Chapter 342 The Western Trade Sphere, Or Rather… ①
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”…In any case, I believe I have the full picture. Your kingdom used this ‘Hot-Shot-kun’ ¹ heating circuit as leverage to open negotiations with the Coalmine Kingdom, did you not?” King William asked.
”Indeed. We’ve already exported a significant volume over the winter months, and in return, we’re importing raw materials,” Queen Cecile replied. “The ‘North-South Trade Sphere’… or rather, a portion of the ‘Western Trade Sphere’ ², has effectively begun its first rotations.”
This was a diplomatic summit with the Kingdom of Ferguson. King William and Queen Cecile-sama proceed with the discussion, leaving Lady Unia, the Great Duke’s daughter, to continue her restless fidgeting in the corner.
”…May I ask two questions?” William asked.
”By all means, King William,” the Queen said.
”First, regarding Sylvaol. While this ‘Hot-Shot-kun’ is undoubtedly a lucrative commodity, I can understand why Coalmine would bite-but not Sylvaol. In the tropical south, its utility is negligible. I find it hard to believe those greedy merchants would scramble for such a product.”
A fair point, honestly. We were staring down our latest “Ddo-Buddy” ³ chance-or rather, “Ddo-Buddy” pinch-but this time too, Her Majesty shows off a brilliant cornering (?) maneuver to dodge it.
”Ah… your kingdom and Sylvaol never did quite… see eye to eye, did they?” the Queen asked.
”It is more than mere incompatibility. For years, that nation has thwarted our attempts to enter the southern markets. To see them now swaggering into the western trade with the Island States as if they own the seas… calling them a thorn in my side would be a generous understatement,” William said, his voice tightening.
It made sense. Just as our nation had its own web of international entanglements, Ferguson had its own crosses to bear. Much like our strained relations with the Coalmine Kingdom to the north, a deep-seated rivalry festered between the Kingdom of Ferguson in the west and the maritime power of Sylvaol to the southwest.
”Uncle, for heaven’s sake, please… just let the southern trade go,” Unia pleaded.
”What are you saying, Unia? The grand ambition of our kingdom-of our very bloodline-is not something to be cast aside so lightly!” William snapped.
”It’s less a ‘grand ambition’ and more that you just wanted to try something new. Personally, I think we should be setting our sights further west…” Unia muttered.
Unia-jou, who seems to have recovered from her fidgeting before I knew it, says. From Ferguson’s perspective, the Canaria Kingdom to the east was a staunch ally. If they wanted to blaze a new trail, dealing with Sylvaol to the south was the only practical move.
The West, though… I couldn’t help but wonder about it, even if it brought back messy memories of my old world. News from beyond the Island States rarely reached the Canaria Kingdom. Still, it wasn’t my place to butt in.
”Well, you can settle your domestic disputes on your own time,” the Queen interjected. “Now, what was your second question?”
”The same concern I had regarding Sylvaol. Ferguson will not move for the sake of this ‘Hot-Shot-kun’ alone. At its core, what role does your kingdom expect us to play in this ‘Western Trade Sphere’?” William asked.
Um, this time for sure, she won’t be able to escape the “Ddo-Buddy” pinch. Since the products our country exports are various things from our shop, it’s impossible to talk about it while leaving out the “Ddo-Buddy” at the center.
I felt a wave of tension wash over our civil officials. Is she going to do it?! Queen Cecile-sama! We watched her lips, waiting with bated breath. And then…
”…Indeed. Tell me, King William… have you happened to hear rumors lately? Rumors regarding certain… peculiar goods flowing out of our borders?” the Queen asked.
”Hmm? What are you referring to?” William asked, sounding puzzled.
”…It is a matter of some gravity. Particularly… well, if things are still lively in your bedchamber, I suspect your wife may be quite familiar with them,” the Queen said quietly.
”…My relationship with my wife is excellent. Wait… surely you don’t mean-!?” William gasped.
Electricity runs. I don’t know how else to describe the look on King William’s face. His eyes nearly bugged out of his head-first in shock that “that” topic was being broached here, and then in sheer horror as the true nature of the “Western Trade Sphere” dawned on him. I desperately wished I had a three-camera setup to capture his reaction from every angle.
Meanwhile, Lady Unia sat there looking absolutely piqued, like “What is it about, I’m frustrated that I don’t understand what big sister is saying…!” Yeah… I don’t think adult goods was the first thing on her list of strategic geopolitical commodities.
General Sachet, the only other Ferguson representative, just looked confused. I guess things have been quiet on the home front for him.
”…Uncle, you know of these goods? I’m ashamed to say I’m drawing a total blank. Please, enlighten me,” Unia-jou asked.
”No-! I mean-that is-!” William stammered.
Poor King William (married, father of five) being grilled for an explanation of adult goods by his young niece. In my old world, if he chose the wrong options, he’d be arrested immediately. Sweat flows down his temples. The one who threw a life-boat (?) was Queen Cecile-sama.
”…King William, the details from here on are a matter of the highest state secrecy. In fact, it is information I have yet to even share with Roland. I apologize, but perhaps Lady Unia could be excused? It’s a rare occasion-let Roland give her a tour of the Royal Palace,” the Queen suggested.
