Chapter 508

Export-Import Agreement
After we returned from Ryuujin Peak, our next task was settling trade exchange rates through the Trade Guild.

From our country’s side, our main exports would be spider silk, along with some wine and other goods. From the Isles of the Eight Gods, they’d be sending us silkworm silk, Ryuujin’s secret medicine, and other island specialties.
Naturally, both sides had their non-negotiables as merchants, and the discussions were dragging on. It was a tricky issue.

“So, Lily, shouldn’t you be over there? Isn’t your spider silk one of the negotiation topics?”

“I’ll be called if I’m needed, Young lady Kou. If I were there otherwise, I’d just be in the way.”

“You think so?”

“Kiblinki Saltas are with me, and they can read minds. That’s not exactly ideal for a negotiation, don’t you think?”

“Oh, yeah, that could be a problem.”

With Kiblinki Saltas around, no one can play any mind games. That’s another reason I’m staying away—
Well, that and it’s a hassle.

“Still, I’m glad we got permission to take Parfes with us.”

“Definitely. Now we’ll be able to relax once we get back.”

“Will you really take it easy, though?”

“Lying back against a resting Parfes and staring up at the sky is surprisingly relaxing.”

“Hmm, let me try… Oh, wow.”

“Right? It’s kind of addictive.”

“Yeah… But if Father sees us, we’ll probably get scolded again.”

“You’ll just have to accept that.”

Parfes must have some sort of calming effect—when it’s around, it’s easy to unwind.
Maybe it’s the gentle rise and fall of its breathing, or its fluffy, soft belly.
Parfes only lets people they trust do this, so it looks like Young lady Kou and the Parfe have really bonded.
That’s a good thing.

“Ah, Big sis! There you are… What are you doing?”

“Resting, using Parfe as a pillow. Want to join, Amira?”

“Mmm… It does look nice, but I’ll pass for now. Actually, Alizée’s calling for you.”

“Alizée? Did something get decided?”

“She didn’t say—just that she wants you to come.”

“Got it. Thanks, Amira.”

“No problem! Do your best, Big sis!”

With encouragement from my adorable little sister figure, I headed to the grand conference room in the Great Temple of the Isles to see Alizée.
Inside, discussions were still in full swing, as usual.

“Ah, Lily, thank you for coming.”

“Miss Priscilla—what do you need?”

“First, regarding the export quantity of spider silk: for the first year, we’d like to export this much. Could you look over the contract and sign it?”

“Of course.”

Let’s see… Hmm, this amount is about 10% of our annual production.
Looks like they’re playing it safe for now.
Mana Spider Silk and Frost Spider Silk aren’t listed as options either, probably for the same reason.
Quantity’s not a problem, and nothing strange is written in the contract—
Alright, signing done.

“Is this good?”

“Perfect, thank you. Now, the other matter: the Vardmoi Trade Guild has decided to start a regular ferry service between here and the Isles. Would you like to be involved in that?”

Ah, so this was the real reason I was called.

A regular ferry line, huh…
What kind of benefit would that bring me?

What do you think about this chapter?