Cheat Magician Life That Started From Being Judged Useless

Compensation and marriage proposal

***---***

 The return operation using the cage like a lunar probe was successfully completed for the third time.

 Taking into account the time difference, we left Volzard in the morning, but it was still dark in Japan.

"Yo, Kokubu-kun. Good work."

"Thank you for your hard work, Kajikawa-san."

"Regarding the gate, I'm looking for one now, so can you wait a little longer?"

"Yes, I'm counting on you."

"Also, regarding the compensation for returning the students, I think it's time to start paying it ..."

"Ohh, come to think of it, I forgot the compensation."

 If I had only proceeded with the return work without making arrangements for compensation, I would have been scolded by Klaus-san again.

"Regarding the compensation, as promised earlier, would it be okay to pay 800 kilograms of iron for each student returned? Since various procedures are required to change it, it would be appreciated if you could leave it as it is now."

"Umm, right. The return work has become easier, so that's fine."

"Then, I'll prepare the same standard D10 rebar as last time. Including the students and teachers who have returned so far, along with the round trip for the State Minister for Foreign Affairs, it's about 30 tons at the moment."

"Th, thirty tons!"

"That's 10,000 rebars."

"Eeeehhhh ..."

 The reward was arranged in a way that was convenient for both the Japanese government and Volzard, but I never thought it would amount to 30 tons.

"It seems that you are surprised, but if the rest of the students are also sent back, I think we will have to pay another 140 tons."

"Eeeehhhh ... I, is it okay to wait a moment."

"I heard that iron is more valuable in the other world than in Japan. If you export it too quickly, it will have a big impact on the price."

"I think so, and since Volzard was originally on the side of buying iron, I have a feeling that our relationship with other towns will change as well."

 Volzard's dungeons also produced ores, but most of them were precious metals such as gold and silver, not metals such as iron and copper that were used in daily life.

 For that reason, I've heard that the iron used to make swords and spears was imported from Marburg.

 If they were to purchase 30 tons of iron at once, and if it was of a higher purity than the ones from Marburg, it would have had a major impact.

"For the time being, we have already prepared 30 tons of rebar in the warehouse, so you can take it out anytime."

"I, is that so ... I'll go back to Volzard and consult for a bit."

 It wasn't just my imagination that I could see Klaus-san laughing out loud.

"Aahh, and Kokubu-kun. The magic stones from before, it seems that they tried to disintegrate them into the air in the cage with Goblins in it."

"I see, I think that's the safest method. How was the result?"

"It looks good. According to the person in charge of observation, it seems that if they rampage, it will consume their magic power."

 It seemed that there were individual differences among Goblins, and while some were frightened by an unfamiliar environment and acted violently, others seemed to be quiet, seemingly uninterested.

 Naturally, if you rampage, your physical strength will be consumed, but in the case of monsters, it seemed that magical power would also be consumed. However, there was a clear difference in the degree of recovery.

"From now on, they will continue to observe the Goblins, and it seems that they want to use Goblin diplomacy rather than panda diplomacy."

"Something like Goblins ... Rather, I guess that's what I feel since I've gotten used to Volzard."

"That's right. Because it's a Goblin, if you can see a live Goblin, I'm sure fantasy maniacs from all over the world will go crazy."

 Come to think of it, the internet live stream of Tayama and Watase, who died from being stoned by Orcs, had gained a tremendous number of hits.

"And so, Kokubu-kun. Can't you catch monsters other than Goblins? Kobolds or something ..."

"That's possible, but wild Kobolds aren't as cute as my genus."

"Is that so? But even wild Kobolds can walk on two legs and hold and use things, right?"

"Well, it seems like they can use things."

"Are they the same size as Kokubu-kun's genus?"

"Yes, most Kobolds are around 120 centimeters."

"Then, please catch Kobolds and send them in a way that doesn't affect the return work of the students."

"How much will you buy them for?"

"Is it the same as when it was Goblins?"

"Understood. I will consider that as well."

