Chapter 194
194 . To the next...
"I left the rest of the fitting-out process of the Utopia Republic to Count Bozes, I guess it's fine to leave it as it is..." (Mitsuha)
Mitsuha, who doesn't know about Sabine-chan's [New Continent's Language Acquisition Plan], said such a thing carefreely .
The meaning of fitting-out in shipbuilding terms is the installation process of the main engine and mechanical devices, interior construction work, and the likes are performed after the hull almost completed and about to be launched .
So Mitsuha assumed that when the basic structure of the artificial island has been completed and the top objects (the mansion and the warehouses) have been placed, means that the [Building and Launching] stage has been completed according to shipbuilding process . And the later part of the [fitting-out], that is, the setup of the water supply system around the mansion and the fine finishing of the stone steps at the dock, was thrown to Count Bozes .
It's not unreasonable because the island is jointly managed by the two territory, and the head of the company is Beatrice-chan .
In other words, Mitsuha was in charge of the parts that she could acquire for free and left the troublesome and money consuming parts to Count Bozes .
And [Utopia Republic] was the name of an artificial island that Mitsuha read in a novel in her brother's room .
(Note: My otaku knowledge wasn't enough to recognize this, the closest clue I can find is a book by Luc Folliet, but of course, I haven't read it, so I can't confirm)
The fictional island that straddles Japan's territorial water and international waters, it's Japan but at the same time it's not Japan, anyone can enter without a passport, and they're not bound by Japanese law, it is certainly a [Surprisingly utopia!] .
...However, the name of the island Mitsuha built was of course, [KiganIsland], not [Utopia Republic] .
"Well, as a finishing touch, I guess I will put a solar power system and home fuel cell that powered by propane gas, attach it to the radio and maybe a refrigerator as an after-service... And consult with Count-sama, whether we should connect the island to the coast with wooden floating bridge or not . Alright, let's go to the next plan!" (Mitsuha)
"what did you say!? Viscount Yamano just started trading with another country!?" (King of Vanel)
The king of Vanel shouted and stood up reflexively .
"Yes sir, in each of the surrounding countries, a representative firm just like Rephilia Trade is set up and collectively wholesales Viscount Yamano's goods . Originally, the goods purchased from Rephilia Trade were prohibited from being sold abroad, and it seems that the same rules were applied in other countries as well, including our own country, so it has little effect on international trade..." (PM of Vanel)
The king shouts at the Prime Minister who reported so .
"You stupid fool! It's not about the small amount of liquor, food or spices that Rephilia Trade handles! What do you think that Viscount Yamano is working alone for!? It means that the preliminary surveys and solidification of the ground to conduct the full-scale trade with her home country have already been decided! Not only liquor, food and spices, but also the specialty products such as jewelry will be traded on a national scale in the future . Those may be taken away by other countries . You should have more sense of crisis!" (King of Vanel)
Even if he says so, just whose fault it is, now that Viscount Yamano withdrew herself from the country where she had forged so much foundation, except the trade with Rephilia Trade, and never shows up at the party of noble family ever again .
But the Prime Minister was able to endure what he wanted to say .
"Anyways, we have to make Viscount Yamano to think of our country as the best business partner and trustworthy place, as well as the country where she has a lot of friend in . And later, we shall show the difference in national power and make our country the most favored country!" (King of Vanel)
The Prime Minister thinks that the king's words might have been the best course of action for them .
...but that's the story [If the King hasn't done anything unnecessary to offend Viscount Yamano] .
(Mitsuha's POV)
"I've came to play!" (Mitsuha)
Right, it's been a long time since I saw Mitchan Mk-II .
It's been quite a while since then, so I guess it is time for me to come and give some follow up about the matter last time .
Of course, the follow up is for Mitchan, not the Marquis . So, I'm visiting during the day, when the marquis is not around . The three sons are out for work or school . So only the madam, Mitchan, and the servants that are at home .
