Pirates, huh? That's a tough one.
Absolutely. There is a time for business. There's a time for business, and missing that time can cost you dearly. It's truly abhorrent.

　The merchant Olba complains, twitching the fox ears on her head.
　When I stopped by the Strand Trading Company in Brunhild, I was having tea in the back room at the invitation of Olba, who happened to be there.
　Olba's Strand Trading Company is quite extensive, but its head office is in Berges, the royal capital of Mismid.
　Mr. Orba is not a Missmid's merchant, so he has always traded with a variety of countries, but it seems that he basically transports his goods by ship.
　Belfast, Regulus, Lamish, Rhodomea, Lyle, Felsen, and Restia, all of which are located along the great river of the Gau, run their ships along the river, while Lefries, Linie, Paloof, and Elfrau are said to be on the seaway.
　It is said that pirates have recently started to appear on the seaway, and some of the merchants' ships have been damaged. It's certainly an annoying story.

"We think they have a 'hideout' on an island near Leifreth, but they are very cautious and won't let the pirates have their tails up.
Is Leaf Lease taking any action?
The navy is keeping a close watch on us, though... We can't afford to have our merchant ships escorted all the time.

　I pull my phone out of my pocket and display a map of the waters around Mismid to Linier.

'Search. Pirate hideout.
"Searching.... Displaying.

　Stot-tot-tot-tot, and the pins fall on several islands. Six? Is this six bases for a single pirate group, or are there multiple pirate groups?

'This is....'
It's all the pirates' hideout. It's unlikely that they have a protective ward, so I think that's all of them.

　I took a picture of the map with the camera function and called King Lefries.

"Oh, hello, His Majesty. It's His Majesty. I'd like to speak with you about the pirates. Yes yes, I do. And, you see. I've found out where they're hiding, and I'll send you an email with an attachment. ...no, no, don't worry about it. Do you mind?　I'll have it next time. Yes, thank you. Well, I'll take my leave.

　Yes, sir.

They're sending the Leafs' navy to all the safe houses right away. That ought to make you feel a little safer.
''No........I'm here. We've been struggling with our problems for so long, and you've solved them in just a few minutes.... Well, you are as usual.

　With a slightly dumbfounded look on her face, Orba-san sighs. I've gotten used to this kind of reaction, so I drink my tea with a bare face.

''By the way, I have something interesting to tell you, Orba-san...''
''Hoho. ''Your Majesty's story is not out of place, you know. I will be happy to cooperate with you.

　I play the video on my phone and show him the footage of the Dverg from the other day. Of course, it's the one that Rosetta and her friends properly restored after that.
　The Dverg, which Rosetta rides, walks with a clatter and lifts and carries a large rock.

'What is this?'　Frame gear it doesn't look like it's a frame gear...?
"It's a magical machine called 'Dverg' created by the dwarves. It's not as good as frame gears, but I thought it could be used as a vehicle for civil engineering work. It's still in the prototype stage, but I've actually asked Orba-san to be an investor.
Speaking of investment, are you asking me to finance the development?
Instead, they're going to leave it up to the Strand Chamber of Commerce to sell the finished product to other countries. Not a bad deal, I suppose.

　The dwarves have that part of the story behind them. I told them that they could sell it to the country, but it seems that their goal was not money, but the spread of this technology to the rest of the world and the pride of the dwarves that it was known for.
　Did they not want to give the dwarven technology to the country and have it monopolized by one country?
　The condition was that they had to sell it to every country for the same price to everyone else, and that was the condition.
　Well, I'm sure the raw materials alone would be quite expensive, and since they don't have a "workshop" like I do, I don't think they can mass produce them that much.
　Maybe they're trying to spread 'Dverg' around the world and have the dwarves living in other countries make something similar.



　Mr. Orba leaned forward from his chair and looked at Dverg's image with a serious gaze.

''........I understand. Let's consider it positively. However, I'm wondering how much it will cost to develop it.''
''That's something you can discuss with them. The dwarves should still be staying at the second "Silver Moon" store. I've told them about Orba-san, so they should be able to meet with you if you tell them your name.