"And, Kokubu-kun, I'm sorry, but could you sell me some magic stones again?"

"Again? Maa, the number of experiments involving Goblins seems to be increasing."

 After selling a trunk full of magic stones, I was guided to a warehouse where rebars were placed.

 It seemed that the inside of the warehouse was being filmed by surveillance cameras, and although I was free to take out the rebars, in that case I was told to sign the documents provided.

 Then, let's go back to Volzard and talk to Klaus-san.

 When I looked into the guild's office, Klaus-san had a face that looked like he bit a bitter bug.

 On the desk were two high-end envelopes and a letter.

 Augusto-san, Angelina-san, and Beatrice-san all had a bewildered look on their faces.

 Maybe that letter was the cause, but what was it.

 I went out into the corridor once and knocked on the office door.

"Who is it!"

"It's Kent."

"Come in!"

 Klaus-san's blunt voice had a harsher tone than usual.

"What's wrong, did you have any problems during the return work?"

"No, things are progressing smoothly, but I have a little question for you ..."

"If it's troublesome, I refuse. Do something about it yourself!"

"Is that so ... I procured a large amount of iron as a reward for the return work, but it can't be helped, so to Bakkenheim ..."

"Wait, wait! Say that sooner. How much do you have? Fifty corads, or 100 corads?"

"Umm ... Just under 1,900."

"Haaaa? It's 1,900 ... Fuh, fufufu ... Fuhahahahahaha!"

 Klaus-san's eyes widened and he started laughing as expected.

"Good job! As expected of Riche's groom! Something like this ..."

 Klaus-san picked up the letter that had been thrown out on his desk, tore it to pieces, crumpled it up and threw it into the trash can.

"Father, are you sure?"

"Fuunh, can you take such a silly letter seriously! Kent, when can you bring in that iron? Also, can you get copper in addition to iron?"

"I can bring the iron any time, and I think it's possible to get copper as well."

"Is that so, then please inquire if you can purchase copper."

"Yes, that's fine, but did something happen?"

"Aahh, the Marburg Family just said something silly. But, as long as we can secure iron and copper, there's nothing to worry about.

 Klaus-san's expression remained loose, as if his surly face just now was a lie.

 Or rather, it's definitely an evil grin that's plotting something.

 I didn't quite understand the contents of the story, so I turned my gaze to Augusto-san and he explained with a wry smile.

"That letter was a marriage proposal from the Marburg Family."

"A marriage proposal ... is it?"

"It's not uncommon for Landsheldt Lords to make marriage proposals, and if there is an offer from the Marburg Family, they usually respond sincerely."

"Huh, come to think of it, there were two letters ..."

"That's right, you saw well. There are two marriage proposals, and they're from the same Marburg Family."

"From the Marburg Family ... Two?"

 I didn't understand the meaning to the point that I involuntarily parroted it back.

"There are two people who seem to be the next head of the Marburg Family."

"Eeeehhhh ... Could it be that the Idiot Sons are fighting over the head of the family again?"

"Fuhahahaha, Kent, you seem to have a lot of ties to other families' fights."

 When I raised a disgusted voice, Klaus-san seemed to find it unbearably funny.

"No, but this time, I have nothing to do with it."

"What are you saying, you have a lot to do with it. Who exactly is the one who brings all the iron to Volzard?"

"Aahh, the Marburg Family is also involved in the ore trade, isn't it."

"You could say so."

 The brothers Ars and Zarua, who were said to be the next heads of the Marburg Family, were so-called fraternal twins, but it seemed their hair color, eye color, and facial features were not the same.

 In fairy tales, if the children who inherited the Family Estate were twins, one was given up for adoption or killed, but it seemed that it was common in Landshelt to raise them in the same way.

 The ideal relationship would be for two brothers to support each other and make up for each other's deficiencies, but it seemed that the Marburg brothers were like cats and dogs.

 Maa, if they were brothers on good terms, there was no way two letters would be received.

