A week later, Hercule and Lunalie visited the Kingdom of Hayastan.
　It's only a boat ride from Nova Lemuria, so it's easy to get there and back.

　"Yes, this is quite tasty. The taste is richer than the honey I usually eat. But it has a light aftertaste, so it's not overpowering. I'll have them stock it next time.

　Hercule smeared some of the Hayastan honey on a piece of bread and commented on it.
　It was confirmed that Hayastan honey would be on the table at the Nova Lemuria Palace from now on.

　But the Lemurian bees - Lemuria's bees - are so aggressive that beekeeping is impossible. But by crossing Lemurian honeybees - bees commonly grown for beekeeping in the Lemurian Empire - with Foulsian honeybees - bees commonly grown for beekeeping in the Kingdom of Foulsian, we have succeeded in raising bees. . That's the honey you're eating now.

　I see. By the way, there's one thing I'm curious about. Why isn't there much of it on the market?　If the taste is so distinctly different from that of ordinary honey, why isn't it better known?
　I'm not sure what to make of it. They are sensitive to stress. ......
　I see.

　Beekeeping technology in this world is still in its infancy. ......
　In order to obtain honey, the hive had to be destroyed once.

　But if you did that, you would not be able to collect honey from the same bee.

　This was the case for the Hayastan, Lemurian, and Foulds bees.

　So, the solution is to introduce a hive.
　"Hive?　We do have a hive, but it's at .......
　"Not the old hive, but the new one. It's not an old hive, it's a new one, but it was made for Lemurian bees, so I don't know if it will work for Hayastan bees.

　Hercule said, and had a servant bring the hive to him.
　Then he explained its structure to Lunalie.

　The old hive was just an enclosed space for the bees to build a nest. It was literally just a box. But this one is different.

　Hercule opened the lid of the box and took out a wooden board from inside.

　"This is the hive. There are about eight of them. It's easy to check the health of the bees because you can easily take them out from inside like this.

　Hercule handed the hive frame to Lunalie.

　"What are these hexagonal bumps?
　That's the hive foundation. It's made of beeswax. It's like a device to make bees produce honey. If you put it in a centrifuge, you can extract the honey from the hive. If you put the hive back in, you can collect the honey again. That's ....... Well, you'd better ask a beekeeper in Lemuria for details. I'm not an expert.

　The idea itself was given by Hercule, but the actual production was done by the scholars led by Hupatia and the beekeepers of Lemuria.
　In addition, this is only a hive for Lemurian bees, and it may or may not be suitable for ...... Hayastan bees.

　Different bees will have different adaptations.

　How did you come up with that?
　"Well, you know, ...... Luna, is this a good idea for a specialty?
　And Hayastan grapes and Hayastan wheat. ......
　"Don't try to convince people that Hayastan is a speciality by putting Hayastan in the head. We know that Hayastan grapes and wheat are the same species as Lemuria.
　"Tsk.

　Lunalie clicked her tongue with a look of disapproval.

　Now, let's talk about the industries of Hayastan.

　First of all, the main industry of the Kingdom of Khayastan is ......
　First and foremost, it is agriculture. (I mean, there is no country in this world where agriculture is not a major industry, except for nomadic countries.

　The main crops are grapes and other fruit trees, wheat and barley.
　The main crops grown are fruit trees such as grapes, wheat and barley, and cotton, which Lunalie had to extort from Hercule.

　These are not consumed domestically, but are exported to Lemuria or Phars.
　Not long ago, they were exported to Phars. ......
　Now, due to the change in alliances and the direct connection between Nova Lemuria and the economy by sea, most of the products are shipped to Nova Lemuria.

　Nova Lemuria is a place of mass consumption, so the more you bring to Nova Lemuria, the more it sells.
　However, there are many rivals and competition, so it is not always possible to make a large profit.

　Next is animal husbandry.
　Sheep and goats are raised on pasture.
　Most of these seem to be consumed domestically.

　Although the amount of mining resources is small, there are many kinds of gold, silver, copper, and iron.

　Industry is not very developed, and iron products in particular are imported from Lemuria and Phallus.
　This is because the possession of weapons above a certain level and the manufacture of weapons were forbidden during the time of the Kingdom of Phallus.

