Chapter 58

"Aren't we going to distribute one roll of silk to each of the surrounding countries, excluding Faril? In return, we would ask them to ally with us in times of need. If they know the power of that silk, they might be willing to cooperate."

"…I see. However, if the silk is linked to Alesia, you will be targeted. If something happens to Alesia, it would be a disaster."

"No. By distributing it to various countries, they will check each other, making it harder for any one of them to act against us. Even if several countries conspire, it would be difficult to use me as a pawn among multiple countries. We could also make a contract to gift one roll of silk each year to those countries that agree to cooperate with us."

"Whether any country attacks, we can receive military support from others. The silk can be sold; there's no need to give it away."

"Oh, you're so thorough."

"Yes. Since our country lacks export goods, we could use the silk produced by our country as a diplomatic tool."

Prince Markus nodded in agreement.

"If our country can produce healing silk, we could also export it as a specialty product. It would help our country earn foreign currency. It would also foster cooperation between countries. Any country would want a cloth that can heal serious illnesses and injuries. The revenue from its sales could be used to fund education for the children in our poor country."

"Knowledge is power, after all."

"…Can Alesia speak Balwara?"

"Thanks to the library built by the royal family."

For a moment, the prince's expression stiffened. I wondered what was wrong, but it was time for the meeting with the elders. Now, let's hear my proposal.

---

A meeting was held with the king, Prince Markus, and the ministers to discuss Alesia's proposal.

"First, we will distribute one roll of silk to each of the surrounding countries to deepen our alliance with the Kingdom of Laminb?"

"Yes. Initially, the envoy will demonstrate the silk's healing power using a sample. We will only give one roll if they agree to cooperate. Each roll is ten meters long and can save seven or eight critically ill or injured people."

The foreign minister looked impressed.

"Being able to infuse healing magic into the silk is very convenient. The mage doesn't have to go in person, and the recipient can use it whenever they need it."

"Indeed."

The ministers were impressed. In reality, no magic power is being infused, but I'll keep that to myself for now.

Alesia's proposal was approved by the elders, and a 'Seven-Country Alliance Envoy Group' was immediately sent to the six surrounding countries, excluding Faril. The envoy group, consisting of soldiers for protection and foreign affairs personnel, disguised themselves as merchants and set off for each country.

---

The foreign minister spoke to the interior minister.

"Wasn't Lady Alesia a farmer's daughter?"

"Yes, but... her manner of speaking and the content of her proposal..."

"It's like a wise general."

"Are all mages like that?"

"I've never heard of such a thing."

"Perhaps it's a talent she was born with."

The two sighed.

"I've heard from my grandfather that even Aula, who became the king's fiancée, struggled with her status as a noble."

"Let alone a farmer."

"But can't the king's will change that? She can use magic so well and is so talented."

About a month passed.

Suddenly, the six countries surrounding the Kingdom of Faril announced, "We aim to strengthen state-to-state exchanges with the Kingdom of Laminb and promise military support in emergencies."

---

The royal palace of the Kingdom of Faril.

"What does this mean? Why didn't we receive this information?"

"Your Majesty, it seems the Kingdom of Laminb secretly sent an envoy group to the six countries. Moreover, it appears that only the upper echelons in each country were aware of this."

After considering this, the king of Faril summoned Prince Hareed.

Hareed, who was sent back to his homeland in a short time and without the souvenirs his father desired, found himself in a difficult position.

"Hareed, what are the girl's abilities? Did you meet her?"

"I think she can make it rain."

"You think? Is that all?"

"..."

"I already imagined that! It can't be just rain! There must be something of great value in Laminb that made the six countries agree to their proposal. You couldn't even discern if it was the girl's power and were sent back so quickly. You're useless!"

Urgent orders were sent to Faril's agents in the other countries: "Investigate what kind of deal was made behind the official announcement."

Faril's agents used their connections and spread money to gather information, but the information they obtained was minimal.

"A highly valuable item was exchanged for the alliance. Even the nobles don't know what it is. However, it was something so valuable that the king and all the ministers accepted the proposal without hesitation."

This didn't provide any clear answers. What could a country that struggles even for drinking water have offered?

"Your Majesty, I've heard that the mage created a treatment for the Medama fly."

The Medama fly is a fly that only exists in arid regions. It targets animal eyes because there is no water. The six countries that declared an alliance with Laminb do not have the Medama fly.

"Are you saying they offered a very good eye drop? No way. None of the countries have an epidemic of eye diseases."

In the end, none of the agents in the other countries obtained concrete information. Only one piece of information from the Kingdom of Hulta, located southeast of Faril, was concerning.

"The second prince of the Kingdom of Hulta, who had poor hearing due to a high fever in his childhood, recently recovered and can hear well. This happened right after the envoy group visited."

In Faril, this information was taken seriously, and they contacted their agents in Laminb.

"Is the mage who recently appeared in Laminb capable of using healing magic? Is there a possibility that the mage secretly joined the envoy group?"

The answer from Laminb's agents was "No."

"The mage is creating water in the royal palace every day."

"Then what did Laminb use to build these alliances? Hareed's incompetence is infuriating."