"If either one of them were excellent and had prospects in the future, I would consider it, but they are both equally talented, and if I'm worried about their future, how can I offer Ange as their wife."

"The Marburg brothers, are they lacking in talent so much?"

"Compared to Augusto and Baldini, they are lacking in talent, even if you take into consideration seeing them in a favorable light as my family."

 Regarding Augusto-san, I'm sure he's an excellent person, but when I heard that they were inferior to Baldini, I wondered how bad they were.

"But, is it okay if you decline?"

"That's why I checked, if you can secure the copper."

"Are you saying that if you refuse the marriage proposal, they will stop trading in ore and mineral resources?"

"Right, at least for Ars."

"In that case, isn't the other Zarua more promising?"

"No good, no good. Ange or Riche, he's an idiot who says he'll make the one he likes his legal wife and the one he doesn't like his concubine. What is there to talk about."

"Aahh ... I see. The types are different, but both of them are idiots."

"That's what I'm saying. By the way, there are no subordinates who can stop it."

 The reason why the two letters arrived at the same time this time seemed to be to keep each other in check and not be outwitted.

"These idiots, being fair with each other ... While saying that, they're only thinking about outwitting their opponent. They can't even think about how their actions are viewed.

 It may sound harsh, but I agreed with Klaus-san's words.

 The family succession dispute was a matter of their own family, but they should refrain from actions that would cause it to be noticed by the outside world.

 Because they can't think about such a thing, it seems to be of no use to consider whether they have talent or not.

"Then, are you going to refuse the offer from the Marburg Family?"

"Maa, I'll leave it alone until they say something. However, the guild will issue a notice to the Volzard merchants. There is a possibility that the deal with Marburg will stop."

"Is it okay to say that?'

"You moron, I can't deal with it after the transaction really stops. For that reason, please confirm as soon as possible whether copper can be procured."

"Understood, I'll get in touch in a minute."

 When I contacted Kajikawa-san using the borrowed smartphone, he replied that it was possible to purchase copper.

"Then, Kokubu-kun, is it okay if we use part of the money for the magic stones we received today to purchase copper?"

"Yes, please do so."

 When I hung up the phone, Klaus-san had a big smile on his face.

 Come to think of it, he's come to understand Japanese.

"Kent, how many corads are those three tons?"

"Yes, about 190 corads."

"Well done. Is that copper as pure as the iron?"

"Yes, I think it's okay if you think it's about the same ..."

"Good, good. Even if the story gets tough, we can still keep our advantage against Marburg."

"The Lords of Landshelt aren't in conflict with each other, are they?"

"Maa, in the current situation ... that's right. Each of us has equal interests, so we can hardly argue, but if we import iron and copper from Japan, the situation may change."

 The direct relationship between Volzard and Marburg would also change, and considering their relationship with Bakkenheim, they may become rivals in selling iron and copper.

"As you can see from actually going there, Marburg has few industries other than mineral resources that can be sold. If the industry that supports the foundation of life is shaken, the feet of the Feudal Lord will also be shaken."

"Could it be, you just don't want Ange-oneechan to get married ..."

"D, don't be ridiculous. I'll give her away as a wife, but I just won't marry her to an idiot."

 Maa, it's true that Angelina-san can't be entrusted to the Marburg Family just by hearing the story.

"Even so, it seems that the relationship with the Marburg Family will become difficult from now on."

"In the first place, what is the person who is creating the reason for that, saying such a carefree thing?"

"Uuh, that's true, but ..."

"Besides, it will only be until Kent's comrades return that Volzard will be able to obtain a large amount of iron from Japan."

"Once all my classmates have finished returning home, receiving iron as a reward will end for the time being, but in Japan, magic stones are needed for experiments, so it is possible to import iron using magic stones as payment."

"Oohh, I see. You said that there is no magic essence in Japan. If that's the case, you should be able to stably purchase iron and copper for a certain period of time."

 Klaus-san folded his arms and closed his eyes and began to think.

 Augusto-san also put his hand on his chin and pondered his thoughts, but he suddenly raised his gaze and spoke to Klaus-san.

