Chapter 186: Free Trade Agreement
Yikes… If things continue like this, Eleonora will drain my life force completely.
Sawatari Takeru, the hero who emerged victorious in the world-spanning Great War across the Eura continent, now found himself in the gravest peril—brought to the brink by a single princess knight.
But enough of these trivial jests.
Reclining on a soft silk bed, Eleonora slept with a satisfied expression after fulfilling her promise of five nights of marital bliss. Her porcelain-white cheeks gleamed like fine china, and her lips were as crimson as freshly bloomed roses.
How can she still be so energetic after all that bed-wrestling? Meanwhile, I’ve been sapped of vitality, forced to keep up with Eleonora. If I stepped on a scale right now, I’m sure I’ve lost a good five kilos.
And let’s be clear—it really was five times. Not some metaphor or joke; genuinely five times.
Each encounter was intense, and if this keeps up, I might just keel over and die.
And then there’s the second round. No, maybe even just one more encounter would finish me off. The ultimate red-ball knockout.
Reflecting on it, the first five times were manageable. But this time, around the third encounter, I hit rock bottom. Yet still, five times.
Humans are remarkable. Enough already! Even when Takeru-chan’s SP (Spirit Points) hit zero, she can go for two more rounds.
I’ve learned that human stamina has depths beyond depths. Even when you think you’re squeezed dry, there’s still more to give.
「I never wanted to know the depths of my own endurance…」
My voice, weakened from the battle, barely escaped my lips.
Slipping away from the deathbed, I pondered our next move, considering strategies.
「Takeru, you look exhausted.」
「Ah, Oracle. Thank you.」
Oracle, likely accustomed to royal luxuries, stood just outside the opulent bedroom. She offered a glass of milk, its surface rippling.
My throat was parched. At this point, I’d gulp down anything.
「Ah, this is surprisingly delicious.」
It wasn’t milk. It had a richer, condensed milk-like sweetness.
Yet, it wasn’t overly sticky, and the texture was refreshing, nourishing my entire being. The warmth was gentle on the stomach.
Kaara’s chilled offering is nice, but this is good too.
It even has a slightly fruity flavor. Maybe it’s a kind of mixed juice.
「That is my milk.」
「Whoa!」
「What’s wrong, don’t waste it. Don’t spit it out.」
「No… is this really breast milk?」
Why does your breast milk taste fruity?
Are the fruits hanging from your chest?
No, that can’t be it.
The idea of drinking breast milk or serving it to others is completely foreign to me, and I trembled in astonishment.
「Oracle-sama is an Ancient Succubus. Her breast milk, known as ‘Mother Goddess’s Aphrodisiac’, is said to be the highest form of nectar, providing the best nutrition and vitality. It is so valuable and rare that it cannot be priced.」
Kaara, who is always guarding outside my room, explains this to me.
A drink… Well, since it’s something babies drink, adults might be fine with it too.
「If you say so, then maybe it is……」
「I can’t give it to my child, so my milk swells up. It’s Takeru’s fault for dragging me all the way to Germania so soon after giving birth. It’s only right to drink the excess milk.」
Hmm, so that’s why your milk swells.
Oracle, who was growing to bear a child, quickly returned to her original small physique after giving birth.
Yet, her breasts, which developed to nourish the child, remain oddly large and prominent. Demons are truly strange beings.
A big breasted loli…… Oracle is three hundred years old, so that’s not the case, but the contrast between her youthful face and motherly body is indescribable.
I need to stop thinking about this.
「Takeru, it’s good that you’re feeling better, but it’s troubling when you look at me like that. I said it would be fine to have another child, but you’ll have to wait a bit. You can’t conceive while you’re nursing the other, you know?」
「No, no, what are you talking about? I’m not thinking about that at all…」
Being told such things makes me overly conscious of them. My body feels unusually hot.
It seems true that the milk of an Ancient Succubus is the ultimate nutritional supplement. I feel strangely invigorated.
「If you have excess energy, you should share it with Kaara. That way, it won’t go to waste.」
「Wait, wait, that’s not what I meant!」
Kaara, with her blushing cheeks and seductive expression, looks exotically alluring.
While it’s great that my SP (spirit points) have recovered, the rising lust is problematic. This isn’t a solution.
