第１００２堀：各国の交易状況その２ (Part1)
**Chapter 1002: Trade Status of Each Nation, Part 2**
**Side: Cleena**
"Comet. Apologize for claiming Taizo-san's achievements as your own, and then sit down already. You're in the way."
"Hifie-san, the proposal was only accepted because Comet-dono was there. Therefore, it is undoubtedly Comet-dono's achievement."
"See! It’s all thanks to this brilliant brain of mine!"
"Tch... Hasn't your brain rotted to the point of no return by now?"
"Ohhh!? You wanna go?"
"Shall we? Would you like me to purify you?"
These two are always such good friends. They bicker like this precisely because they trust each other so deeply. But I’m not losing to them, either. I have reliable friends and my husband, Yuki. In other words, I am invincible.
Wait, more importantly, if those two keep playing around, my turn will never come.
"...Yuki. My report. Can I speak?"
"Right. If you two are going to keep making noise, get out."
" "We're sorry." "
Comet and Hifie apologized immediately. This little routine is becoming a staple. Are they planning to become a comedy duo or something? Well, never mind that.
"As for August, the recent rebellion by the nobles has finally settled down, so they haven't been able to spare the manpower for trade yet."
" " "……???" " "
"Nn. I know the impact was thin. There were nobles who complained about the King adopting me because I’m officially marrying into Weed, and others who demanded that the Holy Kingdom of Hifie take responsibility for the recent incidents."
" " "Ah..." " "
They finally seemed to remember.
"Wait, why doesn't Hifie remember? I heard you were pressured quite a bit?"
"Those people were only posturing on the surface. Behind me, the Kingdom of Ex and Weed were already standing firm. As for national power, if it’s just August’s military strength, we could have handled it easily with Taizo-san’s weapons and Comet’s presence. Besides, there have been countless countries threatening us to send them recovery mages for a long time now."
"Ah, so you’re used to dealing with that type of person."
"Nn. Even if Hifie didn't care much, since it was officially concluded that a terrorist organization using magic swords was behind it, August needs to apologize for the trouble caused."
"Well, that makes sense. And because of the internal cleanup, trade hasn't progressed much, then?"
"Nn. Well, it’s not zero. I’m planning a ramen industry with King Roday, and we’ve already opened a few shops."
"No way, isn't that just a personal hobby?"
"Not exactly. I’ve started producing flour suitable for ramen noodles in cooperation with King Roday. King Roday is currently researching delicious soups using pork."
" " "A national project!?" " "
Never underestimate food.
"Nn. Next year, the ramen produced through the collaboration between August and Roday is expected to take the world by storm. Though, I don't think it will reach the level of Kiyu and Covil’s ramen."
"Was their ramen really that good?"
"What are you saying? They’ve been thriving for a long time now, haven't they? Besides, you’re the one who created that soup base."
"Don't you dare tell Blade-ossan that. He’ll keep pestering me to make it for him. Anyway, taking the world by storm with ramen? What, are you going to hold a gourmet festival for intercontinental exchange?"
"Nn. That might be good. Since we’ve built a large shopping mall for intercontinental exchange, an event there could be a gourmet festival for all nations."
That sounds like a delicious idea. Of course, the Japanese food in Weed is the best, but there are hidden culinary gems in this world, too. Bringing them all together to enjoy—it’s wonderful!
"Yes, yes! In that case, I think we should also gather the famous liquors from each country!"
"Nn. That is certainly true."
Milly just wants to drink, but I think the opinion that liquor should be included in "gourmet" is perfectly valid.
"Alright, alright... Let's say the next intercontinental exchange will be a gourmet festival. For now, we’re talking about diplomacy and trade. So, I understand August isn't very active yet, but can we assume this gourmet festival will be the solution?"
"Nn. It would be helpful to have such an event to show that the previous troubles have been resolved."
"I see. Well, it means the shopping mall concept is working out. Next is the Kingdom of Ex, but..."
This time, there are no members from the Kingdom of Ex present, so we can't hear the report here. Well, Noble of the Kingdom of Ex is a god and on our side, so if there were any problems, he would have contacted us immediately. I don't think we need to worry.
Just as I was thinking that...
"Ah, the Kingdom of Ex is making a proper profit through trade, and everything seems to be going perfectly."
Surprisingly, Dressa answered. I know they’ve reconciled, but they are still the people who destroyed her homeland. I was a bit surprised to hear her talk about that country so casually. Dressa herself seemed to notice our reaction...
"...What? Is it strange that I know the current state of the Kingdom of Ex? I make sure to gather information to see if they are managing my homeland properly."
"Well, I suppose that's true. We get reports from Sacri every month, so there shouldn't be any problems. Honestly, he should just come to Weed."
"Sacri is Noble's best friend, you know. There's no way he’d just switch sides to Weed that easily."
Sacri is a surviving Dungeon Master in the Kingdom of Ex. He has reconciled with Yuki and the others and is working with them to investigate the magic depletion phenomenon.
"It's not about switching sides. I'm saying he should finally fix his missing limbs."
"Ah, for some reason, he won't drink the sacred sake. He says he isn't worthy. Noble has consulted me about that many times, too."
"Me too. Well, he has his pride, but unlike Stasia, it's not a medal—it's a penance. I wish he’d compromise on that. It’s actually negatively affecting his range of movement."
Yes, Sacri lost his limbs in the old war and is forced to live in a wheelchair. He’s a bit stubborn, refusing to be healed even though a method exists.
"Well, we'll deal with that later. Now, what’s left on the If Continent... The Lancer Magic Academy, right?"
Yuki said this while looking at Principal Popuri. We have Principal Popuri attending this meeting as well. The Principal is Comet's disciple and has sworn allegiance to Labyris. In other words, she’s one of us.
"Ah, I’d like to say with pride that there are no problems, but... that’s not the case. It seems our continent has the most magic decay, and our magic technology is lagging behind the other continents. We’ve finished talks on exchange with the Haiden Magic Academy of the New Continent, led by Kagura and the others, but we haven't actually started moving yet."
"Ah, there was talk of that, too. Is the gap really that severe?"