"Father, do you intend to acquire the territory of Marburg in the future?"

"Do you think there's merit in going that far?'

"Nope, if we plan to expand our territory, it will be inevitable that the other six Lords will join us."

"That's not all. In order to expand the territory, you must also gain the support of the residents there. Simply expelling them will not expand the territory. It becomes our own territory for the first time after we rule it ... Do you want to do such a troublesome thing?"

"Nope, I refuse."

"Then, Augusto, what are you aiming for? What are you looking for?"

"I see ... What about income and rights."

 Klaus-san nodded lightly and asked me a question.

"Kent. Japan wants to develop resources in Landshelt, right?'

"Yes, Japan is an island country with a small land area, so they rely on imports from other countries for resources."

"In that case, would you like to mediate the mine development in Marburg?"

"Hmm ... I don't think Marburg is a promising iron mine."

"Hou, why is that?"

"I heard that the mines in the countries where Japan imports iron are from are made entirely of high-purity iron ore."

"Huh? The whole mountain is iron ore?"

"Yes, so rather than digging, it feels like breaking it down."

 I once saw it on a TV quiz show or variety show. In a Brazilian mine, a huge excavator was used to break down a mountain, which was then transported by a huge dump truck.

 In the case of Marburg, it would take too much time and effort to excavate the ore veins by digging through the tunnels.

"The fact that the whole mountain is iron ore means that the ore is exposed, right?"

"Yes, it's like that."

 Klaus-san shrugged his shoulders after looking at Augusto-san.

"There is no such mountain in Landshelt. At least, I have never heard of it."

"Is that so. If so ..."

"What is it, do you have some place in mind?"

"I don't know, but ... Could it be in the Davira Desert?"

"Huh? The desert, huh?"

 I've only been to the Davira Desert on the border with Barshania, but somehow I felt like the sand was reddish.

 I've heard that the Davira Desert was a barren land of sand and rocks.

 If it was just sand, it was unlikely, but if there were rocks, there might be a mountain of iron ore.

"I have never been to the Davira Desert, but even if there is no mine, is it possible to create a base for excavation there ... No, if Kent is here, is it possible."

"That's right. There is no problem in transporting goods via the shadow space. People can also be sent back using the repatriation technique."

"If a large-scale mine is discovered, there is no doubt that Resenburg and Barshania will have troubles, including about ownership."

"Eeehhh ... Even though the long-standing conflict may end."

"Then, you'll have to manage the distribution so that it's fair."

 Reparations from Resenburg to the Japanese government were still more than 3 billion Yen.

 Exporting iron ore may be a good way to reliably repay it, but since it's an iron material, the market price should be cheaper than iron itself, right.

 I felt like we couldn't pay the reparations unless we exported a huge amount.

 Or rather, I might have finished paying for it with just one Gigas magic stone ... Heck, it's too late to realize it now.

"What's wrong? Kent."

"No, it looks like it's going to be a big story, and I can't imagine it well."

"Maa, talking about new mine development is not something that one individual can handle. Rather than that, you should only think about steadily advancing the return of your comrades."

"That's right. That's more important to me."

"If you don't finish it quickly, the Princess of Barshania will depart, right? The preparations for the house and the preparations for reception will never end."

"Ahh, about that matter ..."

 I talked about the attacks that were taking place in Barshania, but neither Klaus-san nor Augusto-san knew how to intentionally make people monster-fallen.

"If you want to intentionally make someone monster-fallen, you can mix magic stones and monster meat with food for a long period of time, but it doesn't seem to be like that."

"Yes, I feel like it's a more immediate method."

"Even if that method spreads to Volzard, it will still take some times, but if it happens before we take countermeasures, we will be one step behind. If you find anything about Barshania, please let me know."

"Yes, I will report it as soon as I get the information."

 I didn't think it was because I spent the New Year's holiday leisurely, but I felt that various troubles were slowly creeping up on me.

 I'd like to finish at least the return work before any major trouble occurs.