The effects of the strategic supplies (gifts) were dramatic.
The gifts themselves, and the various phenomena associated with them, seemed to be extremely shocking to Teariada Elemes, the head of the Forest Country (Lebresta) embassy.
First, the fact that Dreizig and Zwanzig looked so alike. I explained that they weren’t twins, but that they were from a clan like that, but I wonder how much of it she understood.
Well, in reality, they’re like twins.
And then, the fact that Zwanzig finished unloading the luggage all by herself. When the maid tried to lift the luggage she unloaded from the carriage, she almost threw out her back.
In the end, Zwanzig stopped Teariada from calling for porters and took the luggage to the designated location.
By the way, Zwanzig was wearing an Assist Suit, which allowed her to exert more than five times the strength of a normal adult male.
Furthermore, the trade samples (gifts) that I had prepared. She seemed impressed with the refined salt and granulated sugar, but not that surprised.
In other words, she knew of similar things.
What surprised her were some of the metal products. She examined the swords and precious metalwork that I had prepared as samples with enthusiasm, or rather, with an attitude as if she were seeing something unbelievable.
However, it seemed that she was more interested in the materials themselves than in the shape or the fineness of the craftsmanship. This was an unexpected attitude, and ＜Ringo＞ is scheduled to analyze it in the future.
She was very interested in the preserved water samples. She seemed interested in the idea of storing water.
In addition, she showed interest in canned preserved food, but the fact that it was made of iron was not very appealing. Bottled goods seemed to be fine.
Cellulose thread, cloth, and paper. These were very well received. In particular, the cloth was nothing short of praised.
It had a good feel, and the weave was fine and uniform. Also, it was possible to make some with elasticity depending on the weave, and this sample was very well received.
She said on the spot that she would want it immediately if it could be supplied stably.
Agriteend was surprised, so it must have been an unusually enthusiastic response.
She didn’t seem that interested in jewels, but she seemed impressed with the accurately cut gem’s modeling technology.
Finally, the alcoholic beverages. Mainly, distilled spirits made from grains similar to wheat. ＜The Tree＞ has not yet put the production of the liquor itself on track, but it is distilled from liquor obtained in Telek Port City.
It was brought as a sample of distillation technology rather than the liquor itself.
The alcohol content is divided into several levels, with the highest being 96%. It’s at a level where it can easily be ignited even with a cigarette lighter.
Judging from her reaction, it seems that distilled spirits themselves already exist. However, she seemed surprised at the alcohol content.
“Wait, is the Forest Country (Lebresta) an elf country?!”
After watching such a video explanation, Commander (Eve) shouted.
“The specific name ‘elf’ does not exist in this country, but it is assumed that there is a race close to that concept.”
“Their ears are pointed, their faces are good, and they’re tall. And there are bows displayed in the reception room. Did you notice? That old man isn’t wearing any metal products at all.”
＜Ringo＞ nodded at her, who was talking excitedly.
“Yes, Ma’am. Since people other than those from the Forest Country (Lebresta), such as maids and butlers, normally wear metal decorations, it is highly possible that they dislike metal.”
This must be the reason why she wasn’t interested in canned goods. I don’t know if she hates or is bad with metal, but it’s hard to imagine any other reason why bottled goods are OK and canned goods are NG.
However, she was holding it with her bare hands when she checked it, so it doesn’t seem to be so bad that she can’t touch it.
After that, the group was welcomed on the terrace. It was like a standing buffet.
Almost all of it was small talk, and there wasn’t much useful information, so most of it couldn’t be shown as video, but the content was summarized by ＜Ringo＞.
First, about the so-called Beastkin, which is the appearance of the Doll Machine (Communicator). According to Teariada, it seems that there are races with beast characteristics.
However, at least they do not reside on this land, but seem to have built a country on another land across the sea.
I was also able to confirm a little about Teariada, or rather, the people of the Forest Country (Lebresta). As expected, many of them are not good with metal, especially iron.
If it touches the skin for a long time as an accessory, it seems to cause inflammation.
It seems that metal allergies are particularly likely to occur in this race.
Of course, there are some people with unique constitutions who do not develop any inflammation at all, but such constitutions are very rare and valued.
Also, Teariada’s wife, Ereka Elemes, was introduced. Her very beautiful and well-formed appearance was exactly like an elf princess.
A tall, handsome man and a slender beauty.
Several other people were introduced, but ＜Ringo＞ judged that they were not very important, so they were cut.
Well, Commander (Eve) doesn’t need to remember them. If necessary, ＜Ringo＞ can explain it again on the spot.
The snacks that came out were sandwiches, sweets, and something like well-chilled green tea.
When I asked about the tea, it was one of the Trade Goods and a specialty of the Forest Country (Lebresta). It seems that it is picked from tea trees grown in the forest where there is not much sunlight.
The vegetables are said to be from farms operated under the guidance of the Forest Country (Lebresta). Very delicious – apparently.
Commander (Eve) still doesn’t trust the taste of the Doll Machine (Communicator) operated by ＜Ringo＞, so she only takes it with a grain of salt.
Well, even so, Agriteend and the two secretaries on the Telek Port City side were eating it deliciously, so it doesn’t seem to have a special taste.
After that, they talked about the current situation of the Afrasia United Kingdom.
Perhaps because we were personnel from a city in the southern end of the country, isolated from the political center, the content was almost a protest or a complaint.
It seems that the situation around the Royal Capital of the Afrasia United Kingdom is quite bad. Because of this, they can’t trade properly.
The main trade item is Burnstone, but its supply is decreasing day by day. Given the situation, it’s no wonder.
After that, they seem to be able to secure a decent amount of wheat and horses. This is thanks to the fact that Wheat Hill City, the main production area, is somehow maintaining its independence.
However, as there was pressure on Flattala City, the situation seems to be gradually deteriorating.
It must be pretty bad if people from other countries are saying that.
It can be judged that the Afrasia United Kingdom is no longer able to maintain its existence as a country. The regions are divided, declaring independence as they please, and small pioneer villages are being wiped out one after another.
And the biggest problem is that the main cause of these is the Civil War. It’s a nuisance to the surrounding countries. There is a possibility that deserters and refugees who have become bandits will flood the borders.
“Just to reconfirm, this country is screwed, isn’t it?”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
If we find a promising Lode, we might as well develop it by force. That’s what she thought.
She didn’t want to deal with hundreds of thousands of infantry, but the more information she gathered, the lower the possibility of a full-scale war became.
The divisions in each region are severe, and it is difficult to obtain proper information, but this is the same for every town.
Even if ＜The Tree＞ advances a little, by the time that information circulates, I feel like we can have a major force ready.
“However,”
Beyond this, to the north of Flattala City, there is Wheat Hill City, which has considerable power as an independent force.
＜The Tree＞’s military strength is still poor, and it is true that there is great anxiety in the event of a full-scale war. For the time being, we should continue peaceful contact, whether through trade or appeasement.