Chapter 191 Diplomatic Delegation ③
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”Well then, is this farce over yet, Ierse¹-dono?”
”Yes, thank you for your cooperation, Cecile²-sama,” Ierse replied.
Business negotiations with the diplomatic mission from the Coalmine Kingdom³—or more accurately, with Her Highness the wife of the Coalmine Crown Prince. I had been caught up with some rather troublesome characters, but we could finally get down to the meat of the discussion.
”Since Lord Harvest⁴ is present, let us first review the terms established during the ceasefire negotiations. We shall begin with the sales distribution within the Coalmine Kingdom,” Queen Cecile said.
Her Majesty then proceeded to provide a concise explanation of the conditions. While I had already been briefed by Lady Tina of the Duke Badcage⁵ House and had reviewed the correspondence, formal confirmation remained a vital necessity.
”Broadly speaking, we will adhere to the sales model initiated during the war and currently in operation, so Lord Harvest need not distress himself with the details. The Tasogare Merchant Guild⁶ and the Church of Demon-Subjugation⁷ shall remain the primary distributors, with a significant transit hub established within the Badcage territory to facilitate transport,” Cecile explained.
Her Majesty was describing the makeshift transport and sales framework I had hastily engineered to bring the war to a conclusion.
In this arrangement, the Tasogare Merchant Guild handled domestic logistics, the Church managed transport within the Coalmine Kingdom, and the Badcage family served as the intermediary. This structure was designed to maximize transport efficiency while simultaneously circumventing Coalmine’s stringent trade regulations.
As for the retail side, I had been informed that the couple running the Tasogare Merchant Guild’s Coalmine branch, along with their associates and various churches and monasteries within the Coalmine Kingdom, had been conducting sales covertly.
Now that the conflict had ceased, the necessity for such clandestine operations had vanished. Conversely, this meant we could no longer bypass various customs duties that had previously been ignored…
”The retail prices shall also remain fixed. Should they wish to levy any form of tax, the entire cost must be reflected in the price and borne by the citizens of Coalmine. I have not permitted Lord Harvest to negotiate on this point. I have informed them that if it is an absolute necessity, they must coordinate through the Church or the Badcage family, but…”
”We have no such intentions at present. More importantly, we would be most appreciative if you could move swiftly to begin sales of the new merchandise—specifically the ‘Tremble-Ddo-Buddy⁸,’ the ‘Hot-Hot Ddo Buddy,’ and the ‘Hot-Shot-kun⁹‘ heating magic tool,” Ierse stated.
As she noted, the finalized terms were already weighted entirely in our favor. All of this was being done to expedite the launch of new products, just as Her Highness mentioned. Indeed, that was the primary objective of this diplomatic mission.
Her Highness Ierse had returned to the Coalmine Kingdom with Crown Prince Gilliam immediately following the ceasefire negotiations. Almost instantly, she had doubled back to lead this mission here.
The urgency surrounding the new products was a move to demonstrate the success of the peace talks to the citizenry. Apparently, the public demand for our shop’s inventory in the Coalmine Kingdom had grown to a fever pitch.
In particular, the launch of the ‘Tremble-Ddo-Buddy’ was highly anticipated, due in no small part to its performance being teased relentlessly throughout the war.
Yet, Her Highness Ierse placed even greater importance on the rollout of the ‘Hot-Shot-kun.’ With autumn already halfway through, her decision to ensure a release before the onset of winter was undeniably shrewd.
”Hmph. Regarding the production of the ‘Hot-Shot-kun,’ the Badcage family shall shoulder the primary responsibility. The critical component remains the raw material: ‘Fire Rat¹⁰ hide’…”
”Hunting efforts should have already commenced across the Coalmine Kingdom. We have issued requests to the Adventurers’ Guild and local village hunters alike, so exports to the Badcage territory should begin shortly,” Ierse replied.
Coalmine’s primary profit would be derived from this source. However, since acquiring the ‘Hot-Shot-kun’ would require significant capital, the net balance was somewhat ambiguous. Since we would also be launching general sales of the ‘Hot-Hot Ddo Buddy’ and the ‘Hot-Shot-kun’ on our side, there would certainly be profit to be made…
”I would be quite pleased if a manufacturing facility for the ‘Hot-Shot-kun’ could eventually be established within our borders,” Ierse suggested softly.
