Published at 18th of July 2022 10:46 am

Volume 12, Chapter 3 – The Dragon’s Tail, Labrock, Part 4-5

This chapter is updated by NovelFree.ml

Part 4

Once the conversations began, Ash found the right timing to ask Machiavelli,

“By the way, Machiavelli-san, I’ve heard that the Trade Union is facing a serious problem with disparity between the rich and the poor…what caused this to happen?”

Although such a question could be a sensitive topic for Machiavelli, Ash couldn’t stop himself from asking. Machiavelli glanced at Ash, seemingly unaffected by the question.

“Let’s see. The cause is probably due to the system of the Trade Union. The Trade Union was originally formed to overcome the economic crisis of the [Dragon’s Tail]. However, only the major cities in the west actually benefited from the union, and the eastern cities have yet to enjoy the profits of it. In fact, the debts of the eastern cities have continued to rise unabated.”

“Why is it that only the east has become poor?”

“The eastern cities were originally a place where industries and trades flourished. Although not affluent, the citizens enjoyed a fairly stable life. However, the situation changed when they joined the Trade Union. The introduction of a unified currency, the [Vera] was a mistake.”

“A unified currency…?”

Ash was puzzled.

“When a country has a deteriorating economy, it generally uses financial policies to help the economy recover. For example, cutting interest rates, easing lending conditions, or printing money to suppress the exchange rate of their own currency. If the value of the local currency depreciates, it helps with foreign trade.”

“I understand. Currency devaluation can also attract foreign tourism.”

Machiavelli nodded in agreement with Ash.

“That’s right, and the tourism industry is also considered a type of foreign trade. The economy slowly recovers during such an economic cycle.”

“I see…”

“However, the introduction of the [Vera] altered the situation. The city-states that joined the union could no longer use money printing as a policy against recession.”

“In short, that’s because the authority for fiscal policies had been delegated to a unified central bank, right? The introduction of a unified currency was equivalent to renouncing the fiscal policy authority for the city-states…”

Rebecca said with a frown.

“That’s right. The weak cities that had lost their financial authority were unable to come up with clear economic countermeasures. And unfortunately, almost all of these weak city-states were concentrated in the east.”

“As the Doge of the union, can’t you lend a hand to the east?”

Ash boldly asked, even though going any further could be considered interference in internal affairs. He felt concerned because the dishes and tableware prepared by Machiavelli were very decadent, despite the eastern part of the union suffering from poverty.

“That is naturally my plan. However, if I casually distribute money from the west to the east — such a policy may make the people in the east lose their sense of independence, and it will also anger the people in the west. Why have my taxes been used to aid the east? Such complaints will be inevitable.”

“Right…”

Ash noticed Silvia’s gaze. She quietly winked so as to avoid being spotted by Machiavelli. “It’s best to stop the discussion here” — that was probably what Silvia meant. It would probably be unpleasant for Machiavelli to discuss the internal affairs of Labrock during a friendly diplomatic meeting between their two countries.

“In any case, Ash Blake. Why have we only been talking about my country? Given the opportunity, I would be interested to hear more about your circumstances.”

As expected, Machiavelli swiftly changed the subject.

“Very well.”

While thanking Silvia for her suggestion, Ash began to narrate the various events that had occurred since the birth of Eco.

After Eco’s birth, Ash’s life had been filled with various turbulent challenges, and the story was almost endless. Before Ash even realised, he’d already been talking for more than an hour.

“—Milady.”

At that moment, Vittoria quietly walked over to Machiavelli’s side.

“A citizen is asking to see you. What shall I do?”

“Ah, are they here to make a petition? Sorry, please excuse me for a moment. As head of state, the citizens are like my family.”

After Machiavelli left her seat, she and Vittoria exited the room.

“It’s amazing…the Doge herself is meeting with citizens who have come to make a petition.”

Silvia murmured in admiration.

“She seems like an incredible person. Although she looks a bit intimidating, she seems like a very capable politician. It’s hard to believe that she’s only twenty five years old…”

Ash praised her as he sipped from his teacup. After speaking for so long, his mouth felt somewhat dry.

“Ash, that was a wonderful speech.”

Ash breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing Rebecca’s encouragement. Even so, Rebecca’s expression remained stern.

“Naturally, the key topic is still on the cards. When the Doge returns, we must bring that topic to the fore.”

“That’s right.”

The so-called key topic was of course the Magic Association <Demiurge>. If the truth was in line with their suspicions, and <Demiurge> had purchased a vast quantity of Mithril from Labrock, then they had to urge the Labrock Trade Union to halt further supply.

