Chapter 29

"Brother"

When we boarded the largest sailboat moored at the port, Chelina's brother arrived.

Why does he seem so lackluster compared to his sister?

"Hey, huh? A new person?"

His lanky, droopy-eyed brother turned his gaze towards me.

"This is Akira-sama, who kindly agreed to serve as a consultant. Please be respectful."

"I'm Akira. Nice to meet you."

I offered a business smile and extended my hand, but he shook his head.

"Sailors' hands are dirty, you know. We use tar in various places. Your gesture is enough. I'm Paros Veriello. But a consultant as a sister? Is a storm coming or something?"

"Well, if it does, we can get fresh water, which would be a blessing. How is the ship doing?"

I thought Chelina received quite a harsh comment, but she brushed it off lightly. This might be how they usually interact.

"We finally identified the source of the water leak. It's fully repaired, so the drainage work has been significantly reduced."

"It took a while."

"The crack was above the waterline, which was quite a surprise. I never imagined water could accumulate from such a place."

"Is that even possible?"

"According to the chief mate, it is. It's rare, but since it's above the waterline, once the location is known, the repair is simple."

"That's good to hear."

"We pushed to build the ship, so problems will arise somewhere."

Paros looked up at the massive ship, his eyes somewhat protective.

"We've been operating for three years now. It's about time it stabilized."

"The problems have all surfaced. If you have the funds, you can start building a second ship."

"That's completely impossible with our current situation."

"I see... I understand. For now, that's the report."

"Understood. Now, let's talk about the export goods."

Chelina's aide handed over a wooden board. I really want to know his name by now.

"Here are the documents."

"... Aren't the purchase prices all more than double?"

"The carriage tax, goods tax, ship tax, and export tax are all compounded. If we buy any cheaper, our suppliers will go bankrupt."

"... Brother, how much can these be sold for there?"

"Not much different from the purchase price."

"Then it's rejected. Considering the expenses, it would result in a loss."

"But then the suppliers will go bankrupt."

"... There's no choice. The risks don't match at all. Look for other products."

"I understand. However, the country's industries are limited to salt, fish, and buffalo-related products after the rainy season... I'll look, but don't expect much."

"I understand."

The aide called a nearby person and relayed the instructions. The person ran off like a rocket with a fire lit under their butt.

"Hey, what were you originally exporting?"

"Clay. This area's soil is ideal for pottery. We send it in unglazed pots. Since clay needs to be aged, it's appreciated."

"I see."

But there are no other industries?

"Salt and fish?"

"The destination is the port..."

This was answered by Paros. He was still there. (I'm terrible.)

"Isn't it necessary to rethink the fundamental industries?"

"I agree. But this is one of the harshest lands among the small western countries. There are no proper industries..."

"Ah... But the port is impressive. It could be used as a hub port."

"A hub... what's that?"

It's hard to explain when asked directly.

"Um, how to put it... In this case, it means a port that serves as a mandatory stopover when traveling to other places."

I used the general meaning, though the precise term would be a base.

"I hear the town imposes a lot of taxes on merchants. If we eliminate those, people will gather. Goods will gather. If we can create a system where goods are transported to other towns and countries via this country, it would be ideal. Like a free economic city. It would be great if we could establish special economic zones too."

"Free economic city."

Chelina repeated it.

"Well, at first, there won't be much tax revenue, and there's the risk of cultural influx and even refugees. But if things go well, more inns and shops selling various goods will open, increasing inventory and logistics. This will ultimately lead to better cash flow and increased tax revenue... hopefully."

I don't think it will go that smoothly. If it does, it would require very competent bureaucrats. But seeing how things are done in this country, it's a method worth trying.

"Well, a country doesn't change that easily."

"... Yes."

"Let's think about what we can export."

I was so captivated by the massive ship that I let my guard down.

While talking, my attention wandered to the deck's rope winches, figurehead, and masts.

"... Are you using the right words?"

"... Ah! Sorry, I was so impressed by the magnificent sailboat that I lost myself!"

I failed!

I failed again!

"Haha, it's fine. Chelina seems to soften up more when you do that. Please get along well. I'd be happy if you treated me the same way. Yeah, let's be friends."

He smiled carelessly, his droopy eyes even more relaxed.

"Sorry... This is my natural state. I let my guard down."

"Sailors don't need formalities."

"I appreciate that. I look forward to working with you."

"Likewise. ... What are you going to do next, Chelina?"

"I'll have lunch with Akira-sama and think about the export goods. If we can't find good ones, we might have to delay our departure."

"Will the crew agree...?"

"In the worst case, we'll transport clay. We need to import anyway."

"True. But please do it soon."

"Understood. Let's go, Akira-sama."

"Sure."

And so, the three of us returned to the guild, with the aide in tow, of course.