Trapped in Another World With No Magic

Chapter 135: The Fievegal and Mattarglos

Daniel shares his final dance at the banquet with Veiranoei. It's thankfully much slower than the others, since his companions have thoroughly worn him out. And, the gatonine knight looks quite beautiful in an heirloom dress that she's a little embarrassed to be wearing.

"Please don't let my reputation cloud this, but you do look absolutely beautiful Dame Veiranoei."

She looks to the side, her cheeks remaining rosy. "Thank you, your... Daniel."

He laughs lightly. Officially, on paper at least, they're going to have an engagement ceremony for the two of them. Kalegrynten wants to flaunt Veiranoei's new status as an Empress Consort at every level, even if it earns the ire of the Grand Zenkon Empire. The reason the Empire won't be able to functionally do anything against Mattarglos as a result is the fact that Mattarglos controls one of two remaining pass-throughs for the mountains, and a civil war near one of them would leave the defense of the east vulnerable. The other reason is that the Stalvaltan Grand Duchy is still the only territory producing enhanced magic crystals and certain magic devices that have made life easy, and which rely on the large synthetic crystals to function, such as water-related devices. Lastly, Mattarglos alone has little strategic or economic value compared to territories around it, since mines are quickly infested with monsters, farms have to be heavily guarded at all times, and the only direct sea access for the territory is far to the north in near-arctic conditions. Making salt is extremely difficult due to the cold, and they are unable to compete with trade prices from territories bordering the gulf or the southern sea due to the increased resources for manufacture.

While Daniel wouldn't be foolish enough to believe no one would try to conquer Mattarglos, it would be an uphill fight for just about anyone, and the return on investment would be rather minimal.

Of course, Daniel comes from a world where most corners of the accessible surface were explored, and everything around was explored as an option for a usable resource. One of the most sought after resources on Earth seemed to be most heavily present in some of the most hostile terrain the Earth offers; from deserts to mountains, and even the deep ocean.

This world has no concept yet of the fuel that drove the bulk of the industrial revolution and continued well into the technology age. Not that Daniel wants to go through the rush that comes with that discovery, but if he can get ahead of it and begin setting policy, and can hopefully guide a responsible environmental policy around it.

The same would be true of the diamonds he and Wenlianna have been producing. Just because the other world leaders might be able to realize that they're diamonds doesn't mean they'll be able to make as efficient use of the relatively tiny pebbles that had been in circulation prior to Daniel.

Likewise, if he can help Mattarglos capitalize on whatever resources are likely lurking beneath the surface, he can help both the Fievegal and Mattarglos stand strong. And, if he's really lucky, he can reel in more allies to curtail whatever factions still want to pursue war.

"It feels so... awkward..." murmurs Veiranoei, yanking Daniel out of his ponderings.

"What does?"

"I... well... forgive me for saying so... being... a mistress. Th-Th-Though, I'm thankful that you don't expect anything of me, Daniel!"

Daniel laughs again, mindful enough of his feet to stop when he feels his foot tap hers just before stepping on her toes. "On my world, it was unthinkable for some random guy like me."

She smiles and relaxes a little, but her own foot steps on Daniel's this time, and she turns a bright pink color. Daniel doesn't pay it any mind, though, since she's thankfully extremely light, and he is still wearing his work boots from Earth that thankfully were in range of the spell when he was transported. They have composite toes and a metatarsal guard, and while they stand out as very worn in at an elegant affair, no one is making too much of a fuss about Daniel's humble appearance. The rumors and gossip are no doubt flying, but he doesn't care. If anything, it'll make his enemies lower their guard when they should underestimate him the least.