Chapter 231 The Ddo-Buddy Trade Zone ②
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”Now then, let us resume our discussion regarding the ‘Ddo-Buddy Economic Sphere¹.’ To be honest, we have a mountain of agenda items to cover…” Queen Cecile said.
Ah, so ‘Ddo-Buddy Economic Sphere’ really did become the official name… Is this country going to be okay? For the n-th time, I have to wonder. Her Majesty must be truly exhausted.
I would love for Queen Cecile—who seems to have been working non-stop from before the war until these post-war settlements—to take a little rest, but it seems the world is not so kind.
”First, I would like to hear about the success of the ‘Greater Ddo-Buddy Economic Sphere’ concept. Lady Ierse, if you would?” Queen Cecile asked.
”Yes, Lady Cecile. The conversation should certainly begin there,” Crown Princess Ierse replied.
Crown Princess Ierse of the Coalmine Kingdom² responded to Queen Cecile’s inquiry. Neither of them seemed the least bit bothered by the name of the economic sphere. Yeah, it looks like I’ll just have to accept it.
To recap the facts: the ‘Greater Ddo-Buddy Economic Sphere’ is a plan for an economic zone that pierces the continent vertically. It centers on our Canaria Kingdom³, with the Coalmine Kingdom to the north and the maritime nation of Sylvaol⁴ to the southwest.
Compared to the ‘Lesser Ddo-Buddy Economic Sphere’ between Canaria and Coalmine, this not only promises more trade but—true to Sylvaol’s alias as the ‘Trading Nation’—it also allows trade with distant western island nations and the southern continent. It is currently the biggest trade concept.
Furthermore, the ‘Greater Ddo-Buddy Economic Sphere’ includes the ‘Lesser’ one. Depending on its success, the nature of the ‘Lesser Ddo-Buddy Economic Sphere’ could also change. Considering the future, I really want it to work, but…
”I shall state the conclusion first. The maritime nation of Sylvaol has agreed to the ‘Greater Ddo-Buddy Economic Sphere’ concept,” Crown Princess Ierse said.
”Oh…!”
At this, gasps of admiration instinctively rose from the Canaria Kingdom side. Since the death of the previous King and Queen, Canaria had no friendly neighbors besides the western nation of Ferguson for over ten years. Now, allies like Coalmine and Sylvaol have been born.
For Marquis Dan Samoro and Duke Roost Badcage, who have supported Queen Cecile for a long time, this must be a moment of deep emotion. Though I doubt they ever thought the link between the three countries would be the ‘Ddo-Buddy.’
”Umu. You have coordinated the talks well. I thank you, Lady Ierse,” Queen Cecile said.
”Fufu, that is not necessary. It was a good deal for our country too… Besides, being able to ‘persuade’ my mother and sister-in-law was thanks to Kushe and Flearis, who received Lord Harvest’s ‘tutelage,’” Crown Princess Ierse replied.
Yeah, I feel like there is something strange about those words. I have a hunch that behind ‘persuade’ lies lewd talk, and behind ‘tutelage’ lies sexual acts. Just a hunch!
Crown Princess Ierse, who finished such a lewd business deal, puffed out her chest, while Queen Cecile gave a firm nod. That is strange. This is my achievement, and no one is blaming me, so why do I feel so awkward?
”Then, let us proceed with the practical business. First is the ‘Lesser Ddo-Buddy Economic Sphere.’ Duke Roost, can I leave that to you?” Queen Cecile asked.
”As you wish. In my Badcage territory, the distribution of the heating magic tool ‘Hot-Shot-kun⁵‘ has already started. The reputation of a product that gives warmth instantly anywhere is very good; sales are growing as winter approaches,” Duke Roost said.
”Umu. Then, how are the sales of other ‘Harvest’ brand products… especially the ‘Hot-Hot Ddo Buddy⁶‘?” Queen Cecile asked.
”H-Ha!… Regarding the ‘Harvest’ products, it seems there were already fans in my territory before. However, s-since the release of the ‘Hot-Hot Ddo Buddy,’ they have spread very fast. As I thought, well… as the cold comes, people crave human warmth…” Duke Roost muttered.
A silver-haired, red-eyed handsome middle-aged man blushing—an image I’m not sure who wants to see—was shown while the sales in the Badcage territory were explained. Why is no one laughing?! On the contrary, why are Princess Ierse’s eyes sparkling?!
”Umu. Then, in Coalmine, where the cold is also bad, can we expect similar sales?” Queen Cecile asked.
”Yes, I would humbly suggest so. If I could also hear the sales in Coalmine from Her Highness Ierse, it would be easier to make better predictions,” Duke Roost said.
”So it seems. What say you, Lady Ierse?” Queen Cecile asked.
”Yes! Currently, the sales of ‘Harvest’ products in our country are better than expected. Every item is out of stock, and I request an immediate supply. In particular, selling ‘Hot-Shot-kun’ to the public is urgent. It would help a lot if you could export a lot before winter truly comes. Personally, I want to give the products to the women waiting for the ‘Hot-Hot Ddo Buddy’ soon, though…” Crown Princess Ierse replied.
