Chapter 319: Interlude (In a Certain Forest Country 2)
The trade volume between the Afrasia United Kingdom and the Forest Country (Reburesta) was increasing day by day.
Initially, the transactions took place in the East Gate city, but as it became clear that they could handle continuous and large-scale exchanges, merchants from the Forest Country (Reburesta) began flocking to this small town. However, the capacity to manage such a surge was lacking in East Gate city.
Of course, if The Tree intervened, it could easily be resolved.
The Class I Strategic AI, Fragaria Zero, responsible for East Gate city, prioritized the employment of local residents, and The Tree was careful not to intervene directly. Nevertheless, it didn’t mean that everything was handled manually as before. Heavy machinery was employed as needed, and various tools were provided. They were merely suppressing rapid modifications through super science.
By the way, regarding the heavy machinery, it was almost entirely rented out at market rates, as adventurers from North End City could operate similar equipment.
In such circumstances, East Gate city continued to expand, but it was severely understaffed. Even with many merchants from other countries arriving, there was a shortage of sleeping quarters for the day.
Faced with this issue, the Forest Country (Reburesta) established a new lodging town or checkpoint near the border of their territory.
The name of that town was Ruwana.
A large volume of supplies manufactured by Paraiso was being transported in, along with various goods collected from within the Forest Country (Reburesta), making it a major logistics hub.
◇◇◇◇
“Just like that, just like that… Yes! Stop! Good job!”
At the loading area, a guide was loudly directing a multi-wheeled transport vehicle. This multi-wheeled transport vehicle was a large cargo truck rented from the Afrasia United Kingdom—no, from Paraiso. The driver was a resident of the Forest Country (Reburesta).
They loaded supplies in East Gate city and unloaded them in Ruwana. Then, they would load goods in Ruwana and transport them back to East Gate city.
Due to the inefficiency of horse-drawn carriages, Paraiso had proposed this arrangement, which the Forest Country (Reburesta) reluctantly accepted.
It was clear that they wanted to avoid the influx of higher-performance cargo vehicles and automated machines from Paraiso, as it could devastate their own industry. They were being cautious.
For the time being, operations were only permitted between East Gate city and Ruwana.
Naturally, this was unpopular among merchants. The multi-wheeled transport vehicle could move at speeds several times faster and carry dozens of times the load. Even if there were usage fees, it was a more appealing option compared to the costs of maintaining horses and carriages.
Thus, transportation from Ruwana to the entire Forest Country (Reburesta) was conducted using horse-drawn carriages and waterways. Currently, transport routes were being rapidly developed, making movement much easier, which was widely praised.
“I heard the badgers were excited, but really, they’ve sent us something incredible.”
Especially the various parts related to the vehicle’s mobility, which directly impacted transport efficiency. These had originally been imported from the Rock Country (Dradia), making them relatively easy for the Forest Country (Reburesta) to accept. Moreover, their performance was significantly superior to conventional products.
“While the badgers are skilled, it’s hard to believe they can produce everything in such uniformity.”
“Creating large quantities of the same item is a struggle for us as well. It’s understandable that the Council of Elders (Le Elphia) is getting involved directly.”
In the newly established Ruwana Council, discussions like these were held daily. They needed to examine the items brought in from Paraiso and grant import permissions.
Particularly, the metal components that had begun to play a significant role in domestic logistics needed to be handled with care. They could easily become strategic resources that could hold the domestic industry hostage.
“If we’re going to import in bulk, we should limit it to items that can be substituted if the transaction volume is reduced.”
“Is it really possible for the badgers? This is the opposite side; the information is slow to come in.”
The badgers—the Draada People, the main race of the Rock Country (Dradia)—traditionally lived underground in mountainous areas. They were built for life in the underground tunnels they excavated, being short and covered in incredibly strong muscles. They were a stout and robust race.
Given their biology, they excelled in mining and utilizing the minerals extracted. For the Reburesta people, who struggled with handling metal products, they were an indispensable partner.
However, there were issues arising from the differences in character between the Draada, who had a strong attachment to craftsmanship and a lack of interest in other aspects of life, and the Reburesta people, who valued appearance and often held themselves in high regard.
Nonetheless, both were long-lived races, and they understood that despite their mutual dislike, the Draada were essential trading partners, which allowed their relationship to persist, albeit with some tension.
For the Rock Country (Dradia), maintaining a relationship with the Forest Country (Reburesta), which supplied a significant amount of food and magic stones—power sources for magic tools—was crucial.
“Some items made using their technology have circulated here. It takes time, but they can produce with similar precision. However, the prices are high, and producing large quantities of the same shape remains difficult.”
“I’ve heard various things from the Paraiso people. They mentioned that producing large quantities of the same item reduces costs. If it’s just a one-off, the price per unit is much higher.”
“I’ve heard that too. If it’s just about making one, it’s cheaper to ask the badgers.”
Producing large quantities of the same item—if only they could somehow get the Rock Country (Dradia) to master that technology, but even the Forest Country (Reburesta) had not achieved it yet.
They had only just managed to stabilize the operation of their weaving machines.
Moreover, the supply of fabric from Paraiso had begun to increase significantly.
“I’ve heard that the central weaving has improved considerably thanks to parts from Paraiso…”
“I also heard they finally proposed joint development to the Rock Country (Dradia) out of necessity.”
Once the weaving machines in the Forest Country (Reburesta) could operate stably, they would at least be able to increase the import volume of thread and fabric.
Fortunately, the fabric produced by Paraiso was—likely due to their goodwill—traded at quite a high price, and its distribution was strictly managed.
For the time being, it would be used as a luxury item domestically. Meanwhile, domestically produced woven fabrics could increase their circulation as everyday items.
Of course, this plan hinged on the operation of the weaving machines.
“Samples of glass products and ceramics have also arrived. The quantities presented are on a different scale…”
“It’s comparable to our annual consumption. That’s impossible.”
Logistics experts continued their discussions, pondering various solutions.
In the end, it was decided that glass and ceramics would be imported as raw materials rather than finished products. Using pure, clean raw materials would allow for the production of beautiful items without impurities.
Even if imports were to be disrupted, they could simply use the conventional products produced domestically.
While the appearance might suffer, they wouldn’t be unusable.
“The only saving grace is that we are able to export from our country…”
“We’re able to prioritize the materials from the Soul Butterflies, as they were abundant due to the sheer volume. That’s a relief, and we’ll likely be able to produce a lot for the next few years.”
“Once that territorial dispute settles down, we’ll revert to rare materials…”
Currently, the Soul Butterflies, which had become the main export item to Paraiso, were believed to be appearing in large numbers due to the aftermath of a territorial dispute among some powerful monsters deep within the Demon Forest.
Once that dispute calmed down, the frequency of their appearance would naturally decrease. This meant that if they didn’t prepare alternative export items now, there was a possibility that domestic circulation would descend into chaos in a few years.
“This is a headache…”
“For the time being, we have no choice but to export high-value magic tools or crafts…”
Perhaps it would be better to straightforwardly seek help from the girls of Paraiso.
Such foolish suggestions were being made, indicating just how chaotic the Ruwana Council had become.
I apologize for the recent abundance of interludes… Hmm, but honestly, these interludes might even be more interesting than the main story… Let’s have the sisters work a bit harder. Yes, that sounds good. Thus, this was the tale of the Forest Country. Among the current settings, it is quite an advanced nation. Therefore, they will have their share of troubles.