Chapter 108

Alliance Against the Central Nations (3)
This attack has been decided to be dealt with in complete secrecy. Fortunately, no foreign dignitaries were in the castle at the time, making it possible to cover it up. If word of this incident were to leak, it would cause distrust in Arland’s security system, so it was as if it never happened. Of course, the security personnel are now extremely busy reviewing the situation, and I've also been tasked with creating new, higher-grade magic security tools than the ones we currently have.

"The Kingdom of Dolm is willing to form an alliance with King Draconia, as per your request. However, the condition is that it must be an equal partnership."

The one who spoke first was the young king of the Dolm Kingdom, Gazet Barras Dolm, a king in his early teens.

The Dolm Kingdom lost to the Empire in a war 40 years ago, losing its only fertile land, leaving it in a semi-subordinate state.

Now, this kingdom was confined to mountainous regions, leaving its food production extremely vulnerable. However, in contrast, it surpasses Arland in mining resources. With the money from its mines, they are constantly employing powerful mercenaries.

"Additionally, we want no objections when it comes to reclaiming our lost territory. The former Gilbert Duchy has belonged to us since ancient times. If that is recognized, we will fully commit to assisting Arland."

King Gazet grinned slyly. He’s revealed his weakness from the start, but it's clear he understands exactly what I’m after. He’s no ordinary child.

Arland has an immense demand for metals, far exceeding what we can produce domestically. While they may not know exactly what it’s for, they’ve likely deduced from the rise in metal prices that I’m doing "something."

Furthermore, the former Gilbert Duke was King Gazet’s father’s half-brother, and the two were family and close friends.

The Duke of Gilbert fought the Empire repeatedly to allow his citizens to escape, even though he knew he would lose. Ultimately, he was captured and executed due to the overwhelming numbers of the Empire’s forces.

The former King of Dolm made peace with the Empire by submitting to their control, handing over the refugees from the Duke’s lands as laborers.

King Gazet’s father, Crown Prince Gatal, spent years preparing for a coup, which he launched a year ago. The result was the execution of the former king, but Crown Prince Gatal also committed suicide, saying, “There is no place for a traitor’s retainers to serve. I will accept all blame as a rebel.” King Gazet, the last remaining direct heir, quickly subdued internal resistance and inherited the throne. No one in the conference room underestimated him because of his age.

Moreover, Arland is currently in a position where it cannot monopolize all the metal resources. We need them for domestic purposes and exports to other nations. I can’t intervene in those areas.

If I were to overstep in this, the nobles of Arland would start pestering me, asking, "Why is our tax revenue declining?"

Even if I were to bring more income to the country, a loss is still a loss, and there are always those who would criticize me for it. In other words, I need to generate additional revenue without disrupting the existing benefits of Arland. It’s no wonder we're facing material shortages. I’m not a politician, so I would likely be overwhelmed in a debate with the nobles.

"Father, please make as many concessions as possible to the Kingdom of Dolm. We’re short on metals."

"I understand. I will concede where possible."

"Father, the military strength of Country of Tranquility and the commercial power of Jilvid cannot be underestimated either."

Each country is allowed three representatives aside from the king. Usually, it’s ministers or prime ministers, but in Arland's case, it’s our prime minister and us siblings. My presence was requested by the other side, while my Big brother was here to gain experience as the next king.

The other countries have brought their finance ministers, prime ministers, and military officials. They were constantly whispering to each other, discussing where they can make concessions as they negotiate.

"We are a trading nation, after all. While we’d like to discuss tariffs... I must say, Arland's tariffs are far lower than those of the Empire or the Magic Kingdom. What should we ask for? Ah, yes, we would like priority access to magic tools. The prices for such tools in this country are astonishingly low, which makes us quite envious."

Silfy, a woman in her twenties, I presume, is the head of Grandeer Trading Company, the largest trading company in Jilvid. She seems to have no surname, which is understandable, as Jilvid doesn’t operate under a noble system.

"That’s fine. Buy as much as you want. Arland has no intention of charging exorbitant prices or tariffs… that’s the will of the producer."

"Oh, the producer? They must be quite the craftsman."

"The girl standing behind me is the producer. However, the mass production is done by others."

