Chapter 102: Alternative Solution
Translator: “Pink Tea” Editor: ”Ryunakama”
「It’s obviously impossible!」
Hearing words of Inishida that was trembling with anger, I let out a dry laugh.
「Not possible?」
「Of course not!」
Seeing Inishida respond with a loud shout even to my quiet murmur, the prime minister interjected in panic.
「Ple-please wait just a minute! We have no intention of rejecting everything. Though making amendments to slave laws will take time, we believe we should consider it.」
「Prime minister, you......?!」
With the prime minister’s reply, Inishida’s face began quickly turning red, but a bow from the prime minister made him go silent.
Confirming that Inishida closed his mouth, the prime minister once again turned to me.
「By the way, on account of Taiki-sama’s request, in case it doesn’t go through, how do you intend to respond... You wouldn’t say that you will destroy our country, would you...」
Inishida twisted his face to the prime minister’s words.
As I previously heard, the prosperity of Karluk Kingdom comes mainly from its economic power, in a way it could be said that they developed under the protection of neighboring countries.
So they probably don’t like the prospects of invasion by military means.
However, to begin with, I didn’t have the slightest intention of bending them to my will through force.
I made the gentlest smile I could and spoke while gesturing.
「Changing national law is a very difficult endeavor. As such, setting the question of whether the law will be amended or not aside if I were given a certain privilege, I will accept it as an alternative solution.」
「Privilege?」
Inishida cocked his head in puzzlement, full of suspicions.
I replied, smiling with my eyes.
「The right to contracts for slave sales.」
Inishida stiffened when I announced that, and the prime minister screamed.
「Are, are you saying that you want to take all slave related trade from us......?!」
「A-Absurd! That will never come to pass!」
He sounded like he was about to jump off the stage and attack me, a bit taken aback by the attitude that I still stood my ground.
「Ah, no no, you misunderstood me. I just want to improve the environment of the people that became slaves, even if only slightly. So unrelated to the laws of this country, I would like to have the right for us to buy and sell slaves. We also won’t use any of this town’s facilities. I’m fine with the territory outside of the town, like unused land near the road, if I get to use that I will just do my own thing.」
After saying that I observed the reaction of the duo. I had a lot on my mind when I spoke, I wonder if I was able to properly convey my thoughts. I feel like it turned out quite roundabout.
As I kept wondering about that, Inishida put a hand to his chin and muttered.
「In other words, engage in the slave trade without our interference. This much can be......」
After a short while, Inishida raised his head and said.
「Umu, understood. In my name, the slave trade of Heavenly Country within the lands of my kingdom shall be allowed. However, this permission applies only to this capital, the use of any other towns or villages are not allowed. Following, the territory where you can open a store is limited to the unused lands near the main road on the north. Attempts to plunder slaves from our kingdom in order to procure merchandise shall not be permitted. Are you fine with those conditions?」
In a pretty experienced fashion Inishida arbitrarily suggested something that sounded similar to a contract.
However, I had no problem with the contents, so after a nod, I replied with a short line.
「Cooperation from slave traders is required, so don’t put pressure on them, okay?」
「Don’t mock my country. Our Karluk Kingdom got through many crises with the power of commerce. There is no way we would lose at trade, why would I even want to take such measures.」
I’ve got his word.
Thought so, I involuntarily raised the corners of my lips in a smile.
Then, the prime minister who until now was observing me with a serious expression stiffened and went pale.
I have no idea what he thought, but my request passed. In that case, I have no business here anymore.
「In that case, we shall leave it at this.」
Announcing so I conveyed that the audience was over. Hearing the signal for the end of the audience we left the wide-eyed Inishida and sweat-drenched prime minister behind in the throne room.
After passing the throne room doors and walking through the corridors for some time, Sieg and Rabia suddenly sunk to the floor.
「Hey, what’s wrong?」
Flustered, I put a hand on Rabia’s shoulder, to which he turned around, looking at me with a terrified expression.
「...I didn’t think that negotiations between kings were that dreadful.」
「Is that so? I felt like everything went comparatively smooth......」
When I replied so, Yuri energetically nodded.
「Truly so, I believe that this discussion efficiently showed the military power and authority of Heavenly Country. Especially that closure, that is something that would be only done to an opponent of a considerably lower rank, on the level of a vassal state. Splendid.」
「Hm? Vassal state?」
Puzzled over Yuri’s impression, I recall how I so confidently coped with the situation, wondering if I did something impolite.
Indeed I feel like it was a bit too much to just give my demands and go home right after the other side accepted them.
But, well, if you act too modest you will be underestimated and no one will view you seriously, so this is fine I guess. All’s well that ends well.
And while I convinced myself so, Ayla looked at me with a gloomy expression.
「I understood Taiki-sama’s ideas, but is it really possible for us to buy and sell slaves? And I also think that the conditions for selling are more strict for us......」
「Ah, indeed. We will be carefully choosing to whom we sell. It has to be someone, who won’t abuse slaves, and can also provide sufficient necessities.」
「I think that it’s a splendid thing, but......」
As Ayla kept muttering uneasily, Sieg, who kept silent until now, said with a face full of resolve.
「......Please leave this matter to Sieg and Reginshion company.」
Saying that, Sieg looked straight at me and nodded.
「Sadly it’s not a preferential right for slave trading, but I didn’t even imagine that another route, unrelated to this state, will be acknowledged within Karluk Kingdom. Skillfully utilizing, this right can bring unlimited profit.」
The eyes of passionately speaking Sieg appeared to be sparkling.
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