The Land of the Rising Sun Transfers to Another World

Chapter 110: Speculation

City-State of E-Forcé, the Second World

There are countless city-states in the Second World, most of which remain as vassals of powerful nations, preserving their autonomy under the aegis of these larger powers. However, there are some exceptions.

One such exception is E-Forcé.

Surrounded by numerous powerful nations, E-Forcé lives in peace, free from the military and economic pressures of these neighboring countries. This peace is possible because E-Forcé is one of the leading trade cities in the Second World. It sells a variety of rare goods that other nations do not have. Geographically, it serves as a major trading hub, facilitating commerce with many countries.

Looking around, one would see large lizards pulling carts piled high with various goods and trade items. There are railway tracks in some places, and specially enchanted steam-powered locomotives, billowing thick black smoke, are seen entering and leaving E-Forcé. In the skies, transport airships are flying, some carrying small packages, even featuring griffins transporting goods. On the seas, a variety of sailing ships and warships are constantly arriving and departing from the port.

However, the reason E-Forcé maintains its independence and does not submit to any foreign powers lies elsewhere. That reason is—

"Come one, come all! Come take a look at today's special item... It's none other than the highly popular elf!"

"YEAAAAAAH!"

It's slave trading.

One such activity took place in a small, inconspicuous corner of a bustling street lined with street vendors, deep beneath the ground.

A beautiful elf woman, forcibly pulled from a large cage, was shackled with chains around her hands and feet. She wore nothing but a tattered and dirty thin cloth. As she stepped up to the platform, the crowd eyed her up and down as though inspecting her. Some remarked, "This one's a good catch!" in high spirits, while others expressed disappointment, saying, "She's not what we expected," but the auction proceeded regardless.

In the Second World, slave trading is generally illegal. If discovered, economic sanctions—and in the worst case, military sanctions—would be imposed. However, these laws only apply to member states, and have no effect on non-member states.

E-Forcé secretly exports the slaves regularly entering the city to these other countries. They use various methods, such as indirectly purchasing slaves using goods from non-member states. By accepting these slaves as an outlet for various desires, E-Forcé has managed to maintain its independence, without being absorbed by the great member states. Thus, the City-State of E-Forcé thrives both above and below ground.

Though this world may be different, the underlying darkness that supports prosperity is the same in any world.

・・・

E-Forcé Mayor's Mansion

The largest and most magnificent building in E-Forcé, this mansion is the residence of the city mayor, Enderg Ganna Tharen.

There are two other buildings besides the mansion that, while not as large as the mayor's mansion, are no less impressive in their elegant and dignified architecture. These two buildings are guesthouses used exclusively for royal family members, those of similar high status, and senior nobles when they visit. However, the buildings being used this time were not these two guesthouses.

"What did you say... Say that again!"

"Lord Quandua, please calm down!"

There are many reception rooms, but from the most luxurious one, a loud voice could be heard. It was a shout filled with anger, and the maids standing in the corner of the room were trembling in fear.