「Then, what is it about?」
「It’s about Eleonora. She’s being reckless because she’s the only one without a child.」
I candidly recount to Oracle what happened in bed.
As expected of the expert on sexuality, the trusted and experienced Ancient Succubus. Oracle’s counseling is quite helpful.
「Takeru, didn’t you learn about sexual knowledge at school? You should tell Eleonora that having a lot of sex doesn’t immediately result in a child.」
「Oracle, if I were confident in convincing Eleonora, I wouldn’t be asking you for help. When she comes at me with such force, I can’t resist.」
I declare this proudly, and Oracle sighs.
「Don’t act so high and mighty. Just when I thought you’d become a bit more dependable, you’re still helpless in that area.」
「I’m sorry, please help me, Oracle-chan.」
Honestly, I have no confidence in handling Eleonora, so I grasp Oracle’s hand and plead.
The helpless husband who can’t manage his wife—so be it.
In truth, those who have never been thoroughly tested by the princess knight cannot fathom my feelings. It’s truly extraordinary. Our encounters are like a wild dance—a tempest of emotions.
But this cannot continue unchecked. If we persist, our lineage may dwindle, and that would be a grave concern. So, I am equally desperate to find a solution.
「Don’t say something pathetic when you’re already a man who’s a father….. Well, Takeru is Takeru, so I guess it can’t be helped.」
「I’m sorry for troubling you every time.」
Oracle, with a mix of exasperation and an inexplicable smile, drew me close.
「It’s precisely these endearing qualities that make you irresistible. And perhaps I, too, am an imperfect mother.」
「Oracle.」
「But fear not. Lean on me even more. Even if we have two infants to care for—I’ll dote on you just the same.」
「That makes you a very dependable mother.」
Oracle, shorter than me, played the part of a mother, indulging me. Her overflowing maternal instincts were both heartwarming and amusing.
Though our purpose was to safely escort the ailing Emperor Conrad, I regretted the necessity of prying her away from her newborn. It weighed on my conscience.
Regarding flight capabilities, perhaps we could have entrusted one side of the Emperor’s carriage to Dragon Maiden Are, who could fly. But Are’s erratic flying style wasn’t much different from strapping him to the back of the Great Fire Dragon, High Salamander.
Alas, carrying passengers remained a challenge.
This time, Are claimed to be busy with wedding preparations, so she stayed behind in the capital.
Oracle, on the other hand, possessed precise flight control—more stable than even Kaara. She was indispensable during such missions.
Yet, I wondered: What could I offer Oracle in return? I was always the one receiving help and affection.
「Heh. I did say it’s okay to lean on me. Somehow, fate led the Dungeon Master to take a break and create offspring with Takeru. But being relied upon by a man isn’t such a terrible fate.」
「Agreed. Let’s return to the children soon. If there’s anything I can do for you, Oracle, don’t hesitate to ask.」
Despite her diminutive form, her true age of three hundred years was evident. She saw through my emotions, as expected.
「Very well. I shall reason with the unruly Eleonora. Though she burns like a raging fire, it’s not like she can’t be taught. Leave it to me, and Takeru, focus on swiftly completing your own tasks.」
「Sorry for the trouble.」
Together with Kaara, I made my way toward the grand hall of the imperial palace. Today, Empress Eliza and I were scheduled to meet with diplomatic envoys from the former Germanian vassal states.
「Ah, Takeru, wait a moment.」
「What’s the matter now?」
「Did you promise to do anything and everything?」
「Not everything.」
I clarified, wary of setting off dangerous flags.
Oracle, uncharacteristically bashful, beckoned me closer and whispered,
「Listen, if my milk supply becomes an issue again, I’ll call for you.」
「Wait, you mean—Yes, understood.」
I didn’t expect her to ask for a favour like that but that’s just my interpretation. Perhaps it was another duty befitting a father, even if it felt somewhat different.
But I couldn’t entrust it to anyone else.
※※※
「We are painfully grateful for such a generous proposal after all the trouble we have caused the Kingdom of Silesie…..」
I swallow the words, ‘You didn’t just trouble us, you attacked us’ to avoid another war.
The diplomats of the empire seemed to be patting their chests at the moderate proposal put forward by the Kingdom of Silesie.
With the restoration of the Imperial Capital Northmark by the legitimate Germania Empire, internal turmoil had nearly subsided. Both the former and the new Germanian Imperial forces had pledged allegiance to the young Empress Elizabeth, rightful heir.