　Orba looked a little surprised at my words, but he immediately opened his mouth with a smile.

'This is another handful of good things to do. Didn't you think I would refuse?'
'No way. How could Mr. Orba turn down such a lucrative offer?
I see. Of course.

　Then Orba-san narrows her eyes and laughs. I was merely the bridge between the dwarves and Mr. Orba. There is no profit for me, but the Dverg will eventually develop into a useful heavy machine that can be used by those who cannot use earth magic. If it's useful to the world, it's the best thing to do.
　I thanked Olba for his offer to meet with the dwarves tomorrow, and left the Chamber of Commerce.
　As it was, I transitioned to Babylon's "Garden" with [Gate], and it seemed that the Doctor and Rosetta had just finished adjusting the dimensional gate.
　At the top of the triumphal arch-like gate, there were two parts that looked like threadwheels attached to the left and right.

''Are you finished?''
'In a manner of speaking, yes. You can activate it with a lot less magic than before, and there's no weight limit anymore, so anyone can cross it. I could enhance it more with time, but for now, this should be fine.

　The Doctor replied as he put his tools away in his toolbox.
　I quickly touched the gate to try it out and let the magic flow through it, and it certainly filled up almost to the brim with considerably less than before. The threadwheel at the top is slowly turning like an electric meter.

''Do we already have a magic power tank to attach to that side?
It's all ready for you. It's not a problem. The two gates here and over there are linked by space-time magic, so the gate over there should have less magic as well, though.

　Then we should go over there. I promised I'd take everyone with me.
　Before that, we need to cast the translation magic [Translation] on everyone.
　The good thing about this magic is that once you've absorbed a language, you can share it with others.
　If only I could understand the language of lower level dragons and such. It's probably more akin to telekinesis than language, right?
　Well, if you can even understand the language of animals and monsters, it might be troublesome. I'm afraid I won't be able to take care of chickens and such.
　Well, it's okay. Let's just call everyone.




　I'll go to the 'laboratory' until everyone is gathered, collect the magic tank, and reactivate the three Etoile bodies. Before I knew it, all three of them were dressed in children's maid outfits, but it was Tika, right?　Well, it looks good on you, so it's good.
　When I returned to the 'garden' with the rebooted maid-dressed Etoile and the others in tow, everyone was already there.
　So Sue came from Belfast, too. What about adding the Doctor to this and slinking off with a total of ten people (though Etoile and Paula are also there)?
　Just in case, I'll tell Mr. Kosaka it's not a problem. I'd like to go home in the evening, but because of the dimensional discrepancy, it might be tomorrow morning.
　As I recall, according to the doctor, the misalignment is being corrected by the modifications, but we won't know until we get there how many hours have been reduced.
　After pouring out the magic power and making it completely full, the dimensional gates opened as usual.

''Let's go then.......you know what, you guys.......''

　Everyone but the doctor is clutching my coat. I can understand the anxiety.

If I leave Fuyou-dono, I'm afraid I'll be sent somewhere else...
''Tug, can't you at least hold on!

　Starting with that, Else and Linse clung to my right arm, my right hand connected to Lou, Hilda and Yae to my left arm, my left hand connected to Yumina, Lean and Sakura on either side of my waist, Sue on my back, and Paula on my head................................I've become incredibly heavy-handed. You know........well, it's just a matter of going through the gate.
　Taking everyone with me, we passed through the dimensional gate while being squeezed together. It feels like I'm going through a rubber membrane as usual, but it feels like there's less resistance than before. Maybe it's because of the improvements?
　When I passed through the dimensional gate, I found myself in the garden of a mansion on Dracliff Island. But when I saw the garden, I couldn't help but blink my eyes.
　The flower beds are in full bloom, and there's a beautiful carpet of grass and stone pavement leading to the mansion. It's a far cry from the drab garden I saw the other day. The garden has been reborn as a well-maintained garden.

It's a beautiful garden!

