Chapter 74
The house of a Border Count holds territory in a location considered militarily dangerous, as it borders other countries.
It was understandable why they would be desperate to acquire superior equipment.
“Well then, could you perhaps prepare this much for us?”
Margrave Missia wrote down the required number of equipment pieces on paper and presented it.
“That’s quite a number. We should be able to manage the materials. The main issue, as expected, is that crafting them will take time.”
“How long will it take?”
“Let’s see… Our artisans are doing their best, but we’ll likely need to estimate around half a year.”
“The neighboring countries are quiet at the moment, so that should be fine.”
“Understood. In that case, I have a trade caravan waiting, so I should be taking my leave soon.”
“My apologies for keeping you for so long. Well then, until we meet again.”
After Claude left the Minister of War’s office, the remaining Margrave Missia and Minister of War Luschen continued their conversation.
“I never expected him to accept such a large order without batting an eye, did you?”
“Indeed. So, what was the main subject you wished to discuss?”
“A report has come in from our spies in the Reichilt Duchy. It appears they are undertaking a large-scale military reorganization.”
“An increase in monsters has been confirmed in our own kingdom as well, so one could interpret this as a measure to deal with that. However, does Lord Tyrant-dono view it differently?”
“The Duchy is already managing the monster outbreaks effectively even now. That they are reorganizing under these circumstances leads me to estimate a high probability they are preparing to make a move against some nation.”
“I see. I shall make arrangements so that we, too, can respond swiftly.”
It was a discussion they could have let Claude overhear, but considering his age, the two of them chose to avoid such an ominous topic in his presence.
Claude left the Royal Palace.
Claude headed towards his rendezvous point with Reihart.
After the trade caravan finished its deliveries, it was to load up the pre-arranged construction materials and return to the Prominence Domain.
“Sorry to have kept you waiting.”
“Not at all. We’ve just finished loading up on our end as well.”
“Well then, shall we start our journey back?”
“Yes. We’ll be in your care for the return journey as well.”
With the adage “time is money,” the trade caravan departed the Royal Capital.
The return journey proceeded without incident, and they were able to make it back to the Prominence Domain.
“Thank you for your services this time.”
“Not at all. Please feel free to call on us if you need anything in the future.”
After parting ways with the trade caravan and returning to his mansion, Claude began to formulate a plan to gather the materials for the requested equipment, relying on his knowledge from his gaming days.
To secure the required quantity, he would likely need to consider dungeons and resource nodes in other countries.
Transportation wouldn’t be an issue thanks to his Griffon, but he pondered how he would prove his identity.