第１００２堀：各国の交易状況その２ (Part2)
"Hmm, it depends on how you compare the gap. If you only look at the top-performing students, they might not be on the level of Kagura and her group, but I don't think they're that far behind. However, if you compare the average students to those at the Haiden Magic Academy..."
"Mm. Clearly inferior."
"Indeed. Since they aren't able to use magic very often in their daily lives, the difference in practice volume is likely showing. The mana consumption rate on our continent is quite high, after all."
As Samantha said, our continent suffers from a significant mana depletion phenomenon. The amount of mana required to cast spells is roughly twenty times that of the Rogari Continent—an absurd figure. Because of this, many people are unable to become mages in the first place.
"Mm. Wait, but isn't the mana concentration around the Lancer Magic Academy high enough that the multiplier is only about double? ...Ah, I see. So even then, there's still a twofold difference."
"That's right. That's why there's a twofold difference in practice time. It's only natural that a gap in proficiency would emerge. Well, I'm planning to make adjustments for that moving forward. For instance, having Haiden prepare another schoolhouse for us."
"Ah, so since it's a land issue, you're going to try raising them over there?"
I see. If we do that, people who can't cast magic on the If Continent might finally be able to.
"Exactly. And conversely, we could have Haiden students study at Lancer to see what kind of influence that has. Master said she wanted to collect data on that, too."
"Ah, I definitely want to. We only think of it as 'the mana consumption is different,' but if it's the students, they might come up with other perspectives."
If we're talking about students, we are Lancer students too, I wanted to say—but since we're already receiving special training under Yuki, we wouldn't be a good reference.
"I understand that there might be something there, but it's impossible to take action immediately just because of that. In that case, should we gather the representatives of each country during the Gourmet Tournament that Cleena mentioned earlier and put it on the agenda?"
"Ah, that would be a huge help."
"Got it. Then, once we hear about the Rogari Continent, we need to move quickly."
"...Don't forget to put effort into the gourmet side of things, too."
"I know, I know. Alright, next is the Rogari Continent, but..."
Yuki said this and first turned his gaze toward Rurua.
"Yes. I will provide the explanation from Litea. Though, to be honest, there are no particular diplomatic or trade-related troubles within the Holy Kingdom of Litea itself..."
"Wasn't there a strange pause just now?"
Mm. There was. Everyone else seemed to think so too, and their gazes gathered on her with the implication that she should just spit it out without hiding anything. Rurua looked a bit uncomfortable and finally broke her silence.
"Er, there are no troubles at the moment, but... Master, do you remember? The time a strange noble tried to force their way into the alliance establishment ceremony venue, claiming to be from Litea?"
"Ah, I remember something like that. Some idiot who tried to steal Labyris and the others' tickets."
I had heard about that, too. Some fool who couldn't get a ticket with his own power tried to pick a fight with the entrance staff and even attempted to attack Labyris and her group. Not knowing that Labyris is also the Dungeon Master (Provisional) of Weed is the height of stupidity.
"Yes. We finished dealing with those people, but it seems that same country is now shouting again, demanding preferential treatment in trade."
"Oh, so the source of the idiocy was a giant idiot, then?"
"Still, that is a matter for Alstaire-sama to resolve..."
"So, no official request for aid has been issued yet?"
"Correct. Therefore, I don't believe it will escalate into a major trouble. Besides, these kinds of demands happen everywhere."
Mm. Just as Rurua said, Princess Inis had complained that even in August, there are still some foolish people who demand concessions from Weed without offering anything in return. Apparently, those types are generally kept away from the center and cannot participate in politics. Even so, since their influence doesn't seem to wane, I had suspected they were receiving support from somewhere.
...Hm? Is this a new spark of conflict? But dealing with that is something the major powers should handle first; it's not our place to interfere.
"I see. Then we'll wait until we hear officially from Alstaire. Now, I was going to ask for the report on Gartz, but..."
Yuki's gaze fell on an empty seat. Shera was supposed to be sitting there, but she was currently at the Zuraburu Great Empire.
"I can speak on that if you'd like. I've received information from Lowell."
It was Seraria who said that. It's true that she is on good terms with General Lowell. It might not be a perfectly objective report, but since Weed and Gartz are on good terms, there's no reason for her to provide false information.
As I was thinking about that, the conversation continued. It seems the If Continent is also running smoothly despite its internal problems. And now, all that remains is the Rogari Continent. We've had countless troubles there until now—I wonder if that country is doing alright?