I’ve never met the magic tool craftsmen who handle the mass production. They don’t leave their workshops, rarely bathe, and are constantly at work, so I’m forbidden from entering their domain. I’ve heard the smell is terrible, so I avoid the place.

"How envious! I’d love to know how you manage to mass-produce these items. The success rate for imbuing magic into tools is only about 40% for the top-tier craftsmen of the Magic Kingdom, after all. But I suppose it's impossible to get such secrets, isn’t it?"

The Magic Kingdom has a ranking system for magic users, from level 1 to 4, with magicians, sorcerers, mages, and magic tool artisans.

"Indeed, that’s impossible. These tools are our country's next flagship products. The manufacturing process is not something we can share."

"Well... that’s fine. As long as we can trade safely, we’re happy. The Empire keeps raising taxes without even providing proper escorts for trade caravans. And even when they do, they’re more of a hindrance than help. The Magic Kingdom openly looks down on us for our lack of magic users and imposes outrageous tariffs, making it impossible to do business.

If Arland is mass-producing magic tools, we’ll cut ties with them. And of course, you’ll sell us airships, right? We've wanted those for a long time. They would make trade so much easier!"

The country that loses favor with merchants will perish... The Empire is notorious for being stingy, so that's understandable. But is the Magic Kingdom fine with a reduction in magic tool exports? Well, they probably are. In this world, no country will collapse just because they can't export. The general belief is that if you don’t have 100% food self-sufficiency, you're at risk. The Dolm Kingdom has about 30%, though. Incidentally, Arland has around 160%. The fertile granary provided by the Federation is a rich land, and a country that can't even feed itself risks internal disorder, so they are diligently focusing on industry, agriculture, and military. On the other hand, they had neglected magic, though that's no longer the case.

"I have already made an agreement with Arland. As long as they continue to cooperate in areas like economy and military, I have nothing further to say."

Since the matter with Ostland has been settled, the king seems to have no more to add. A noble behind him whispered something in a hurry, only to be met with a backhand slap from the king. Quite a martial type, perhaps?

"We feel the same. We cannot rely on Arland's aid forever. But if Arland stands, then we, too, will become a strength for your nation in order to repay the debt we owe."

This country, with its king and knights, is called the Farfull Knights’ Nation. About 100 years ago, they were destroyed by the Empire, but when my great-great-grandmother defeated the Empire's Emperor, a surviving member of the royal family reclaimed their lands. Now they're in a tense standoff with the Empire, but it seems that they credit Arland for helping them regain their country, so they maintain a good relationship with us. Additionally, they've secretly supported us with weapons, armor, and even Elven secret medicines.

Although they're a rare pro-Arland country, they’re also a very rigid one. My great-great-grandmother didn’t defeat the emperor for Farfull’s sake, nor did she aid them out of any goodwill. It was simply a matter of security, to avoid being constantly invaded by the Empire. However, they only see it as a debt of gratitude. That being said, they are happy to formalize our previously behind-the-scenes relationship. King Schildred of Farfull, with an air of righteous indignation, seemeds to approve, and his retainers showeed no objections.

In reality, it's quite a strong nation, so having them as allies is reassuring in terms of military strength. Since the Farfull Knights’ Nation hasn’t yet fully reclaimed its land, Arland agreed not to interfere in that matter.

The first priority between the nations was to agree on eliminating mutual threats and recovering lost territories. This prevents future wars over disputed claims, as each nation has asserted which lands they consider their own.

Arland doesn't need to deal with any corrupt, discriminatory nations, so it's easy for us to just say, "Go ahead." Our goal lies in the northern uninhabited regions. We can focus on frontier expansion without unnecessary conflicts. No one can complain about expanding into undeveloped lands, and no nation other than Arland can launch an offensive in the north due to the overwhelming strength of the monsters there. That’s where I intend to head someday. In matters of territorial acquisition, it's all about who claims it first.

As for the small city-states of Zamd and Tifania, they serve as key transportation hubs, but I feel like their existence might fade away... They just lack presence. Being city-states, their size is absurdly small. The issue of tolls and transit taxes with these two has been resolved. Essentially, every nation wants airships. They want to profit from trade and can't stand the Central's overbearing behavior, which makes negotiations easier for Arland. With mutual defense pacts in place, we'll also have more shields against invasions from the Empire. The signing of these treaties effectively places the Empire in a semi-encircled position, as most of the nations bordering the former Federation territories are involved. No matter where the Empire attacks, they'll face counterattacks from elsewhere. While we are still heavily outnumbered militarily, it will be harder for them to launch attacks.

