"…And that is the sequence of events."
"I see."
In King Cesar’s office, Jin had just finished explaining the situation according to the cover story he had prepared with Laojun.
"So, those ruins are now buried beneath the weight of the collapsed rock?"
"Yes. It is truly unfortunate."
"…Is there no way to excavate them?"
"If one does not mind the cost and the number of days it would take, then perhaps eventually," Jin added, making it clear he had no estimate of just how long such an undertaking would require.
As for the location, he vaguely alluded to the hole where the giant Elradrite had been extracted. In truth, that hole had been filled back in with rocky debris, so it looked the part; furthermore, No. 600012’s facility really had been located 3,000 meters beneath that general area.
Even so, it remained a place that could not be reached easily.
"I see. I suppose that is only to be expected."
King Cesar looked disappointed.
"Still, Jin-dono, it is impressive that you were even able to reach such a place."
"Yes. It was half by chance, I suppose. I was quite fortunate."
As Jin nodded, Rambeau, the Chief of the First Ministry of Internal Affairs, spoke up.
"That Elradrite is a magnificent find as well. It is undoubtedly the largest ever recorded."
Nothing was said about the fact that Jin hadn't reported it immediately upon discovery. It was exactly as Jin had anticipated.
Taking that cue, King Cesar addressed his minister.
"Indeed.…Rambeau, what would the appropriate compensation be?"
"It is difficult to even estimate its value… What shall we do?"
Due to recent heavy expenditures, the Celuroa Kingdom’s finances were becoming strained, even for a nation of their stature.
Jin interjected at that point.
"If I may, um… instead of money, would it be possible to receive materials?"
"That would depend on the item, but…"
"Well, I was hoping I might receive it in copper."
"Hmm."
When Reiko had destroyed the copper-colored Golem 7410 at the facility, fragments that had splattered onto her clothes remained. Upon brief analysis, Jin had discovered the golem was made of a copper-based alloy.
Furthermore, copper production on Hourai Island was "relatively" low.
According to Elsa’s investigation, their current storage was approximately 10 million tons. This was the result of mining 10,000 tons annually for 1,000 years. Other metallic resources used for construction were far more abundant; their iron reserves were higher by one order of magnitude, and light silver by two.
Therefore, they had decided to ask if the reward could be paid in copper.
Incidentally, the Celuroa Kingdom and the Shouro Empire were among the leading producers of copper on the Lauren Continent. Together, the two nations produced approximately 500,000 tons annually. In terms of the Earth, this was comparable to the production output of Mexico.
On a different note, there is a theory that the use of metallic resources began with those found naturally in the environment. Native gold, such as gold dust, is the prime example. Another metal that occurs naturally is copper.
On Earth, copper is the foremost native metal that is relatively widely distributed and produced in substantial quantities; this is why so many tools were made of copper or copper alloys in the ancient past. Native gold, meanwhile, was produced in much smaller quantities, leading to its specialized use in currency and ornaments.
In the Ars world recently, the variety of usable metals has increased; copper has been largely supplanted by the stronger iron and the lighter light silver. Despite its production volume remaining relatively stable, demand for it has been decreasing.
In any case.
Upon hearing Jin’s request, Rambeau, the Chief of the First Ministry of Internal Affairs, pulled a document from a shelf in the office and flipped through it.
"Hmm. We have approximately 1.7 million tons of copper in storage. You may have as much as you like, but… how would 100,000 tons suit you?"
"Eh?"
If one calculated 100,000 tons of copper at a rate of 2,500 Toll per kilogram, it would amount to 250 billion Toll.
Setting aside the monetary value, 100,000 tons of copper—with a specific gravity of 8.6—would occupy roughly 11,628 cubic meters. That was enough to fill ten 50-meter swimming pools.
The logistical problem of how to transport it would surely arise.
Moving ingots through a Warp Gate would be simple, and using a transporter gun would be even easier, but naturally, Jin could not reveal those methods here.