　Sue jumped down from my back and ran to the flowerbed. Yumina and Lou followed, and Paula got off my head as well.
　Let's see, everyone is safe for now. There seems to be no problem with the dimensional gate.

''Yae-san, the dragon was like that...''
It does indeed look like Dragon Island, that it does...

　In the sky above the island where Hilda and Yae and the others have a view, there are many flying dragons 《wyverns》 flying around.
　Without a doubt, this is Dracliff Island, and this mansion was set up by me, but what's wrong with this garden? Oh, could it be a silver dragon.......white silver?

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome.

　As if in answer to that, a white silver appeared from the entrance of the garden on the opposite side of the mansion.
　Unlike his previous appearance, his long silver hair up to his waist is tied up in one piece with a cord, and he is wearing a black butler's uniform and white gloves. Uunu, you manly bastard!　This is so cool, God d*mn it!
　When he came in front of us, he bowed deeply. His appearance is also very impressive. Pushing down a little jealousy inside, I introduce him to everyone.

''Everyone, this is Shirogane. He manages this mansion for me. He looks like a dragon race, but the silver dragon has been transformed into a human form.
My name is Shirogane. It's a pleasure to meet you.

　Everyone looked at each other when White Silver greeted them, and a puzzled expression appeared on their faces. Ah, I see. I hadn't done the translation magic yet. I guess I can't understand the language over here.

''【Translation】''

　I cast a translation spell on everyone and they seem to be able to understand the white and silver words properly.
　We each greeted each other and explained that all of them were my fiancé except the Doctor. The doctor was also adamant that he was my mistress, but he didn't admit it, that's not it.

'So what's going on in this garden?'
Yes. He said you were at liberty to make some alterations, so I will add a little color.

　I knew it was White Silver. What a clever dragon! A dragon that can do gardening is so strange. Just like Ruri said, the silver dragon breed seems to be quite an oddity.

''Then I will take you to the mansion. Please come this way, ladies.

　It's not his wife yet, but the one who was told to do it has a not-so-funny look on her face and follows the white silver. He's quite the butler.
　The mansion, which was supposed to have only the bare minimum of things, has been furnished with all sorts of furnishings. The luxurious carpets and magic stone chandeliers, cupboards and dishes, houseplants and paintings, bedding on the beds, curtains on the windows. There are good tasteful things scattered all over the place.

''You're really into it again...''
'I enjoyed shopping in the human city and I just couldn't resist.... I still think it's better to have good quality items.

　It's true, well, it is. Yah, I'm not complaining.

''Fuyao-san, there's even a stack of books!

　Linse found a room filled with books and was getting excited. Leanne also pulled out one of the books and flipped through it, looking at it with interest. The doctor seems to be very interested in it too.

'Did you get this one too?'
'Yes. I haven't been in touch with the human world for the last two hundred years or so, and I bought it to learn more about it.

　I see. They certainly seem to cover a wide range of genres. There's everything from history books to technical books, military books, academic books, and even cookbooks. Do you think they cook dragons too?
　Leaving the stacks, I headed into the living room, where there was a large sofa and table, and flowers in vases on an expensive looking chest board. There was even a magnificent clock on the wall.
　It was quite comfortable to sit on the sofa without thinking about it. It must be a good thing too.

Please feel free to relax. I'll go make a cup of tea for you.

　He bowed and White Silver left the room.

"You are an excellent butler. Well, I'm not as good as my old man.

　Suh sat down beside me and complained about such things. That's just a stopgap compared to that Mr. Raym. My Mr. Raym is not to be outdone, though.

So, what do you do now?　I don't know what the time difference with the other side is, so I think I'll go home in the evening.
Yes. I would like to see the capital here, though.

　As Lou said this, he sat down on the sofa on the other side of Sue.
　Speaking of the capital over here, the only ones I can go to right now are Allen, the royal capital of the Holy Kingdom of Arendt, or next to it, Casino City in the Strain Kingdom, Gordos. Or rather, I've only been to those two.
　If it's a point of fun, then it's definitely Gordos, but there was the incident with the black market 《Black Market》 as an example, and there's no small chance of getting caught up in some troublesome situations. If that's the case, though, it's only Allen's choice.
　I hope we don't run into Nia from "The Red Cat" or something... I wonder if they're coming from that forest fort towards the royal capital's hideout or something. What will they say if they tell everyone that they saw the pants or something...?

