The Annals of the Flame kingdom (LN)

1-17 (Snake Counter-Attack)

“How is it?”

“… This is amazing . ”

Once again Kota looked at the counterfeit through the circle . The certificate that shines green was indeed ‘magical . ’

“The ink used to make that was created using a special ink mixed with the powder here . You put them under the sun, and when it getting dark, the letter written by that ink would shine green . ”

It was the so-called, paints that glow in the dark, on earth, it was called Luminescent Paints, existed since a long time ago, and was cla.s.sified into two types regardless of the specification . One example was a paint containing material that stimulating light-emitting, or another type where the color itself shine .

“… Luminescent Paint, is it?”

The paint contained a substance that store light, and release them gradually .

“I am not a technology person . Thus I don’t understand difficult words . ”

He only makes them because he thought it could be a good source of income .

“So? This Magic Powder, do you want to buy it?”

“… Indeed . I think that is a wonderful invention which would be good to be applied as anti-counterfeiting measures . But the problem is… How long does this paint store the sunlight?”

If it was only one minute then, forget it…

“For example, Kota . You’re going to apply this on the certificate . ”

“Yes, of course…”

“Then you’re going shopping, take out the certificate from the wallet to the hand of the seller . As long it hit by the light even a little bit, it would shine . ”

“… I see…”

“Although the glow is weak, but if we compare the two certificate with and without the magic powder, one could see the difference immediately . ”

That was reasonable .

“By the way, the raw material for this is?”

“It is a trade secret . ”

“So then… Is this ‘magic powder’ one of the so-called ‘suspicious things’ ?”

“… What are you saying?”

Luminescent material itself was not uncommon . In ancient China, the type of fluorite called ‘Pearl of the Night’ which was famous as a gift could shine like a firefly .

“… Can we put it into circulation? This going to be pa.s.sed to the hands of the people you know? What I meant by suspicious things is, was this being mixed with something weird?”

However, in modern j.a.pan, one thing comes to Kota’s mind . Radioactive Material . Whether or not such a thing existed in Orkena continent, but he definitely didn’t want to step on the tail of a tiger . A wise man shall not court with danger .

“… What’s this, you’re surprisingly saintly? It’s not like I sold my soul to the demon to get this you know?

“Is this ‘demon’ powder?”

“… How troublesome you’re… Fine then… Let me tell you something, this was made not using something weird you know? In fact, in Sorbania it is something delicious…”

“… Delicious?”

“That’s right . Maybe, Terra even has it? And not only delicious . When men take it, they will become ‘energetic’ see?”

Carlos the First showed a vulgar smile . With how handsome he was, his indecent smile make him looked ten times more vulgar .

“… This is still daytime you know?”

“Oh? I only say ‘Energetic,’ no? What are you imagining I wonder?”

I felt like he acts like the old man from the neighborhood .

“… Well, whatever . ”

For now, Kota could guess it was made with something that could be eaten . A wise man should not press others too much…

“Hnn? You don’t care?”

“Sure… As long it is not something suspicious, anything is good…”

If it was something that can enter a person’s mouth, then I had no problem .

“I see… Well then, let us get serious shall we?”

He said so…

“… Now . This Magic Powder… How much do you willing to pay?”

“ . . I will withhold, for now, your majesty . ”

He replied without a momentary pause .

“… Ha?”

“I think this ‘Magic Powder’ is indeed a wonderful thing… But for now, I would like to refrain…”

Kota said those words with a small smile on his face toward Carlos the First . Carlos immediately opened his mouth like a machine gun .

“W-Why? Think about it, you can see if a certificate is a counterfeit or not with a single glance with this you know?”

“Indeed . I wanted it desperately… It can identify counterfeit easily . Of course, I want it . ”

“Then—…”

“If it is ‘free’ of course…”

“–!”

“In the present state, the kingdom of Sorbania hold the monopoly of this Magic Powder . The right to decide the price is Your Majesty, and the country you govern . Indeed, looking at the current trend, Terra is steadily being developed . However, Terra was never a rich territory…”

Although currently, the territory had ‘Economic’ development, fundamentally it was still a weak territory .

“Counterfeit measures must be absolutely taken seriously . But it does not mean we have to implement technology as soon as possible . Not to mention if we had to spend all the money we had just for it . ”

It was a matter of cost to performance . The technology may have equal effect and cost, but the current counterfeit measures were more than enough .

“Another problem is the timing issue…”

“… Time?”

“As I said earlier, Terra’s deposit certificate was scheduled to be renewed next two years . We may use this ‘Magic Powder’ at that time . It is something needed for the final product…”

They need to carve the wood, and comb the paper, and finally printing . We didn’t need to buy everything now .

“I don’t mind if we can buy it two years later . If the technology catches up at that time, I can buy it comparatively cheaply . Terra could not afford to have any unnecessary inventory right now . ”

The prices would be determined when the supply and demand match . ‘Magic Powder’ was a mere ‘Powder’ if no one wanted it . –

“… I see . I can see some truth there…”

He relaxed his body into his chair and looked at Kota .