“—Sorry for making you all wait.”

After around half an hour had passed, Machiavelli returned to the room with a calm expression. Her secretary Vittoria followed closely behind like a shadow.

“By the way, Doge. There is a matter which we would like to discuss with you.”

Rebecca pre-emptively cut in before Machiavelli could bring up another topic.

“Oh, do feel free to bring up anything you’d like.”

Machiavelli replied with a cool and collected demeanour.

“Thank you, Doge.”

Rebecca gave a concise explanation of the issue regarding the Magic Association <Demiurge> and the sale of Mithril. She then put forward two requests:

Investigate the true identity of the Mithril buyer. Find the organisation linked to the Magic Association <Demiurge>.

Immediately cease further transactions with the buyer.

—Rebecca-san really is incredible.

Ash couldn’t help but feel admiration for Rebecca as he gazed at her beautiful side profile. It would’ve been nigh impossible for him to come up with such a coherent and comprehensive explanation on his own. Ash also felt convinced that Machiavelli would come to understand the danger of <Demiurge> after listening to Rebecca’s eloquent explanation.

“…Hmm. I understand your requests.”

Machiavelli folded her arms and nodded. Filled with anticipation, Ash couldn’t help but lean forward.

“But I refuse to cooperate.”

“Huh?”

Ash doubted what he had just heard.

“As I said, I refuse to cooperate.”

“Why!? <Demiurge> is a dangerous organisation. The cooperation of the Trade Union is crucial in cutting off their access to Mithril.”

Ash tried to sway her, but Machiavelli’s expression remained cold.

“And so what? I’ll have you know — I am the Doge and I am also a businesswoman. The Machiavelli family has been doing business for generations and we have also incorporated the concept of business into politics. Whether the nature of that business is good or bad has never been one of our concerns.”

Machiavelli crossed her legs and proudly declared,

“What’s important is whether or not it provides income — it’s that simple.”

Machiavelli’s expression gave Ash goosebumps as a chill ran down his spine. Although he had been psychologically prepared that she would not be one to respond to provocation, he hadn’t expected to be shot down and rejected so mercilessly.

“Then…what do we have to do to get you to agree to our requests?”

“Hmph. You can’t figure out the answer to such a simple question? Didn’t I tell you just earlier — I’m a businesswoman. Have a think about what you can do to motivate a businesswoman.”

Machiavelli sneered.

“I see. We just have to pay a price that’ll satisfy you — right?”

“Huh. The <Scarlett Empress> is certainly different and easy to communicate with. Indeed, as long as you handle my request, I’ll consider agreeing to yours.”

“Please let us hear your request.”

Although he had proceeded without any rebuttal, Ash was undeniably nervous. After all, he couldn’t imagine just what kind of problem Machiavelli would throw at them.

“Very well. Here’s the situation — in a few days, there will be an underground auction held in Respighi city where an artwork known as [Sleeping Beauty] will be put up for auction. I want you to make a successful bid for it.”

“Wait a minute! You said an underground auction…isn’t that illegal?”

“It is illegal in format, yes. But this is the Demonic Capital Respighi — underground auctions are commonplace. It would be endless if we went around banning them one by one. The auctions are also well-received and supported by powerful nobles. It’s not a problem.”

Ash gazed at Machiavelli with a bewildered expression. He truly felt that she put her interests as a businesswoman ahead of those as the Doge.

“To be frank…talk of these underground auctions and magical works of art has been quite sudden and a lot to take in. In fact, I’m not even sure if we have enough funds to bid on that kind of treasure.”

“Surely not, right? Are the renowned Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights incapable of even such a trivial thing?”

Machiavelli’s expression was filled with provocation. Perhaps she asked the question as a way of testing Ash and the others. Seeing Ash’s hesitation, Silvia suddenly interjected with her opinion.

“Understood. If Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights, an independent country, cannot even purchase a mere piece of art, what is to become of our reputation? We will accept your request.”

“Princess-sama…!”

“—It’ll be fine, Ash. Don’t worry about the money.”

Silvia leaned in and whispered into the ear of a panicked Ash. It didn’t sound like she was only bluffing. Ash decided to believe what Silvia had said for now.

“By the way, Ash. There’s actually another request that I have.”

“…Yes?”

Ash was speechless. Just one underground auction felt like it was more than enough, but there was actually another request….

“Don’t make that face. You should be much more comfortable with handling this request.”

“Please let us hear it, Machiavelli-san.”

Rebecca resolutely answered in place of Ash whose mind had gone completely blank.

“Do you know of the ruined city of Casanova?”