''What's the matter?　Winter Nightship?
Oh, no, it's nothing.

　I smiled back at the dubious Yae and fooled her by laughing that way.
　For now, shall we go to the royal capital, Allen? The only people I know in the capital are Sancho-san and the "red cats", but it would be interesting to just wander around the city.
　When I told Hakugin, who had brought me tea, he said he was going to stay behind to install and finalize the magic tank on the dimensional gate. He wants to finish it by evening somehow.
　That and Etoile and the others decided to leave them with White Silver for now. Not as a maid, but he wouldn't blow anything strange into them.
　It's not that Golem and his friends don't obey orders from anyone other than their master, so I told them to listen carefully to what Hakubin says.

The first thing to do is to go out for a bit. I'll be back in the evening.
Have a good day.
"Pi.
"Po.
"Pa

　Imitating White Silver who bowed deeply, Etoile and the others also bowed their heads as well. Yeah, it looks like it's better to leave it to him after all.
　I opened the [Gate] and transitioned from the garden of the mansion to the unpopular back alley of the Holy Royal Capital Allen.
　As I took everyone out to the main street, I could see a glimpse of Golems among the passersby.
　A person riding a golem, similar to a Dverg (although much more compact than the one over there), pulls a cart-like object with luggage on it. As I thought, a heavily armored golem two and a half meters tall from the other side passed in front of us, following the knight who seemed to be its master.

''Fluffy.... I really feel like I'm in another world........
Amazing.

　Hilda and Sakura expressed these impressions as they watched the people and golems on the street.
　I'm sure everyone else is following me around in a state of scurrying around and uptake.
　I've been following Paula along with us, but the reaction of the townspeople has been a bit eye-catching and generally ignored. There's a good chance this guy is being treated like a golem, too. Well, it's better than standing out in a strange way, though.

I'll go to Sancho's first. I'm a little short on money, you know.
'You're the merchant you say Fuyao-san has been working with, aren't you?
Yeah. Let's get them to buy gold and silver again.

　I spent most of the money that the Red Cat gave me for the gold Oryhalcon on the Etoile. We'll still have money for a meal, but I'm sure everyone will be buying all sorts of souvenirs afterwards anyway. The more money we have, the better.
　When we arrived in front of Sancho's store, Sancho and a group of merchant-like men were discussing with each other in front of the store.

Oh, it's Toya-san!　Can I help you with something?
'Hello Sancho. I'm here to buy something for you again... what's going on?
No, you see, they told me about the incident in Giole's village, and the man who was lucky enough to escape...
Incident?

　What's going on?　As I was scowling, Sancho opened his eyes, looking a little surprised.

'You don't know?　There's a lot of rumors about it in the Holy Royal Capital. It was also in the newspapers, but...
''I'm sorry. I haven't been in King's Landing lately...

　I mean, is there such a thing as a newspaper in this world? Come to think of it, there was a communication device in the [Aka-Neko]'s base [hideaway], and perhaps the information transmission technology is quite advanced. In the surface world, it's a fast horse, or at best, a communication item for a magic tool 《artifact》.
　Well, even if there are no newspapers themselves, there are tile plates in the surface world as well.

''If you weren't in the Holy Royal Capital, it's no wonder you don't know about it. Look, here it is.

　Sancho shows me the folded bundle of papers he had in his hand. Oh, so this is a newspaper. It's not a very nice paper and only about half the size of the newspaper I know, but it's got the words printed on it.
　I gulped when I saw the headline printed in large print.

'The Golden Monster Revealed'.

　And we couldn't take our eyes off the realistic illustration under the headline. The round, ladybug-like shape is a species we've never seen before, but there's no way we could mistake it for anything else.

'A mutant species...!

　A golden monster. It was undoubtedly a mutant of the evil God-created Frase.