Chapter 556: The Island Shop
Building a nation has its fun aspects, especially the tangible parts, but when it comes to politics and people, I’d rather not get involved. I’ve told Soleil and the others on Blue Spirit Island that when push comes to shove, I’ll just run away.
I can leave behind buildings and items, but I don’t think I’m cut out for creating connections with others. But putting that aside…
“I don’t want it.”
“Of course not.”
When I came to hear various reports from Soleil on the island, I was approached about purchasing noble titles along with the territory.
“Why would anyone be happy to receive a noble title from another country?”
Unless it’s a nation where such a title is considered an honor, I’ve never seen a place in this world that boasts a clean and splendid monarchy!
Why would I want to be under someone else when I’m free to do as I please?
“It seems many places are struggling due to the drought, and more nobles are putting their titles up for sale. Yet, there are still some who are asking for ‘Spirit Lamps,’ and a few are hoarding them.”
Soleil said, expressing that without an overall improvement in the economy, it’s hard to conduct business freely.
“Maybe we should invest a little in Marina and the countries we’re likely to engage with in the future.”
“It might prove useful down the line, and if we can gather information that doesn’t make it to the surface, it could aid in our defense.”
Kiel and Auro were deep in thought.
Investing? Are we talking about spies or, in this case, informants? Buying a title and having them live in that country? How long is this plan supposed to last?
“If possible, a changeling that can blend in with humans would be ideal, but that’s difficult.”
“If they spend too long with humans, they’ll inevitably attract suspicion. Often, that suspicion leads to investigations.”
Auro occasionally glanced my way as he explained, perhaps to ensure I understood.
“Let’s pick out some promising candidates from the interviewees.”
“Let’s scout humans who have no ties to this island.”
“Well, if you think it’s necessary, I guess it’s fine to go ahead. Buying a title itself isn’t a crime, after all. Just make sure it doesn’t blow back on us.”
I opened my mouth as the two looked at me expectantly.
“Then once the selection is complete, let’s arrange a meeting in secret.”
Kiel grinned with a mischievous look.
“I pledge my loyalty to my lord.”
Auro bowed his head, placing a hand on his chest.
Wait, am I included in that too!?
I instinctively glanced at Soleil, who averted her gaze with a somewhat gloomy expression. Ah, so she thinks these two are going a bit overboard as well?
“Securing sales channels is essential for the preservation of the nation…”
Soleil muttered softly.
That’s the angle? And is it acceptable to plant spies for the sake of business?
“If there’s land without strange conditions, would it be alright to expand?”
“Of course.”
I want to grow various vegetables.
And while I’m at it, I’d like to build houses to increase the material wealth (or whatever it’s called). For my own sake.
“Marina is doing well, as expected from a country that boasts the ‘King’s Branch’ and possesses Naruadeid. In contrast, the countries on the Talia Peninsula and Amijin are struggling with resource shortages, making them dangerous areas. They probably don’t have money, so it seems we’ll end up receiving land instead of wheat.”
Soleil sighed.
Where is Amijin again? Is it near Thermist, where the Spirit Library is? I should check later. Talia can produce plenty of vegetables, and if it’s near Thermist, sugarcane should thrive there.
“How about wheat?”
“We had already arranged buyers for Mail Wheat before transporting it, but we still haven’t secured a deal for regular wheat. Many countries want to buy, but those that can’t are suffering even more.”
I see, so that’s why they’re opting for land as payment.
“You want to distribute it as widely as possible, even if the quantity is small, right? According to Nii-sama, the drought should settle down, so we need to hold out until then.”
“Yeah, it’s a hassle, but I appreciate it.”
By the way, Faramia was standing behind Soleil. She hadn’t made her presence known since Soleil hadn’t been shouting, collapsing, or twitching.
After delivering this month’s baked goods and offloading some troublesome tasks onto Soleil, I went out to grab a bite in the city. No, snacking is important; it’s a vital thing to do.
The restaurant facing the square with the Spirit’s Branch usually requires a reservation. In my case, I could probably drop in unexpectedly, but I didn’t want to cause a fuss, so I passed this time.
Blending in with the tourists, I wandered through an alley and entered a small shop that Soleil and Auro had told me about.
“Welcome! The counter is open.”
The owner called out while moving about.
Following their instructions, I took a seat at the counter, and water was brought to me. It seems my suggestion to inns and restaurants about offering water as a service has spread. In most other countries, water is charged, but here on the island, it’s available everywhere.
“We have mussels and long-arm shrimp!”
“Then I’ll have the long-arm shrimp.”
“Sure thing!”
The one who guided me was a child who seemed to be helping out, and the owner responded. Soon after, a plate of meatballs was brought out.
Wait, the main dish here is meatballs, and they automatically serve them when you sit down. It’s surprising even if you’ve heard about it beforehand. They only stock a little extra long-arm shrimp and shellfish for those who might not be satisfied with just meatballs.
The plate featured slightly smaller meatballs accompanied by a generous serving of mashed potatoes, along with pickled cucumbers and tomatoes. It seemed ordinary to me, but it was garnished with the freshest vegetables, which are supposedly well-known among those in the know.
They’ve arranged several such shops in the alleys to avoid concentrating too many in the square. It’s apparently quite popular among the locals, as even at this early hour, only the counter was available.
“Is this red one a tomato? I finally got to eat it!”
“I had this potato before; I’ve eaten it in Naruadeid.”
“This pickled one is delicious too.”
Listening to the customers’ voices, I brought the food to my mouth.
The gravy sauce, fragrant with red wine, paired perfectly with the texture of the meatballs. As for the vegetables, they seemed to be just average.