“I’ve heard of it before. It’s said that the entire ancient fortress city remains intact, and the city itself is an archaeological site.”

Rebecca replied without hesitation.

“Yes, that’s correct. Then, do you know of the crown that sleeps in the deepest part of Casanova city?”

“That is something that I…”

Even the knowledgeable Rebecca didn’t seem to know.

“That crown is a sacred relic. Although it should be a national treasure, eastern mafia have claimed ownership and are insist on monopolising it. Not to mention that there are also dangerous beasts roaming inside the ruins.”

“Eastern mafia…”

Ash made a deep frown. What seemed like a simple treasure hunt turned out to be anything other than simple.

“When it comes to the top representative of the eastern mafia, that would be the woman called Beatrice Scarlatti. Vittoria, bring it out.”

“Yes, milady.”

Vittoria reached into a pocket and placed a portrait on the table. Given that a portrait had been prepared in advance, did this mean that Machiavelli anticipated their meeting would progress in this direction? Ash and the others leaned forward and stared at the portrait with widened eyes.

“…That’s a pig, right?”

Eco’s unintentional expression of her thoughts clearly pointed out the defining characteristics of the woman in the portrait.

“Eco! Even if they’re a mafia boss, it’s overly rude to describe a lady like that!”

“Hmph. What a gentleman you are, Ash.”

Machiavelli sarcastically remarked as she took a glance at Ash’s expression.

“The Scarlatti family has held the right to mine some of the Mithril for generations. The point I’m making here is…I suspect that the Scarlatti family may be behind the excessive outflow of Mithril.”

“Beatrice Scarlatti…it seems like she’s someone we’ll have to be wary about.”

Ash committed her name to memory.

“May I take this portrait?”

“Of course. Also, the crown hidden within the archaeological site of Casanova is one of the factors that contributed to the conflict between the east and the west. If possible, I’d like to bestow that crown upon a suitable church to act as a symbol of harmony between east and west.”

At the end of the day, Machiavelli’s goal was to promote harmony between the east and the west. Although initial impressions made her appear dangerous, Ash was sympathetic to her cause.

“I understand. We will endeavour to satisfy both of your requests.”

After Ash declared as such with a hand over his chest, he shook hands with Machiavelli.

Part 5

—That night.

Upon the deck of the Escavaron, three Maestros prepared to take flight. The three knights were Rebecca, Lucca and Max. Following their discourse with Machiavelli, Ash and the others returned to the Escavaron and immediately held a meeting to discuss who would be sent to the ruined city of Casanova. Those three were the ones that had been elected. Although there were dangerous beasts roaming around the archaeological site of Casanova, there was probably no need to worry if three Maestros were present. Rebecca was in charge of leading the team.

“…I never knew that there was a sacred relic in the depths of Casanova. I guess there are many places yet worth exploring in this world.”

Mirabel appeared to have mixed emotions. She was probably quite interested in sacred relics. After hearing the full story from Ash and the others, Mirabel unsurprisingly stated that she wanted to join the expedition team, but repairs for the Escavaron had not been finished yet. Moreover, they were in the ‘Demonic Capital’. If an unexpected situation arose, the Escavaron had to be ready for immediate take-off. Therefore, Mirabel had no choice but to remain on standby aboard the ship.

“Are you two ready?”

Rebecca’s courageous voice drifted down from Cú Chulainn’s head.

“I’m okay.”

“Yes…no problem.”

Max and Lucca immediately replied. The magical energy around Arianrhod and Gawain’s bodies surged. The radiance of their magical energy enveloped their enormous bodies and penetrated the darkness of the night.

“Alright — let’s go!”

As Rebecca gave the order, Cú Chulainn soared into the sky as if to tear the dark night apart. Arianrhod and Gawain followed along but took off rather leisurely. A brisk whirlwind was kicked up on deck, and Ash immediately used his body to shield Eco and Linda from it. The Maestros swiftly darted across the night sky like three meteors flying in reverse. As Ash watched the silhouettes of the three Maestros fade from view, an indescribable sorrow pained his heart.

“Hah…”

“Ash? Why are you sighing?”

Raymond asked in surprise while fixing his windswept hair.

“It’s nothing. I just got a bit upset when I thought about the underground auction…”

Ash gazed up at the night sky as he replied.

“Are you worried about the [Sleeping Beauty]? Naturally, I’d welcome and appreciate beautiful women, but there’s a strange feeling when it comes to this one…”

Raymond made a bitter expression.

“That’s right. The fact that Machiavelli would offer it as a subject of our negotiations only reinforces the idea that it must carry a ridiculous price tag…”

While Ash mulled over such thoughts, Linda hurriedly ran over.

