The Slider-type Coin Counter - Initial Model
This was a prototype crafted from timber harvested in the Forest of Death. While the design was simple, it utilized a massive quantity of magic stones and was compatible with every type of currency. A dispute broke out over where to deploy the machine, but the Civil Official Girls eventually claimed it as their own.
The Slider-type Coin Counter - Pre-production Model
In response to urgent demands from those who wanted the device as quickly as possible, the Mountain Elves set aside their other projects to complete this model. Compared to the initial prototype, the design was further simplified; however, the elves improved the machine with every unit they manufactured, ensuring the performance was equal to or greater than the original. Eight units were produced in total: three were sent to Village Five, three to Big Roof Shashato, and two were deployed within the Village of the Great Tree.
The Slider-type Coin Counter - Mass Production Model A
When the royalty and nobility of the Demon Kingdom saw the pre-production models in the Village of the Great Tree, they maintained a facade of composure while aggressively negotiating for their own, repeatedly asking, "How much for one?" As a result, full-scale production began. To increase the manufacturing speed and reduce costs, several functions were omitted. This version was refined into a counter primarily compatible with the coins circulating within the Demon Kingdom. Of the twenty-four units produced, twenty were gifted to the Demon Kingdom's central government, while the remaining four were given to the Goroun Company.
The Slider-type Coin Counter - Gift Model
This was a deluxe version of the Mass Production Model A, featuring a more opulent exterior. Production began after the developers incorporated feedback from the nobility, who requested a more sophisticated design for their personal use. The workshop newly established by the Mountain Elves in Village Five spearheaded the aesthetic enhancements. Each unit came as a set with a dedicated, handmade box and was sold through the Goroun Company for two gold coins. Despite the price, it was perpetually sold out. Even with a reservation, the wait time to acquire one was at least a year. Several units also existed that were originally Model A machines but had been collected and refurbished into this version.
The Slider-type Coin Counter - Mass Production Model B
To satisfy the demand for a price range accessible to commoners, this mass-produced model sacrificed both durability and aesthetics. Materials were gathered from the area surrounding Village Five, and the production of certain components was outsourced to external parties to drive down the cost. Despite these efforts to reach a low price point, each unit still cost roughly fifteen silver coins, leading to some concerns regarding future sales volume. As an aside, some wealthy merchants who could not afford the Gift Model took it upon themselves to modify their Model B units, which frequently resulted in errors within the arithmetic logic. Official warnings were issued that all repairs and modifications should be handled by an authorized workshop.
The Slider-type Coin Counter - Special Model
This was a specialized counter dedicated solely to Reward Medals. It was installed in the hall of the Village Head's Mansion and was technically available for anyone to use. However, at the time, no one actually utilized it. Its purpose seemed limited to the times the Village Head distributed medals during the spring.
In a certain corner of a human kingdom, the Minister of Financial Affairs spoke with his subordinate.
"So, this is the coin counter that has become the talk of the Demon Kingdom?"
"Yes, sir. It is quite an impressive piece of equipment."
"Is it possible for our nation to produce these ourselves?"
"It would be possible, but... well..."
"What is it?"
"It utilizes a significant number of magic stones. Mass production would be difficult for us to sustain."
"I see."
"Furthermore, it is currently incompatible with the coins circulating in our country. Adjusting the mechanism would be an arduous task."
"Hmph. Then it is useless to us."
"Indeed. I was told that at the time of purchase, they offered to customize the machine for our regional currency, but I declined."
"Why did you refuse?"
"Because doing so would have revealed our national origin to them."
"I suppose so. It would certainly be troublesome if we were identified. And yet..."
"I heard that if we bring it to a designated workshop, they will perform the customization for a single large copper coin, but..."
"How vexing. To do that would be the same as declaring that our technology is inferior to that of the Demon Kingdom. I cannot allow such a thing! Confound it... Enough! It is unnecessary! Our country has no need for such things!"
"Understood, sir. I shall record it as such."
"However, we cannot let the purchase price go to waste. See to it that the research continues."
"As you wish."
At a later date, a Gift Model customized for the local currency was delivered from the Demon Kingdom as a formal present. The Minister of Financial Affairs made full use of it, concluding that the object itself was not to blame for its origins.
In another human kingdom, a different Minister of Financial Affairs spoke with his subordinate.
"Counterfeit coins?"
"Yes, sir. Several coins were rejected by the counter. When we examined them closely, we found them to be expertly crafted fakes."
"To what extent has this spread?"
"I randomly selected a thousand silver coins from the royal palace's treasury. Twelve of them were counterfeit."
"You checked a thousand coins already?"
"Well, we have the coin counter for that very purpose."
"I see. It is a convenient tool indeed."
"I still find it distasteful that it was manufactured in the Demon Kingdom."
"It matters not who made it; a superior product is a superior product. Never forget that."
"My apologies, sir."
"But twelve out of a thousand... That is a high ratio."
"It is. However, I believe it was fortunate that we discovered this now."
"True. Summon the heads of the major trading companies and urge them to be cautious. Investigate the routes through which these counterfeits are entering our borders. There is a possibility that this is a conspiracy by a foreign power."
"Understood."
"Additionally, use the coin counter to audit every single coin within the palace. The use of counterfeit currency is an insult that cannot be overlooked."
"At once, sir!"
The economic chaos intended for certain nations through the spread of counterfeit currency was neutralized before it could take root, thanks to the Minister's swift response.