”My apologies, but that specific technology is a closely guarded state secret. I will not permit any negotiations regarding that with Lord Harvest either,” Cecile stated firmly.
”Yes, I am well aware,” Ierse conceded.
Well, that was to be expected. While I personally hoped we wouldn’t push the trade imbalance so far that it sparked another war, the fact that the ‘Hot-Shot-kun’ technology is directly derived from micro-scale magic weaponry meant this was likely the absolute limit. However, there was one specific matter that concerned me.
”Um, may I raise a point? While we appreciate the collection of ‘Fire Rat hides,’ our shop is eager to see the resumption of ‘Samon Mushrooms¹¹‘ exports,” I asked.
”‘Samon Mushrooms’? They are indeed one of our nation’s signature exports… Ah, I see. I suppose the ‘Harvest’ catalog isn’t limited strictly to phallic toys, is it?” Ierse asked.
Correct. One of the essential raw materials utilized in our shop’s aphrodisiacs and lubricants is the ‘Samon Mushroom.’ Last year, supply was severed by Coalmine’s trade restrictions, and due to poor timing, domestic yields plummeted as everyone became preoccupied with hunting ‘Fire Rats.’
Now that the war has concluded, I want to secure a bulk supply of genuine ‘Samon Mushrooms.’ To achieve that, I need to ensure the people of the Coalmine Kingdom don’t repeat our mistake and become overly obsessed with hunting ‘Fire Rats.’
”Understood. I shall personally see to it that the supply of ‘Samon Mushrooms’ remains steady. However, there is no need for haste; due to the previous trade restrictions, there is a significant surplus of dried ‘Samon Mushrooms’ from last year, so we can guarantee an ample supply,” Ierse explained.
”I appreciate that. Once the domestic market has stabilized, we plan to begin exporting our aphrodisiacs and lubricants to the Coalmine Kingdom as well, so please keep that in mind,” I said.
”I shall look forward to it. However, since aphrodisiacs utilizing ‘Samon Mushrooms’ are already quite common in our country, I suspect you would find more success prioritizing this… ‘lotion’? …instead,” Ierse advised.
I nodded in response to Her Highness Ierse’s suggestion. It made sense; as the primary source of ‘Samon Mushrooms,’ the culture of utilizing aphrodisiacs was likely far more established in Coalmine than in the Canaria Kingdom¹².
Perhaps those underlying circumstances were why our products had been so readily accepted there. I would likely need to refine my strategy for future expansion.
”Now then, that should suffice regarding the Coalmine Kingdom. The real challenge lies with Silvaall¹³, the maritime nation of Ierse-dono’s birth. My intelligence suggests that our products currently only circulate through the Church within a handful of monasteries. General availability is virtually non-existent,” Cecile remarked.
”Yes, while we are not in open conflict, the relationship between Silvaall and the Canaria Kingdom could hardly be described as cordial,” Ierse replied.
”Largely due to the fact that you married into Coalmine,” Cecile added pointedly.
”Oh, you think so?” Ierse asked with an innocent smile.
I wasn’t privy to the finer details, but there had apparently been some incredibly messy diplomatic maneuvering in the past. It stood to reason; if a princess from Silvaall married into Coalmine—nations separated by two borders—the Canaria Kingdom caught in the middle would feel the squeeze. In fact, that was almost certainly the entire purpose of the union.
”…Regardless. I trust you intend to maintain amicable relations moving forward?” Cecile asked.
”That is precisely why I am here. Once my duties in this capital are concluded, I intend to travel directly to Silvaall to personally persuade my father and mother~desuwa,” Ierse declared.
It appeared her role in the diplomatic mission to the Canaria Kingdom was also a calculated step toward diplomacy with Silvaall. I wondered just how much the shift in Coalmine’s foreign policy would ripple through Silvaall’s own stance…
”On that note, I was hoping Lord Harvest might provide a few select items to serve as gifts? Would that be acceptable?” Ierse asked.
