Chapter 138

Let's Partner With the Adventurers' Guild
It seems that the incident in the plaza that left Mr. Ponpoko pale didn’t lead to anything significant.

“I feel like you tricked me, Alicia.”

“That was the end of it. There’s nothing more for you to do, Princess.”

I don’t quite understand, but it seems something will change because of this.

Next on the agenda is producing storage bags for the orphanage. Unfortunately, we lack a magic furnace, so we decided to store mana in a large magic crystal at Baron Bard’s domain and bring it here. The castle’s magic furnace is already out of surplus power, and since I’m constantly creating clones, my mana is limited.

The location... a chapel? No, it’s more like a small gymnasium. The largest area is a space that can only fit six rows of bench-style seats, and half of those seats are missing. From what I heard, the missing seats were removed because their legs broke, but due to a lack of donation funds, they couldn’t be replaced. Moreover, ever since the priest passed away, no supporters have come because of “those people,” so the space hasn’t been used.

“Is it bad to work in front of the Goddess?”

“N-no, it’s rather a good thing.”

I called a priest to confirm, and they said it’s not a problem. Helping orphans and the impoverished is part of the church’s duties. However, they don’t set foot in the slums. Apparently, there were priests in the past who tried to help the slums, but incidents where they were killed by criminal organizations have led them to conduct soup kitchens and such outside the slums instead. The children here have benefited from these efforts, so it’s best not to make it an issue. After all, everyone values their lives.

I escorted the priest, who was sweating profusely while assuring me there were no problems, back to the church with guards. The surrounding area has become safer since the Viceroy Guard started patrolling. However, reports suggest some people were attacking despite the presence of the Viceroy Guard, likely drawn by the scent of money.

I left that matter to my brother. For some reason, he ended up hosting meetings with many nobles.

He said he’d let me handle things if I was going to address the slum issues on a large scale. So, he’s mobilized his personal guards to purge the slum’s criminal organizations. He was talking to the nobles with a sinister smile. It’s probably not just the slum clean-up that’s in motion. That face is a bit scary.

For now, I removed the benches and set up tables. Then, I placed multiple magic ovens and connected them to boxes containing magic crystals via cords. In addition, I inserted magic tool crafting cards into the ovens, and that was it.

“The acquisition of surrounding land has been successful. It cost a bit, but we managed to buy it before other factions could intervene.”

Well, it’s good that we bought it before anyone could hike up the prices. We’ll have it demolished and turn it into a workshop. Since it’s prefabricated, it should be quick to build.

“Just build the magic furnace already.”

“Are you trying to kill us?! Give us a break!”

“You have no rights as you’re not defined as living beings. Keep working until you vanish.”

“Ahhh~”

I can’t allow for shortages of what I need when I need it. I scolded my clones and continued the work. Next up was arranging meals.

It was too troublesome, so I decided to have meals delivered from the cafeteria.

“That’s why I’d like you to start delivering lunch to the orphanage from tomorrow.”

“Sure thing.”

Mamaru Cafeteria. It’s a restaurant popular among commoners for its delicious food. When I asked for deliveries, they readily agreed.

“Is this okay?”

“Our livelihood depends on sales. We welcome group orders. Besides, we’re not uncouth enough to hinder the Princess.”

I was met with a somewhat prickly smile, though it wasn’t directed at me.

This should take care of lunch. They gave us a significant discount since we paid upfront and ordered daily. Soup will be served in a special large stockpot, and together with bread and other items, it will be packed into storage bags.

We’ll pick it up daily and return the used containers. A carriage will be necessary. Well, Mr. Ponpoko owns several, so it’s not an issue.

After breakfast, I took the children back to the orphanage. So far, it’s just been Mari and Mad. Oh, right. I should call Mr. Ponpoko to bring clothes and underwear. Will that count as an expense?

“All you have to do is put a bag with a magic orb into this magic oven, turn the dial, and wait for the sound. When it rings, it’s done. Just place the finished items in that wooden box. It’s an easy job.”

“Can magic tools really be made that easily?”

“Mind your language. Also, if it were that easy, magic tools wouldn’t be so expensive.”

“This is all there is to it. After that, the guards will take the products to the Viceroy Company.”

I asked Mr. Cain, the Captain of the nearby guards, to handle the security for the carriage transportation.

He’s 55 years old. A skilled swordsman, formerly from the Knights’ Order, he was once considered for knighthood. However, he declined and retired from the military due to being single and unlikely to have children at his age.

However, after retiring, he met someone and married a widowed woman in her 20s, who is now pregnant. Since he couldn’t ask for a noble title at this point, he was looking for work. So, I hired him as a captain. Initially planned for 30 people, the guard force grew to about 100, including young admirers of Mr. Cain and retired veterans. Too many!

“Well, isn’t that good? There’ll likely be people trying to steal storage bags or the magic tools here. Thirty wouldn’t be enough.”

