第１４９８堀：オークションの裏事情 (Part1)
Chapter 1498: Behind the Scenes of the Auction
Side: Seraria
How should I put this? It’s not as if this is my first time at an auction, but being on the side that’s pulling strings behind the scenes for a specific purpose feels rather… delicate.
I ponder this as the auction concludes and I listen to the self-introductions of the merchants gathered in the town of Wean.
Under normal circumstances, once the schedule is finished, I would head straight home to relax. But this time, I’m in Wean, I have to attend to hospitality duties, and I must ensure the merchants’ efforts are properly acknowledged.
Actually, I’ve just realized that this is far easier than receiving individual visits and listening to long-winded explanations. Having them present their goods collectively on a theater stage like this is much more efficient.
It’s convenient, really. I only need to focus my attention on the things that actually interest me, and for them, it’s less stressful than having to constantly gauge my reactions.
If they can pique the interest of even one or two people here, they can just close the deal at the conference hall attached to the lodging facility, and everyone wins.
As for the slaves, things went neither exceptionally well nor poorly—or rather, everything proceeded exactly as planned.
We had already decided on the purchase of the slaves with various countries, including the non-aligned ones, and there were no interruptions from unknown parties.
Well, I suppose those who were hoping to target the former princess are disappointed.
It seems they never expected Weed to make a move to acquire her.
From what I’d heard, none of the countries truly believed the rumors about the former princess’s treasure; they viewed her as nothing more than a landmine.
That’s precisely why those who thought they might be able to snatch her up placed their bids, only to find themselves unable to keep up with the fixed price we had set.
As for the rest, it seems they were just looking forward to seeing how high the bids would go.
How vulgar.
Well, that aside, when we mentioned that we wanted to purchase certain items related to the Dark Guild, they agreed without hesitation.
In fact, every single non-aligned country participating this time offered their cooperation.
They may not be part of the alliance, but they clearly share a sense of crisis regarding the Dark Guild.
Their reasons for not joining the alliance vary, but it mostly boils down to vested interests.
If goods from various countries suddenly start flowing in through Weed’s gates, it disrupts the existing balance of power.
Managing that is the job of those at the top, but it is undeniably difficult.
It’s not just the small nations, but unlike the major powers, their aristocratic influence isn’t overwhelmingly strong, so if they try to force things through, the backlash is severe.
Those who are far from the major powers, or who harbor grudges, are naturally reluctant to listen to what they’re told.
Besides, it’s only been a year or two since this alliance was formed.
The student exchange program is only starting this year and is still in the testing phase.
Even with our fame and track record, it seems we haven’t quite reached the point where our influence resonates across all nations, especially the non-aligned ones.
Even Suurus seemed skeptical about the alliance—or rather, Weed’s national power—and before that, Fiora felt much the same.
Ah, I’ve drifted off-topic.
Regardless, we secured the consent of both the allied and non-aligned nations and successfully obtained the former princess.
As for the budget spent… well, if the rumors about the treasure are true, I suppose we’ll just barely break even?
Though, if my husband is the one searching, I’m certain we’ll end up in the black.
He’s bound to find something of value other than the treasure along the way.
In the first place, by funneling the funds used to buy the former princess through the alliance, we can track the money.
We probably won’t be able to trace every single coin, but if it leads to the Dark Guild or other shady organizations, it’s a bonus.
"So, it really went exactly as planned."
As I mutter this, the merchant who finished his presentation on stage bows, drawing applause from the crowd.
Before I knew it, his product introduction had already ended.
"Did you see anything interesting?" I ask Ratz, who is sitting next to me.
"Hmm. Honestly? Just the usual local specialties. Nothing particularly eye-catching. Right, Eris?"
"Indeed. The clothes, carpets, and jewelry—all showcasing the full extent of the craftsmen’s skills—are flawless enough to be offered as tribute, but that’s all they are. Well, nobody would sell products incorporating new technology in a place like this, anyway."
"I suppose you're right."
I watch with half-closed eyes as the next merchant introduces more uninspired goods.
Oh, but the next one…
"I might actually be interested in this one."
"Well, that’s a weapon, isn't it? That’s your specialty, Seraria."
"If you let your eyes sparkle like that, Yuki-san next to you is going to be put off."
"That’s not true. Right, dear?" I ask Yuki, who is sitting beside me.
"Hmm? I don’t mind you getting excited over weapons. Well, as long as you aren’t drooling over them, it’s fine to show you have a good understanding of the military, isn't it? Though, I do see Eris’s point."
"You’re not making it clear whether you’re on my side or hers."
"Eris is just saying it’s not very ladylike. If the Queen herself advocates for fighting with weapons, the children will start imitating you, and that would be a problem, wouldn't it?"
"You think so?"
"So, you’re saying it’s fine for the girls of Weed to grab weapons, sneak out, and go monster hunting in other countries?"
"Ah, that would be a no."
Yes, that is exactly what I used to do, but when I think about the aftermath, it’s unthinkable.
I know my damn father was always screaming in agony because of it—and I did it on purpose—but the thought of every girl in Weed doing the same is a nightmare.
"See?"
"I suppose. I’ll make sure to act properly in public."
"Good. I’m glad you understand."
"Well, it’s not exactly a bad thing, but considering the influence on the children and those around us, it’s just a hassle."
Truly.
As I’m thinking this, Rurua returns.
"Welcome back."
"Yes, I’m back."
Rurua says as she takes her seat.
"How were the slaves?"
"They were a bit nervous, but now that the auction is over, they seem relieved. I didn’t see any signs of their health deteriorating. That goes for the former princess as well, of course."
"That’s a relief. So, we just wait until the handover?"
"They’re preparing for the handover behind the scenes. The exchange of money, the renewal of slave contracts, and so on. Thinking about it, this kind of product introduction by merchants is actually quite clever. It’s what you’d call a commercial."
"That’s certainly true."
I wasn’t very interested at first, but many people here are clearly captivated by these presentations.
In fact, other countries will likely start doing the same.
It’s a good way to see if someone can make a solid pitch, rather than just dealing with individuals one by one.