Chapter 137

137 . Information Gathering 2

While brilliantly ignoring Mitchan, I proceed the talk with Marquis sama .

No, this is [The job of a noble family head] . That’s why, Mitchan who is being ignored is not that angry . Now, it’s a [Place of Business Talks] between her father and other noble . It’s not a good time for the family to get in the way of the talks .

And Mitchan is a well-educated daughter of a senior nobleman, and a clever one at that .

“…I’m also interested in the ships of this country . In trade perspective, like how much load they can carry, how long they can stay out at the ocean, and how much cost needed to operate them . What is the probability of losing a ship, cargo, personnel etc . in a pirate or marine accident? And…” (Miitsuha)

“And? (Marquis-sama)

“How much expectation we can put in this country in the event of when our country is in a crisis?” (Mitsuha)

It’s all about digging the information about the military strength and the performance of the ships of this country, so this is the result of my thinking about how to ask without being suspicious .

Marquis-sama seems to be thinking quite a bit .

“Hmm, that was a rather difficult questions… Depending on the merchant, there are various places where you have a ship, ask a shipping company, and so on . And there’s a ship and the crew’s arms . Even accidents and pirate damage can vary widely, depending on the route taken, the ship used, the size of the fleet, the weather, and the season . It’s not something that can be simply quantified or expressed in one word . ” (Marquis-sama)

Oh, I see… of course it’ll be like that .

“And I wouldn’t be able to speak lightly about relationship between countries . It depends what kind of treaty is to be concluded, how far should the content of the treaty be interpreted, and it will also depend on the mutual relationship at that time, the domestic situation and the international situation . ” (Marquis-sama)

Well, I’m convinced!

Let’s not ask about the ship’s performance directly here . It would suffice to examine the captured ships and ask former POWs, who are now citizens of our country . I don’t think any new ship will have such a sharp improvement in performance . Unless there is a great breakthrough .

And I’ve heard to some extent about the state-of-the-art ship from soldier-kun, and it’s not too difficult to meet with him again . A sailor or a cadet candidate probably well aware of the ship’s capabilities to some extent . After all, it is the [Underling] that actually measures the speed of the ship and operates the sails by tying a rope to a piece of wood .

It would be useless to ask any more about the ship here . The Marquis may not be a ship expert and I can’t ask him about the country’s foreign policy like, [if you find a new continent, would you invade it?], there’s no way I can ask something like that . That’s why I need more time and the source of information .

What’s left is, gossip and teatime before I run away from here .

“And how much would it take to transport goods from the country of yours, if using the ship of your country?” (Marquis-sama)

Uwaah! A question to locate our country has come!

If I were to answer this, they’ll know the distance to our country, and the candidates can be narrowed to a few countries . Moreover, if I’m giving a hint that we have ships, they’ll know the fact that our country is a sea-facing country .

So, of course, the answer is…

“It’s not something that can be simply quantified or expressed in one word” (Mitsuha)

I returned the words of Marquis-sama as if it was in a circle .

“…is that so” (Marquis-sama)

“…that is so, indeed” (Mitsuha)

“ “Ahahahaha!” “ (Two evil being)

“Please don’t talk about the topic that only two of you can understand!” (Mitchan)

Ah, Mitchan is getting sulky . I have to fix her mood!

Mitchan is my first and only friend in this country, for now .

… What about the daughter of the Count of the birthday party last time, you say?

It’s a birthday gift that was both as a token of gratitude to the Count’s family and to give president-san of the bank some face . Of course, the main purpose is PR, giving the image that I’m a [Girl who is ignorant of the ways of the world that benefits from convenience] .

In other words, she just played the role of a piece called [Daughter of the Count who invited me to a party for the first time] for my performance . It is different from Colette-chan and Sabine-chan who saved my life and also had their lives saved by me .

Well, there is a possibility that she will be able to become my real friend in the future, but that is [Future Potential], not the present .

Actually, I was a bit annoyed at the Count that he involved Mitchan and stated that his daughter were best friends with her without her consent .

If he does that and I accept it, I will surely get a similar push . Thinking that I was weak from being pushed . So, I need to show clearly that anyone who ignores my intentions and pushes me into a weird direction will not be treated . Although I feel bad for that second daughter .

That’s why, at the moment, my only friend in this country is Mitchan .

Mitchan spoke up for me on her own will . She offered a helping hand to me, who was distressed . She even went out and brought jokes that she probably didn’t like much . The only one among them, A proud noble girl with unwavering gaze in her eyes .

Then the talk began, with Mitchan and the Marquis and his wife, and three of his sons were added .

…Of course, the small talk that actively directs towards the information I wanted .

But the other party is the same . A trap to locate my country, implicitly mixed into the topic . A talk about my status, position and family . A conversation that makes me unconsciously speak the words of my native language .

…I’m so tired of it!

After quite some time, let’s withdraw .

No, not quite so much, was the time of my visit already insane …?

Anyway, I heard that there would be some problems if I were to ask strangers at the party venue, a great deal of information was collected .

I heard quite good information because Marquis-sama was on my side… At least because I judged he was an ally in this country . I have no other noble acquaintances in this country, and I have no reason to become Marquis-sama’s enemy, and I have no companion in the first place . Besides, Mitchan and I were good friends .

… we’re good friend, right?

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Well, the Marquis himself, who has the rank and influence on the political and financial circles, considers himself to be a worthy person for me to rely on . He had no doubt about the situation .

… as expected from people who are confident in themselves! For me, if anyone drew closer to me, I always wonder what their real intention was, simply said, I’m always cautious . It’s a legend that can be handed down to future generations!

(Note: Press x to doubt)

Well, I’m on the side of domestic affairs only . Of course, when it comes to international affairs, it’s natural to move based on your home country interests, but in the first place, this country, the kingdom of Vanel, is a major power . A small country that has not yet fairly traded with this country cannot take hostile action for no reason . It’s common to think of diplomacy, trade, and somehow become a friendly nation .

And, in preparation for that, Mitsuha, a beautiful princess born from a concubine, sent to gather information and make connections .

… that what he was thinking, maybe . …don’t retort the [beautiful] part!

So, rather than pursue too much information from me, perhaps he prefers to form a loose fellowship, trying to keep me from hostile factions .

No, all of that was just my speculation though .

Then, during the talk, I heard that the Marquis-sama seemed to have some influence toward the Army .

Too bad! If it’s the navy then it’ll be convenient for me… . No, not really?

Rather than someone of the Navy factions, would someone of the Army factions that is out of the line be more liable to come into contact with any Navy faction?

And even if you tell the Navy about misleading things like, that you are [A little girl who is an official of Army Factions], you would get laughed at most, and maybe they will let you go through, then you can ask various thing of your interest without making them feel alarmed .

Alright, this is probably not bad .

“Then, you should prepare your carriage” (Marquis-sama)

“Ah, I walked here, so I don’t have a carriage waiting for me . I’ll walk home too…” (Mitsuha)

“ “ “ “ “ “There’s no one who would let a little girl walk home on the night road alone!!!” “ “ “ “ “ (Mitchel Family)

They yelled at me .

Synchro rate of Mitchan’s family is high…