“I’m technically royalty, right? Who tries to rob royalty’s property? They’d be executed on the spot.”

Surely no one would steal from royalty?

“Since it’s you, Princess, they might manipulate people with certain circumstances to beg for mercy even if caught. There are many ways to twist the situation. Of course, even you couldn’t let such acts slide.

Besides, it means you’re being underestimated as a royal. Frankly, you lack the aura of royalty. Living in a cabin in the woods, researching magic, and blending in as a commoner if you change your clothes... Well, if you behaved more dignified, perhaps that aura would emerge.”

“That’s quite rude. I might just exude royal dignity, you know.”

“If you did, you wouldn’t be underestimated. However, if you displayed such dignity, commoners would avoid you, as the class disparity would feel tangible.”

“Then I don’t need it. I’ll stay approachable. I’ll let capable nobles deal with nuisances. Let’s sell storage bags to the lords and earn their favor that way.”

Everyone has their place. Living like royalty doesn’t suit me.

The dwarves should be fine. If I send them my machinery, they’ll likely join forces. As for the beastfolk... they’ve been looking at me with sparkly eyes lately. I don’t think they dislike me.

The problem is the humans and hybrids. There’s no contact. These two groups are hit or miss.

And then there are the elves. They don’t leave their territory. They’re more reclusive than me at social gatherings. Well, it’s understandable. The generation that suffered persecution is still active. The Arland royal family being human probably makes them reluctant to interact.

“If you do more favors, Princess, they’ll feel even more indebted to you. Some already can’t stand up to you.”

“Really?”

“The number is growing steadily.”

So that's how it is. I don't hear about such matters because I tend to shut them down. Sometimes, I even forget my own position in Arland.

"It’s done!"

With a popping sound, the magic oven’s lid opened automatically. Inside was a storage bag with a capacity of 300 kilograms.

I prepared two of these first.

"Alright, Mr. Ponpoko, focus on securing orders mainly from merchants. If I handle negotiations, the prices might end up below cost."

"Such fools would be rare. Anyone who tries that would face terrifying consequences later."

"Prince would likely visit them with a smile on his face, wouldn't he?"

Yes, that would indeed be scary. My big brother is usually plotting something mischievous when he’s smiling. He reserves such smiles for people other than my mother and me. Occasionally, he even traps Father in his schemes.

"N-no… that’s not what I meant."

"Is there something else?"

Ah, now even Alicia is subtly intimidating Mr. Ponpoko with a similar smile. Besides my brother, perhaps my Father? But against merchants, there’s always the possibility of being outwitted… no, Father is a capable king. He should be fine—especially if the Prime Minister accompanies him.

"No, nothing else. For now, I will focus on spreading the word through my merchant contacts. Is there anything else?"

"For now, this is as much as I can manage. We’re short on manpower.

By the way, are your connections reliable? I expect interference from the Merchants' Guild."

It wouldn’t surprise me if they tried to sabotage us.

"Hohoho, with an item of this caliber, merchants would side with us even if the Merchants' Guild opposed us. Many merchants have long wished for something like this.

On top of that, the price is very attractive. This is practically revolutionary. They’ll likely ignore any pressure from the Guild.

The bigger issue is your commercial permit, Princess..."

I’ve prepared for that. I showed Mr. Ponpoko a piece of paper.

It was a commercial permit. Upon investigation, I found out that royalty could issue such permits at their discretion. So, I issued one to myself. Though there were no prior examples of this being done independently, it was a little-known rule tucked away in the margins of the law books. My brother mentioned that only a handful of eccentric legal nobles were aware of it.

"This should suffice."

"They fundamentally failed to realize this, didn’t they? I wasn’t aware that royalty could issue permits independently. I doubt the Merchants' Guild knows either."

It’s a forgotten law, seemingly defunct but still valid. It’s not even listed in the law books, likely due to oversight. I’ll report this to Father later.

The original version in the castle’s library includes it, but it was omitted from subsequent copies. I wonder why. It’s not illegal since it’s in the original.

"Is it a forgotten law, or did a royal ancestor create a loophole for emergencies, thinking it wouldn’t ever be needed? Kingdom law isn’t perfect, after all."

"Indeed, no law is perfect or eternal. Having loopholes can be advantageous for those who use them. I... Oh, I know! There’s a good customer base for this. Let’s sell to the Adventurers' Guild. Even with up to a 30% discount through a partnership, we’d still make a significant profit. In return, they could sell us magic cores on priority."

"Good idea. Adventurers, like merchants, must be in need of storage bags. Negotiations should be easy."

"Additionally, let’s involve the Kingdom. If the Knights’ Order buys them, transportation will become easier. If we export them abroad through the Kingdom, the nation could profit. People with vested interests would help suppress dissent."

Right. Why should I face the Council alone? While Arland’s Noble Council has its flaws, the nobles with titles or territories are competent. If I mobilize them, things should go more smoothly for me.