”Yes, certainly. I’ve received instructions from Her Majesty to provide every possible convenience, and our shop would be more than happy to expand our distribution network,” I replied.
Unlike the negotiations for Coalmine, sales in Silvaall felt like we were starting from scratch. However, the potential profits would likely dwarf anything we saw from Coalmine. Silvaall was famously known as the ‘Trading Nation.’
True to its name, it was a country that had built its global standing through maritime commerce, boasting trade routes that reached the western isles, the southern continent, and the nations of the east. Naturally, they weren’t just looking to sell our goods within Silvaall, but to export them across the globe.
Of course, that was all contingent on her persuading the King and Queen of Silvaall. Initially, they would likely be marketed as high-end luxury items for foreign dignitaries.
To think my ‘Ddo-Buddies’ would be traversing the high seas… I’ve certainly come a long way. Maybe I should try to make them fly next?
”My thanks, Lord Harvest. Oh, and if it isn’t too much trouble, I have one final request…” Ierse added.
”Yes? What is it?” I asked.
While I was busy with my idiotic fantasies, Her Highness Ierse spoke with a look of genuine hesitation. After having a magic tool obsessive and a psychotic siscon unleashed on me, I didn’t think there was any point in being reserved now…
”When I am presenting these products in Silvaall, you see… it would be immensely helpful to have someone present who is intimately familiar with your shop’s inventory,” Ierse explained.
”I see your point. I’d like to assist, but my wife is due to give birth any day now. None of my employees are really in a position where I can send them abroad either…” I countered.
”I have no intention of placing such a burden on you, of course. However… well, if it is possible—and only if it is truly possible. Please, feel free to refuse,” Ierse said tentatively.
Her Highness Ierse was being uncharacteristically vague. After that lengthy preamble, she gestured toward the floor with a pained expression.
”Would it be possible to instruct Kushe¹⁴ in the proper application of your shop’s merchandise…?” Ierse asked.
”Uh…” I muttered.
She was pointing at Kushe, the Chief Court Mage of Coalmine. Due to her earlier violent outburst, she remained bound hand and foot, thrashing and flopping about on the floor like a fish hauled onto a deck…
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Summary:
Harvest, Queen Cecile, and Princess Ierse finalize trade agreements between Canaria and Coalmine. They discuss the logistics of selling ‘Hot-Shot-kun’ heaters and ‘Ddo-Buddy’ products. Ierse reveals plans to expand sales to her home country, the maritime nation of Silvaall. The chapter ends with Ierse requesting Harvest to train the captured mage Kushe in the use of his adult goods.
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Character Insight:
Princess Ierse shows her dual nature as a shrewd diplomat and a practical wife. While she negotiates complex international trade and geopolitics, she also has no qualms about using the ‘disgraced’ Kushe as a tool for product demonstration. Harvest continues to balance his role as a shopkeeper with the increasing political weight of his inventions, even as his personal life approaches a major milestone with the birth of his child.
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Behind the Scene:
The ‘Hot-Shot-kun’ technology is highlighted as a strategic military asset, explaining why Queen Cecile keeps a tight grip on its manufacturing. The mention of ‘Samon Mushrooms’ brings back earlier plot points about trade wars and material shortages, showing the interconnectedness of the world-building.
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T/L:
Notes:
• Ierse – The Crown Princess and wife of Gilliam, originally from a foreign land. She is described as lively and healthy with a unique charm. She wants to cheer up her husband. Has long haired hair.
• Cecile – A high-ranking, powerful woman in the capital who possesses the authority to regulate business and commerce, particularly concerning moral or public order issues. She is currently investigating Kento’s shop, ‘Harvest.’ Have long golden hair, elegant, and wearing expensive white dress with gold accesories.
• Gilliam – The Crown Prince of the Coalmine Kingdom. He is described as simple and naive, often overwhelmed by his lively wife’s energy. He is stressed by the ongoing war.
• Kushe – The Chief Mage of the Coalmine Kingdom. She has dark green hair grown out haphazardly and wears a mage robe loosely over her shoulders. She has a blunt, informal, and somewhat insensitive personality, focused on her ‘thinking experiments.’
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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