come whenever you like."
"Is it for the identification?"
"...How did you know? Yes, that’s right. It seems the meeting will only be with those who can respond to this sudden summons."
Just as I thought. That Princess is one hell of a fox.
Well then, time to go see her after a month. Returned? No, I just went to visit after a long time. Not much changes in a month. Even though it feels like a hassle, I’m off to the Haiden Royal Capital where Princess Carrie is waiting.
And meanwhile, the wealthy farmer John continues to steadily expand his sales channels!!