“You wish to increase the trade volume of Cellulose thread cloth?”
“That’s right. Initially, double the current amount. If possible, up to ten times.”
At the Forest Country (Lebresta) Embassy in East Gate City, 30 (Drei) = Fragalia was meeting with Teariada Elemes, the head of the embassy.
Lebresta had requested the meeting with a surprisingly humble attitude.
Well, even so, they were ultimately summoned to the embassy, so it was a bit of a subtle situation.
“Ten times, you say. That’s quite a large request.”
“I apologize for the sudden request, but it’s extremely popular in our homeland. So, what do you think?”
Drei, operating with a somewhat loose connection, sensed something amiss in this attitude.
He immediately consulted the base AI, ＜Fragalia Zero＞.
“…… Hmm.”
A pause.
To an outsider, it might have seemed like he was slightly troubled by the sudden request, a few seconds of thought processing.
In that short time, Drei received all the necessary information and decided on his course of action.
“Understood. We accept it as an official request from your country. Increasing the export volume is possible. Originally, we were limiting the quantity to control the distribution. This is due to an agreement with your country, but the trade volume and consideration can be changed immediately through discussions between representatives of both parties as an attached clause. Do you wish to revise it today?”
“Hmm… That’s right. I have full decision-making authority regarding this matter. If a discussion is possible, then as soon as possible.”
“Then, I will call the secretary. Please wait for a moment.”
By the way, recently, as ＜Paraiso＞, they haven’t been overly secretive, but rather actively showcasing their technological prowess.
This is because they have gained control of the entire Afrasia United Kingdom and can deploy sufficient land and air forces.
They have already determined that they have enough military strength to confront Lebresta without problems, so they are starting negotiations in earnest.
“It’s me. Come to the Lebresta Embassy immediately. Bring the set.”
However, they are not unconditionally disclosing everything.
Currently, he used a palm-sized tablet-like terminal to call the secretary, 20 (Zwanzig) = Fragalia.
He certainly had no intention of disclosing the fact that he had a built-in communication device.
“That Magic Tool is as convenient as ever.”
“Time is like a jewel. We fully understand its value.”
Of course, Teariada’s side is also aware of the importance of information transmission speed.
However, even for the Forest Country (Lebresta), which excels in magical technology, long-distance information transmission seems to be still under development. ＜Ringo＞’s prediction is that technological development has stagnated because the surrounding situation is stable.
“Trading such Magic Tools—no, I’m sorry. Forget it.”
Teariada let out those words as if unintentionally.
Was it a tactic, or was it her true feelings?
It was difficult to judge due to the limited samples, but Drei, who had already downloaded the latest information about Lebresta, felt that it might be her true feelings.
“…This is a good opportunity. We will introduce our new Trade Goods later. A separate staff member will bring samples, so please allow them through.”
“I see. Understood. Hey, were you listening? Please contact the guards.”
“Yes, understood.”
As the civil official left the room, a maid entered.
“Teariada-sama. ＜Paraiso＞’s Zwanzig Ringo-sama has arrived.”
“Ah, please let her in immediately. We will be holding discussions here for a while.”
“Understood. I will prepare immediately.”
The maid bowed and immediately left the room. Zwanzig appeared, guided by the civil official.
“Excuse me. I have brought Zwanzig-sama.”
◇◇◇◇
The images captured by ＜The Tree＞’s reconnaissance satellite showed many Fairy Circles opened in the forest.
What was displayed was the northern part of the Forest Country (Lebresta), a part of the Demon Forest that continued from the North Wall Mountains.
The majority of Lebresta’s population lives in the Demon Forest.
Only now that they are investigating the Demon Forest can they understand this abnormality, or rather, the resilience of the Lebresta people.
In the forest, which is Lebresta’s territory, numerous Fairy Circles and giant caterpillars wriggling there can be seen.
Some have already become adults and were fluttering in the sky above the forest.
As far as they could observe.
Within Lebresta’s territory, the number of these butterfly Monsters is expected to increase explosively in the future.
As for ＜Ringo＞, she cannot predict the damage because she has not been able to observe the strength and combat capabilities of the butterfly Monsters themselves.
However, the same is true for the Lebresta army, and it was completely unknown what would happen if these forces clashed.
However, this negotiation is taking place in that situation.
The local ＜Fragalia Zero＞ did well.
Using Drei = Fragalia, they promoted the “new product” to Ambassador Teariada.
The “new product” is a compound bow made by ＜The Tree＞. Along with it, mass-produced arrowheads, shafts, and fletchings.
Teariada was very interested in the information that these could be prepared in large quantities.
By the way, the reason why they are selling bows now is that they are popular with Adventurers exploring the Demon Forest.
In the forest, it is difficult to use ordinary bows. Because there are many obstacles, only small bows can be brought in.
Small bows are correspondingly weak, and unreliable against Monsters.
The compound bow, which was created as a joke, solved this problem.
By using pulleys, it can exert a powerful force while keeping the overall length short.
Sights can also be attached, making it easy to aim even at long distances.
Because it is made by ＜The Tree＞, it is made of composite materials that are resistant to failure and damage, and it basically suited the characteristics of rough Adventurers.
If so, they added it to the list of Trade Goods, thinking that there might be demand in the Forest Country (Lebresta), where much of the land is covered in forests, and that they could also gauge their technological level to some extent if they could sell it.
They also test-fired it on the spot, and Teariada herself, as well as her servants, especially the Lebresta people, were surprised by its power. The fact that it could produce such a high initial velocity with such a small size seemed like magic to them.
Much can be inferred from the sales of this compound bow.
If they can sell a large quantity, it means that they do not have this level of mechanical manufacturing technology.
If sales are only at the beginning, it can be predicted that it was copied domestically.
If it doesn’t sell at all, it means that these are not needed.
However, judging from the reaction of the ambassadors, compound bows, or weapons similar to them, do not seem to exist in Lebresta, at least.
They were also interested in the raw materials for the bow.
It seems that they were interested in the fact that it was manufactured with materials that do not use metal for the Lebresta people.
Strength is ensured by using carbon fiber and resin and performing integral molding.
The manufacturing error is within 0.001% (triple zero).
The fibers used for the strings are also composite materials of glass fiber and carbon fiber, ensuring durability.
Perhaps Lebresta will soon be facing a major transformation.
They seem to be proceeding with considerable caution regarding their relationship with ＜Paraiso＞, that is, ＜The Tree＞.
However, ＜The Tree＞ is not.
There is also a plan to dispatch a Delegation in the near future.
Judging from Teariada’s attitude, accepting an envoy from ＜Paraiso＞ should be worth considering for Lebresta in the current situation.
Leaving aside peacetime, Lebresta will probably face a time of trial from now on.
Borrowing the power of other countries to survive may be unpleasant, but at least Commander (Eve) will not demand exorbitant compensation.
While hoping that Lebresta would make the right choice, ＜Ringo＞ sent the strategic objectives to ＜Fragalia Zero＞.