Konbini Ossan Volume 8 Chapter 36 — Otogi Trading Company’s Strategy
Vladgaria tilts her head, unable to grasp my intention.
“A branch, you say? What meaning does that hold?”
“First, let me explain the premise. Our objectives are not only to increase profit, but also to ensure the safety of our employees.
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In this case, that means breaking free from the crisis of war. That is what we, Otogi Trading Company, seek.”
It must have been unexpected coming from me. Not only Vladgaria, but the other members of the Demon King’s Army also show surprise on their faces.
“Originally, I intended to use the outcome of this match as leverage and ask the Demon King’s Army to sheath their swords.
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However, if you lack the authority to decide such matters, that approach is unusable. Therefore, we will proceed indirectly.”
Incidentally, this strategy was derived with the assistance of «Calculator», so it should be quite effective.
“First, I will explain our actions from the perspective of the Runegard Kingdom. These are merely nominal actions, so some expressions may be unpleasant from your standpoint. I ask for your understanding.”
“Very well. Continue.”
“Yes. To begin with, we will petition the kingdom for land and a noble title. However, since there is no unclaimed land within Runegard, we will repel the Demon King’s Army and, along with that achievement, receive newly acquired territory as our domain.”
At my words, the Demon King’s Army members frown.
“Does that mean you will fight us?”
“No. That is merely on the surface. It would be a performance to allow part of the Great Forest Autonomous District to be naturally recognized by Runegard as our land.”
The key to this plan is ensuring that Runegard officially recognizes Otogi Trading Company as the legitimate owner of a portion of the Demon King’s territory.
“And from the Demon King’s Army’s perspective, our actions would be as follows. First, we will ‘relocate’ to the Great Forest Autonomous District.”
“Oh?”
Vladgaria’s expression changes, as if she understands.
“Indeed. Of all the Demon King’s territory, only the Great Forest District is not governed under law. None would rebuke you for settling there… aside from the monsters who dwell there.”
“Yes. That part may require some force. However, against those of low civilization, I believe demonstrating power and presenting benefits will suffice.”
Even if their intelligence is low, they possess enough civilization to trade with other provinces.
They should at least understand disparities in strength and the advantages of serving under us.
“Upon securing land there, we will first construct the ‘Demon King Territory Main Branch’ of Otogi Trading Company.
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From this base, we will expand our sphere of control within the Great Forest District while increasing the territory recognized by Runegard as our domain.
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In doing so, the front lines between the Demon King’s Army and the kingdom will gradually become limited to our land alone.”
At last, the members of the Demon King’s Army seem to understand.
“In that case, you who have ties with us would not need to fight. The damage would be reduced, is that it?”
“Yes. It would be difficult to completely prevent interference from Runegard, but at the very least, the Demon King’s Army’s losses could be greatly reduced.
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Furthermore, through trade, we would become ‘well-informed’ about the circumstances of the Demon King’s territory. In turn, Runegard would also come to understand those circumstances.”
“In other words, unnecessary conflict could be avoided?”
“Yes.”
I nod and continue outlining the advantages.
“There are also benefits for the people of the Demon King’s territory, particularly those of the seven provinces.
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By governing the Great Forest District and engaging in trade, Otogi Trading Company’s superior technology and resources would flow in. The profits would far surpass anything previously gained from the Great Forest District.”
Vladgaria nods and voices the implication.
“Indeed. Because the Demon King’s Army exists, no province may act freely. Yet because it must not interfere in internal governance, it cannot attack the Great Forest District either. Thus, the district has long been neglected.
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However, if you newcomers settle there, you would not be bound by such constraints. You could reorganize the problematic Great Forest District as a new ‘province’ of your own.”
If that happens, the longstanding issues would all be resolved.
That is the full scope of my proposal: to establish a branch within the Demon King’s territory.
“Of course, many details remain to be addressed. For now, please consider this as a general direction in which problems may be resolved. We can refine the specifics through further discussion.”
At this stage, the essential point is this:
By posing as those who repelled the Demon King’s Army, we can acquire land in the Great Forest District in a manner natural to both Runegard and the Demon King’s territory.
From that land, we can expand our domain while correcting the differences in perception and misunderstandings between humanity and monsters.
That is what establishing a branch would make possible.
“I understand. However, we cannot immediately consent. May we take this proposal back and finalize the details at a later date?”
“Yes, that is fine.”
“Very well. Then at a later time, we shall return with personnel from the Demon King’s Army skilled in such negotiations.”
Thus, for now, negotiations with the Demon King’s Army reached a pause.
At last, the end of the war has begun to feel like a realistic possibility.
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E/N:
Implementation would definitely require good diplomacy and intensive planning! Good for you, Ossan!
Stay tuned!
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