第１８０４堀： ウィードの良いところを伝えるには (Part1)
Chapter 1804: How to Convey the Virtues of Weed
Side: Mikos
"Eh? Mikos-chan is joining the envoys?"
Called out by Kagura and showing my face, I was hit with that sudden request, and I couldn't help but tilt my head. After all, up until now, I haven't been involved in the various affairs of the New Continent. My focus has primarily been on working to revitalize the port town of Glass.
"That’s right. As my partner. When it comes to being a human and handling the record-keeping, we concluded that you’re the best person in all of Weed for the job."
"But don't we have the intelligence agents for that?"
It’s true. Unlike me—a reporter who operates in the light—Weed has intelligence agents who specialize in digging deep into the shadows. Since their work can't exactly be turned into magazine articles, I’ve always felt there was a clear division of labor.
"Kirika and her agents are severely understaffed as it is. Besides, that type of intelligence gathering is about infiltration and slow accumulation; it’s not meant for immediate, public-facing results."
"Well, I suppose that’s true. So, the plan is for me to tag along as an envoy and investigate things here and there?"
"Exactly. Yuki suggested it, saying there might be things that only you, with your perspective, would notice."
"I see. In that case, I’ll go."
If Yuki-sensei thinks that way, I have no choice but to answer the call.
"Haa, you’re really soft on Yuki, aren't you, Mikos?"
"Look who’s talking, Kagura. You’re just as much of a pushover. Besides, Yuki-sensei doesn't usually rely on us like this. Something like this is rare."
"I know what you mean. Yuki is fundamentally self-sufficient, after all."
Yeah, he can usually handle everything on his own. Lately, he’s learned to lean on us because the scale of things has grown too large, but even then, it’s starting to feel like our exclusive job. It’s just… different.
"Alright, it’s settled then. We’re going to see Yuki to hear the details. By the way, are you even aware of the situation in the New Continent? And what about your work in Glass Port Town?"
"I know as much as the reports say. I don’t go out of my way to ask about work when I’m relaxing at home. As for my current tasks, it’s just the ongoing magazine publication, and I have subordinates who can handle that. The recruitment for residents in Glass Port Town doesn't start until after the completion party, and the manuscripts are already finished, so that’s not a problem either."
"You’re surprisingly organized."
"What do you mean 'surprisingly'? I’ve never once been late with an article, even back at the Haiden Magic Academy."
"Was that so? Well, whatever. Let’s go."
"Why don't you remember that?!"
Grumbling, I followed her toward Yuki-sensei’s office. Since he’s actually in Weed today, we headed over to the military department.
"Excuse us."
"Hello there~"
"Oh, you’re here."
Yuki-sensei was, as always, buried in a mountain of paperwork. I used to admire the idea of being a high-ranking official, but honestly, I think my current position is the best. I get to make the articles and magazines I love.
"Please, right this way~"
Guided by Hovis, we sat on the sofa, and tea and sweets were served immediately. Yep, that flow of service is that of a top-tier maid. She’s really become a fine attendant for Yuki-sensei.
"Mikos, sorry to bother you when you’re busy. Since you’re here, I assume you’ve heard?"
"I have~. You want me to go to the New Continent as an envoy."
"Right. Kagura is also scheduled to go, but I thought it would be better to have one more person representing Weed. When it comes to introducing our culture, you’re more engaging than Kagura, and your experience with magazines and articles gives you a knack for that kind of performance."
I see. So he didn't call me just for information gathering. If it were truly just for intel, he could have just sent Kirika’s subordinates. Still, the reasoning makes sense.
"Understood. In that case, should I bring along some product catalogs?"
"Product catalogs? Instead of bringing actual samples?"
"Exactly. Of course, bringing samples as gifts is fine, but if we present a catalog and say, 'We have many more items like these, and you can choose,' then..."
Yuki-sensei understood immediately and nodded.
"I see. It makes them want to establish a connection with Weed."
"Yes. It’s important to let them know that our relationship isn't limited to just one transaction. Introducing products in a magazine has an incredible effect."
That’s no lie. Whenever we feature gourmet spots or interesting goods in our magazines, they often sell out immediately. Of course, we don't feature junk. We only publish things because our reporters are confident in them. That’s why the information in our magazines is trusted and drives sales. Well, sometimes things sell *too* well, so we have to adjust production beforehand, but that’s a separate issue.
By doing this, we make them want to keep dealing with Weed because they know there’s more to come. We stimulate their desire to purchase, just like we do with our readers. We’ll do the same for the countries we visit as envoys. Weed isn't just a name on a map...
"So, we’re establishing Weed not just as a name, but as a nation that actively seeks exchange."
"Yes. I heard that Weed’s lack of name recognition in the New Continent is causing various problems."
"True. So far, it’s only been the Giadana Kingdom and its allies that attacked us, but considering our future activities in the New Continent, having a nation that no one knows could become a headache when dealing with the northern countries."
That’s true. If you tell someone about a country they’ve never heard of, they won't know how to react. And it’s not just that—if they don't know the name, they might underestimate us and treat us unreasonably. In that case, Weed would have to carry out proper retaliation. A nation simply cannot allow itself to be looked down upon. Since the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance is also being treated as inferior, we have to restore our reputation at all costs. Though, given that we’ve already crushed the northern coalition’s military, I don't think that’s an issue.
"In that case, let’s take advantage of this opportunity. We’ll show them that beyond our military might, we have a civilization worth connecting with."
"So, we’ll hand out catalogs and set up regular visits?"
"Exactly. The frequency of those visits will depend on negotiations, but depending on the goods, I’m sure the information will spread to other countries as well."
"Should we consider offering technological support as well?"
"I can’t really say on that front, Yuki-sensei. I’d need to see the local technological level to know what’s appropriate. Besides, things that are easily imitated will just spread, and that won't really help spread Weed’s name. Oh, maybe it would be better to secure the merchant guilds instead?"