Volume 3 Chapter 43 This Time, His Excellency Prime Minister is Truly Reliable
I was using one of the rooms in the castle as a temporary workshop, focusing all my energy on making magic stones that could be used in battle.
Unfortunately, I couldn't borrow the workshop of the palace enchanter who envied me, so I had to ask the palace blacksmith to prepare all the equipment for me.
The palace enchanter, known as Emerada, is someone you don't want to mess with when it comes to negative emotions.
After about 20 days had passed, Lene, who had regained her health, joined in the work, and I thought we should start making the 'Magic Stone of Great Absolute' right away──but...
"We're out of materials."
As soon as I got back from the town under the castle, I slumped over the desk in the temporary workshop.
The 'Heimun Grass' needed to make the materials for the 'Great Magic Stone of Diamond' is produced in Goldmont.
Since they're being invaded, there's no way we can import it.
"This is trouble..."
Lene, who was making Healing Potions while waiting for my shopping, also had a clouded expression.
The difference in combat strength with and without that magic stone is huge.
There's also the fact that with the 'Divine Slayer' of the Dark Mage, we can get powerful protection that can't be nullified by 'gifts.'
"Lene, can't you think of any materials to make an even stronger version of the 'Great Magic Stone of Diamond'?"
"Don't say such nonsense."
Lene scowled and protested against my nonsense.
It's just not possible, huh.
So, we need to report the situation to His Majesty and somehow find a way to get our hands on the Heimun Grass, or else...
"We could give up on the Great Magic Stone of Diamond and make do with the Magic Stone of Diamond, but..."
If we make the Magic Stone of Diamond, we still need the Heimun Grass just like for the Great Magic Stone of Diamond, but we won't need as much.
It should be enough to cover the number of people in the unit we're planning to form now.
"But that wouldn't really follow His Majesty's orders, would it?"
"Yeah, that's true..."
To be honest, it's dangerous if we don't use the Great Magic Stone of Diamond.
After all, the other side has Alchemist's Guns for some reason.
We don't know who's making them on the sly, but the Magic Stone of Diamond won't be able to block the bullets.
Just when it wasn't this or that, Lene and I were puzzling over it when suddenly, someone knocked on the workshop door.
I was so immersed that I hurriedly stood up and went towards the door.
"Hello, Mr. Ryuuji and Ms. Lene."
"Oh, hello, Your Excellency Prime Minister Schnorr. Is there something you need?"
Standing on the other side of the door was His Excellency Prime Minister Schnorr.
He had the same black hair as me, but a bit longer, and he wore glasses that gave him a smart impression.
He seemed to be in his early thirties.
Being a Prime Minister at this age is seriously impressive, I think. He must be very talented.
"Yes, I have come with good news. I apologize for being so bold, but may I come in and speak with you?"
That's how His Excellency Prime Minister speaks, so politely and calmly that it's almost shocking.
Is this guy really a noble and the same Prime Minister as Elmer?
Yeah, he's definitely a noble.
"Good news...? Yes, I apologize for the mess, but please come in."
"Hehe, it's all right. It's fine if you're working in a place that's a bit messy."
His Excellency Prime Minister gives a smile that could be considered charming even for a man as he answers like that.
That's what you'd say.
When I was an apprentice under the Gemcutter master, I got beaten up for even the slightest mess.
* * *
"Now, let's get right to the point. The Goldmont Kingdom has accepted our proposal for a peace treaty."
"Huh?"
In surprise at the unexpected good news, me and Lene both let out a sound and looked at each other.
That means, Her Majesty's plan must have worked out well.
"Goldmont made their decision quite quickly, didn't they?"
"The defense forces of Sartzstadt are putting up a good fight, so they probably judged they couldn't break through. Rather than keep taking losses in their navy, it's better to take the magic stone production technology that was part of the original ceasefire terms and call it quits here."
I see.
On their side, they've now confirmed both the unknown magic stone technology and the threat of the Alchemist's Gun.
It wouldn't be strange if voices were already saying the invasion of Beistein Kingdom itself was a mistake in judgment.
"I believe King Goldmont's aim is to at least acquire the magic stone technology to dodge criticism back home. Since our country also had few casualties, Your Majesty said we should treat this as doing them one favor."
According to His Excellency the Prime Minister, besides the presumed massive damage to Goldmont Kingdom's navy from the Alchemist's Gun, movements from both the northern Romanov Empire and eastern Guant Kingdom look suspicious from Goldmont's perspective.
It seems they judged that fighting on 3 fronts at once would be impossible even for them.
...Well, to be honest, that magic stone technology Goldmont is getting isn't the 'Gift' but the technique for making refined magic stones - and even then, just some unimportant method of creating them.
Truth be told, there's no way that balances out their losses, but since going back on their own terms would make other nations view them harshly, they probably had no choice but to accept.
"In that case, what will happen to the regular ships between Sartzstadt and Goldmont?"
"They'll likely start operating again. Though it will be after the peace treaty is signed, of course."
"I see..."
It was good news, but it was also a bit disappointing.
It seems like it will still take some time after the peace treaty is signed.
"...Is there something you are troubled about?"
When Lene and I silently showed our disappointment, Your Excellency gently spoke up.
Whether it's because of the sensitivity to people's feelings that comes from being the Prime Minister, or if it's the way of the nobility, it was impressive.
"Yes, actually──"
I honestly told His Excellency Prime Minister that we couldn't make the Great Magic Stone of Diamond because we couldn't get Heimun Grass.
That said, it's not like we could do anything if we can't get it from Goldmont.
After listening to me, His Excellency Prime Minister simply replied, "I understand," and stood up straight.
"We will prepare the Heimun Grass here."
"Huh?"
Lene and I both raised our voices at the surprise of the good news again.
...Wait, no──
"Um, the Heimun Grass can only be found north of Goldmont──"
Before I could finish my sentence, His Excellency Prime Minister stopped me with his right hand.
Does he have something in mind?
"It's okay. Since I am the Prime Minister, I do have connections."
Saying that, His Excellency Prime Minister winked at us.
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