Kays Translations

Chapter 49 - Trends of Others

Ten days had passed since the provisional contract with the Zambrotta Company. It was about time for Silvio to be persuading the chairman of the company in the border town.

During the time after Silvio's visit, there was no contact from other nobles or trading companies. However, around the fifth day, there were sporadic attempts at contact. They were probably checking the status of the magic circle registration about once a week. Given the current status of the magic circle registration, it was likely that they were putting significant effort into gathering information even with this frequency.

The next person who approached after Silvio was Dafyyd Jansen, the Viscount of the Jansen territory which was a neighboring territory. 

Just like the Klaufeldt family, they were subservient to the Bisseling Count family, who governed the entire region, making them sibling nobles. 

He was the same age as Selfers and their territories were adjacent. They were also classmates at the Noble Academy, so it's safe to say they were the closest among the nobles.

The herald came five days after Silvio left Klaufendamm and he visited in person the next day.

By the way, the Klaufeldt family governs several towns and villages in addition to their capital, Klaufendamm, as a feudal lord, but their governing system includes the Count Bisseling family at the top.

In modern Japan, the country's governing system is that the prefecture is ruled by the Count’s family, and under that, several viscount and baron families divide and govern multiple cities, wards, towns and villages.

"Hey, Sel! It looks like you've fully recovered from your expedition sickness?"

"Hey, Daf. Yes, I've recovered completely."

From the moment they saw each other's faces, they exchanged words casually, clearly displaying their close relationship.

"That magic circle is amazing. It's essentially like an original magic circle, right? You created it as if it were no big deal... If it weren't for you guys being the registrants, I might have easily overlooked it."

While having tea, Dafyyd said with a wry smile.

"I see you noticed, huh? Even if it's a combination of several elements, it's still the first magic circle created from nothing, not a magic tool. That's what I think."

Selfers, who also answers while drinking tea, has a really nice smile on his face.

The term "original magic circle" referred not only to something created from scratch but also to any magic circle created by oneself. 

Since the New Magic Era, no other moving magic circles besides those that were replicas of magic tools had been created. This is why they referred to anything partially or entirely self-made as "original."

"I won't ask how you did it. But the fact that you nonchalantly created something so incredible... you must have a reason for not announcing it more prominently, right?"

Even as he smiled wryly, Dafyyd looked at Selfers with a serious gaze.

"I'm sorry. I just need a bit more time to prepare. I'll let you know as soon as I'm ready."

Selfers responded, his smile fading.

"Understood. But only let me know the parts that will affect our territory. About the magic stoves that use that magic circle, to whom do you intend to sell them?"

"For now, it's the nobles and wealthy merchants. We're going for the high-end market."

"I see. If that expands to the common folk, be sure to give us a heads up. If it reaches the public, it will undoubtedly affect our territory as well."

Dafyyd, who was the viscount of the Jansen territory, had a territory similar to the Klaufeldt family, located in a forested area. Unlike the Klaufeldt territory, which had unintentionally gained a forested region due to the discovery of non-attribute magic stones, the Jansen territory had historically governed forested areas. Their main industry was forestry. Their income came not only from the demand for construction materials but also from the sale of firewood used as fuel.

If magic stoves, which could use fuel at a cost similar to firewood, became widespread, it was evident that the demand for firewood used for cooking would greatly decrease. The decrease in income itself was a problem, but if it happened suddenly, the response would also be delayed. That's why Dafyyd wanted to confirm the situation.

"I apologize for the inconvenience."

Selfers muttered in a heavy tone.

"What are you talking about? This is your chance to finally clear the name of the ‘Trash Magic Stone Merchant.' Be happy about it! Besides, what benefit does it bring for two poor nobles to commiserate with each other? It's not like that will produce any results."

Dafyyd chuckled while dismissing Selfer's apology.

"Oh, that's right. If you feel bad about it, get rich and give us some work too."

"Understood. I'll do my best to make sure I can give you some good work."

"That's the spirit."

With a sly grin, Dafyyd shook hands with Selfers. After offering their support without asking many questions, Dafyyd returned home promptly.