”…! Right! Yes, that is for the best! These goods… yes, they are far too sensitive for general knowledge!” William exclaimed, nodding vigorously.
The two monarchs were, for the first time, in total, desperate agreement. This was a conversation for adults. Of course, the “children” weren’t happy about it.
”Uncle…!? Why? This is the most important part! You can’t leave me hanging now!” Unia cried.
”Sister, please! I know I’m still learning, but the ‘Western Trade Sphere’ was my declaration! Please, let me stay until the end!” Roland added.
But their pleas fell on deaf ears. Realizing their very dignity was on the line, the two rulers summoned every ounce of their royal authority to shut them down.
”No, Unia. We had a deal. I agreed to bring you to Canaria on the condition that you followed my orders to the letter!” William said firmly.
”Roland, this is a vital assignment. If you can’t even escort a single lady, you have a long way to go. I’ll have Duke Badcage accompany you. Now, go. Fulfill your duty,” the Queen added.
And so, the two poor kids were unceremoniously booted from the room. Especially Unia-jou, who showcased a tragic expression that would put a stage actress to shame, like “Big sister, why…!”, but the result was the same. Finally, it was time for the adults to talk. Except…
”……”
”……”
Awkward silence. The two monarchs sat with grim expressions, refusing to meet each other’s eyes. Our side watched them with solemn, heavy faces. Their side was split between those who don’t know what’s what and those who have realized.
Yeah, it’s a scene with a great deal of tension, but I was dying inside. I was doing everything in my power not to burst out laughing. This was the summit that would decide the fate of the “Western Trade Sphere”, and it was all because of my shop’s inventory. I felt a profound, lingering sense of guilt.
Finally, after an eternity of awkwardness, Queen Cecile moved. With a face as serious as a funeral, she reached into her robes. Her movements were slow, deliberate, and heavy with significance. When she finally finished, she slammed “it” down onto the great table with a thunderous thud.
”This,” she declared, “is the cornerstone of the ‘Western Trade Sphere’-the ‘Ddo-Buddy’.”
Thud! Thud! Thud! Again, I really needed those extra cameras. The room went graveyard silent. Those who “knew” winced, their brows furrowing in pain. Those who “didn’t” simply stared, their brains failing to process the anomaly on the table.
”And… I believe introductions are in order. The developer of this product-as well as our ‘Ultra-Small Magic Weapons’-is the man sitting right there: Kento Harvest, Viscount of Harvest,” the Queen said.
I had so many thoughts. “Queen-sama, you were hiding ‘that’ in your pocket this whole meeting, weren’t you?” or “Somehow, this is a scene I saw during some heresy trial in some cathedral…” But regardless, it looked like my time had finally come.
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Summary:
A diplomatic summit between the Canaria and Ferguson Kingdoms takes an awkward turn when Queen Cecile reveals the secret backbone of their trade sphere. King William of Ferguson experiences a shock of realization when he learns the ‘Western Trade Sphere’ is primarily built on Kento’s adult goods. To protect the innocence of the younger nobles, Unia and Roland are ushered out of the room before the real negotiations begin.
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Trivia:
- The ‘Hot-Shot-kun’ is a heating circuit used as leverage for coal imports.
- Ferguson and Sylvaol are long-time trade rivals, with Sylvaol blocking southern trade.
- Unia is the one who originally declared/suggested the ‘Western Trade Sphere’ concept.
- The Queen was carrying the Ddo-Buddy (an adult toy) in her robes throughout the entire formal meeting.
- Kento is credited as the developer of both adult goods and magic weapons
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Character Insight:
Queen Cecile demonstrates high-level political maneuvering (and a bit of shamelessness) by framing adult toys as essential geopolitical assets. King William shows a fatherly/protective side by immediately agreeing to hide the truth from Unia. Kento remains the self-aware, cynical observer, caught between the absurdity of the situation and his own guilt as the creator.
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Behind the Scenes:
The author notes that character designs for the book version have been released, including Kento, who is described as having an ‘erotic’ design.
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TL Notes:
Notes:
• Cecile – A queen 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.
• Unia – The third daughter of the house of Duke Greiter. Has blonde hair tied in an intricate style, dol-like beauty, and expressionless face.
• Sachet – A General of the Ferguson Kingdom. An old soldier who is deppuri (corpulent/fat) but possesses thick muscle beneath the fat.
• Roland – he younger brother of Queen Cecile and the heir apparent to the Canaria throne. Clean, golden-blonde hair, same color as the Queen, innocent, beautiful face that could be mistaken for a girl but dressed in a boy’s formal wear.
• Kento – The owner of the magic tool shop ‘Harvest,’ which discretely sells adult goods. He’s a former overworked, ordinary salaryman from modern Japan who was suddenly transported (isekai’d) to this fantasy world. He has dark hair and an unremarkable appearance, typically wearing a plain, slightly suspicious-looking shop owner’s clothes looks like Kazuma Satou from certain series. He has a minimal amount of magic power, enough to craft his specialty items.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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