第７１０堀：お金の疑問とイフ大陸の経過報告 (Part1)
### Chapter 710: Monetary Questions and the If Continent Progress Report
**Side: Yuki**
Well then, since the discussions with Sota-san and the others had concluded, I gathered the documents to pass them on to Eris in accounting and Ratz, who handles the supplies. I was just about to head over to Steve’s office when...
"Hmm. Isn't the currency rate—the exchange rate—a rather serious problem?"
"Indeed. I am worried about it as well."
The two of them seemed quite concerned about the exchange rates between the continents.
Well, it is a major issue, but not one that can be solved overnight. There are various ideas, but it’s not something that can be handled on the side, and it’s a matter that must be discussed with every country involved in the intercontinental exchange.
"I understand how you feel, but it’s not something we can just decide on our own. The most we can do for now is gather preliminary information."
"Preliminary information?"
"Do you mean things like the gold and silver content, or the size of the coins?"
"Well, that too, but the most important thing is knowing who is producing the gold and silver coins."
"?"
Rarely do Eris and Ratz tilt their heads in confusion. It seems this was something even these two sharp-witted individuals hadn't considered. However, having learned so much about Japan, they quickly caught on to what I was implying.
"A place that makes money...? Ah..."
"The Mint?"
"Exactly. Do you know where that is done?"
"No. Now that you mention it, I’ve never paid it any mind."
"Yes. As Ratz said, I’ve never thought about it, but it is unnatural. Money is a physical object, so it wears down. It must be produced somewhere."
"Moreover, there is something I’ve found deeply questionable about this world—or rather, the Rogari and If continents. I don't know much about the New Continent where Kagura is yet, but both of these continents use a unified currency. It’s not per country; it’s common across the entire continent. Sure, there are commemorative coins for individual nations, but the coins and currency used daily are universal. It looks rational, but from our perspective, it’s extremely distorted."
"Now that you mention it, that is true. It wouldn't be strange for each country to have its own unique currency, yet the same coins are used everywhere..."
"In other words, you suspect there is some great secret behind who controls the manufacturing of money?"
"Who knows. I don't know the details either, but it’s obvious that sticking our noses into this will lead to trouble. Perhaps in the past, after the credit of various national currencies fluctuated wildly, a unified currency was born as a result. If there’s no problem, then it’s just me worrying over nothing. But if there is a reason for it..."
"If we carelessly speak up about minting, we might become a nuisance to others."
"We are still a small nation, and we don't hold any gold or silver mines, after all... In the worst-case scenario, the intercontinental exchange could fall through."
Exactly. The reason I had kept my hands off the subject of money’s origins until now was that it was clearly a minefield.
"Anyway, I plan to bring up the currency issue as an agenda item and gauge the reactions of each country."
Since there is a possibility that an organization we don't know is pulling the strings on currency production, we have to proceed cautiously. If countries that owned gold and silver mines were minting their own money, it would be natural for them to have their own unique currency, but the fact that such a thing doesn't exist at all is what I find so strange. Some great power is definitely at work.
"Well, regardless of how the minting is handled, I have a rough idea for the currency to be used for trade."
"And that is?"
"Electronic money—no, 'Mana Money'—managed by the Adventurer Guilds of the Rogari continent. I suspect that was an idea from Earthlings who came to this world a long time ago. After all, it has no weight, doesn't take up space, and is convenient to carry. Plus, it can only be exchanged using the individual's own mana."
"Ah, certainly, that is convenient for transactions. For large transactions within the Rogari continent, the Adventurer Card, which doubles as a money card, is used."
"That said, it’s not without its challenges. The problem is whether the Adventurer Guild, the backbone of this system, will agree to it. Well, since commercial guilds and other organizations use the same system, I don't think they'll refuse, but..."
"Well, it’s essentially like entrusting them with currency management for intercontinental exchange."
"They won't agree to that with a simple 'yes'."
"And if we were to manage the currency ourselves, it would essentially mean setting up a world-spanning banking operation. And as for who would take on that job..."
"I heard nothing. Ah, I'm so busy."
"Oh, Yuki-san, you were going to see Steve-san, weren't you? Good luck."
My, how quickly they changed their tune, scurrying back to their respective workplaces.
"...Hey. Jessica, Samantha, Cleena. I didn't really understand what was going on?"
"Simply put, just remember that it would become incredibly troublesome."
"Indeed. I have never heard of this from my father or the others, so it is likely a topic that cannot be spoken of lightly."
"Hmm. Ria, just remember that handling money is a difficult thing."
It’s a bit too complex for Ria, isn't it? Actually, since Jessica, Samantha, and Cleena don't seem to know the production process of the currency either, it seems to be a black box. It really is a topic one cannot ask about carelessly. Prying into it on our own might be dangerous.
"Well, let’s discuss it openly during the intercontinental exchange conference. It’s better than sniffing around and causing distrust, and it’s better to have it recognized as a problem for everyone."
"Hmm. I don't really get it, but if Yuki-san says so, then I suppose that’s right."
"I think that would be best as well."
"I agree as well. This is not something we should handle on our own."
"Money is full of danger. We should face it together."
Exactly. There’s no need for us alone to step into danger. It’s a matter that should be left to the major powers who likely already know this secret.
"Now then, let’s head to Steve’s place and hear his report."
"Yes!"
And so, we arrived at Steve’s office, but...
"..."
Steve was slumped over his desk, not moving.
"He... he's dead."
"No, he’s probably just in despair over the mountain of work piled up in front of him."
And here is how my guard-wives reacted to this cliché:
"Eh? Is he dead?"
"Don't be silly. General Steve wouldn't die from something like this."
"Actually, Yuki-sama, couldn't you have found a way to reduce his workload?"
"No response. He appears to be nothing but a corpse."
"Cleena, pass. The other three lack creativity."
We gave each other a thumbs up. Cleena, despite her appearance, is quite the gamer. Through books, she enjoys everything from light novels and strategy guides to actual games.
"..."
The other three looked at that exchange with deadpan expressions.
"...Ria is too much of a natural. Jessica is as rigid as ever. Samantha, if you're that worried, you should take over his work."
"Boo, being a natural is fine. I'm a guard, after all."
"It’s not 'rigid,' please call it 'calmly assessing the situation'."
"Unfortunately, I don't grasp the administrative work of the Monster Army enough to take over for General Steve, so that’s impossible. Anyway, leaving that aside, Steve-san, wouldn't it be time to wake up? Your master has arrived."
After that little chat, when Samantha told him to wake up already, Steve replied:
"Man... after finishing such grueling work, don't you have any sympathy for me, sinking into this mountain of documents?"
"None."
"Thank you for the immediate answer. *Sigh*. So, did the Boss and the others come for the battle report from Zilba?"
"That's right. Why were those small nations that picked a fight with Zilba holed up without any reinforcements?"
"Ah, that. Apparently, things were falling apart on the inside."
"Falling apart?"
"It seems there was a rift between those who knew from the start that they couldn't win against Zilba and those who were just seeking fame."
"Well, I suppose that’s to be expected."
After all, they were picking a fight with Zilba.