第７４３堀：使者との対談 (Part2)
I couldn't exactly raise my voice in protest. My head would literally go flying if I did.
"I see. Unlike a plow, this has a rounded edge. As Kagura said, it’s much like a spoon. This should be quite convenient for scooping out soil."
Ignoring us, the Princess continued the conversation with a calm, unruffled expression.
The Princess really is something else.
"Yes, exactly. The plows used until now were more for mixing the soil rather than digging it up, which made them quite inconvenient. This is what the technical department of Seisifo refined after much deliberation, though it hasn't been very well-received when brought to other nations. If I may be so bold..."
"You brought it to Haiden, which was in the midst of a war, didn't you? If Haiden declares it convenient, other nations will follow suit."
"Yes, that is correct."
I see. So the plan is to use Haiden as a promotional tool to sell these shovels to the rest of the world.
Hmm? But, if it’s this simple...
"However, this shovel’s structure seems quite simple. Won't it be easily copied and mass-produced? Or rather, shouldn't such an item be utilized effectively within your own country? It seems as though you are handing over important technology to other nations."
Exactly. Just as the Princess said, it looks easy to replicate.
I have a feeling it will be copied immediately, and the profit will vanish.
"Haha. That is perfectly fine. We only need them to say that the Kingdom of Seisifo was the one who started selling them first. And, we hope that Haiden will continue to purchase high-quality shovels from Seisifo as much as possible."
"I see. You are quite shrewd."
"Well, since we are providing supplies for free, it is only natural to ask for this much in return."
In other words, if you want shovels, go to Seisifo! Or rather, they intend to have Haiden advertise that Seisifo’s technology is superior.
It’s true that while they are currently in a state of disarray and struggling to rebuild, their influence over other nations remains high.
"I understand the situation. We are grateful for the offer of supplies as well. Let us have the Bishop who accompanied us witness the contract."
Ah, so that’s why Enola came along. I had been wondering.
"Oh, I was wondering why the Priestess of the Spirits had come, but it was a Bishop of the Haire Church."
"This time, my followers caused an outburst, and I apologize for the trouble caused."
"No, no. We haven't suffered any particular damage, so there is no need to apologize. I would be grateful if you could witness this contract."
"Yes. I, Enola of the Haiden Church, shall witness this contract in the name of the Haire faith."
And so, in exchange for receiving supplies, the Princess would sign a contract pledging to use the shovels for activities such as reconstruction.
Naturally, this was the plan from the start; we now have a legitimate reason to head to the Kingdom of Seisifo.
Nothing was said about the Magic Gear, but now we have a pretext to investigate it whenever we please.
"Now, regarding the cargo... when might we expect it?"
"Well, I understand that the sooner the better, so I will return immediately to make the arrangements. At the earliest, three months from now."
"I see. I appreciate your prompt response."
"Not at all, it was my proposal to begin with. I will handle it swiftly. This was a good transaction."
With that, the envoy stood up as if the business were concluded, but there was one fatal thing missing.
Or was it being avoided on purpose? Should I be the one to bring it up? Or is this something I shouldn't ask about at all?
As I hesitated, unable to make a judgment, the Princess spoke up with a smile.
"Come to think of it, you haven't asked anything about Weed. Do you not require any information?"
"Weed?"
The envoy looked confused for a moment, as if he didn't know what she was talking about, but he seemed to recall it immediately...
"Ah, that was the name of the small nation that played a role in stopping the war between Haiden and Findall, if I recall correctly."
A small nation? If you’re talking about landmass, perhaps, but if you knew what Weed actually was, the word "small" would never cross your lips.
That place is a true superpower. A super-nation packed with advanced technology.
"No, we don't have the manpower to spare for that country just yet, so let's leave it for another day."
"I see. Very well."
"Yes. Please do let us know when you are ready."
With that, the envoy left.
"Princess. Why does the envoy not place much importance on Weed?"
Kagura asked the Princess while staring at the door through which the envoy had exited.
"Hm? Ah, we haven't released much information about Weed, so that reaction is only natural. Unless we invite representatives from each country and show them the evidence, Weed—a name they've never even heard of—will be looked down upon, and our own country will be underestimated as well. They would think we bowed down to a small nation. We were planning to announce Weed at the international conference."
"I see."
Right, they don't know about Weed yet.
Come to think of it, I feel like I heard something like that...
"Regardless, the talk with the envoy is over. We have a reason to head to the Kingdom of Seisifo, so I would say we are off to a good start. We can discuss the details once we reunite with Yuki and the others. We have to show them this shovel, too."
The shovel the Princess looked at seemed, in some way, to stir a sense of unease.
A tense discussion and negotiation, recorded.
And the obscurity of Weed.
Finally, the shovel.
What is the true meaning behind this tool?