Chapter 98

And now.

The blue flame vanished soundlessly.

All that was left was a little ash and a distinct smell lingering in the nose.

The night air returned. But what had been there moments ago was certainly reality.

I raised my gaze and called out quietly.

“Princess Elysia.”

The Princess slowly turned this way. What remained deep in her eyes was not surprise, but thought.

“May I have a little of your time?”

“…I do not mind.”

I gave a slight nod.

“Then, let us change locations.”

Leaving the courtyard, we moved to an indoor room with calm lighting. As the door closed, the presence of the outside was shut out.

All that remained was a quiet space and each other’s breathing.

I sat down in a chair and opened my mouth without pause.

“I will get straight to the point. We are lacking opium.”

Princess Elysia narrowed her eyes slightly.

There was no surprise. It was a face that had already guessed it.

“Does that mean the demand has increased too much?”

“Yes. As a means to suppress pain, its uses have broadened too much.”

I answer shortly.

“We are harvesting it here as well. However, neither the quality nor the quantity is stable. The monks say that what is harvested in the south is of high quality, but…”

At those words, Princess Elysia’s fingertips moved slightly.

…As I thought, she has an idea.

I continue.

“Your nation has vassal states in the south, correct?”

Silence. There is no denial.

“I believe a stable supply is possible.”

Princess Elysia quietly exhaled.

“…Certainly, there is a possibility. However, why is there a need for our nation to bear that?”

A natural question. I slightly relaxed the corners of my mouth.

“I will pay a compensation.”

“With money, is it?”

“That is part of it, but my main offer is something else.”

Princess Elysia’s gaze catches me straight on.

I paused slightly before saying,

“—What I showed you earlier.”

The Princess’s eyes wavered faintly.

“The flame from the sulfur. That is not a special miracle. It is a phenomenon that anyone can reproduce if the conditions are met.”

I continue quietly.

“I collectively call things like that a ‘technique’.”

The air pulled slightly taut.

“And I, as an Honorary Count of your nation, am prepared to provide a portion of it.”

The Princess’s breathing became just the slightest bit deeper.

“What is included in the provision of techniques is not limited to sleight-of-hand tricks like that fire.”

There, I dropped my words.

“—I will hand over the research results on anesthesia.”

The air changes slightly. The Princess’s breathing stopped for just an instant.

“…”

She immediately regained her composure, but she could not completely hide what was deep in her eyes.

“Were you interested?”

“Yes. That is a technique that can change a nation.”

I nodded.

“Indeed. However, I have no intention of handing it over just like that.”

…Naturally. Princess Elysia is also unperturbed.

“There are conditions, then.”

“Yes.”

I placed another document on the desk.

“Management of its usage.”

Her gaze drops. Written there are the regulations.

“The use of poppy seeds will be under a permit system.”

I announce quietly.

“Only doctors, or approved individuals, will handle it. The amount, the usage, all of it will be recorded. …If spread without limits, it will eventually distort things.”

Addiction, abuse, and collapse. I do not say that much, but the meaning is fully conveyed.

“The same applies when supplying it to your nation.”

Princess Elysia said, keeping her gaze on the document.

“…That is strict.”

“It is a necessary restriction.”

Silence falls, and eventually the Princess slowly raised her face.

“However, even if such regulations are laid down—”

She chooses her words slightly.

“There is a possibility that the church will voice objections.”

I answered immediately.

“There is no problem.”

And, I presented another document.

The imprint of a sealing wax. It belonged to the church.

“…I have already obtained their permission.”

Princess Elysia’s eyes widened greatly.

“This is—”

“It is also approved regarding the usage management.”

I continue matter-of-factly.

“Limited to medical purposes. Leaving records. Not deviating from that. As long as it is within that scope, the church will not interject.”

After a heavy silence, Princess Elysia slowly let out a breath.

“…Your preparations are fully in order, aren’t they.”

“Negotiations are something you do after preparing, are they not?”

When I said so, Princess Elysia smiled bitterly.

“Yes… that is exactly right.”

And, she drops her gaze, looking at the document again. After a little while, Princess Elysia raised her face.

“I have understood the conditions.”

She says quietly.

“Including the negotiations with the southern vassal states, our nation will take responsibility and coordinate it. However, could you provide the techniques in stages?”

This time, it was her turn to step in.

I narrowed my eyes slightly.

“Oh? Not all at once, but while repeatedly confirming and exchanging.”

It makes sense. It means a long-term contract instead of a one-time transaction, huh.

Princess Elysia softened her voice just the slightest bit.

“…I do not wish for a relationship that ends just once.”

I answer.

“That is the same for us here. I desire a relationship where we can join hands for a long time to come.”

—The intent was talk between nations. However, the faintest hint of color tinged the Princess’s cheeks.

“…Yes.”

Softly.

Our gazes intersect. No further words were needed. Princess Elysia nodded quietly.

“This looks like it will become a good transaction. However, I will take this matter back to my home country, and reply formally after deliberation.”

She slightly adjusted the tone of her voice.

It was a natural procedure as a princess. It is not within a scope that can be decided by personal judgment. I nod.

“I do not mind. I am looking forward to it, Princess Elysia.”

At those words, she raised the corners of her mouth ever so slightly.

“Yes. I will exert my utmost to meet your expectations.”

That voice was softer than before.