"Princess Alicetia’s negotiation tactics always involve dangling what the other party desires in front of them. There’s no other method."

"Indeed. If the bait is enticing enough, it’s only natural for them to accept. As long as the princess continues producing what they want, they have no choice but to cooperate. It’s an excellent strategy."

As expected of Mr. Ponpoko, he understands my vision. And Alicia has caught on to my ulterior motive: passing off troublesome matters by offering vested interests. In short, I’m determined to delegate the nuisances.

I also plan to create smaller 30-kilogram storage bags for the public. This should make shopping easier for homemakers. It’s a good way to expand our business scope.

"It’s perfect. With this, we’ll beat the Merchants' Guild no matter what they try!"

"I do not know defeat."

"Yay!" Mr. Ponpoko and I high-fived. He then entrusted the store to Roy and headed off to rally the merchants. Whether he could bring merchants with potential weaknesses on our side depended on his skill. He left with an enthusiastic "We’ve got the funding, so it’ll be fine!" as he dashed off.

Next, I headed to the Adventurers' Guild.

"Could you call the Guildmaster?"

"Unless there’s a prior appointment... eh, Princess! I’ll summon him immediately!"

The receptionist, realizing who I was, ran straight to the back office. In her haste, she stubbed her pinky toe against a pillar, but despite her tearful expression, she kept running.

"So, a royal visit, huh? I expected Draco, but it’s the daughter this time. Let’s talk in my office."

The one who emerged was an elf. He had blond hair and blue eyes—quite the handsome man. His name was York, a former adventuring companion of my father. When Father married Mother, Mr. York became the Guildmaster of the Adventurers' Guild in Arland.

I had never met him before, but I knew of him through Father’s stories. Despite being an elf, he was said to interact with humans without prejudice.

We moved to his office. Once seated, Mr. York lit a cigarette but had it confiscated by Alicia.

"Smoking in front of the princess? Do you have a death wish?"

"Feisty for a little girl, aren’t you, Crybaby Alicia?"

Oh, interesting. Crybaby Alicia, is it? True, she cries often—mostly because of me.

"You promised not to bring that up in front of the princess!"

"I don’t recall making such a promise. I live how I want."

Intriguing. Stories about Alicia’s past are rare. Since she was a former slave, I’ve assumed her past was too grim to ask about. However, Mr. York might have some amusing tales. I pulled out a notebook and pencil.

"I won’t tell you anything. Don’t even think about documenting it."

"As your lord, I command it."

"I’ll end my life right now."

Unfair. Why won’t she share her entertaining past with me? I won’t let this go. I turned to Mr. York.

"I’ll tell you later when Alicia isn’t around."

"Make it a detailed and vivid account, like a novel."

"Absolutely not! If you share anything, I’ll go all out as well!"

"Just kidding. I value my life too much."

Alicia’s serious tone made Mr. York pale. Hm? Is she really that formidable? In my assessment, she’s still a maid. Her tactics often involve playing dead or ambushes. Well, those are valid strategies. This mysterious maid—someday, I’ll uncover her embarrassing past.

"Ahem, so, Miss Alice, what brings you here?"

"I’ve established the Viceroy Company and would like to propose a partnership with the Adventurers' Guild.

For D-rank and above, a 10% discount on magic tools. For B-rank and above, a 30% discount. What do you think?"

Mr. York considered this. Absentmindedly, he attempted to light another cigarette but had it taken and extinguished by Alicia.

"I’d need to see the items first."

"Here are the storage bags, along with their capacities and prices."

I presented several storage bags and explained their prices.

"Alright, we’ll accept the partnership under those conditions. To start, I’d like to order 500 units, including those for distribution to branches. Let’s go with the 300-kilogram capacity for now. The 30-kilogram ones aren’t for adventurers, are they?"

"They’re for homemakers’ shopping baskets."

"Quite a luxurious shopping basket. So, what’s the catch?"

Ah, he’s perceptive. He realized this isn’t just about selling.

"I’d like the Guild to prioritize selling magic cores to the Viceroy Company. The price can remain at market value."

Mr. York reached for another cigarette but stopped, remembering. It seems smoking is a habit for him, an unconscious action. So, Alicia and I, please don’t emit killing intent behind me.

"Market value is fine with us. This country is behind in magic technology, so exporting cores is about all we can do with them. Recently, deliveries to the royal castle have increased, but that’s probably because of your usage. No issues here."

"Then I look forward to working together."

"Likewise."

After shaking hands with Mr. York, I left the Adventurers' Guild. Next up was the Kingdom. I pulled out my magic phone and dialed three numbers simultaneously.

The recipients were Mr. Albert, the Commander of the Knights’ Order, and the Ministers of Finance and Foreign Affairs.

"Can you gather in the conference room right away? I might have a lucrative proposal for you."

I heard them gasp on the other end before all three agreed to meet immediately. Calling out Shadow Wolf, I mounted its back, and it dashed toward the royal castle in the capital.