Yeah, it is not coincidentally, of course, but I chose this time with that in mind .
Somewhere in the world, in any world, there are light-hearted people, the people who want to exchange the information they have with money of connection, and there are the orphans who keep their eyes on the gates all day long in exchange for a little money .
You should spend your money as much as you can .
So that's why, I'm being guided by the servant into the house .
It's already became a face pass, so I was guided as it is, without having to deal with any troublesome process .
Of course, it wouldn't be possible if the Marquis is around, but the current situation isn't something like [the head of a noble family visiting the honorable Marquis], but rather [A friend who came to visit the daughter] .
Well, maybe, he instructed the servants to not to turn me back if I come and make sure that I don't escape . In his current position, it won't be weird if he ordered that much .
"Mitsuha!" (Mitchan MK-2)
Ooh, there is Mitchan with a happy-looking but a little puzzled expression on her face .
Yup, maybe she had heard some things from the Marquis . Now, Mitchan is the only one that can connect the Marquis with me, a thread of hope...
And .
"For now, I brought a lot of shortcakes!" (Mitsuha)
" "Eeeeeeh!!" "
As expected of mother and daughter, their breath is in sync!
Yeah, of course, I didn't forget the souvenirs .
And, to the maid who immediately brewed three cups of tea, I pushed the remaining three boxes that containing 6 pieces per box, excluding one box which is our share .
Right, I bought 24 pieces in total .
"You can share this with all the servants" (Mitsuha)
This time, I prepared the share for the servants too .
A noble daughter brough expensive food as souvenirs for the servants .
...is it safe to say that my likability from their perspective has dramatically increased?
Right, this kind of earnest consideration might help you someday .
Well, I don't think that they would go as far as betraying their employer, it's more than enough if they're willing to provide various conveniences . Even if it makes them to expect for the next souvenir .
" " "Eh... . " " "
The maid stiffened in her spot with a surprised expression, and there are Mitchan and her Mom who are staring at the shortcakes with the eyes of someone who would go kill 4 or 5 people from now on .
...Well, I guess it's natural that the maid-san cannot move...
"Don't worry, you can take it . Or what? You're planning to let Mitchan and the madam to eat all of this and make them fat?" (Mitsuha)
Biku!! (SFX)
Mitchan and her mom are upset with their face twitching after hearing my words . And then the madam has a bitter look on her face...
"Y-you can take them..." (Madam)
Shuba! (SFX)
The maid-san instantly scooped up the three boxes .
As a maid of a Marquis, aren't you a bit improper?
But, well, it's not like that I don't understand her feeling . Even Japanese girls cannot resist this kind of magical power, with the level of sweets in this country, and no matter if they're the employee of a Marquis house, it's not a thing that a maid can buy...
Of course, the maids of the Marquis family are well-identified, and I guess they're probably came from decent houses . There's no way that they were orphans or that they were sold due to a family debt . They're the daughters of merchants of lower nobles that were sent for disciplined apprenticeship and making a connection... tte, as expected that wasn't the case .
They're not royal palace's court lady or lady's exclusive attendant after all...
Anyway, utilizing the shortcakes as a foundation for the future, two shortcakes and a cup of tea are placed before each of the three of us, and the fun chan begins .
"Mitchan, would you like to lead a faction?" (Mitsuha)
" "Eeeeeh!!" "
Mitchan must've thought that [I just came to play because I'm still her friend even though I'm having a discord with her father] . And that her father said [Get along with Viscount Yamano and improve the relationship of this house with her!] or something along that line...
But it's not Mitchan who would be glad to take me in such a scheme because [she was ordered by her father] .
Mitchan is a noble-minded, and a proud daughter of a noble family .
So that's why, she looked complicated at first . ...Until all of her thoughts were blown away by the presence of the shortcakes .
And my words, which have no meaning, were released when she thought that she can finally calm down, that it is decided that her share is going to be just two pieces .
...yeah, of course she would be surprised .