Chapter 236: Results of Kuzunoha company (1/2)

Chapter 236: Results of Kuzunoha company

Ah, right.

Koran is a port town, so it is obviously close to the sea.

No well, it is an obvious thing, but it is now that I know the meaning of it.

“And so, Koran -with the consensus of the town- wanted to have a permanent collaboration with Tsige -no, with the Kuzunoha company. Speaking more accurately, it would be with our shipbuilding group and the Neptunes.” (Tomoe)

After safely resolving the matter of who will be going to Lorel with me, the meeting with the followers gathered at Asora had begun.

First, it was the report of Tomoe regarding the cooperative attitude of Koran towards Tsige, to the point of being eerie. The reason why has been revealed.

“It is true that the scale of the shipbuilding work of that town has been steadily increasing. It is not at the level of Tsige, but every time I go there, the scenery always changes. They have already absorbed a number of neighboring fishing villages and have gained plenty enough strength on their own, so they will probably grow even more.” (Shiki)

“They properly understand that it was all thanks to us. They are a smart bunch-desu wa ne. They are a more understandable bunch compared to the major powers.” (Mio)

Shiki and Mio are the ones who have been coming and going to Koran the most within the people here, so they are knowledgeable about the personality of that town.

The two of them seem to be convinced about the report of Tomoe.

“With the technique of the Eldwas, the shipbuilding techniques also get better, and it provides an overwhelming advantage against the other neighbouring towns. As of now, there’s no port town that can compete with them and the favorable wind continues. Also…the cooperation of the Neptunes must be playing a big part as well. It seems like they haven’t shown themselves, but the fishing boats that are from Koran are clearly getting more catch and have a safer travel compared to others.” (Tamaki)

It seems like Tamaki has grasped the current state of Koran, which she has never gone to before, by reading the documents and hearing the report of Tomoe.

Just as she has pointed out, Koran and the towns that are related to it have not faced any accidents in their sea route since a certain time.

That time was when Shiki had spoken about Koran to Serwhale-san.

The Neptunes had a faction conflict at the sea in the past, so they have only been to the neighboring areas of Koran where they know it is safe, but it seems like the other sea races are quite far into the sea. That’s why, along with the information gathering of the Neptunes, they also help out with the sailing of the ships in Koran.

It seems like the Neptunes don’t want to meet with the Neptune force related to the brother of Serwhale-san after all.

Well, they abandoned that side and decided to follow his little brother Serwhale-san, so that’s natural though.

“I certainly do remember agreeing with the sea residents about their request to protect the fellows of Asora that are in Koran, but…I didn’t know that they were doing this much. Doesn’t seem like Mio and Shiki knew either.” (Tomoe)

“Right. So that’s the reason why there were no attacks.” (Shiki)

“Well, there’s no real problem with that-desu wa. Isn’t that rather something praiseworthy?” (Mio)

Yeah, I also heard about that.

There are around 10 people from Asora in Koran.

And so, since it is a beach and the attacks of marine demonic beasts on land are not that big of a deal, they said they would be looking after the sea to a certain extent. This is something that the people from the sea told me not that long ago.

I think it was at the time when the talk about increasing the number of Eldwas for shipbuilding had come out.

It seems like the fruits of their efforts had changed Koran’s view of Tsige in a terrifying manner.

The ships that Koran is using are mostly made by our craftsmen, or ships that they have had a hand in the work.

And it seems like with the craftsmanship of the Eldwas, they have made the ships so that they can be recognized even when looking at them from under the sea.

So when they are spotted, they help the ship out in their cruising, defeat the marine beasts that might be a threat, and at land, our employees would be provided information about fishing grounds, the environment of the sea, and things like that.

Well, it is natural that the races that live in the sea have more information than the hyumans that use ships to travel through the sea. And it seems like the fishermen and sailors are already seeing us as a priceless treasure.

When Tomoe introduced herself as being on the same standing as Mio and Shiki, they gave her a warm welcome as if she were the representative of Tsige.

“The fishing amount, as well as the information they possess, overwhelms that of the other towns. And because of that, they have begun taking interest in the ocean and their expertise. For that sake, they want to get along with us even more. And coupled with the information that Kuzunoha company is based in Tsige…it seems like it turned into them thinking that they might as well just get under our wings. The matter with Koran is already settled.” (Tomoe)

Hmph.

So Levi, the mermaids, and the sirens have been doing a lot as well huh.

They have sunk every ship that has been approaching Koran to seize it in this time of revolution, since they are practically pirates.

Well, it is certainly true that ships look like leaves when seeing them from within the sea, and lately, that girl Levi has been saying strange things like: ‘I have been getting good at sniping~’.

Just by opening a big hole in the ship, you can create a disaster after all.

The sirens and mermaids as well.

They find land and islands, and hunt hostile ships mercilessly.

Even without Levi, they can show them a painful time with their magic.

Once at the sea, hyumans become weak.

I pity them.

