Chapter 472

Basic Lecture on the Isles of the Eight Gods While at Sea
It takes about three days to reach the Isles of the Eight Gods.
That doesn’t mean we just sit around doing nothing during that time.
We were given the opportunity to learn about the basic etiquette, cultural customs, and state of agriculture on the island.

As a result, it seems the Isles of the Eight Gods has cultural practices rather similar to those of Japan.
Shoes are not worn inside houses.
When bowing, the hands are placed straight down and the waist bent while lowering the head.
If no chairs are provided, the most honored seat is considered to be at the back of the room.
That’s the general idea.

"I see. So you don’t wear shoes indoors."

"Yes. Please be especially careful about that. Of all aspects of interacting with outsiders, this is the one most important to observe."

"Understood. Are there any other manners we should be careful of?"

"Let’s see... Basic meals are eaten with chopsticks. I don’t believe anyone would make a big deal out of guests from outside using forks or knives, but unless you bring them yourself, such utensils won’t be available."

I see.
Also, it seems tableware is either made of wood or ceramics.
Ceramics can be bought inexpensively if you go to the production areas, so the locals use oddly shaped or slightly flawed ceramics that aren’t suitable for selling in their daily lives.
It doesn’t look like they live in poverty just because it’s a rural area.

However, magic tools don’t seem to be very widespread, so at night, they still rely on candles for lighting.
That’s apparently one area they want to improve going forward.

"To be honest, we have virtually no technology for producing magic tools.
Even a small workshop capable of producing simple lighting tools—ideally we’d like to attract one to the island."

"Understood, Lady Byaku. Once the inspection is over, we’ll look into making those arrangements. However, you’ll need to prepare the workshop facilities on your end."

"I apologize. Would you be willing to handle the design and oversee the construction as well? We simply don’t have the knowledge for that."

So the Isles of the Eight Gods really hasn’t developed its magic tool technology at all.
Priscilla seems to think it’s not a problem to spread technology of that level, but she still expects to receive something in return.
Lady Byaku is the Light Seat in charge of diplomacy, but when it comes to industry, that apparently falls under a different Seat’s domain.
That person seems to have a more artisan-like personality. While they probably won’t outright reject any agreements, they might request entirely different technologies in return.
Depending on the content, Priscilla said she’s willing to negotiate, so there’s some room to compromise.

Lighting technology is one of the older areas of magical tools, so it’s not a big loss even if we offer it up.
If that allows us to build a cooperative relationship with the Isles of the Eight Gods, it’s a small price to pay.
Priscilla really is shrewd.

What do you think about this chapter?