In the year 3579 of the Continental Calendar, the colonization of the Northern Continent—known at the time as the "Pandor Continent"—began.
Serving as the base for this effort was the Jagus Principality across the sea on the Lauren Continent side.
Back then, it was still called the "Jagus Region."
It was a land pioneered primarily by people of Mitsuho and Fusou descent, alongside three other areas: the Norha Region, the Darato Region, and the Mimaka Region.
Because these four regions were situated near the Equator, their free ether concentration was considerably low at the time, which was why so many people of Mitsuho and Fusou descent, who did not rely on magic, had settled there.
"A new land, huh? It's certainly vast."
"It's not as hot as I expected. Is it because we're inland?"
They cleared the wilderness and transformed it into sprawling farmlands.
In time, the extensive farms of these four regions earned recognition as the "Breadbasket of the World," and the influx of settlers grew.
On the other hand, the development of the Pandor Continent progressed at a snail's pace.
"What is with this place?"
"There isn't a single mine anywhere."
"The land is cramped, too. What are we supposed to do in a place like this?"
This was because there were fewer plains than expected, preventing the creation of farmland, and underground resources were scarce.
The lack of subterranean resources in particular caused the prices of everyday tools and magi-devices to skyrocket, placing a heavy burden on the pioneers' livelihoods.
An organization took full advantage of this situation.
Calling themselves the "Pioneer Revolutionary Corps," they supported the people by leasing out tools and magi-devices at low rates.
With many magi among their ranks, they undertook everything from exterminating dangerous beasts and providing healing to crafting minor tools, naturally raising their social standing.
After roughly fifty years—spanning two generations—of this state of affairs, the Pioneer Revolutionary Corps rose to a position of leadership.
...Both on the Pandor Continent and within the four regions.
Since the people of Mitsuho and Fusou descent had always held a sense of awe toward magi-craft, they felt little aversion to the Pioneer Revolutionary Corps becoming their lords.
In 3623, the Date Settlement fell into ruin, and two years later, in 3625, the Pioneer Revolutionary Corps had seized full control over the Pandor Continent and the four regions.
Around 3636, the Melkana family rose to prominence.
By then, the name of the Pandor Continent had shifted slightly to the Pandoa Continent.
Then, in 3748, Golbart Marukitasu organized the Magic Federation, expanding its influence primarily around the Allied Kingdoms.
In 3765, danger loomed over Hourai Island; Reiko was sealed away, and Laojun put Hourai Island into Sleep.
In 3770, Golbart Marukitasu temporarily vanished from the public stage, and by 3800, the influence of the Magic Federation began to wane as well.
In the early 3800s, the four regions declared themselves principalities and gained independence.
Their names became the Jagus Principality, the Norha Principality, the Darato Principality, and the Mimaka Principality, respectively.
It was said they chose the title of "Principality" rather than "Kingdom" out of slight deference to the Allied Kingdoms.
"Even after becoming a principality, nothing has really changed, has it?"
"Well, of course. We'd be in trouble if our comfortable lifestyle changed."
However, countries change. Or rather, people change, and the country changes along with them.
From around the time they proclaimed themselves principalities, disparities began to emerge.
The catalyst was the enthronement of the Duke. In other words, a privileged class was distinctly established.
Specifically, it all came down to whether one could use magic or not.
Those who could not were "commoners," and those who could were "nobles."
It was the beginning of discrimination—something Jin would have likely scoffed at as "cliché" had he heard about it.
And now, the present. May of the year 3901, Continental Calendar.
In the regional city of Draugr, located fifty kilometers north of the Jagus Principality's royal capital, Jagus.
On the outskirts of this city lay a hundred-meter-square section enclosed by a four-meter-high wall.
Its official name was the Treaty of Amity and Commerce Zone, commonly known as the House Arrest Zone.
On the surface, it was granted extraterritoriality, but in truth, it differed little from a prison.
Even so, it was a precious area where trade with the Eastern Country could take place.
"...One more week, huh..."
Shaun, an intelligence operative dispatched by Nostalgia, let out a heavy sigh.
"We hardly learned anything at all, did we...?"
His colleague, Dorothea Arkin, let out a soft sigh of her own.
"It can't be helped. We are only the vanguard. Once we report what we've discovered this time, better measures can be taken for the next team. That is our role—to lay the groundwork."
"Yes, I know that, but still."
Shaun was twenty-eight years old, and Dorothea Arkin was twenty-three. Both were of average height and build, with plain, unremarkable features.
This time, they had entered the Jagus Principality under the guise of merchants.
"Lady Elena instructed us not to take unnecessary risks. Our goal this time is simply to bring back whatever information we can safely gather on this country, no matter how minor."
"...Yes."
Being younger than Shaun, Dorothea Arkin was spirited and eager to bring back as much intel as possible.
Keeping her from doing anything reckless had become part of Shaun's duties.
"...If the silence lasts too long, they'll become suspicious. I'm dispelling the sound-insulation barrier."
"Ah, understood."
Only when discussing their actual work rather than commerce did they deploy a barrier with sound-insulation properties for a brief moment.
"Now then, regarding our transactions this time..."
Putting on an innocent facade, Shaun began summarizing their business dealings.
"We sold 120 varieties of magi-devices for a revenue of 1,050,000 Tolls. And we purchased 15 art pieces, totaling an expenditure of 1,100,000 Tolls, leaving us with a payment deficit of 50,000 Tolls."
Dorothea followed Shaun's lead seamlessly.
"Understood. That is well within our expected margin. Can we sell something else to cover another 150,000 Tolls?"
"If we trade using promissory notes, our profit margin will drop, however."
"It can't be helped. We cannot return in the red."
Conversations like this were merely camouflage.
"In that case, how about trading with the other merchants?"
"Ah, that is an option."
Shaun and Dorothea were not the only ones present.
Five other groups of merchants had come to sell foodstuffs, seasonings, daily necessities, medicines, books, and other goods.
Since almost everything they purchased to bring back consisted of works of art and handicrafts, their commercial efforts were practically akin to volunteer work.
"...Still, we can't seem to obtain any real intel."
"You mustn't rush."
"How are we supposed to explain this to our homeland...?"
"The investigation has only just begun, after all."
Furthermore, Shaun and Dorothea were not the only ones who had infiltrated under the cover of trade.
Out of the five groups, three were actually operatives from the Shouro Empire, the Celuroa Kingdom, and the Kingdom of Egerea.
They, too, seemed unable to produce any meaningful results.
However.
"...Are those the merchants from the Celuroa Kingdom?"
"It appears so."
Three merchants, seemingly from the Celuroa Kingdom, were seen being arrested and dragged away by security guards of the Jagus Principality.
"...Suspicion of espionage, perhaps?"
"Could be."
Shaun and Dorothea exchanged glances, silently warning each other to remain on high alert.