Chapter 41: Side Story (The Tale of a Certain Merchant Leader – Part 5)

Recently, <Paraiso> has been actively gathering intelligence about the surrounding areas.

“Do you know this country’s name?”

“The country’s name? No, I haven’t checked.”

The question came abruptly, but upon reflection, it made sense. I hadn’t gone out of my way to explain it, and they probably hadn’t shown any interest until now. But since they were preparing to intervene more seriously, they could no longer avoid investigating the geopolitical situation.

Still, given the circumstances, even we don’t have access to the most up-to-date information.

“This area belongs to the Afrasia United Kingdom. It’s the southernmost city under their jurisdiction. Whether the United Kingdom is still intact or not, though… I can’t say.”

“I see. And currently embroiled in a civil war?”

The woman speaking now was Zeks, a fleet captain. So far, <Paraiso> has been conducting trade here at Telek Harbor using four fleets. Each fleet consists of two warships and one large transport ship, with one warship always anchored at the harbor. That means Telek Harbor is constantly guarded by three warships.

“Yes. Up until now, information has only come through trade caravans. As you know, the last contact we had was about six months ago. The Iron Town may have slightly more information, but it’s a small settlement with limited resources to begin with.”

“I understand. Gather whatever information you can. Do you have any maps available?”

“Maps…? No, maps aren’t permitted in this city.”

“I see. Even unofficial ones will do. Bring them out.”

It was impossible to feign ignorance at this point. With a sigh, I retrieved a set of maps from the safe. Anticipating this request, I had already moved them from the hidden safe to a more accessible location.

Sometimes, her golden eyes make me feel as though she can see through everything. When she gazes at you expressionlessly, it creates an overwhelming pressure to spill all your secrets. My subordinates claim they find her gaze reassuring, but, well, they’re an unusual bunch.

“These maps are based on all the information we could obtain. Don’t expect precise scaling. Here’s the world map, the map of the United Kingdom, and a map of the area around Telek Harbor. The names of the nobles on these maps might not be reliable under the current circumstances.”

“…These are quite useful. May I record them?”

“I can’t exactly say no to you, can I?”

“Much appreciated. Zwanzig, record them.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

The girl Zeks had summoned, Zwanzig, placed her tools over the maps spread out on the table and began manipulating them. At first, I thought she was copying the maps by hand, but it seemed to be something else entirely.

I’d heard rumors of magical tools in certain kingdoms that could capture images of landscapes, turning them into drawings. Perhaps this was one of those tools. I wanted to ask about it, but the atmosphere wasn’t conducive to such questions.

“All done.”

“Excellent. Telek Merchant Guildmaster, thank you for your cooperation.”

Despite their overwhelming power, these young women always conduct themselves politely. Just that alone makes it tempting to sell out the worthless nobles of this country. The civil war we’re embroiled in likely didn’t happen without cause.

“Should I send people to investigate? While your surveillance is helpful, it only reveals enemy movements after the fact. If we could gather intelligence in advance, we might be able to act preemptively.”

“…Give me a moment. I’ll need to consider it. We also have to weigh the risk of our information leaking.”

Information leaks, huh? <Paraiso> clearly possesses advanced knowledge. They fully understand the importance of controlling information.

“We could send in investigators with false information.”

“And if they’re captured, they’ll feed the enemy false intelligence? …But sending in personnel with inaccurate preconceptions could lead to biased reports.”

They’re quite adept at handling intelligence. Though some of the terms they use are unfamiliar to me, I gather they’re expressing concerns about the reliability of information from spies with falsified knowledge. It’s true; I’ve heard that such reports often contain significant inaccuracies.

Analyzing that kind of data requires careful consideration as well.

“Even so, having no information is worse. Guildmaster, how about sending people under the guise of procurement agents? Infiltration missions can be discussed back in our homeland. Espionage isn’t our forte, so we’ll have to rely on you.”

Fair enough. If these women were to move openly, they’d cause a commotion just by appearing. Even in this relatively hardened city, their presence had stirred up a festival-like frenzy.

“Very well. We’ll start by dispatching personnel for procurement missions. That said, security in the surrounding areas is abysmal. Organizing guards, merchants, and wagons to make it to the neighboring town will be no easy feat.”

The security situation is dire. From what I’ve heard, every soldier is essentially a bandit, attacking anything they see as prey. It’s impossible to distinguish between actual bandits, private soldiers of some noble, or the country’s regular forces. Sending a trade caravan into such chaos would be tantamount to offering them up as food.

“For now, we’ll send messengers. With a decent number of escorts, we’ll focus on opening trade routes. Once the roads are reasonably safe, merchants will have an easier time traveling.”

“…Understood. We’ll consider more substantial actions separately. For now, please dispatch an envoy. Equipping them with our latest weaponry and armor could serve as a display of strength.”

“That would be helpful. Let me know once preparations are complete.”

After a few more reports and some light conversation, the <Paraiso> group departed.

The plot of land we leased to them as a concession has rapidly sprouted buildings. Their technological prowess is extraordinary. They’ve asked for additional land, but with no intention of forcing relocations, it seems the only option is for them to develop areas outside the city. Telek Harbor is a small town with no surplus land.

“Guildmaster, we’ve secured the construction sites for the artillery emplacements.”

“Oh? That was quick.”

One of my subordinates, tasked with acquiring land for the defensive artillery requested by <Paraiso>, came to report. It had been about a week since the order was given, and the acquisition of the five requested sites was already complete.

“Well, they didn’t ask for much space to begin with. Also, the ladies’ reputation here is stellar. Most agreements were reached at standard prices. Interestingly, they seem to have selected areas that minimized the need for relocations. Most of the sites were gardens or fields.”

“I see. I suppose they conducted thorough research before making their requests.”

At first, I was apprehensive about their request to construct artillery emplacements. However, they’ve taken great care to avoid causing disruption. When they initially demanded leased land and construction zones, I braced myself for the worst.

“Guildmaster, let’s start recruiting workers and commence construction. I was worried when they said we could wait until the land was secured, but now it feels like everything is going according to their plans.”

“Indeed. It’s reassuring, really. They’ve even offered to pave roads before construction begins. They claim it will reduce the overall build time.”

“Heh. If they say so, it’s probably true. From what I’ve heard, those young women never lie. Whether it’s honesty or…”

“…Or they simply see no need for deception.”

My subordinate nodded silently, and I couldn’t help but hum in agreement.

Recently, <Paraiso>’s overwhelming technological advantage has been impossible to ignore. It reminds me of the awe I felt when I visited Uryabak Port of the Roslia Empire years ago. Back then, I’d seen a fully ironclad ship with rows of cannons lining its hull, and I remember thinking we could never compete.

However, <Paraiso>’s Alpha-class warships far surpass anything I’ve encountered. Their rapid-fire cannons can shoot 45 rounds per minute with a range of at least 30 kilometers. Each ship carries three of these cannons, and with three warships stationed here, Telek Harbor is protected by nine guns aimed skyward.

“We should be fine, but if there’s even the slightest chance, make sure nothing escalates. We can’t afford to antagonize <Paraiso>.”

“Understood, Guildmaster. Absolutely.”