Chapter 35 Part 1

Idle Talk: The Agony of the Nation of Roccha

The export of arms to the Empire was a crucial industry in Roccha, involving many people working in the mines and manufacturing weapons and armor. It constituted a significant portion of Roccha's economic activities.

The people of Roccha took pride in the fact that the mighty Empire, which divided the continent in two, relied on their nation's armaments, setting them apart from the surrounding countries.

However, this relationship began to crumble during a certain meeting.

It was a negotiation concerning the next year's import and export trade between the Empire and Roccha. General Durba Adatom, representing Roccha, was present at that gathering as well, accompanied by his guards.

"For our Empire, your nation's armaments are outdated. We have no intention of importing them anymore. Instead, we propose importing an equivalent amount of iron ore, as much as we used to purchase in weapons. I must clarify that we want iron ore, not blocks of iron produced in your country," proclaimed the Empire's male official, who held the title of First Chancellor.

The representative of Roccha's diplomatic negotiation hurriedly tried to intervene, "Please wait! Why are you bringing this up all of a sudden?"

"We have invented revolutionary magic armor manufacturing methods. Now, instead of basing the production on your country's weapons, we can create higher-performance and more multifunctional armaments," explained the First Chancellor.

Therefore, the need to import armaments from Roccha disappeared, according to him.

In response to this, the Roccha representative tried desperately to find the right words to salvage the situation.

"If this is a newly developed method, it will take time to establish the technology and begin mass production of these weapons. Until the technology is fully developed, could you consider allowing us to assist with weapon manufacturing—"

The First Chancellor cut him off, "What a joke! Can your nation create swords, spears, and staves imbued with magic, amplifying their effects using only your own technology? Can you produce items of the same caliber as those of the Empire? No, you cannot. We have never seen you trying to analyze our magic technology; you seem content with merely exporting weapons to the Empire, showing the kind of vassal mentality that prevents you from ever understanding. That's why you will never be capable of understanding, even if we were to share our methods with you."

The blatant contempt in his words made him instinctively reach for the hilt of his sword. However, before his hand could touch it, he firmly gripped his empty hand to restrain himself.

The First Chancellor and his guards seemed to eagerly await the moment his hand touched the hilt. If he were to make a move, trying to resort to force during the meeting, the Empire would condemn Roccha and use it as a reason for invasion. That's why he deliberately endured such provocations. He understood that much.

Perhaps because they stopped wielding their swords, the first-class chief magistrate and their guard returned their gazes to the negotiator.

"So, for the Empire, your country's value is now nothing but iron ore. Please understand that," said the smiling first-class chief magistrate.

In response, the negotiation representative from the nation of Rocha spoke with bitterness, "Iron ore is the only thing of value in our country. We can raise its price."

Seemingly angered by having their country disparaged, he unexpectedly took a tough stance in negotiations with the Empire.

However, the first-class chief magistrate remained smiling. "Oh ho. Even defeated dogs still have a fragment of pride, it seems. Indeed, if the trading price of iron ore were to increase, it would be quite troublesome."

"In that case, we have some requests—"

"There's no problem if the Empire decides to raise the trading price of iron ore. Instead of buying in large quantities from your country at a high price, we can import more from cheaper sources. There are many countries, not just those close to the Empire, that wish to engage in trade, you see."

With the resistance from the Rocha side being no more than a mere annoyance, the chief magistrate displayed the composure of a great nation.

Even I, who was not well-versed in economics, could understand that if they couldn't even export iron ore from here, Rocha's economy would quickly collapse.

That's why the negotiator from Rocha, swallowing tears of frustration, had no choice but to retract their previous statements and switch the negotiation's content to secure even a slightly better condition for exporting iron ore.

Since that meeting, Rocha's economy began to falter.

With the major dealings with the Empire gone, many workshops stopped producing weapons and turned to crafting iron-made daily goods. However, since the unit price of these goods was not as high as weapons and they didn't sell as well as in the Empire's market, some workshops were forced to close down. The master of the workshop where I had my weapons maintained sighed about this.

As for the mining workers who dug the iron ore, although it seemed prosperous due to continued dealings with the Empire, it was not entirely the case.

