Chapter 301
(Kyle Calendar Year 514: Age 21)
To the Northern Country Part 2
Translator : PolterGlast
The Kyle Kingdom is long from north to south, and it
is said to be a distance of 8 to 10 days by normal travel on horseback from the
Royal Capital Kylar located near the center to the old borderline in the
north. In terms of distance, it is almost equal to the old southern border, but
since the south is just going straight on the highway, a forced march is much
faster than heading north.
And between it and the
northern neighboring country, the Piette Trade Confederation, a river
dividing the border flows from west to east, and in the eastern end part where
there is no river, the former Frontier Count (Margrave) Meschino
territory existed. And now, extending north from that part, the Frontier Duke Model
territory ceded from the Uros Kingdom stretches long and narrow to the
sea.
The 50 mounts of Takuhir's party were now stepping
into the new northern territory beyond the old border.
"From here on is the new Kingdom territory, isn't it?
But... even though it's within the same Kingdom territory, the barrier gate of
the old border we just passed through looked very heavily guarded, didn't
it?"
"Yeah. What do you think is the reason for that, Yuka?"
"Let's see... is it geopolitical factors after all? The
new territory is surrounded by three countries, and the borderline is vast with
nothing to obstruct it."
"Correct. Assuming the threats from surrounding
countries are all about the same, the northernmost new territory is the most
dangerous. In the unlikely event the vicinity of the old border is suppressed,
the northern new territory will be completely isolated in enemy land..."
"So that's how it is. Frontier Duke Model must
have endless hardships as well."
"That's right. He inevitably has to concentrate his
military forces near the old border on the opposite side of the sea, and cannot
fully utilize the advantages of having the sea. And it's quite difficult to keep an eye on the entire coastline area."
Yes, near the old border with the Uros Kingdom, there
is also the border with the Istoria Imperial Kingdom. Therefore,
Frontier Duke Model deliberately placed his territory capital on the old
border side. When that happens, it inevitably becomes a distance of at least 2
days to the seaside.
"This time, we can see the thing called the sea, right?
I'm really looking forward to it."
Saying so, Yuka showed a smile that seemed about to
overflow.
"Yeah. On the sea side, the food is surely different
and the seafood is delicious. Besides, the atmosphere of a port town is also a
bit different, you know."
"My, it sounds as if you know the sea and port
towns."
"Ah... well, in books, you see..."
Bad, bad. I almost accidentally gave myself away.
Since she is also from the southernmost frontier like me,
normally she would never see the sea in her entire life. Even for me, who
transferred through various battlefields across the Kingdom, it's my first sea.
"Well, until the situation stabilizes, the northern
former Frontier Count (Margrave) territory is His Majesty's direct control
land, and the Royal Capital Knights Second Army is stationed there in
rotation, so it should be fine somehow, but in the future, he has to defend the
old border with his own military forces. So for Frontier Duke Model,
gathering military forces is the top priority task."
"So that's why the Frontier Knights, which is
currently being newly formed, is also deployed mostly to the north, huh."
Yes, exactly as Yuka said. A total of 10,000 Frontier
Knights were summoned from nobles across the Kingdom, but the largest
number, 4,000 cavalry, is assigned to the north. The next largest
is 3,000 cavalry in the east, and 2,000 cavalry in the west guarded by Brother Darek.
At my place, there are 200 cavalry entrusted by Count Cornell and 500
cavalry from across the Kingdom, a total of about 700 cavalry.
The military force of the northern new territory is 6,500 men in total entrusted to him, consisting of the 1,500 cavalry
and 1,000 infantry Count Model originally held, plus the 4,000 cavalry
of the Frontier Knights.
"But it's not enough. Originally it would be more than
enough military force, but the territory is all former enemy countries. If he
allocates them to maintaining public order, guarding major cities, and deploys
them along the vast borderline... the number he can move freely might be under
4,000."
"I see... It's something you can't understand just from
simple numbers, huh."
That's right. In this world, there are too many guys who
don't understand this. To the point where there was even a noble who complained
that military forces were concentrated too much at my place. That's why I
basically refused the deployment of the personnel of the Frontier Knights gathered from within the country as well.
While we were talking about such things, we arrived at Count
Model's residence, a distance of a few hours by horseback from the
border.
Originally a local trade city with the Kyle Kingdom,
the Frontier Duke is now putting his hand into it and newly rebuilding the
city.
We headed to the Frontier Duke's mansion built in a corner
of the newly developed area on the outskirts of that city.
"Oh! This is His Majesty the Archduke of Westlights,
welcome. Thank you for coming all the way from afar."
Saying so, he bowed deeply to me. No... I'm bad at this kind
of thing...
Certainly, to not be rude, I sent a herald in advance.
But... even if you wait for me at the gate... Inside my heart, I have the heart
of Nishida, an ordinary person, so conversely, I feel humbled.
"Frontier Duke Model, I am also a fellow
Frontier Duke in the Kingdom. Please raise your head. I hope you will continue
to associate with me for a long time as a sworn friend."
"Hahaha, that is a way of speaking typical of the Demon
Territory Duke. However, I had my life saved by you twice. I will continue
to hold onto that debt of gratitude and respect."