“In that case, leaving aside unification, the reason why Koran wants to enter Tsige’s wing is because they already know that by doing that they will be able to enjoy the merits that they can obtain, right?” (Makoto)

“Right. They didn’t look like they would suffer any disadvantages from it.” (Tomoe)

“They possess a good quality sea, and in terms of shipbuilding, they possess techniques that are valuable for the Eldwas. I think that Kuzunoha company will continue their relationship as it has been until now.” (Shiki)

“Yeah. The carapaced types and shellfishes are currently the easiest to prepare and their taste is also good, so they are pretty useful-desu wa. The part that they are lowering their head to Waka-sama is also cute, isn’t it?” (Mio)

“I know about the sea of Asora, but I think it would serve as good reference to have the data of other seas. If this doesn’t bring any danger to Asora’s residents, I think it is okay to maintain the status quo, and it would also be okay to advance that relationship.” (Tamaki)

So everyone is in favor huh.

I also don’t have much reason to go against it.

Or more like, from what I have heard in the reports, I feel like it would be good to go there once.

To show my face there.

“Since they are relying on us that much, maybe I should show my face there at least once?” (Makoto)

“They are also expectantly waiting for that moment. In terms of popularity and amount of transactions, the Rembrandt company and the Kuzunoha company are basically viewed as the representatives of Tsige. They courteously received the envoys.” (Tomoe)

“…Ah.” (Makoto)

“Waka, is there something bothering you?” (Tomoe)

“There’s a merchant that went to Koran, Schirra-san, right? The company representative of the company that deals with things like gems and crystals.” (Makoto)

“…Yeah, there’s that one.” (Tomoe)

“How did it go with him? It seemed like he had some sort of incident in the past with Koran though.” (Makoto)

I try asking about the man that I suddenly remember.

“It seems like they did quite an unethical thing, but it wasn’t he himself who did it but their family predecessor anyways. It is still only one day since we arrived at Koran, but it seems like the ban they had has been lifted.” (Tomoe)

“I see. And so, do you think they are scheming something in the future?” (Makoto)

“Doesn’t seem like it. He was simply happy that he would be able to do transactions on the same standing as the other companies. From what I see, he is a man that has reasonable skill.” (Tomoe)

“He did look like a capable person. And so, what did they even do at Koran?” (Makoto)

“…The crystal corals that can only be found at the sea and are treated as a gift of the sea. It seems like they weren’t satisfied with the amount, so they were demanding to let them go to the depths of the sea to take more. To the place where the fishermen of Koran treat as a sacred place.” (Tomoe)

Uwa, that’s low.

“Ah, those crystal corals huh. It is true that they are beautiful, and it was also prohibited to take them. It is not like they only grow in that place, but if we are talking about the place that is the closest and can be entered the easiest it would be that place huh.” (Mio)

“A foolish move that creates animosity towards the locals. Seriously, the very definition of a fool.” (Shiki)

Mio seems to know about that place.

Shiki seems like he also knows about it, but it looks like he also knows how important that place is to the locals.

So they tried to put their hands on a place they shouldn’t have even tried to huh.

Or more like, they have done something like that and yet, just because he was one of the envoys of Tsige, he was forgiven. I have to be careful on that.

Be careful on what I say that can be taken as some sort of approval.

So that it doesn’t happen, I should meet with the influential people of Koran and create a connection promptly.

I don’t want the name of our place falling because of something weird those guys might do.

It was a reputation that the Eldwas, Mio, Shiki, and sea races had build up after all.

“There’s no need to tell this to Waka-sama, but…for the people that live on the blessings of the sea, the places that are established as prohibited for fishing have an important meaning behind it. And if on top of that it is being treated as a sacred precinct, it can be considered miraculous that they didn’t get executed for the simple fact that they are outsiders that tried to enter. For the people, the sea is a place that they can’t control, so things like superstitions and jinx are plenty enough to bet their life on.” (Tamaki)

“…Well, that’s right.” (Makoto)

“And yet, there’s already enough trust build up that just by being in the same group as us, they can forgive this sin. Kuzunoha company is truly trusted. I am moved.” (Tamaki)

“Thanks.” (Makoto)

The words of Tamaki still can’t enter in me as honest.

But it is not like what she is saying is strange or anything.

It is a matter of course to endeavor in not betraying expectations after all.

“I think there’s worth in trying to visit with just Rembrandt company and our Kuzunoha company. And so, in outline, I will be acting for a few days together with the envoy group that are over at Koran, but there’s probably not going to be anything worth reporting. Doesn’t seem like there will be any problems in having Koran under Tsige.” (Tomoe)

“Understood. Thanks, Tomoe.” (Makoto)

“Well, in my opinion, I just want to go to Lorel quickly. Mufufufufu.” (Tomoe)

“I will make it so we can go as fast as possible. Now then, the next one is Mio. You will be telling me the detailed menu that you will be making…ah, this one, right? Next, is the state of the town. Is there anything that has changed or something of interest?” (Makoto)

“Uhm, I have already talked about the bento, so…regarding the state of the town, it isn’t hasty like the time with Rotsgard, and in the sense of tension, this town is able to maintain it at an ordinary level. There’s nothing of interest. If I had to say something…the birthday of Rinon is coming soon. Toa said that she wanted to have the party at our place.” (Mio)

…That’s really just saying whatever comes to mind.

I see. Rinon’s birthday is coming. How old was she?

She isn’t in school, so there’s nothing about student year and that makes it harder to know.

There’s already the income of her sister’s party, and they are also okay with their house expenditures, and Rinon herself is gaining income too.

Just what’s the point of age?

“I see. Ah well, she is an adventurer we are well acquainted with so, isn’t it fine to let her do it?” (Makoto)