It was an argument I, as a general, couldn't comprehend, but it appeared that only the merchant guilds conducting direct trades with the Empire were making profits, while the rest of the citizens were not benefiting.

In any case, Rocha's economy was declining.

No, it would be more accurate to say that they had fallen to a level commensurate with their inherent economic power, merely due to the absence of trade with the Empire.

However, humans are beings who are reluctant to let go of rights and prosperity once gained.

Even I strive to maintain my well-trained body to avoid becoming less than I am when I see signs of aging.

***

Those who have witnessed the prosperity of the country were frantic to devise a plan to return to the previous state—it was a natural progression.

However, it was impossible for Rocha country to achieve that on its own. Even if they were to revitalize trade with neighboring small countries, it would be like a drop in the bucket.

Indeed, exporting weapons to the empire was essential.

"It's not too late to start now. We should cultivate the technology to create magical weapons."

"Can you imagine the amount of money and time it would take to develop such technology? If we intend to do business with the empire, we need to have technology superior to the most proficient magical counterpart on this continent!"

"Instead of weapons, let's focus on exporting everyday goods. The empire should have demand for ironware. And if ironware doesn't sell, we can try selling gold or silver tableware."

"The empire incorporates magical technology even in everyday items. Our gold and silver tableware are accepted because they hold artistic value. If we mass-produce such art, the value of each piece will plummet."

Representatives of the nation gathered for a meeting. Even I, responsible for the military, attended.

Although the agenda seemed never-ending, there was no feasible solution to revitalize Rocha country's economy.

While I could propose military action, any attempt to conquer territories would only worsen the economy.

Moreover, the idea of going to war with the empire was not even a joke.

For three years, we continued fruitless discussions.

In the midst of the seemingly hopeless situation, a surprising piece of information arrived.

They obtained a certificate—magical paper—that proved Nonette country was on par with the empire.

This fact brought a glimmer of hope to Rocha country.

"This document will prove that we are on the same level as the empire! With it, we can negotiate the resumption of our weapon exports to the empire!"

"No, it's more than that! Previously, we were practically treated as a vassal state when it came to weapon payments. But with this document, we can not only revert to fair prices but even sell at a higher value!"

Voices expressing such sentiments filled the meeting room, demonstrating the continuous decline of Rocha country's economy.

As the General, they had to inquire about the desire to obtain the document from Nonette country.

"How do you plan to obtain that document? Surely, you're not suggesting to conquer and seize it?"

Although the inquiry was made with the belief that they would never resort to such actions, they underestimated the depth of human ambition.

"It's a certificate proving that we are on the same level as the empire. Nonette country won't give it up through negotiations!"

"I heard that the document's effectiveness is only applicable to Nonette country. It's uncertain whether it will be valid for Rocha country through negotiations. If that's the case, the only option is to invade and take the entire country. If we present it as an absorption and merger, at least the document's effectiveness should be secured!"

The economic situation continued to deteriorate, and it seemed that the representatives of this country had lost their reason.

"Calm down. What righteous cause are they claiming to invade the country of Nonette? Nonette is a good-natured nation famous for not venturing out from their mountainous territory."

Invading without a proper reason will bring the Empire down on us for unjust actions, and the knightly nations that uphold righteous deeds won't stay silent either.

While I criticized the unrealistic idea, the other representatives schemed.

"Since last winter, the first prince of that country has been going on foreign trips. Every year, he comes to us as a close neighboring country."

"We can fabricate an act of dishonor from that prince towards our country."

"We can capture him on the spot and use him as a bargaining chip with Nonette to deliberately break off negotiations and use it as a reason for war. Alternatively, we can let him escape and use the title 'criminal who fled the country and the wicked nation that harbors him' to strike at Nonette. Either way, we can create a pretext for invading Nonette."

"If we can invade, the opponent is just a small mountainous country. Moreover, they just lost troops in a recent battle. It will be an easy victory."

"What a...!"

To stoop so low as to belittle another country's prince with false accusations and use those lies to mobilize an army showed a loss of sanity.

I vehemently voiced my opposition, but the flow of the meeting had already been determined.

Yes, they decided to invade Nonette and annex it in a way that would maintain the validity of the certificate stating that they were on par with the Empire.

As discussed in that meeting, reality progressed accordingly.

