Rebuilding a Kingdom - Chapter 16 (Patreon)

Negotiations with the Elfast Magic Kingdom
Two weeks after conducting the trial run of the magic vehicle, Emmy and I had repeated discussions and finally completed the magic vehicle that would become our product.

The prototype magic vehicle used during the trial run was made of metal, but because of the risk of it being misused in warfare and such, we changed most of the body to wood.

Furthermore, for precision parts like the suspension, we degraded the performance and removed components so they could be improved later.

Simply put, we made its performance more like a carriage. That way, we could keep the costs of making the magic vehicle down.

While we were making the wooden magic vehicle, Sister Emilia and Brother Adel, along with a few soldiers selected from the Royal knights, familiarized themselves with operating the prototype magic vehicle.

A month later, in the dwarves' workshop, magic vehicles were assembled every day, and fifty wooden magic vehicles were completed. Sister Emilia and Brother Adel left the Capital with twenty magic vehicles to pitch to influential nobles within the kingdom.

Of course, they also brought dwarves who could repair them in case of any malfunctions.

As for the magic vehicle production, I left it to Emmy and the dwarves in the workshop while I relaxed in my room in the castle. Then, castle guards came to my room and said Brother Roland wanted to see me.

After tidying my clothes, I headed to the Throne Room with the guards. Unlike the Audience Chamber, the Throne Room was where a few people would meet with the King for discussions.

Upon entering the Throne Room, Brother Roland and Prime Minister Sylberg were seated at the table, waiting.

"It's unusual for you to summon me. What's going on?"

"It's about the magic vehicle. We're having difficulties."

There are negotiations happening between diplomats from the Kingdom of Critonia and the Elfast Magic Kingdom regarding the magic vehicle.

Perhaps the diplomats from the magic kingdom weren't giving a favorable response?

"What are they saying?"

"Their diplomat is more interested in buying the blueprints for the magic vehicle rather than the product itself. But we can't sell the blueprints; they're confidential."

Prime Minister Sylberg looked displeased.

The Elfast Magic Kingdom was confident in their ability to make magic tools. They must think that with the blueprints, they can make the magic vehicle themselves.

If they could produce magic vehicles in their own country, they would not have to go to the trouble of purchasing them from the Kingdom of Critonia.

But still, they think arrogantly just because they are a powerful country, don't they?

Well, if they manage to examine the interior structure of the purchased magic vehicle, they might eventually create counterfeits.

However, until then, the Elfast Magic Kingdom has no choice but to buy magic cars from the Kingdom of Critonia.

From our perspective, there's no need to hasten the spread of counterfeit goods by handing over the blueprints.

"We were just negotiating the reducing of the price of the magic vehicles for improved price of magic tools imported to the kingdom from the Elfast Magic Kingdom. But even that proposal was rejected by the diplomats."

Currently, the price of magic tools entering Critonia is on the rise.

As for Brother Roland, he's probably thinking about the commoners and wanting to lower the price even a bit.

However, lowering the price of magic tools means reducing the profit of the Elfast Magic Kingdom.

The diplomats on their side can't agree to such a proposal right away.

Besides, the current price of magic tools is greatly influenced by the movements of major trading companies and merchants who set their own prices or withhold inventory.

From their perspective, they'll insist that the Elfast Magic Kingdom had nothing to do with it.

After thinking it over, I turned to Brother Roland.

"Wouldn't it be better to just end the negotiations?"

"Is that okay? Your magic vehicles won't sell, then.”

"What I mean is, there's no need to sell magic vehicles through country-to-country negotiations."

Upon hearing my words, Prime Minister Sylberg clapped his hands.

"I see, you're suggesting selling through our kingdom's major trading companies to other countries."

"Yes. Originally, magic tools from the Elfast Magic Kingdom come into Critonia through major trading companies and merchants, so we can use the same method. The major trading companies and merchants just want profitable products; they're not interested in blueprints."

"However, when it comes to major trading companies and merchants, they might arbitrarily raise prices to increase profits. They'll do anything for profit."

"We can mitigate that by signing contracts and allowing several selected trading companies. If any company engages in excessively exploitative practices, we can punish them for plotting against the crown."

"Certainly, that approach is simpler than negotiating with other countries. Domestic trading companies won't directly confront the crown."

Brother Roland smiled happily, and Prime Minister Sylberg said, "Then I'll make the preparations," before leaving the room.

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