Trapped in Another World With No Magic

Chapter 79: The Threat a Mechanic Poses Part 2

Rikuto is holding his hands together in an arch on his desk as he tries to stall for time by thinking on Aramellianna's words. She just cautioned him after a little back and forth, that the notion of independence for the Stalvaltan Grand Duchy might be less painful than what she's going to ask for in exchange for fulfilling Rikuto's massively increased orders on enhanced magic crystals, to the point that he wants to monopolize them. At first, he gave what he thought would be a fair mark-up above market value, but Aramellianna swiftly pointed out that the market for enhanced magic crystals is unstable at best, since they're so rare.

But, Rikuto has one last desperate play.

"I know you're making the diamonds artificially, your Grace."

Her smile barely changes, amused by his attempt but unfazed otherwise. "Oh? Then perhaps you can make your own," retorts the Grand Duchess. She's Rikuto's senior in just about everything in this world, save for positional authority, and she made it very clear not too long ago in the past that her authority is not much lower than the king. Nobles and royalty always have to maintain a balance for a kingdom to remain stable. But, Aramellianna's specific position is an executioner of balance, a position specifically meant to protect the kingdom from usurpation by other noble families, and in a perfect world, prevent a crisis for the kingdom not unlike what occurred in Bromlund.

Of course, she knows very well the same thing Rikuto knows. The Grand Duchy is producing those diamonds thanks to Daniel, and Rikuto has no idea how he knew how to do something like that. True it may be that many things could be found on the internet of Earth, to be able to apply that knowledge is something else entirely. It's not so much that Daniel is especially intelligent, but he does have a lot more practical knowledge and experience than Rikuto does. As has been the case, Rikuto's college education has made him ideal for running a country from a bird's eye view, as a typical leader. He has stabilized the economy of Mornistae, restored a balance between cash crops and food to prevent the people of Mornistae from suffering during economic decline, and they've been moving water throughout the kingdom to overcome a drought, as well as aiding countries around them with the same.

But, even that last benefit is thanks to Daniel being able to translate earth technology to magic technology, or find ways to make earth technology work without the centuries of technological advancement to get there. Being backed by Aramellianna made that much possible. How, though, he was able to obtain the resources for an atom bomb is another story, let alone assembling one.

Wherever Hekate came from, she clearly has access to nearly unlimited resources, and Daniel's reckless use of his knowledge has them teetering on the edge with things she can't comprehend.

"Instead of independence, at least tell me what you want..." replies Rikuto, nearly defeated. If he is going to get screwed either way, he may still be able to monopolize the enhanced magic crystals and prevent the situation from getting any worse.

"Very well. In addition to exempting the Stalvaltan Grand Duchy from all kingdom taxes, the Kingdom of Mornistae will grant the Stalvaltan Grand Duchy complete autonomy in all military matters, including offensive campaigns and defensive campaigns, as well as the construction and maintenance of Grand Duchy exclusive weapons and assets. In exchange, I will allot ninety percent of the enhanced magic crystal supply for sale exclusively to the kingdom of Mornistae for military purposes. Any reselling will be a violation of the contract."

"You're not holding anything back, are you?"

"Of course I am, your Majesty! I could demand that the next heir to the kingdom be one of my daughters as part of the terms of the contract, or that the kingdom of Mornistae begin paying the Grand Duchy taxes in return for carrying the largest share of paying the Imperial Defense taxes on behalf of our kingdom. That would be holding nothing back." She smiles mischievously, and Rikuto sighs.