The next contact came from the Duke of Yaderud territory, who had an even more powerful presence. They were a super-elite family that had separated from the royal family, owning a mining area for Fire Magic Stones within their territory. This prelude from such an influential family turned the Klaufeldt family into a commotion from top to bottom.

Since the Duke himself had other matters to attend to, he had sent a proxy, which was a relief. But to the surprise of the Lord and Lady, their eldest son, Alexei Yaderud, had visited in person.

"We never expected Alexei-dono to visit us..."

"Oh? Did you not receive a letter from my father...Ah… that man is too fond of pranks."

After exchanging greetings and some small talk with wry smiles, it turned out that this was all part of a prank by the Duke.

The current head, Drassen Yaderud, was known for his preference for military actions, even though he was over 60 years old. He still personally participated in activities such as hunting down monsters within the territory. It was not that he was particularly inclined towards warfare or a battle enthusiast; he simply had an overwhelming passion for the field. With the management of the territory left to them, it felt as if he were saying, "Now you have the fun of managing the territory," causing Alexei to laugh.

Currently, the internal affairs of the territory were managed by Alexei and his three siblings. 

"So, why did a member of the Duke's family have business in this remote region?"

"Haha, there's no need to be surprised... I'll ask directly. Would you be willing to sell us the exclusive usage rights of the magic circle registered the other day?"

The exclusive usage rights, as the name implied, prohibited others from using it for ten years. However, if the registrant granted permission, others could use it, and trading these rights was sometimes allowed, but at a high cost.

"How about 10 million ruins?"

"10 million...?"

"Yes. Don't you think that's a fair offer?"

Ten million ruins would translate to approximately around 1 billion yen. It was slightly less than the annual profit made by the Klaufeldt family from non-attribute magic stone mining.

Alexei continued because he thought that Selfers was staying silent due to the offered amount not being high.

"Well, how about 12 million? This time I'll just come out and say it since there's no point in hiding it. In terms of the annual amount we’ll be paying, this is the absolute limit."

"Annually?!"

"Yes. We assume that for at least half of the exclusive period, which is five years, we will pay annually."

Selfers, who had thought it was a one-time payment, was astonished.

With more than 1 billion yen worth of income each year for five years, they could significantly advance the development of their territory.

"...I'm very grateful for your evaluation. Can you tell me the reason?"

"Listing all the reasons would be endless, but there are two main points. First is that it uses Fire Magic Stones. Things that use Fire Magic Stones naturally work well with us, as we produce Fire Magic Stones. We believe that with our expertise, better magic tools can be created. The second point is an upfront investment. That magic circle can be considered an original magic circle. Although it was created by combining existing elements, it's not something that can be easily done. We've tried many times in the past. However, you succeeded, and if it's not a coincidence, there may be a possibility of new magic circles being created in the future. But that requires funding for ongoing research, doesn't it? We are proposing that in exchange for us covering those costs, we can continue to use it when results are achieved."

"I see..."

Listening to Alexei's explanation, Selfers crossed his arms and pondered.

Although it seemed like a favorable proposition for them, Selfers felt that the ego of a large noble was hidden behind it. "We can create better magic tools, we'll provide the funding, and in return, let us continue to use it once results are achieved." The substantial amount, viewed as an upfront payment that included future benefits, seemed to be motivated by such ego.

"It's an attractive proposal; thank you. However, I've received proposals from others as well, so may I take some time to consider it?"

"...I understand. Well, I don't think there's a place that can offer better conditions than us. We'll be waiting for your favorable response."

"I apologize for not being able to respond immediately, despite your visit."

"No worries. It's still relatively fresh since registration. You need time to think."

So the negotiation with the Yaderud Duke's family ended with a reserved attitude.

"Hmph, acting like the typical ‘Trash Magic Stone Merchant.' You could have just nodded and agreed... Well, fine. There's probably no place that can offer better conditions than us. Let’s go!"

"Understood."

With a displeased expression, Alexei mounted his carriage, muttered to himself, and returned to the Yaderud territory.

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