“Then, what if the technology doesn’t catch up two years later?”

“At that time, then we will buy according to your price . Most of the time, the higher the anti-counterfeit technology is, the better…”

I sighed deeply . I saw Carlos dropped his line of sight as if he was tired .

“… You got me . I guess, as expected of ‘The Devil,’ huh?”

“You’re overestimating me too much…”

“Which part of it I overestimate you?”

He said that while laughed a little .

“Fine then… This magic powder would be ‘free’…”

“I see… Huh–??”

“… F-Free? Your Majesty, did you say free just now?”

“That’s right . Free, go on take it, you thief… In this jar, it filled with the same powder, but inside this castle underground vault, there’s a large quant.i.ty of it . All of those ‘magic powders’ is Kota’s…”

‘How’s that?’ he said that while smiling nihilistically .

“… What is your aim?”

“None… This magic powder, you can take it as much as possible . ”

“…”

There was no way this was everything .

“Just to show this powder, your majesty, you went your way to make a counterfeit . It was also so precise that at first glance, I didn’t recognize it . ”

It must’ve been a daunting task since in this Orkena Continent there was no copying machine . With such incomplete knowledge and technique, to create a counterfeit, it must have been costly .

“Even this magic powders . It must’ve caused you quite a lot of money . And you said you’re going to offer this magic powder? Unbelievable . ”

“If you think that, then how about this… Kota went all his way to come to Sorbania . This is a thank you gesture for all of the efforts you’ve put…”

“Still, this is too much . I think this is impropriated . ”

“Don’t worry too much you know? I want to have amicable relations with Kota after all…”

“That alone didn’t justify giving the magic powder as a free gift though?”

“Come on, let us get along better start now…”

That said, Carlos holds out his hand toward Kota .

“… That… How about we do that after we knew each other more better?”

“ . . Oh come on, isn’t it rude to act like that toward royalty?”

Carlos I muttered those words and forcefully hold Kota’s hand and shake it .

“I guess it can’t be help it~ . Then let me tell you the truth? The truth is, I want Tera’s Certificates to be used here as well . ”

“The deposit certificate?”

“That’s right . ”

“Sorbania itself had its own currency . The highest currency in Sorbania was ‘Sorbania White Gold Coin,’ the material and the purity was the same as the white gold coin distributed in flame . Thus it had equivalent value . In fact, due to the Flame Empire period, most of the money in Orkena Continent was very identical to each other . Most of the times the difference was only on design .

‘Sorbania has currency, but no banknotes . See? With this, it would be an equal deal…”

“… Well, I guess so…”

The certificate was indeed created for that…

“So with this certificate . I want Sorbania white Gold coins as collateral… I want to make a ‘Sorbania White Gold Coin Deposit Certificate’…”

‘How’s that?’ Carlos I puffed his chest as if asking Kota for a respond . Honestly, Kota could not understand why he did that .

“… Go on do as you like, that was what I wanted to say but…”

There was no patent right here . If anyone wanted to use it, no one forbid him .

“Alright . Then, since you let me do it . Instead of thanking you, go and take this ‘magic powder’ with you…”

“… Why?”

“I’m the King of Sorbania you know? If I used someone else invention without permission, won’t that looked uncool~?”

“… I see it’s about that huh?”

“That’s right . Royalty, or Aristocrats in general, for them Honor is a valuable thing . I don’t want to be called ‘the king who used somebody else idea’ by historian…”

“…………………”

“Well, I guess you can say this is aristocrats’ logic…”

Inside Kota’s mind, he never thought of that . After all, when everything was said and done, Kota was born as . common people with father as a trading firm salaryman and part-timer mother . Thus, he was not familiar with ‘the logic of the aristocrats . ”

“… I understand . then you can make the certificate . ”

“Really?! As expected of Kota, the man I have chosen! Very generous!”

Happily Carlos I strikes Kota’s shoulders .

“Hei, it’s hurt! Don’t hit me too hard!”

“I see! You’re not lying about what you said right?”

“Sure, go ahead and make it if you wanted to!”

“Men shall never go back on what one said, okay?!”

“I won’t . That’s why quit taping my shoulders already!”

“Alright! Kota . Thank you and let us get along well in the future! Oh right! Let me use the counterfeit measures as well?”

“Sure, feel free…”

“Well then! I’m looking forward to when the certificate hit Tera as well!”

“Sure, sure… Counterfeit currency is dangerous after all . I would be glad if you—…”

Wait a bit…

“– Hit Tera?”

“… Of course, isn’t that obvious?”

He then showed his signature nihilistic smile once again .

“If I the one who makes the certificate… Won’t that become more convenient for us…”

Then his smile distorted into a grinning .

“Your Majesty!”

“Men can’t go back on their words, no?”

“Cancel! Are you planning on killing Tera’s economy?!”

“Killing? Please don’t make me a bad person . The strong always stand at the top . Not only in the world of business, but it is also common sense to understand that . ”

“… Khu! But!”