The conflict had come to an end, but now the question remained: how to handle the former imperial vassals? The Duchy of Lanct and the autonomous city-states of the Sway Peninsula had already become protectorates under the Silesie Kingdom.
However, the Eastern Triarchy—those kingdoms that had fought alongside Dyson’s forces during the Siege of Lanct—worried about their fate. Having recently regained independence amidst the chaos of the empire’s collapse, they now feared becoming embroiled in another aggressive war led by the resurgent Silesie Kingdom, once the preeminent power on the Eura continent.
When I proposed conditional recognition of their independence, they practically knelt in relief.
「But, is it truly acceptable to offer such generous terms?」
「Indeed, the proposal from Silesia’s hero is so magnanimous it borders on the terrifying.」
Together with Lyle-sensei, we had devised a form of ‘Free Trade Agreement’. By abolishing all tariffs, we aimed to foster unrestricted trade, spur industrial growth, and encourage investment.
「Of course, in exchange for guaranteeing their independence, we won’t impose any tariffs within our territories. We’ll assist in developing trade ports and allow for our merchants’ enclaves. And for resident traders, we’ll recognize extraterritorial rights while ensuring their safety. Only if the host nation cannot adequately secure the safety of our residents would we consider minimal escort protection.」
The abolition of tariff autonomy, the leasing of enclaves in key cities and treaty ports, and the granting of extraterritorial rights—all wrapped up in the guise of a Free Trade Agreement. Beneath its appealing name lay demands for most-favored-nation treatment, a delicate dance of unequal treaties.
Ah, the delicate dance of diplomacy! It’s fascinating how different cultures perceive concepts like tariffs. While the Eastern nations might not fully grasp the intricacies, we’re not out to ruthlessly exploit them. Rather, it’s a precautionary measure, given their lack of modern legal frameworks.
「If it’s only that, there shouldn’t be a problem.」
「I agree. As long as independence is assured…. The East often faces shortages, so we’d welcome robust trade—it’s mutually beneficial.」
As trade flourishes, they’ll eventually appreciate the benefits of free trade. Of course, our interests come first, but let’s all prosper together—that’s the proposal. Besides, the East serves as a bulwark against the wild lands of monsters and barbarians, so maintaining their stability is crucial.
Now, the envoy from the City-State Alliance of Pulpolis seems hesitant about tariff abolition.
「Tariffs abolished, you say…」
This thin, bearded ambassador, Alippos, draped in a white toga adorned with gold trim, appears less enthusiastic about our Free Trade Agreement compared to the Eastern Triarchy.
In our old world, Pulpolis would be akin to a collection of small city-states around Greece. A maritime trading nation along the Adrea Inner Sea, they’ve proposed an unusual arrangement: indirect protection under Silesia’s wing, effectively becoming a protectorate.
But why this insistence? Well, it’s all about diplomacy across the Adrea Inner Sea—think of it as Anatolia in my former world, where Pulpolis wants to tread carefully with the still-not-so-famous Silesie Kingdom, even though it’s become a powerhouse on the Eura continent.
And yet, when it comes to the Free Trade Agreement proposed by Silesia’s bureaucrats, there’s a hint of wariness in the air.
The City State Alliance of Pulpolis, facing the Adrea Inland Sea, stood as a cultural beacon. Known for its production of sugar, olive oil, fish sauce, and fine art, it thrived in bustling trade.
Perhaps this unassuming gentleman possessed more wit than his appearance suggested. Did he truly grasp the gravity of losing tariff autonomy?
「For us, even harbor entry taxes are vital revenue.」
「Is that so?」
While establishing enclaves in treaty ports was acceptable, the prospect of losing harbor taxes left a bitter taste. Stingy, yes, but unavoidable.
Germania, as the suzerain, had its excuses. Yet, if only ships from Silesia sailed tax-free while others paid, fairness would crumble.
「Well, perhaps we can find a compromise. I believe the Alliance can be persuaded. After all, Silesie vessels rarely grace our shores. Let it be so.」
「Much appreciated.」
And so, in the future, Silesie ships might flood the harbors of the mustachioed Uncle Alippos’ country. Apologies in advance—balancing this newfound trade would surely birth both prosperity and troubles.