“Nii-san. Is Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights not an independent country? Surely you must have some level of wealth?”

“We have received financial aid from Paladin Oswald, Oscar and Raquel, so we’re not in a bad financial position. It’s just that the maintenance cost of the Escavaron is no small amount, so there are no certainties regarding our financial situation.”

“I see…”

“—Ash! Don’t say such depressing things!”

Ash was startled by the voice that suddenly scolded him from behind. Turning around, he found Silvia standing there with a fierce look on her face.

“Princess-sama?”

“Do not worry about any financial matters. After all, you have the backing of a princess here.”

Silvia placed her hand over her chest with overwhelming confidence. Speaking of which, Silvia was the one who resolutely agreed to Machiavelli’s troublesome request to begin with.

“What kind of plan did you have in mind, Princess-sama…?”

Just when Ash asked and looked to Silvia for clarification—

“Wait, Silvia…you don’t mean to use the <Dragon Queen’s Heritage>[1] do you?”

Mirabel interrupted with a stern tone.

“As expected of you, aneue. You guessed correctly.”

Despite Mirabel’s sharp gaze, Silvia unabashedly and proudly admitted to it.

“No. To use the precious <Dragon Queen’s Heritage> at an underground auction…that would be ridiculous.”

“Aneue, please do not try to stop me. I have made up my mind.”

“I will not allow it.”

Mirabel and Silvia disagreed and a standoff thus ensued. Before anyone had realised, a terrifying battle between the sisters unfolded before them. At first glance, the two of them just seemed to be staring at each other, but it was as though sparks went flying.

“The two of them are actually quarrelling…”

Eco’s eyes widened as she gazed at the Third and Fourth Princesses of the Knight Country.

“Umm, what’s going on…?”

Acting as if nothing was out of the ordinary, Ash tried to jump in between the two of them.

“What Silvia intends to use is the inheritance from our mother — Queen Elizabeth. Before our mother passed, she divided her private assets into four equal parts for us four sisters to inherit.”

“I see…”

After listening to Mirabel’s explanation, Ash got a general grasp of the situation. It certainly wasn’t a commendable act to use the inheritance left by the Queen for an unknown underground auction. However, Silvia held her ground and refused to back down.

“In fact, a few days ago when Veronica-neesama called me back home, I sold all of my portion of the <Dragon Queen’s Heritage> for cash and stowed it in the ship’s treasury. I plan to exchange it for Veras tomorrow.”

“You did what?”

Mirabel gasped in surprise. Ash also turned to gaze at Silvia in astonishment.

“It’s not that I can’t understand your feelings, aneue, but in order to stop the Magic Association <Demiurge> and establish a friendly relationship with Doge Machiavelli, I’m certain that mother would’ve agreed to this.”

“Silvia…”

“The environment that we’re in right now has been the result of a dizzying amount of change over the course of the past year. I anticipated that we would run into unexpected financial expenses in the future. I just didn’t expect that day would come so soon.”

“Even so…I cannot accept it.”

Mirabel turned around and went back towards the bridge. Having timidly observed the situation from the sidelines, Eunice hurriedly followed her master away.

“Phew…Princess-sama, I didn’t expect that you would have such a disagreement with Mirabel-san.”

Ash breathed a sigh of relief as he wiped the sweat from his forehead.

“Don’t worry about it, Ash. No matter what aneue says, my feelings will not change. Please participate in the auction with full confidence.”

“Thank you. How do I put this…you seem a little different, Princess-sama.”

“Hm, what do you mean different?”

Silvia looked at Ash in surprise.

“You seem more mature…umm, it’s like you’re starting to exude more royal dignity.”

“I-Is that so?”

Silvia’s gaze drifted about in embarrassment. In contrast to her appearance when she was arguing with Mirabel, her shy expression now exuded a lovely aura that was full of youthful verve — Ash was entranced by Silvia’s loveliness. Just as the both of them were spellbound and only had eyes for each other—

“Hey, you two…do you think we don’t exist?”

A murderously dark aura erupted from Eco.

“Hmm, you two are acting suspiciously. I’m getting worried!”

Linda also raised her eyebrows and positioned herself in between Ash and Silvia.

“W-What are you talking about?”

Silvia timidly responded with a reddened face.

“Ufufu. You’re very cute, Princess-sama.”

Cosette grinned as she added a final remark.

“T-The three of you…are all idiots—!”

No longer able to endure her embarrassment, Silvia hurried away.

“Francesca Machiavelli ~A.S.B.1366.05~” is closed.

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