Chapter 630: To the Next Autonomous Region
The replies from the envoys Tauro had sent to the autonomous regions weren’t encouraging.
Day after day, the envoys returned with their reports. Most had simply been turned away at the border checkpoints, unable even to get a proper hearing.
That meant there was no realistic way to reach autonomous regions that didn’t directly border the Giro Sugar territory, so Tauro couldn’t even learn what conditions were like there.
The Elf Autonomous Region was especially severe: its checkpoint gate remained firmly shut, and the guards gave neither an answer nor any reaction to the envoys’ messages. It seemed the elves’ hostility ran particularly deep.
Tauro listened to these reports in the hall of the lord’s residence.
“…This is troublesome. The hostility runs deeper than I imagined… Still, we’ve at least done the minimum courtesy by sending envoys to request an audience. Now it seems we’ll have to go meet them directly.”
Tauro suggested a new journey to Aeris and the others.
“Where should we go first? Besides the Dwarven Autonomous Region, the major regions bordering us are the Elf Autonomous Region, the Smallfolk Autonomous Region, and the Lizardman Autonomous Region, right?”
Aeris replied while looking over the map Robin had prepared.
“We could go to the Lizardman Autonomous Region next to the dwarves, but it’s mostly wetlands, so it doesn’t seem very convenient as a route to the other autonomous regions.”
“Then what about the Smallfolk Autonomous Region? The Lizardman Autonomous Region is to its north, while the Elf and Dark Elf autonomous regions are to its south, so it’s close to the troublesome elf regions.”
As Aeris pointed out, the Smallfolk Autonomous Region occupied a very favorable position on the map—about as advantageous as the Giro Sugar territory itself.
“I considered that as well, but apparently it isn’t as convenient as it looks,” Robin, the dogkin acting administrator, interjected.
“What do you mean?”
Tauro urged her to continue, showing interest.
“The Smallfolk Autonomous Region is exactly what its name suggests: everything there’s built to smallfolk proportions. The roads and buildings are all sized for their own comfort, so other races find the place extremely inconvenient and tend to avoid it. On top of that, the smallfolk are quite belligerent, and internal disputes are common. Sokyuu says they’re currently split into three factions that are openly fighting one another.”
“Internal conflict? What are they fighting over? If we could resolve it, our future relations might improve…”
“We don’t know the cause. However, public order is believed to be quite poor, so it’d be wise to avoid it.”
“So that leaves the Elf Autonomous Region, which already has the worst attitude toward us… They’re also famously on bad terms with the dwarves, right?”
Tauro, who had intended to build external relations step by step before approaching the elves, asked Robin for more information.
“Yes. There’s even a saying: ‘If an elf and a dwarf get on the same ship, it’ll sink in five minutes.’ I’m sure that’s an exaggeration, but in that sense, restoring relations with the Dwarven Autonomous Region first may have made an especially bad impression on the elves.”
“That makes it even worse! Still, the elf autonomous regions are important in this southwestern area where so many autonomous regions are concentrated. We can’t avoid them forever, so shall we try even if the odds are poor?”
Tauro made his decision and sought everyone’s agreement.
“Tauro is right. If we’re afraid of failure, nothing will ever move forward.”
Aeris agreed.
“Indeed. If we’re dealing with elves, I may be able to be of some use myself.”
Ragune said with unexplained confidence.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what an autonomous region is like!”
Zion said cheerfully, finally getting the chance to visit one.
“Lord Tauro, if we can restore relations with the Elf Autonomous Region, I think we can manage the rest somehow!”
Robin responded with broad optimism.
“Alright, we’re ready to travel. We leave for the Elf Autonomous Region first thing tomorrow morning!”
With everyone’s approval, Tauro decided on their departure.
The next morning.
Ankh came to see them off in front of the castle.
“The Elf Autonomous Region now, huh, Leader? I wanted to go too, but I’ll sit this one out. By the time you get back, I’ll have trained someone capable of taking over command of the territorial guard!”
Though clearly disappointed, Ankh spoke with determination.
“Yeah, I’m counting on you to maintain order in the territory. Robin, a lot of dwarf workers should start arriving soon, so please coordinate with Rogas on that as well.”
“Understood! I’ll also pray for your safe journey!”
Robin replied energetically.
“Alright, let’s go.”
Tauro said this and took Garo, the wolf-shaped puppet, out of [Magic Storage].
“Gau!”
The moment it appeared, Garo happily nuzzled against Tauro, then lay down to make it easy for them to mount.
One by one, Tauro’s group climbed onto Garo.
“Our destination is the Elf Autonomous Region. Garo, I’m counting on you!”
At Tauro’s request, Garo stood up and replied with a spirited “Gau!” before sprinting off.
With Garo racing like the wind, Tauro and the others disappeared from sight in no time.