After hearing the reports, Her Majesty gave a big nod. It seems a distribution network that can be called an ‘economic sphere’ has already formed. If the amount increases more, the ‘Lesser Ddo-Buddy Economic Sphere’ will be finished in both name and reality.
”In that case, the problem is production. Lord Harvest, what is the current situation on your end?” Queen Cecile asked.
”Yes. At our shop, we are manufacturing at a fast pace with the help of the Canarias Convent⁷. Also, to make local manufacturing easier and save costs, we have set up several production bases in the Badcage territory. We have hired workers mostly from the soldiers who used ‘Hot-Shot-kun’ last year and the smiths who did maintenance. Some have even gone to the convent for training to keep quality high,” I said.
I was suddenly asked, but my answer was perfect. Fufu, this is the result of working hard even while missing my cute daughter. I can’t be lazy at work using Momo-sama as an excuse; I wouldn’t be able to face her!
I feel like Duke Roost’s back is straighter than usual in front of his daughter Tina too. Umu, a working papa has to look cool. Sadly, I also had to make him feel the shame of explaining the sales of ‘Ddo-Buddy’…
”Umu, that is good, but is that only for ‘Hot-Shot-kun’…? I am worried if manufacturing is keeping up,” Queen Cecile said.
”As you say, the bases in the Badcage territory only make ‘Hot-Shot-kun.’ Other products would be hard for the mostly male soldiers and smiths… Also, right now, manufacturing is not even meeting half of the demand. Both the local bases and the Canarias Convent will have to work at full capacity all winter,” I said.
”That is a problem… Duke Roost, can you not increase the production bases more?” Queen Cecile asked.
”H-Ha, unfortunately… Because of the products, we can only hire people who are trustworthy for fear of leaks. It is hard to add more bases. Also, even if we did, we would run out of raw materials,” Duke Roost said.
About the production bases, I talked with Tina to pick locations and then sent a letter to my father-in-law to confirm. He worked hard on his end too, but as he said, this is the limit.
When items sell as soon as they are made, I want to make more, but it would be bad if quality dropped or if bad copies were made because the tech was stolen. I hope Her Majesty understands.
”Fumu, raw materials… I asked Lady Ierse for those. How is the ‘Fire Rat⁸‘ hunting going?” Queen Cecile asked.
”Yes. According to the news that reached me while going to Sylvaol, it is going very well. They have already reached the bases; in fact, the stock seems enough,” Crown Princess Ierse replied.
”Muu, is that so? Duke Roost,” Queen Cecile said.
”Yes. To be honest, the real problem is the ‘vibration mechanism’,” Duke Roost said.
”If you would share the raw materials for that too, it would be easier for us to help…” Crown Princess Ierse said.
”Do not think poorly of us. If we share all the tech, there would be no ‘Ddo-Buddy Economic Sphere’ left,” Queen Cecile said.
Queen Cecile blocked Crown Princess Ierse, who wants the secrets of the ‘vibration mechanism’ and ‘ultra-miniature magic weapons.’ Well, it’s better than having spies. Her Highness is likely just complaining a bit.
”Then, that is all for the ‘Lesser Ddo-Buddy Economic Sphere.’ We cannot suddenly make more, but please keep making improvements. I am counting on you, Duke Roost, Lord Harvest,” Queen Cecile said.
””Ha!”” Duke Roost and I replied.
—
I am sorry that I cannot draw a map. On a map, the ‘Ddo-Buddy’ should be standing tall and curved…
⬜← Coalmine
↗
⬜← Canaria
↗
⬜← Sylvaol
↗
/|\
Ddo-Buddy
\|/
Greater Ddo-Buddy Economic Sphere!!
—
Summary:
The meeting confirms that Sylvaol has joined the ‘Greater Ddo-Buddy Economic Sphere,’ creating a huge trade block. Reports show that ‘Hot-Shot-kun’ and ‘Hot-Hot Ddo Buddy’ are selling extremely well in cold areas. However, production cannot keep up with high demand because of security and tech secrets. Queen Cecile stops Crown Princess Ierse from trying to learn their secret manufacturing methods.
—
Character Insight:
Lord Harvest shows his growth as a businessman while staying a doting father to Momo-sama. Duke Roost Badcage acts stoic but feels deep shame talking about sex toy sales in front of his daughter Tina. Queen Cecile protects her country’s tech secrets while growing its power through the strangely named trade alliance.
—
Behind the Scene:
The author ends with a visual joke: the map of the three nations (Coalmine, Canaria, Sylvaol) looks like an erect penis, matching the ‘Ddo-Buddy’ name.
—
T/L:
Notes:
• 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.
• 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.
• Samoro – A middle-aged Marquis and Prime Minister with a lot of white hair, a magnificent mustache, and luxurious attire. He is a key figure in the court who has supported the Queen since her enthronement.
• Roost – Duke of Badcage and father of Tina Badcage. He has long silver hair mixed with some white, a cool-headed expression, and red eyes. Despite a relatively slender build, he possesses a strong fighting spirit.
• Flearis – A member of the diplomatic envoy and guard. Has pink hair.
• 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.’
• Momo – The newborn daughter of Kento and Lily. She has pink hair and her father’s ear and eyebrow shapes.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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