Chapter 183: It’s All on Ryuunosuke, Something Like That

Day 527 of Life in Another World – 806,000 Points

One month after the Ryuunosuke incident—

Various changes occurred among the people who were freed from mind control.

The main points were two. One was the improvement of relations between the Empire and the Beastman Country. And the other one—well, let’s leave that for later.

Since that incident, the Empire had been sending envoys to the Beastman Country. The ones assigned to this task were the S-rank adventurers among the beastmen who had been under Ryuunosuke’s mind control.

Upon regaining their senses as soon as the mind control was lifted, they were temporarily sheltered by the Empire. They vividly remembered their actions while under mind control and seemed to be filled with regret.

After waiting for them to settle down, the Empire explained that they had defeated Ryuunosuke and that their plan was to liberate the politicians and beastmen. Of course, this was a bit of sophistry, and the fact of the Empire occupying Keimos remained unchanged. Nevertheless, it was a fact that they had ultimately been rescued. Furthermore, they insisted that “The reason the Empire was driven to migrate was due to Ryuunosuke’s machinations.”

There were also testimonies from appraisers and other spies who had been under mind control. While it felt somewhat forced, the beastman adventurers accepted their role as envoys.

(Ryuubosuke’s machinations. While it’s not entirely wrong, is it that easy to believe? )

Such doubts lingered, but for now, let’s move forward. Negotiation skills and telepathy played a part, and one could only think that they had managed somehow.

Several S-rank adventurers were returned as envoys. Three weeks later, a meeting place was set up near the border between the two countries for representatives to hold discussions. From the Beastman Federation, Chairman Taigan and several council members attended, while the Empire was represented by the Saint, accompanied by the Sword Saint and the former Margrave.

Naturally, at this point, all attention was focused on Ryuunosuke. Since the politicians themselves had been manipulated, it wasn’t such a strange story. However, their territory had been occupied by a hostile country. It was not something that could be easily brushed aside… In the end, no conclusion was reached.

However, this was just a formality. An agreement had already been reached behind the scenes.

“All responsibility lies with Ryuunosuke. The mind control of the politicians, the outbreak of orcs, chronic food shortages, and the occupation of Keimos—Ryuunosuke was behind all of these.”

To summarize the finer details, it was something like this. They seemed to be trying to pin everything on him.

They had to keep up appearances as a parliament, and besides, it was not the time to be at odds with the Empire. With the kingdom already sandwiched between the Empire and the Kingdom, it was urgent to unite their own country. It was decided to channel the people’s anger towards the late Ryuunosuke and to settle the matter by continuing negotiations with each other.

(Looks like that Saint had foreseen this far. It’s understandable why she took the risk of having spies.)

There were people who governed a country of 100,000, and there were also those who wreaked havoc and ruined their own country. It was a scene that made one think, “She shouldn’t be made an enemy.”

◇◇◇

“It’s been a while, are you doing well?”

“I’ve been busy until recently, but things have finally settled down.”

Today, I’m visiting Saint Seira. The other change I mentioned earlier is this. Since that incident, we’ve gradually begun to interact with the Empire.

Let me make it clear, though, it’s only the most minimal interaction. The main purpose is to exchange necessary information and goods. We’re doing it after discussions with the villagers, taking into consideration their feelings.

“I saw the letter. I heard there have been various developments with the Beastman Country since then. Anyway, it’s appreciated that the Saint herself is providing us with information.”

“Even so—our relationship hasn’t changed much from before. It’s like this barrier here.”

While saying that, she gestured towards the barrier separating us. As always, our communication is conducted through the barrier. There’s a table and chairs set up for meetings, but a delicate distance of one meter is maintained across the one-meter-wide barrier.

“I assume this is what Seira wanted, right? Well, I still think it’s fine this way for now.”

“Becoming a representative of the enemy country that occupied Keimos… it would be disadvantageous for both of us. At least for now, it’s an impossible proposition.”

“Especially since everything is being blamed on Ryuunosuke. Well, I hope things go smoothly.”

“You say that, but you look like you couldn’t care less?”

“To be honest, as long as it doesn’t escalate to here, I don’t really care.”

“That’s true. I’ll do my best to handle things without souring your mood.”

With such greetings exchanged, we finally got down to business.

Today’s agenda was about “purchasing magic tools produced by the Empire” and “the incorporation of villagers.”

The “electrical magic tool” I found at the village chief of the kingdom some time ago. We have already confirmed that its creator has moved from the kingdom to the empire. This time, it was about purchasing it and getting information about other magic tools.

“The electrostatic magic tools can be prepared immediately. As for others, we also have ‘wind-conducting magic tools’ and ‘water-absorbing magic tools.'”

“I understand what wind-conducting means, but… what about water-absorbing?”

“It’s like a pump that draws water from a river.”

“Seriously? If possible, I’d like to have both. We’re not in a rush, but it would be helpful if you could arrange a few.”

“Of course, that’s fine. As for what the Empire wants… well, there’s only one thing, isn’t there?”

What Seira refers to as “that” is the rice produced in Nanashi Village. We’ve previously sold a small amount, and it’s become a hugely popular ingredient in the Empire.

Actually, I’ve compared it myself, and it’s significantly tastier than the Empire’s produce. Any Japanese person who loves rice would probably notice the difference.

“By the way, about the electrical magic tools, what was their original purpose? We don’t have light bulbs or home appliances here, right? Does it make sense to create them?”

Seira probably knows that Nanashi Village is where I reside. She’s likely aware because she’s seen me at the village chief’s place, so she probably knows the reason I desire them. However, I couldn’t imagine what other purpose they might serve.

“Originally, they were requested by King Amaldia. They were on a much larger scale and had significantly higher output, apparently.”

“So… was it for tactical use? Like the electrical magic tools?”

“That seems to be the case. But they were shelved due to their poor fuel efficiency. Eventually, as efficiency improved, they ended up with what they have now.”

“I see… that magic technician seems quite dangerous. I’ll have to be careful too.”

“Wait, you’re not seriously considering killing him, are you? If he’s gone, we won’t be able to sell any other magic tools.”

“Well, no, of course not. We’re relying on him too, so I’ll just keep an eye on him.”

After chatting for a while, Seira returned to the Lord’s Manor and came back with Hope. After exchanging greetings with Hope, the conversation quickly turned to the villagers. It seems she’s made up her mind, as she spoke firmly about her thoughts.

To cut to the chase, “I won’t become a villager yet” and “When I do, it’ll be with my sister” were her decisions. We heard various reasons for this, but it turns out these sisters have a pretty good relationship. I had imagined something like “sisters with a bad relationship” or “a younger sister oppressed by her elder sister,” but my predictions were completely off.

“In other words, Seira was like a mother figure?”

“Well, something like that. Since I reached adulthood, we’ve been living together just the two of us.”

“Onee-san was very kind when it was just the two of us. She’s a bit scary normally though…”

(If the big sister is 30 and the younger sister is 19… I guess they’re step-sisters or half-sisters?)

Aside from family matters, it seems the reason she usually keeps her sister at a distance is to avoid showing her dangerous places or distressing situations. The strange attitude Hope had when we first met was probably because of the consequences of her own actions. She says so herself, and it doesn’t seem like a lie.

“Well then, let’s hold off on the matter of the villagers for now. Let’s focus on improving relations with the Beastman Country and managing the Keimos domain residents who have come to us.”

Either way, it could be a minefield at this stage. There’s also the issue of enhancing abilities… but there’s no need to rush, so let’s just take it easy.

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