The first prince of Nonette was framed through manipulation, turning him into a criminal who fled, and the blame was laid on Nonette for harboring a fugitive. This led to a declaration of war.

Then, the representatives of Rocha instructed me.

"In this battle, we cannot afford a single defeat. Mobilize the entire army and conquer Nonette."

I considered refusing, but I foresaw that if anyone else commanded the army at this time, a large number of subordinates would pile up as corpses in the winter mountains.

To minimize the number of casualties, I had no choice but to take on this responsibility.

"I humbly accept the mission. I leave the invasion strategy to you."

After making that clear, I divided the army into two and adopted a tactic to invade Nonette.

The vanguard would take the only commercial route connecting Rocha and Nonette—a steep path that cannot be traversed by carriages but can be crossed on horseback or foot—to draw attention.

Meanwhile, the main force would cross the mountains lined up in the distance and advance towards the middle of Nonette—near the royal castle—to attack and conquer the castle with that momentum.

It's an easy thing to say, but difficulties come with making it happen.

First, the advance team must keep the enemy's entire army tied up for a long time until our main force invades within the borders of Nonette. Even if the advance team suffers damage for that duration.

And on the side of the main force, as they progress through the mountains and cross the border, they expect to face damage from carnivorous beasts that failed hibernation and monsters angered by their territories being disturbed.

However, just as the main force, led by myself, arrived at the starting point for the invasion, an unexpected help was obtained.

"Do you say you can create a safe path leading to Nonette?"

The answer to my question came from the head of the miners living in the town at the foot of the mountains, where they were planning to cross.

"Yes. The Empire said, 'Bring more ores, and in return, we'll provide equipment.' So they gave us a magic pickaxe and a magic shovel. With these, you can dig through thick bedrock as if it were sand."

"And you plan to use these magical tools to dig a tunnel all the way to Nonette?"

"Well, you see, the tunnels we dug for the development of the mines accidentally extended all the way to Nonette. The military folks said it was a good thing and went through without permission. Isn't that a pretty good excuse?"

Upon hearing the head miner's words, I groaned.

It was a somewhat questionable excuse to use publicly, but if they pass through the tunnel they built, their subordinates won't risk slipping and freezing to death in the snowy mountains.

Especially after unjustly slandering the prince of another country.

It seemed pointless to force my subordinates into desperate marches, fearing condemnation from other nations at this point.

"Alright. I'll accept the head miner's proposal. How long will it take to make the tunnel?"

"That's right. If you only dig, you can do it in about ten days with the magic pickaxe. But you also need to reinforce the tunnel with wooden frames to prevent collapse, and that takes more time."

"Let the soldiers skilled in construction help with digging and making the frames. How long will it take then?"

"Inexperienced folks digging a hole? I'm too scared to do that. Well, let's just ask for help with the wooden frame... Hmm, I guess it'll take about fifteen days."

Surprised by the unexpected speed, they exchanged smiles, knowing that they both would benefit from this.

"It'll be helpful. With the soldiers' assistance, we can dig a massive amount of ore through the work in the snow-covered mountains. Thanks to the extensive tunnels formed in the mountain range, we can create as many branches as we want. It's a win-win situation."

With that, they began the fifteen-day digging project. Under the orders of the chief, they worked tirelessly day and night, combining the efforts of miners and soldiers, digging holes and assembling wooden frames.

Once the straight tunnel was completed, seven thousand soldiers marched through it unharmed. Eventually, they reached a dead end, but the light from Nonette Kingdom's territory filtered into the tunnel through the cracks in the rock wall.

"Now, let's resume the invasion."

As they gave the command, the soldiers with halberds vigorously struck their weapons against the rock wall. The blades penetrated with a crack, and the wall collapsed with a rumble. Cold air entered the tunnel through the newly formed hole, causing not only the leader but also many soldiers to shiver.

Beyond that opening was a snowy forest, the territory of Nonette Kingdom.

"Now, begin the march! We can expect attacks from enemies, monsters, and wild animals from here on. Stay alert as we advance!"

"Uoooh!"

The voices of the seven thousand soldiers resounded in the tunnel, almost painfully loud. The leader nodded at the echoing cries, and taking the lead, stepped into the territory of Nonette Kingdom. The rest of the soldiers followed suit.