　Commerce is relatively developed due to transit trade with Lemuria, Phars, northern countries, and nomadic states.
　This is not a major industry, however, as it depends heavily on the international situation.

　You're planning to stay in Khayastan for two weeks, right?
　Yes. I'll have to go there myself to finish the job.

　After the massacre in Erstadt, the nobility has been disposed of and the Kingdom of Khayastan has become much more open.
　In the event you have any questions regarding where and how to use the site, you can contact us at .......

　The only concern was the rebellion of the purged nobles' vassals. ......


　As for the minimum number of private troops held by the nobles, they were either paid a certain amount of severance pay or provided with land to be used as tonten soldiers, and civilian officers were hired by the kingdom government as bureaucrats, which has not led to any major rebellion so far.

　The nobles did not swear allegiance to the king, but it seems that they themselves did not receive much loyalty from their vassals.
　I guess this is what karma is all about.

　Well, it is natural for humans to obey those who provide them with food, shelter, and wealth.

　It doesn't take that long to get from Nova Lemuria to Erstadt by sea, so Hercule had been sending reform orders from Nova Lemuria until now. ......
　I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do that.

　You'll be able to find a lot more than just a few of these in the marketplace. I plan to visit Hayastan regularly.
　I love it when you protect Hayastan, so keep up the good work.




　After that, Hercule and Lunalie took a few days to drive to Erstadt by carriage.
　What awaited them in Erstadt were the loud cheers of the citizens of Erstadt.

　"Long live the Queen!
　"Long live the Emperor!
　Glory to the Kingdom of Khayastan and the Lemurian Empire!

　Hercule and Lunalie smiled at this.

　"That's quite a reception for a vassal state. The Khayastans seem to be taking it pretty easy, don't they?
　"Well, we're both Messianists.

　The Kingdom of Hayastan has been ruled by the Kingdom of Fars until now.
　Therefore, they have no resistance to being ruled.
　For them, the time when they are not ruled is abnormal.

　Many of the Khayastans, who were dissatisfied with the long-standing exploitation of the Kingdom of Farus and bored with the unchanging status quo, favored Erkül's rule.
　So far, Hercule is a great ruler who did not impose heavy taxes, did not enforce any particular religion, and redistributed the wealth by carrying out public works such as flood control, irrigation, and road construction, and purging the nobles who were an eyesore to the common people.

　...... Well, the cost of the public works was a loan that Hercule lent to the Kingdom of Hayastan, so they would eventually have to pay it back in taxes, but only a few were aware of that.

　At this rate, you'll be able to win over the Khayastans just by giving them alms on a regular basis.
　"I won't be.
　Even if you don't, it won't do any good if the rest of Khayastan is won over.
　...... You're right.

　Lunalie sighed.
　It seems that Lunalie can't hide her dismay at the lack of pride of her own people.


　And so, when they entered the castle of Erstadt, a meal was prepared for the two of them.
　No, it's wrong to say ...... for the two of them.

　To be more precise, it is ...... for Hercule, Lunalie, and the former King of Hayastan, Frates III, and the pro-Lemurian nobles.

　It was a dinner to show the unity of Hercule, Lunalie, the former king, and the nobles inside and outside the country, and also a place to discuss politics.

　This is the second time I've dined with you ....... Your Majesty.
　This is the second time you've dined with me ......, Your Majesty." "Yes, ......, Lord Frates. "* There is no title system such as "Duke" in the Kingdom of Khayastan, but for the sake of convenience, I will use "Lord" as a title of honor.

　Hercule and Fuhrates III are chatting in a friendly manner.
　The nobles of Hayastan can tell from this that former King Fuhrates still has a good impression of Hercule even after his abdication, and that Hercule is being suitably polite to him.

　However, both of them are playing the role to make the nobles think so.

　"By the way, ...... have you gained weight?
　"Oh, you noticed that?　Oh, my God, I'm so embarrassed.

　However, it was clear from his appearance that he had no desire to remain on the throne.

　"Your Majesty, are things going well with the Emperor?　I can't wait to see my grandchildren.
　"...... Father, you're too quick.

　Flates III spoke to Lunalie, who was sitting next to Hercule eating a meal.
　Although Lunalie is now the king,......, there seems to be no significant change in the relationship between father and son.