But that was a tale for another day.
As the unassuming Empress Eliza, recently ascended from the retired Emperor’s shadow, observed the opulent silk-clad diplomats negotiating, she sighed.
Even sitting still was taxing for a little girl.
And those golden imperial crowns? Well, they seemed a tad oversized for her petite head.
「Eliza, you’ve done well.」
「Oh, no. I merely watched.」
「Being a ruler—whether king or emperor—is often about entrusting others and overseeing.」
「Is that so? Yes, perhaps it is…」
Barely audible, a voice whispered, ‘I can only do this much’. It belonged to Eliza, the Empress of the World Class Empire of Germania. For a girl of eight or nine, the weight upon her shoulders seemed too heavy.
Seeing her small frame tense, I removed my cumbersome crown and gently massaged her shoulders.
「Eliza, just because you’ve become an empress doesn’t mean you must instantly grow up. For now, lean on the adults around you—rely on Conrad and Zither.」
「Is that really acceptable?」
「It is. Even I, an adult, cling to our tiny Oracle like an infant seeking comfort.」
I couldn’t help but reveal the embarrassing memory of the Oracle who once nursed me. Odd, perhaps, to speak this way to a child, but as equals—both leaders—we understood vulnerability.
「Remember, you only need to make decisive choices when necessary. Otherwise, don’t carry that weight constantly; it’ll exhaust you.」
「Ufufu. Is Takeru-sama also a baby? Well, then maybe I can be a child too. After the diplomatic banquet, Zither will showcase a new musical technique. Would you care to join, Takeru-sama?」
「Certainly.」
「An honor indeed. I almost forgot. Being your companion is a noble duty for an empress!」
Her tension seemed to ease—a joke well received.
And so, Eliza navigated her first official event with the foreign envoys of the imperial states. Despite her youth, she astounded the reception at the palace dinner with her confident address.
I felt reassured. Perhaps this would suffice.
Later that evening, in Eliza’s chambers, we were treated to Zither’s peculiar and delightful musical performance until bedtime.
-0-
Ah, the whimsical artistry of music—the kind that defies convention and dances to its own rhythm! Eliza’s laughter echoed through the opulent chamber as she watched Zither sprawled on the floor, drumsticks in hand, pounding the drum while plucking the lute. It was an odd fusion, yet somehow, it worked—a testament to Zither’s quiet brilliance.
But let’s be honest: Zither’s approach was as peculiar as a three-legged unicorn. While her creativity amused us, I doubted this method would become the latest trend in courtly music. Still, having an unflappable court musician like Zither around meant Eliza needn’t suffocate in the stifling formality of the imperial palace.
「Shall we have a slumber party tonight?」
「Sure. And Zither, why the pillow?」
「Isn’t tonight a grand sleepover?」
「Since when do emperors host sleepovers? Are you sure you were a court musician here before, Zither?」
「Oh, absolutely. I’m a very good musician.」
「Top-notch skills, but a head that wanders. Once our business is done, retreat to your own quarters.」
With an indignant snort, Zither clung to her precious pillow and exited. She had a knack for ignoring protocol, even after returning to the imperial court. I’d spun it as a favor to Eliza, but I wondered if Zither truly understood the implications.
「Well, I can’t babysit Zither forever.」
「Takeru-sama, this pillow is delightfully plush.」
And so, knowing that our paths might diverge for a while once we left Germania, I decided to share Eliza’s bed. The Emperor’s private chamber surpassed even our guest rooms in opulence—a bed fit for a dozen slumbering souls.
As Eliza drifted off, I regaled her with tales from my world.
「You know, we used to play a game called ‘pillow fight’…」
Her response? A soft, sleepy murmur. She’d nestled her face against my chest, seeking comfort in dreams.
And there, in the quiet of the imperial chamber, I realized that sometimes, even emperors needed a moment of respite—a lullaby in the midst of grandeur.
「Today has been quite eventful, hasn’t it? Goodnight, Eliza.」
「Soo, soo.」
Truly, she must be exhausted. Eliza’s breathing was deep and peaceful. Seeing her like this, her innocent face transformed into that of an adorable child.
In the Emperor’s opulent chamber—where even the esteemed Princess Knight Eleonora would hesitate to sneak in—I, too, found solace.
Thanks to Eliza, I could rest peacefully.