"Twice?"
I understand the first time, but... did I do anything else?
"Even in Agincourt, the wisdom and weapons
received from the Demon Territory Duke; without those, I would have
lost. Therefore, to me, you are a lifesaver."
"Hahaha..."
"So your visit this time is regarding the arrangement
of that matter?"
"Yes, the matter I requested in the Royal Capital after
the awards ceremony."
"Then, if you'd like, I will guide you to the warehouse
storing the items that are ready. The first batch is in a state ready for
delivery."
Then, in the warehouse we were guided to, large barrels were
piled up like a mountain. Don't tell me... all of this?
"After all, the new territory on the Empire side is vast. We got a bit too fired up as well."
Saying so, Frontier Duke Model smiled shyly.
Yes, the matter I requested from Count Model (at the
time) that day was the manufacture of oyster shell lime. Production know-how...
well, it's a simple thing, but I conveyed the blueprints of powered waterwheel and the mechanism of gears, and told him I would
buy the finished products.
" No no,
it's something I'm very thankful for."
"Fortunately, there is also a river flowing along the
border on the western side. The trouble of removing salt was greatly saved.
Besides, we requested former Uros Kingdom people for collection, and it
is taking shape as a continuous industry as well. For direct delivery, we
intend to pay according to the predetermined price, and for what is sold here,
we intend to pay 10% of the selling price as a royalty for technology transfer."
"As much as 10%? Are you sure?"
"Well, within my territory, using the manpower of the Uros
Kingdom, imitating the system in Teigoon, I requested those who lost
their children or providers. To the countries of the Merchant Confederation, I traded with merchants..."
"Traded with merchants... you say?"
"Yes, when I told the merchants that upon entering the
country, I would exempt the tax on their cargo for the same number of carriages
fully loaded with oyster shells, they also got fired up and are scraping them
together..."
"Hahaha, they must have scraped them together
desperately, right? Thank you for various things. The new eastern territory
also has many barren grasslands, and Frontier Duke Hamish will also be
pleased, I think."
"Yes, I have already received inquiries wanting to
start trial operations."
Thank goodness. With this, the business negotiation is
settled. After all, the new territory on the Empire side is vast; if we try to
cover the required amount, the coastlines of neighboring countries will
probably become clean all at once. From here on, I might have to think of
something other than oyster shells...
"Then I will receive them on the return journey, and
take back just what can be packed in the carriages for now, but please
transport the rest by wagon. This time I keenly feel the gratitude of Time-Space
Mages."
Yes, neither Bart nor Kaul is accompanying me
this time. Therefore, the luggage can only be transported by wagon as in the
past.
"By the way, is the Demon Territory Duke going
to a seaside city after this?"
"Yes, although a brief trip, I thought my wife and I
would enjoy it... Also, there are ingredients I wish
to obtain."
Yes, if it's a seaside city, perhaps that might also
be there. If so, I'll be one step closer to my long-cherished Japanese food.
I'm not confident whether the concept of dashi (broth) exists in this world,
though.
"Please be careful. Among the seaside people,
especially sailors and fishermen, many have rough temperaments, and there are
those who do not hesitate to voice dissatisfaction regarding the circumstances
this time."
"Ah, it's fine. I have attached suitable people as
guards."
Yes, this time I haven't brought a single commander-class Mage.
Because they each have their own missions. Truthfully, I wanted to bring just Bart
or Kaul, but I even gave up on that this time. They have their hands
full with construction work and negotiation preparations right now.
However, the guards are all exceptionally strong and
carefully selected individuals. Especially, Carla and Sigurd
stand out even among them.
"Is that so... but please be sufficiently careful. By
the way, we also have several requests. I would appreciate it if you could lend
us your power."
"Yes, if it's something we can do, we will gladly
handle it."
"Thank you. The first point is an additional order for
weapons. We can manufacture arrows here too, but monster materials are
naturally... The second point is, I would like you to provide the operational
know-how of the shooting range. We want to adopt it in this land as well. The
third point is the know-how of the reception desk. We also wish to register the
people of this country and organize it..."
"Understood. For weapons, is the improved crossbow
using monster materials acceptable? About how many will it be? If it's not the
latest model but used items, the price is cheap, and we can prepare them
somewhat early."
"Then, could I request 500 units of the latest model,
and 1,000 units of the improved used items?"
"Roger. Also, regarding the know-how, if it's fine in
the form of selecting representatives for training, we can accept them in Teigoon
for a few months. Actually, for that purpose, there are people coming from Salaam
to learn even now."
"My goodness! Then we shall immediately move on to
selecting personnel as well. By the way, how about this much for the
compensation?"
I was surprised by the excessive amount. But even in that
world, the fee for know-how is high. Besides, the operation of the reception
desk and shooting range has already evolved considerably over these 10 years
since the basic design, to the point even I don't understand it well anymore.
"Less than half of that amount is fine. Moreover, how
about including the lodging and meal expenses for their stay?"
After this, that day, guided by Frontier Duke Model,
we plan to inspect the southern area of the new northern territory, and the day
after next, head to the seaside city, Virileodore.
And... when that time comes, I face what Frontier Duke Model was worried about.
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