"The last one is my nation. I want an airship. And quickly at that. The distance between our nations makes trade somewhat unfavorable for us. However, I do have something to offer in return."

The king of the Country of Tranquility... No, he should be called the Emperor. The ruler of this nation is called the Emperor, as is the custom. We don’t have much information about them because they are so far away, at the far eastern end of the world. I’m not sure why Country of Tranquility has joined this alliance.

The Emperor gave instructions to his subordinates, who brought several wooden boxes and bags to the table. These items captivated the many kings gathered for this alliance. For example, something resembling a katana… Wait, my Big brother isn’t interested? Really?

There were also lacquered boxes with intricate designs. All of these are items that can’t be found in this part of the world.

"Our nation has a custom of sending gifts to friendly countries. I shall first send these items to Arland."

"Magnificent."

"Such craftsmanship... I regret that, due to the distance, all we knew of your nation was your military prowess."

"These items will sell well in trade... Please, include us in the business!"

It's understandable to be mesmerized by such exquisite items. They truly are impressive. However, I was fixated on a burlap sack in front of me. That’s sugar... If we can procure sugar cheaply and consistently, we could lower the price of sweets in the Capital and introduce snack times for the citizens. Yes, I firmly believe we should implement a snack time system! I want it so badly!

"Calm down, Alicetia."

I snapped out of my daze when Father called out to me. It seems I was staring too intensely. I ignored the mischievous child smirking at me. Ignore it... Are you picking a fight?!

When I glared, they burst out laughing and turned away. I felt a chill from beside me, so I looked over to see my Big brother smiling at me. What is it?

"What?"

"Oh, nothing at all. I just wish you'd show some interest in art as well."

"I do understand that those items are remarkable. I’m sure Mother will love them."

"Do you not want any, Alicetia?"

"They're still too advanced for me... But I do want the ingredients for sweets."

Honestly, I've seen plenty of art in my previous life, and Takuto’s house was full of such things. They aren't that rare to me. I appreciate the craftsmanship, but that's about it.

"Hoho. It seems the love of sweets is universal among women. No problem. My daughter is much the same."

"It seems you understand the struggle, Emperor. My daughter shows no interest in such things, only magic and magic tools."

"My daughter excels in dance, though perhaps I'm being a doting father... But having a daughter makes one soft. Then those fools from the Empire..."

Apparently, Country of Tranquility had been declared war upon by the Empire. Country of Tranquility has a profession known as a priestess, whose role is to seal the Yamata no Orochi. Wait, that thing exists?

The current head priestess is the Emperor's daughter, and the Empire had demanded she be sent as the second wife of their second prince. The Empire often begins diplomacy through marriage, but their coercive tactics don’t work on military nations like Arland or Country of Tranquility.

Furious, Country of Tranquility nation immediately refused. After countless attempts by imperial envoys, the excessive arrogance of their demands led to the beheading of one of the envoys.

On top of that, the emperor’s daughter, the dancing princess, is highly popular among the citizens, who have rallied around the slogan, "The Empire must be crushed, no mercy."

"Ah, I understand that sentiment... Why do they only ever make demands that people hate? You don’t know how they’ll treat someone once they’ve married into the Empire. We feel the same way."

"Honestly, it makes you want to destroy them. Considering the way they behave, it wouldn’t be surprising if we received news of our daughters' deaths a few years later..."

For some reason, the knights of Arland standing by the wall were nodding in agreement. Perhaps they had some shared understanding.

Anyway, the conference ended after about two days without any major issues. It was immediately decided that airships would be provided to both Country of Tranquility and Dolm Kingdom. Father didn't expect the delivery to happen so soon, and even Mr. Volken was surprised, but once I explained that my new magic dramatically increases production speed, they were convinced. Honestly, it's much faster if I make them using magic, and now that I’ve learned the multiplication magic, I can create clones of myself. With my help, we can go from building two ships a month to around fifteen, so there’s no problem exporting two airships. They aren't even military ships.

Thus, the Empire found itself surrounded, and a new era began.