第１００１堀：各国の交易状況その１ (Part1)
**Chapter 1001: Trade Status of Each Nation, Part 1**
**Side: Samantha**
"Now then, let's move on to diplomacy."
Yuki-sama said this while looking over the documents. Under normal circumstances, being the focus of his attention would be a source of great joy, but unfortunately, I am currently on duty. I cannot afford to let my expression soften.
"Souta-san. I apologize for leaving so much to you lately, but how are things at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?"
"Well, there are no particular troubles regarding diplomacy. Trade is even more flourishing than before. A recent topic of discussion has been the import of seafood from the Sea-Saifo Kingdom, which joined our alliance; we’ve held quite a few meetings on that. I believe Kagura knows the details."
"Yes. As Souta-sama says, Yuki, the current catch in Sea-Saifo isn't enough to meet demand, so there’s talk of using military vessels to help with the fishing."
"Ah, so that joke we made a while back is actually becoming a reality."
"Yes. Menou-san has requested that if they do that, they’ll need some kind of backup since their defensive capabilities will inevitably drop."
Countries that can provide seafood are precious. While Dressa-san’s homeland is technically a maritime nation, it is now under the umbrella of the Ex Kingdom, and the If Continent has enough monsters in its waters that the catch is inevitably low.
"That said, it’s not just the New Continent where trade is active. Trade is flourishing on the If and Rogali Continents as well. The idea you and the others proposed—that each country should focus on producing their own unique crops and specialties—is taking shape, and mutual trade is thriving. There are no notable trade disputes. Well, that is the purpose of this alliance, after all."
As Enoru-sama says, it is not only the New Continent, with its unique marine products, that is reaping the profits. The results of the policy decided upon in our meetings—to have each nation focus on its own specialties—are finally bearing fruit.
Through this, the nations have become interdependent. Before long, no nation will be able to function without the Gates. No, in truth, they likely cannot function without them even now. The practical benefits are simply that great. We have acquired the power and the bonds to feed our people without ever needing to resort to war. Nowadays, if anyone were to attempt to start a war, it would be dismissed as mere greed and crushed by our alliance.
"I see. That is the best news I could hope for. I understand the situation regarding intercontinental exchange from Weed's perspective. Now, let's hear from the representatives of each nation. Let's start with the New Continent."
Yuki-sama turned toward Kagura-san and the others in charge of the New Continent, and we followed his lead, turning our gazes toward them.
"Right, I'll start with the situation in the Haiden Kingdom. First off, our domestic trade is still catastrophic. We haven't fully recovered from the influence of the Aqua-Tree. For now, we are barely managing by providing magical knowledge and exporting magical tools. We are on good terms with the Lancer Magic Academy, at least."
"I suppose it isn't easy to rebuild so quickly."
Well, that is only natural. So much has happened since then that it feels like a long time ago, but in reality, not much time has passed. If anything, Haiden has been hit by a double-whammy of national crises, including the rescue request from Sea-Saifo.
"Ah, but the crops Yuki-sensei started growing in Father's territory have become a specialty product, even if the volume isn't huge yet. The Princess was very happy about that."
"I see. I hope Baron Jama isn't struggling too much because of that. Well, I'll make time to pay a visit later. I need to check the airport facilities soon, anyway."
"..."
It might be rude to Micos-san, but I was about to point out that there was no need for Yuki-sama to personally visit a mere barony. However, his final comment silenced me.
...Come to think of it, we did build an airport in Baron Jama's territory for emergencies. It is the only airport in the entire world—a location necessary for Weed to operate its aerial forces in the future.
"Ahem. Aside from that, we’ve been in the black thanks to the support we provided regarding the Sea-Saifo troubles and the Zlable Empire incident. Stasia, go ahead."
"Yes. The Findar Empire didn't suffer any major damage in the recent conflict, so we have begun selling our specialty products and are importing what we lack; it is a positive trend for the nation. Also, Findar was involved in the Sea-Saifo and Zlable matters, so there are no issues there."
Findar had also declared war on us, but that was only due to Baide, and since we were the ones summoned, the human casualties were minimal. It seems the damage to trade was not that significant. Stasia-sama's younger sister works in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, after all.
"Then, it's my turn. The Haire Church is still in the middle of reconstruction. We are also in the process of purging the remnants of the Aqua-Tree. Furthermore, it was confirmed that they were using Magic Gear sacrifices in various places, and dealing with the aftermath of that has been a nightmare. Well, the only salvation is that the believers still trust in Haire-sama, and that there were countries willing to use that Magic Gear for the sake of the people. As the Haire Church, we weren't looking for profit from trade to begin with, so we aren't too concerned about that side of things. Ah, there is talk of wanting to exchange recovery magic and medical knowledge with Ritea—where Rurua was—the Hifie Holy Kingdom, and the Enaria Holy Kingdom."
The situation with the Haire Church is truly tragic. The Aqua-Tree really did cause some troublesome issues. Fortunately, since profit wasn't their goal, it doesn't seem like the church will collapse because of this. It is the first I've heard of the medical exchange, but that is a good thing.
"As for Sea-Saifo, as I mentioned earlier, it's all about the seafood. It would be better to ask Diplomat Menou for the details."
"Right. I'll check on that with her. So, for now, everything is problem-free?"
"Yes. We are managing well."
"If anything, considering the battle that took place, the New Continent as a whole is doing quite well."
"Indeed. Now it's just a matter of how much we can increase our trade exports while we get our systems in order."
There are various problems, but the New Continent seems to be on an upward trajectory.
"Well, I expect more problems will arise in the future, so don't forget to report those as they come."
"Yes!"
"Good. Now, next is the If Continent."
That is our turn.
"Then, if I may, I shall provide the explanation."
"Ah, Jessica, stay seated. Those who are pregnant don't need to stand."
"Yes, understood. Then, once again: there are no trade troubles for the Zilba Empire. We are engaged in a daily battle of negotiations with various countries, but since His Majesty is well aware that one-sided exploitation will only lead to problems later, we are ensuring a proper distribution of profits."
"Well, King Zilba will handle it smoothly. He’s better at politics than he looks."
"Yes. Well, the only trouble is that some of the smaller nations that were on an expansionist military path are dissatisfied. But since we apprehended the majority of them during the mass-produced magic sword incident, they are very few in number."
Ah, I remember that trouble. But as Jessica-san says, I cannot imagine that King Zilba would leave any seeds of future conflict. If anything happens, he will surely contact us immediately.