Chapter 205

Chapter 205 \n205. Society’s Grand Operation 2\n

“What’s that?” (Man A)

There’s a row of wagons passing through the main street of the Royal Capital.

Although it’s not on a grand scale, the caravan seems to be heading towards the countryside.

Foodstuffs are often transported from the region to the Royal Capital, and in return, expensive industrial products are transported from the Royal Capital to the region. The royal capital is a huge food consumer market after all….

However, the caravan seems to be trying to carry food and livestock feed, such as wheat, barley, and potatoes, from the royal capital.

If you’re wondering why one can be so sure, it’s because each carriage carries banner and flag, stating…

[Wennarl Barony; Food Aid Transportation Corps; Provided by Society; In cooperation with Rephilia Trade and Yamano Viscounty]

“Speaking of Wennarl Barony, It is said that they have bad harvest…. But isn’t it rumored that they’re one strep before famine and the condition is pretty bad? Even if they sell food to that place, they won’t be able to collect the money…” (Man A)

“You idiot, look closely! [aid] is clearly written there!” (Man B)

“You mean it’s free? That’s absurd! Far from making money, it would be a huge loss, isn’t it!? What kind of idiot would do….” (Man A)

The other man points at the wagon, urging the man who cried ‘that’s unbelievable’ to look at it.

“Who, you ask, it’s clearly written there. The donor is an organization called [Society], which cooperates with [Rephilia Trade] and [Yamano Viscounty].” (Man B)

“[Society]? What’s that… [Rephilia Trade] that I know, but which country does this [Yamano Viscounty] belongs to? And nobles and royals of our own country don’t even try to do anything, even though a noble from other country tries to help?” (Man A)

“But just look at those proud faces and dignified attitude of the coachmen and the escorts…” (Man B)

“Well, such a rewarding and proud mission worthwhile to put your life on the line only comes once in a blue moon!” (Man A)

Society…

Rephilia Trade…

Yamano Viscounty…\n

These three names spread rapidly among the people of the Royal Capital.

And as the fleet advances, it spread all over the country and even into neighboring countries.

“It raised our popularity greatly! And [What is Society] is the latest and greatest trending topic among the people right now! Also, our name, along with the name of Yamano Viscounty, have permeated the general public, not just among nobles and merchants!!” (Rephilia)

“Just as planned…” (Mitsuha)

I was grinning at the report from Rephilia, who seemed excited.

Umu-umu, it’s going well.

We wouldn’t be able to catch up by overland transport from the Royal Capital, so we’re arranging to transfer large quantities of goods to the coast near Wennarl Barony and leave the transportation and escorts arrangements from there to Baron Wennarl.

At first, he couldn’t believe it, but the persuasion from Cherylea-chan and the whiskey I gave him in place of greeting seemed to work.

Of course, I said that our ship didn’t have much time due to forced schedule, so we unloaded the cargos on the shore on the night the boat arrived and left immediately.

And of course, I asked Wolf Fang to guard the cargos until the convoy came from the Barony. Camping in a tent would be something they were used to, and they’ll let me know using the radio when the caravan approaches, and I’ll go there immediately.

Yeah, no one in the Wolf Fang speaks the local language, so it can’t be helped.

And actually, several Wolf Fang members were tagging along with the overland caravan.

Of course, they have a merchant-like appearance so that they don’t stand out and only bring small weapons for defense purposes.

Since I couldn’t afford large-scale escorts, so they’re there just as liaisons. If anything happens, they’ll contact me by the radio.

To that end, two members are standing by in an empty room on the second floor of my product store with an antenna attached to the roof. So they can always be in touch, and when I get a call for support, they can contact my handy transceiver.

…I have fireworks and sirens installed just in case they failed to contact me by radio.

So, of course, I can’t leave the capital during the mission.

And before the convoy departed from the royal capital, a send-off party was held in front of the Rephilia Trade.\n…Yes, [In front]. In front of the store, on the street. Among a great number of people, everyone witnessed what happened.

My great speech to the young merchants, coachmen, and escorts which raises the sublimeness of this mission.

Words of encouragement from Mitchan as a representative of the [Society].

Cherylea-chan, who shook the hands of everyone in the convoy while shedding tears.

And the members of the [Society], who weren’t wearing any adornments, handed out a small glass of brandy to everyone.

The reason why everyone is not wearing jewelry is, of course, explained in my speech.

After confirming that everyone had gotten a glass on their hands, including the members, we made a toast on my lead.

“Cheers!” (Mitsuha)

It must’ve been unbelievable for the coachmen and the escorts that the noble girls toasted with them.

The significance of this mission that I explained and the girls who sold their adornments for that, as well as the cute noble girl who shook their hands while crying.

Was it because the alcohol they drank that their guts got hot, or was it because the emotions welled up in their heart.

Then the convoy departed with a proud expression on their faces after the crowd sent them off with huge cheers.

Yup, it seemed that they would do their job properly.

At the cost of a few brandies that aren’t expensive, it was highly cost-effective.

And lip service is free. That’s why the [Society] made use of it.

So that’s how the source of the aid for Wennarl Barony, how it was funded, what the [Society] did, and why the [Society] did so, were all exposed.

Of course, dozens of girls selling their jewelry alone wouldn’t be able to raise enough money to save the plight, no matter how small a barony is. If it were that simple, the baron himself would have managed to do so.

So it took a big chunk of money out of my own pocket this time.\n\n“Wh-what?” (King of Vanel)

The King surprised at the words of the Prime Minister.

“No, what I mean is it should’ve been the government’s responsibility to help the people in distress. And this time, the Wennarl barony which was in trouble, was rescued by girls who sold off their jewelry, small emerging merchants, nobles from other countries, and those who moved by them. …while, the royal family wasn’t doing anything. It’s no surprise that they are praised, but on the contrary, if there’s someone that needs to face the backlash, that would be…” (PM of Vanel)

The King is not an idiot. There’s no way an idiot could become a King. (Note: Hmm…)

So he understood what the Prime Minister said. …completely.

“…help me, Prime Minister!” (King of Vanel)

Unlike the last time, the Prime Minister could convey his advice first this time.

“First, we should lend interest-free loans from the State Treasury to Wennarl Barony and its surrounding territories. Also, provide the national stockpiled-food at a normal price before the price-rise. Let’s distribute some of the military’s stockpile too. And…” (PM of Vanel)

“And?” (King of Vanel)

“Donation from your Majesty’s personal assets” (PM of Vanel)

“…I guess there is no other choice…” (King of Vanel)

It is the duty of the lord to support the people.

If you can’t do that much, then you’re not qualified to be a lord or a noble.

If they ask the country for help, of course, the country has to support them.

Even if there are some interest and a fair penalty.

But, in place of a cruel country, there will be someone willing to help for free.

And that free-aid comes from the hands of a group of heroic girls…

All the popularity and praise were taken away.

That alone is an undeniable truth…