The Medina continent and the Ifriqiya continent both practice the same faith of Madbahhism.
However, just as Islamic practices can differ based on whether they are in Islamic fundamentalist states or liberal Islamic ones, the territories governed by the Alchini family exhibit a completely different appearance.
The duke beside me looked around with an expression of astonishment.
"I thought that under Madbahhism, women weren’t allowed outside, but it seems a bit different here. They cover their noses and mouths with veils, yet everyone is wandering about freely."
"Even among those who believe in Deus, interpretations of doctrine and lifestyles vary, don’t they? Naturally, there will be differences based on the continent."
In Cairo, the stronghold of the Alchini family, women could never go outside alone.
They could only go out in the company of men such as their husbands, brothers, or fathers, completely wrapped in cloth covering their faces and bodies.
Yet here, as long as the nose and mouth are covered, they enjoy complete freedom to go out.
"Very interesting."
"Thank you for your kind words."
"But it’s a bit strange. I heard that people from the Ifriqiya continent have black skin, large eyes, and lots of curly hair..."
The duke looked around with a puzzled expression.
"Here, I only see people with brown skin and sharp features. They look just like the pagan slaves we have in our family."
"The pagans who migrated here because of religious issues do not mix with the native Ifriqiya people. While there are many pagan sex slaves in the Albanian continent, it’s rare to see any mixed-blood children of pagan sex slaves."
It’s not that mixed-blood children aren’t born, nor are they all killed as soon as they are born.
However, such individuals are generally handled quietly so as not to attract attention.
"They’re not killed but instead forced to live in the backwoods, thus making them invisible."
They likely employ similar methods here.
"Oh, I see. Very interesting. So where is the person we are looking for?"
"The person we are going to see is the governor of this region."
"The governor, what position does that hold in our Toscana Empire?"
"It’s similar to a duke in this region. Since the guide has stopped to talk to the guards, it seems we are at the governor's palace."
In China, a governor might feel like the head of a local municipality, but in the Medina Sultanate, it’s like a warlord who controls extensive military, administrative, and judicial powers over a large area.
Moreover, this place is quite far from the capital.
"It’s practically a monarch of an independent state, isn’t it?"
"Your Grace, Baron. The guards are asking for a gift. How much do you intend to give?"
Upon hearing the guide's words, the duke took out gold coins instead of silver and handed them over.
Not just one, but five coins.
Giving such a large bribe to a mere guard seemed like madness, but bribes generally work their way up from the bottom.
"Perhaps only half a gold coin will actually reach the guard?"
"Tell the guard that a duke from Toscana Empire wishes to see the governor, and we would like the matter handled swiftly."
"Yes, understood."
The guide dashed off with unparalleled speed upon hearing this.
Before long, we were able to meet the governor.
The governor welcomed us with a rather friendly demeanor.
"I never thought a duke from Toscana would come all the way to such a remote city. I am grateful for your visit."
"It is an honor to hear that from you."
"I am not someone who can be easily met. However, when someone of your stature visits, I must receive you graciously. So, Duke, though it is a bit late, would you care to accept our generous hospitality today?"
Originally, according to religious law, the distribution of alcohol is prohibited in the Medina Sultanate.
Of course, while it is legally banned, it is not openly sold; a variety of alcohol is brewed and sold in all kinds of forms.
Just as adult videos are regulated, high-ranking individuals like the governor can drink as much as they please without restriction.
"Though revealing in public worship might lead to sanctions."
Along with alcohol, something that always accompanies it, like thread follows a needle, will likely come as well.
"It is an honor, Your Grace."
"Even if we believe in different gods, it is possible to form a friendship based on trust. By the way, who is this young man? He doesn’t seem to be your son."
There is a 21-year age difference between the duke and me; in this world, where marriages occur at a remarkably young age, it wouldn’t be surprising to see one as a parent.
In some cases, the age gap between a mother and child can be as little as 16 years if they step on the gas too quickly.
"He is my teacher. Although he is much younger than me, he possesses a unique perspective on the world."
I offered a very polite greeting according to local customs.
"May the peace of the gods be upon you, Your Grace. I am Fabio de Medici, Baron of Toscana."
Upon hearing my greeting, the governor’s eyes widened.
"It seems you have no aversion to our customs. I have never met someone with such an open view."
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If I answer incorrectly here, the duke might question my faith.
I can’t let my actions to gain favor with the governor lead to such unfavorable consequences.
"In the Kingdom of Lyon, close friends, whether male or female, might hug or lightly kiss each other's cheeks. While this would be seen as homosexuality in my empire, in the Kingdom of Lyon, it’s considered a perfectly natural act."
The duke, who had been watching me with a suspicious expression, nodded upon hearing my words.
"Well, I hesitate to say this, but just thinking about it makes me feel uncomfortable."
Honestly, while hugging between men is one thing, I sincerely wish they would refrain from kissing on the cheek.
"That is the custom of that kingdom. So, in Lyon, it is normal for men to kiss each other lightly, and no one labels them as homosexuals. When I met Your Grace, my wish for the blessings of the gods was merely an expression of hope that our God, Deus, would bestow blessings upon you."
Hearing my words, the governor burst into laughter.
"Your view is indeed different, very different!"
I have lived in a world far more advanced technologically, culturally, and socially than this one.
Even if I can’t use my abilities to replicate something like a "steam engine" as commonly seen in reincarnation novels with a few taps of a hammer.
I can see what they cannot and utilize common knowledge they are unable to accept.
"Seeing a little further than others is power."
Those who are called chaebols have all succeeded through a broader perspective.
"I like it. So, Duke, what brings you all the way to this distant Nador?"
"I have come to observe what this baron from Toscana is planning."
The governor’s gaze shifted toward me.
"I want to buy gold from Nador."
"Our Nador, or rather, this area I govern has no gold mines. So what do you mean by gold from Nador?"
I already knew this much.
The Nador region, which is practically the governor's territory, has neither gold mines nor even a hint of placer gold.
However, it’s not that Nador itself lacks gold; the areas where he trades with others are filled with gold mines.
"Gold is not found in Nador, but the Alchini family has said this."
In fact, I hadn’t heard it from the Alchini family, but that doesn’t matter.
If pressed, I could simply slip away.
"No, then some fellow might be pretending to be from the Alchini family to me."
"One-third of the Sultanate’s gold comes from Nador, they say. Furthermore, many merchants here constantly purchase black slaves and gold from the Ifriqiya continent."
The nations that first ventured into the Age of Exploration were Spain and Portugal.
These two nations made a fortune from the gold and slave trade in West Africa.
It’s reasonable to say this led to the American Civil War.
However, I have no intention of diving into the slave trade.
"Slavery is inhumane and inefficient in production."
While I can’t stop others from jumping into it.
Well, the governor of Nador and other merchants are likely quite engaged in it.
Though slavery may be inefficient, selling slaves can be lucrative.
The governor looked at me without saying anything, simply tapping his fingers on the table in front of him.
"Your Grace, and I am aware of everything."
"What do you mean?"
"You need weapons and armor, don’t you? Furthermore, you could use more guns, gunpowder, and ammunition, right?"