　I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one.

　Flates III called his servants and instructed them to bring him the "product".
　The servant immediately brought out a jar with something in it.

　This is mead," he said. As I recall, the Emperor has already eaten our specialty, Hayastan honey, hasn't he?　It's a liquor made from it.

　While King Frates III was explaining, the servants poured mead into the glasses of Hercule and Lunalie.

　"That Hayastan honey ...... looks promising.

　Hercule does as he is told and takes a sip.
　The spirit is not too strong and goes down the throat easily.

　I was expecting ...... a sweet taste, but the sweetness is moderate and easy to drink. It's easy to drink, even if you're not a big drinker. Hey, Luna.
　I've always liked .......

　By the time she had finished her first glass of Hercule, Lunalie was already drinking her second.
　I'm not sure if it's because I'm familiar with the drink or because I'm not a strong drinker, but Lunalie gulped down the mead.

　"Your Majesty, in fact, ...... honey wine is very popular among newlyweds in our country. Do you know why?

　In response to King Frates III's question, Hercule pondered for a moment and then said, ......

　"Is it because bees are prolific?
　Your Majesty!　You know exactly what I'm talking about!　That's why my grandson will take good care of you.

　Frates III smiles happily, and Hercule smiles bitterly.
　They seem to be having a great time since they abdicated.

　Suddenly, Hercule felt something leaning against his body.
　He looked to his left and saw that Lunalie was leaning towards him.

　"Heika~
　"You're too weak to drink.

　Hercule sighed.
　Hercule took the drink from Lunalie.

　"Oh, I'm still drinking. ......



　When the liquor was taken away from her, Lunalie threw all of her weight on Hercule to get back at him.
　This is a great way to make sure that you don't have to worry about your own health.

　I'm looking forward to ...... my grandchildren.
　Well, ...... you can count on it.




　The food continued to arrive one after the other.
　Hercule grabbed a handful of food, drank enough to keep him from getting drunk, and continued chatting with Frates III and the nobles.

　Lunalie is slumped over, her body resting against Hercule as she sleeps.

　Then, ......
　A dish caught Hercule's eye.

　It was a simple dish of cheese and tomatoes on crackers, topped with herbs. 　
　Of course, this did not surprise Hercule.
　What surprised Hercule was that there was some kind of black stuff on top of the ...... cheese.

　Hercule reached for the dish and took a bite.
　Then he said.

　"......, that's caviar.

　The Kingdom of Khayastan had an extraordinary specialty.







　Caviar.
　It is the roe of the sturgeon, one of the world's three great delicacies.

　Its rich and sensual taste attracts many people.
　It is an undisputed luxury food.

　However, Hercule had never eaten caviar until today. (He had tasted it in a previous life, so he knew what it tasted like.
　Nova Lemuria was the center of world trade, and there was no foodstuff that could not be gathered.

　However, Hercule had never eaten caviar, and had never even heard of it.
　He didn't even know caviar existed in this world.

　Until today, at this moment.

　I've never even heard of caviar. ...... But Luna. Why didn't you tell me?

　The next day, Hercule questioned Lunalie at the breakfast table.
　After that dinner, Lunalie was completely drunk. ...... "What is caviar?　Is it good? She was too drunk to ask.

　I've eaten it rather often, but I've never heard of it becoming a ...... specialty. Are they famous in Nova Lemuria?
　"...... No, it's not even distributed in the first place. I see, that's because it's too rare.

　Because it was too rare, its existence was not known abroad in the first place.
　On the other hand, the royalty and aristocracy of Khayastan were able to eat it ...... frequently because it was regularly offered by the fishermen.

　Therefore, caviar was not that rare for the Lunarians, but for foreigners like Hercule, it was so rare that they didn't even know it existed in the first place. ......
　This created a very strange situation.

　Is caviar really that great?
　"As far as I know, it can only be found in the Kingdom of Khayastan. Once the existence of caviar is known, the demand for it will increase dramatically.

　The problem is overfishing.
　It would be necessary to strictly prohibit poaching and control the catch by the government.

　"Well, that's good news anyway. It's a specialty that no other country can match.
　...... Maybe this bread could be a great specialty?
　It's just ordinary bread.