Chapter 168: The Girl Seated on the Throne
Around the round table, the participants of the current negotiations were seated. The round table symbolized equality among all present. However, due to the layout of the room, entrances were provided on all four sides.
Yet, directly opposite.
The chair at the front was clearly of a different design.
That was the seat reserved for the highest authority in the room. Despite being a round table, this particular chair was beautifully adorned. It was not overly extravagant, but the quality was unmistakably superior, and most importantly, it was tall. The seat itself was elevated as well.
With a soft clatter, the door opened silently.
Entering was the ruler, a girl, accompanied by her guards.
Achat Ringo, the commander of the Paraiso forces, and Filzich Ringo, along with six young girls serving as her guards.
“Sorry to keep you waiting,” she said, her voice ringing like a delicate bell.
The girl strode confidently and climbed into the chair prepared for her.
Some of the participants couldn’t help but smile subtly at her appearance. They understood that this was not the time for such expressions, yet they couldn’t completely hide their amusement.
But that was beside the point.
Settling into the high-backed chair, the fox-eared girl, Achat Ringo, surveyed the participants with a piercing gaze.
“Let us begin the trade negotiations between the Afrasia United Kingdom and the surrounding nations. To reiterate, our positions are fundamentally equal. There will be no hierarchy based on the nations you represent.”
Her declaration was strikingly equal, yet it carried an overwhelming arrogance.
“We will conduct trade with all nations based on the conditions established here. Should you wish to add special provisions, propose them here and we will decide on the spot. We will not recognize any secret treaties with us, and any proposals will be outright rejected. Is that understood?”
“If there are any doubts, raise your hand to speak. And please, do not entertain any foolish thoughts of bribery.”
Filzich, standing just behind Achat, interjected with her usual sharp tongue.
“Filzich.”
“Oh, my apologies.”
Achat sighed, bringing their light-hearted banter to an end.
“Now, let us commence the negotiations.”
Paraiso declared the start of the Seven Nations Trade Conference.
“…So, are you saying that you do not require the import of salt, Lord Achat?”
“Depending on interpretation. We do not need to trade salt as a necessity. We can supply all required amounts, both now and in the future. However, we do not refuse imports of salt as a luxury item.”
The discussion began with the salt that the Afrasia United Kingdom had previously relied on importing from other nations.
The primary salt-producing nation among the surrounding countries was the coastal Saltia Trading Nation. They possessed extensive salt production facilities along the shore and profited greatly from this trade. Moreover, they executed a strategy to dominate the Afrasia United Kingdom’s market by selling large quantities of high-quality salt at low prices, effectively driving local salt production out of business.
Of course, other nations had responded appropriately, either supporting their domestic salt production or continuing trade with other countries. Unfortunately, the Afrasia United Kingdom had been unable to resist.
“Ah, let me show you some salt as well. … Now, I would like you to taste it. As you can see, it is high-purity salt. Its lack of impurities gives it a strong flavor. It’s excellent for cooking, but a bit sharp for sprinkling on meats. In that sense, it is entirely different from the salt your nation prepares.”
As the participants gazed at the mound of pure white salt and tasted it, they couldn’t help but be impressed. The salt production technology was undoubtedly top-notch, distinctly different from their own.
Even if this was merely a showcase for the conference and not representative of what was generally available, the mere presence of such high-purity salt was a formidable threat.
“We are also prepared to export this as a luxury item. However, we will impose limits on the quantity we export. The distribution will be determined by each nation. We will not accept individual negotiations.”
Achat maintained control of the meeting throughout. She offered casual advice while skillfully managing any hostility.
This conference was entirely in her hands.
Following this, several trade goods were established.
From the Afrasia United Kingdom, or Paraiso, they would provide Redstone, pig iron, steel, and bronze. The surrounding nations would offer wheat, various spices, salt, sugar, and livestock.
The Ironia Kingdom, known for its thriving iron industry, expressed some reluctance, but the limited quantities forced them to concede. Conversely, all nations except Ironia welcomed the increase in metal import sources.
The Wheat Country (Weizenland), the largest among the surrounding nations, successfully pushed for wheat exports. Since Paraiso lacked a sufficient production system, they decided to continue importing wheat as a temporary measure. However, to maintain inter-nation connections, wheat imports would likely continue for the foreseeable future.
Additionally, luxury items such as dried spices and herbs, as well as processed foods made from them, were on the list. Live livestock and vegetables were also included. Cotton threads and textiles would continue to be sourced from various nations.
These would be utilized to improve the quality of life within the Afrasia United Kingdom. While Paraiso could supply a certain amount, they deemed it unnecessary to provide everything. If they could obtain it through trade, that would suffice.
On the other hand, the Afrasia United Kingdom would primarily export Redstone as their main commodity. This would consist of the waste stones generated during production for exports to the Kingdom of Repuitari.
Though referred to as waste stones, they could be appropriately processed into valuable materials, but they were deliberately sorted to ensure that only stones of a certain quality or lower were exported.
This time, they would showcase this as the highlight of their trade.
Despite being labeled as waste stones, their quality was comparable to the Redstone that surrounding nations had been illicitly mining. The lack of mining technology had limited their output.
Redstone was a strategic resource that could be traded at high rates, primarily with the Kingdom of Repuitari. Its usage within each nation would likely increase in the future.
“For the time being, we will conduct trade through barter, but we plan to promote the use of banknotes in the future.”
Traditionally, trade was conducted through bartering or exchanges involving precious metals and gemstones. However, the Afrasia United Kingdom was considering allowing transactions using banknotes.
Naturally, other nations lacked the technological capability to produce banknotes of value. Paraiso was offering to supply these banknotes.
“Our issued banknotes will always be redeemable for Redstone at face value. The exchange rate will be reviewed periodically, but rest assured, we will not impose it unilaterally.”
“Is that understood?”
“I grant you the floor, Ambassador of Weizenland.”
“Thank you. I believe I understand the concept of banknotes, but how do you plan to handle their management and counterfeiting measures?”
As expected of a major power, the ambassador of the Wheat Country seemed to have a grasp of the potential issues surrounding the use of banknotes.
“Hmm. You’re referring to the reliability of the banknotes. The banknotes we issue are strictly redeemable for Redstone, and only we can facilitate that exchange. No other transactions will be recognized. However, we will only respond to exchanges at appropriate rates through proper procedures, and we will not concern ourselves with other transactions.”
Then, samples of Paraiso-issued banknotes were distributed to each ambassador.
“As you can see, we have embedded fine decorations and numbers throughout the banknotes. Each issuance number is unique to each note. We can produce these in large quantities. Your technology cannot replicate them. Moreover, we can easily discern counterfeits.”
As the attendees examined the banknotes, they gasped in awe. Each note was uniformly cut to the same size, with identical patterns printed on every one. Despite being mere paper, intricate decorations were engraved into the surface, resistant to wear even with slight rubbing.
Even on their own, these banknotes held immeasurable artistic value.
“Whether to exchange for Redstone or to accept banknotes will be decided for each transaction. Any objections?”
“…”
Thus, the seeds of a banknote economy were sown among the Afrasia United Kingdom and its surrounding nations.