The Duke stated that warfare conducted with golems was putting a heavy strain on their economy.
The Chancellor then took over.
"As you are aware, manufacturing and maintaining combat golems requires a massive budget. This is especially true for our Four Principalities, as we are deficient in underground resources and must look abroad for them."
He explained that covering golem-related expenses through the limited trade they managed to sustain consumed half of their national budget.
"...That must be quite difficult."
Since both Gajue Tsuga and Fione Fias could readily grasp the hardship involved, they had no other words to offer.
Manon, however, was different.
"...We have heard rumors that high-quality magi-crystals can be mined here. Is there any truth to that?" she inquired.
This was information Jin had learned back when he worked as an engineer in the Jagus Principality before meeting Lordtoss.
"Such rumors are... Ah, they are likely whispers originating from the Jagus Principality....There is no truth to them whatsoever."
The Chancellor firmly asserted that the notion of their national treasury flourishing from such resources and allowing them to import golems from other nations was utter nonsense.
And that was likely the truth.
Laojun had surveyed the area using the Peeper and found no magi-crystal mines.
The Chancellor added that it was probably false information spread by the Jagus Principality to rally their own citizens.
The Duke confirmed this as well.
"Indeed. It is true that we are forced to purchase golems from abroad, but that is financed through the hard-earned tax money of our people."
"Precisely. Even so, if we cut back on our golems, our land will be overrun by the Jagus Principality."
"Just as the Chancellor says. That would place our citizens in mortal peril, which is contrary to my wishes."
(I see. If his words are to be believed, then the Norha Principality is not aggressive by nature.)
Fione Fias could not help but pray that her assessment was correct.
"The Norha Principality Duke's words are likely true."
Laojun, who was listening in remotely, had already deduced the Norha Principality's economic straits through observations made via the Peeper.
"Public infrastructure is kept to the bare minimum. The royal family does not indulge in luxuries. That is plainly reflected in their meals."
The livelihoods of the ordinary citizens also appeared to be quite harsh.
Laojun surmised that this was likely what drove their hostile behavior toward the people of the Mimaka Principality at Lake Yato.
"'Only when the granaries are full do people learn propriety,' was it not?"
Such was the proverb—or rather, the historical idiom—from My Lord's world...
And Laojun reflected on how well that ancient adage applied to this world as well.
"Now then, allow us to share our perspective on the Jagus Principality. Chancellor, if you would."
"Yes, Your Majesty....To begin with, we get the impression that their nation is exceptionally warmongering. Even if their ultimate objective lies in the eastern territories."
"That would seem to be the case."
The other two principalities shared the exact same view on the matter.
"According to the intelligence we have gathered, there is not a single person in that country who defies the royal family. That holds true for everyone, from top to bottom. We consider this highly abnormal."
"..."
The delegation had heard the exact same account in the Mimaka Principality.
"Indeed. Even in our country, there are always a few vassals who do not hesitate to voice their objections to me."
"..."
Both Gajue Tsuga and Fione Fias agreed that it was reasonable to suspect brainwashing or some similar technique at play.
"Furthermore, that nation appears to have effectively turned a country on the Pandor Continent... yes, a land called Melkana, into a puppet state. That is likely why they command the greatest national strength among the Four Principalities."
"..."
The Norha Principality was aware of that reality as well.
They shared several other details, but these were matters the delegation already knew.
Gajue Tsuga expressed his gratitude.
"Thank you very much. This has deepened our understanding of the Jagus Principality even further."
He then added, "In return, allow us to share the latest intelligence we have obtained," and began outlining their knowledge of the Jagus Principality.
Included within his report was the recent liberation of the brainwashed slaves.
Additionally... though Gajue Tsuga hesitated over whether it was wise to disclose it... he ended up revealing that an organization calling itself the Revolutionary Party had been orchestrating the unrest behind the scenes.
"...Hmph, to think such things were happening..."
The Duke groaned as if struggling to process what he had heard, but quickly shifting his perspective, he added, "No, I believe it. That sounds exactly like something they would do."
He seemed fully inclined to accept it as fact.
"In that case, Tsuga-dono, does that mean the Jagus Principality's influence on the Pandor Continent has been completely eradicated?"
The Chancellor sought confirmation from another angle.
"Yes, presumably. At the very least, there are no remnants remaining within the scope of our verification," Gajue Tsuga replied.
"Hmm, if so, then the Jagus Principality's overall power must have diminished to some extent."
As the Duke mused aloud, the Chancellor interjected with a word of caution.
"Your Majesty, even so, that nation is not to be taken lightly."
"I know. I am not foolish enough to provoke them from our side."
It was clear the Duke had no intention of acting rashly out of hot-blooded impulse.
After exchanging a few more points of intelligence, they decided to take a brief intermission.
The time was just past three in the afternoon.
While it was not an elaborate tea time, they took the opportunity to relax over cups of the local wild herb tea.
"Well, well, today has turned out to be quite productive!"
"Indeed it has, Your Majesty."
The Duke was in visibly high spirits.
"Ah, that reminds me—I have been remiss in expressing my gratitude, but thank you for the chest full of magi-stones."
"You are very welcome."
"...Pardon me for asking what might seem an odd question, but approximately how much does one of those magi-stones cost?"
"...Manon?"
Gajue Tsuga redirected the Chancellor's question to Manon.
After glancing at Tsuga to confirm it was permissible to speak, Manon answered.
"...The magi-stones provided this time are... Grade B, which places their value at approximately 100 Toll per gram."
Since the specific gravity of a magi-stone is around 4, a standard-sized piece measuring 1 cubic centimeter weighs 4 grams. That translates to 400 Toll, or roughly 4,000 Japanese yen.
Given that the total shipment weighed approximately 40 kilograms, it amounted to 4 million Toll—equivalent to about 40 million yen.
Normally, inquiring about or revealing the monetary value of a gift is considered poor etiquette, but recognizing the exceptional nature of their circumstances, Gajue Tsuga had granted Manon permission to disclose the figures.
"Oh, I see. That is considerably cheaper than I anticipated."
"Oho! To think magi-stones can be acquired at such rates in the 'outside' world!"
Both the Chancellor and the Duke were astonished by how inexpensive the stones were compared to their expectations.
"...For our reference, would you mind sharing the going rate in your lands?" Fione Fias asked in turn.
"Ah, indeed. Chancellor, what is the standard rate here?"
"Yes. It is roughly one hundred times that amount."
"That much...?"
If a standard magi-stone used for magi-devices cost 40,000 Toll apiece, there was no feasible way for them to become common among ordinary citizens, and even nobility would hesitate to use them lightly. The visiting party could not help but lament the harsh economic reality facing the Principality.