"That Elradrite is priceless. Furthermore, you saved eight of our nation's soldiers. Add to that the reward for your previous assistance. Even this amount feels insufficient to show our gratitude."
"Your Majesty."
Rambeau had said a price could not be set, but the market rate for Elradrite was roughly 50,000 Toll per gram. That giant Elradrite weighed approximately 200 kilograms, so a simple calculation put it at 10 billion Toll. However, considering its rarity and size, Rambeau explained that even ten times that amount would hardly be enough.
"Thank you very much," Jin and Elsa said in unison.
Then, Elsa voiced a request.
"If possible, could you prepare a ledger and a record book? Since it would be impossible to take it all at once, we would like to come and collect it a few tons at a time."
"I see. So that you can manage the amount delivered and the amount remaining."
"Yes. And the dates of each collection as well."
King Cesar nodded.
"Understood. Rambeau, make the arrangements."
"By your command, Your Majesty."
Thus, the matter of the reward was settled.
Since there were about thirty minutes left until lunch, King Cesar invited Jin to stay for an informal talk.
"Yes, as you wish."
"I appreciate it.…What has been weighing on my mind the most is the Fort Crow Incident that was recently resolved and the change of regime in the Kingdom of Franz. Do you know anything about these matters, Jin-dono?"
"Yes. I am acquainted with the former Duchess of the House of Lafayette, who has become the new Queen, but that is the extent of it. As for Fort Crow, I know nothing more than the rumors…"
"I suppose that is so. But, the House of Lafayette… ah, that would be Madam Catherine, wouldn't it?"
"Yes. I had the opportunity to meet her when I visited Loloon Town during a trip once."
King Cesar nodded as if satisfied.
"That sounds like her. I have met her a few times myself; Madam Catherine is a friendly person who cares deeply for her people. Honestly, if the House of Lafayette has established a dynasty, peace will surely follow."
King Cesar, who mentioned he had traveled to as many countries as possible during his time as crown prince, smiled.
"The best thing is for every nation to settle down and for peace to prevail."
Jin smiled back.
"Indeed. Some say that technology advances as a means of war, but that is an unwelcome form of progress."
"I agree."
For Jin’s wish was also for a peaceful world.
"Ah, the conference where the heads of state gathered was quite meaningful. I hope we can have a meeting like that again someday."
"Yes, truly."
While they were talking, the hour for lunch arrived.
Jin and Elsa were invited to join King Cesar at his table.
Unlike the reign of the Former King, the meal was quite simple. That said, the ingredients were well-balanced, with both meat and vegetables used in equal measure. The flavor was excellent; one could see the ingenuity of the chefs, proving that delicious food is not merely a matter of how much money is spent.
After the meal, Elsa went to visit the Former King, Richard.
"Welcome, Elsa-sama. Thank you for coming to visit him."
The maid Merfe greeted Elsa at the door.
Though it had only been for a short time, Elsa had served as Richard's primary doctor, so she and Merfe had become quite close.
"How is Lord Richard’s condition?" Elsa whispered.
"He has been doing well. His expression has become much gentler lately, and he has regained a significant amount of mobility."
After hearing a brief report on his condition in the hallway so the patient wouldn't overhear, Elsa entered the room.
The space was already filled with daily necessities, making it look more like a regular living room than a hospital ward.
"…Oh, Doctor Elsa. It has been… quite some time."
Though it had been less than half a month since she last saw him, Richard's nutritional state had significantly improved. His complexion was better, and his sunken cheeks seemed to have filled out. Conversely, the harshness he had displayed during the succession struggle was now nowhere to be seen.
"Your nutritional state looks good. Please continue to care for him in this manner," Elsa told Merfe, raising her voice so Richard could hear.
If things continued like this, even under house arrest, the Former King would be able to spend his remaining years peacefully—and perhaps, for him, happily.
Waving to Merfe, who thanked her repeatedly, Elsa stepped out of the room.