No matter how much currency developed, no matter how much the distribution network grows, the fundamental of an economy would never go beyond barter . Because it would be troublesome to always look for equal value, everyone uses money as ‘trust’ value .

“… Now, Kota . ”

‘What do you think if a more convenient ‘intermediary’ appeared?’, Carlos said with a smile on his face and continue .

“Come on, look for an escape… It is fine with lowering your head too . Try saying ‘Please don’t distribute Sorbania Certificate,’ while hitting your head on the ground…”

If there were two certificates with the same value, which one people going to choose? It was a simple answer . People would want the most ‘convenient’ one .

“… Go on, cry and beg…”

The snakes that entangled the scale start his counterattack .

1-17 (Snake Counter-Attack).

“How is it?”.

“… This is amazing . ”.

Once again Kota looked at the counterfeit through the circle . The certificate that shines green was indeed ‘magical . ’.

“The ink used to make that was created using a special ink mixed with the powder here . You put them under the sun, and when it getting dark, the letter written by that ink would shine green . ”.

It was the so-called, paints that glow in the dark, on earth, it was called Luminescent Paints, existed since a long time ago, and was cla.s.sified into two types regardless of the specification . One example was a paint containing material that stimulating light-emitting, or another type where the color itself shine

“… Luminescent Paint, is it?”.

The paint contained a substance that store light, and release them gradually

“I am not a technology person . Thus I don’t understand difficult words . ”.

He only makes them because he thought it could be a good source of income

“So? This Magic Powder, do you want to buy it?”.

“… Indeed . I think that is a wonderful invention which would be good to be applied as anti-counterfeiting measures . But the problem is… How long does this paint store the sunlight?”.

If it was only one minute then, forget it….

“For example, Kota . You’re going to apply this on the certificate . ”.

“Yes, of course…”.

“Then you’re going shopping, take out the certificate from the wallet to the hand of the seller . As long it hit by the light even a little bit, it would shine . ”.

“… I see…”.

“Although the glow is weak, but if we compare the two certificate with and without the magic powder, one could see the difference immediately . ”.

That was reasonable

“By the way, the raw material for this is?”.

“It is a trade secret . ”.

“So then… Is this ‘magic powder’ one of the so-called ‘suspicious things’ ?”.

“… What are you saying?”.

Luminescent material itself was not uncommon . In ancient China, the type of fluorite called ‘Pearl of the Night’ which was famous as a gift could shine like a firefly

“… Can we put it into circulation? This going to be pa.s.sed to the hands of the people you know? What I meant by suspicious things is, was this being mixed with something weird?”.

However, in modern j.a.pan, one thing comes to Kota’s mind . Radioactive Material . Whether or not such a thing existed in Orkena continent, but he definitely didn’t want to step on the tail of a tiger . A wise man shall not court with danger

“… What’s this, you’re surprisingly saintly? It’s not like I sold my soul to the demon to get this you know?.

“Is this ‘demon’ powder?”.

“… How troublesome you’re… Fine then… Let me tell you something, this was made not using something weird you know? In fact, in Sorbania it is something delicious…”.

“… Delicious?”.

“That’s right . Maybe, Terra even has it? And not only delicious . When men take it, they will become ‘energetic’ see?”.

Carlos the First showed a vulgar smile . With how handsome he was, his indecent smile make him looked ten times more vulgar

“… This is still daytime you know?”.

“Oh? I only say ‘Energetic,’ no? What are you imagining I wonder?”.

I felt like he acts like the old man from the neighborhood

“… Well, whatever . ”.

For now, Kota could guess it was made with something that could be eaten . A wise man should not press others too much….

“Hnn? You don’t care?”.

“Sure… As long it is not something suspicious, anything is good…”.

If it was something that can enter a person’s mouth, then I had no problem

“I see… Well then, let us get serious shall we?”.

He said so….

“… Now . This Magic Powder… How much do you willing to pay?”.

“ I will withhold, for now, your majesty . ”.

He replied without a momentary pause

“… Ha?”.

“I think this ‘Magic Powder’ is indeed a wonderful thing… But for now, I would like to refrain…”.

Kota said those words with a small smile on his face toward Carlos the First . Carlos immediately opened his mouth like a machine gun

“W-Why? Think about it, you can see if a certificate is a counterfeit or not with a single glance with this you know?”.

“Indeed . I wanted it desperately… It can identify counterfeit easily . Of course, I want it . ”.

“Then—…”.

“If it is ‘free’ of course…”.

“–!”.

“In the present state, the kingdom of Sorbania hold the monopoly of this Magic Powder . The right to decide the price is Your Majesty, and the country you govern . Indeed, looking at the current trend, Terra is steadily being developed . However, Terra was never a rich territory…”.

Although currently, the territory had ‘Economic’ development, fundamentally it was still a weak territory

“Counterfeit measures must be absolutely taken seriously . But it does not mean we have to implement technology as soon as possible . Not to mention if we had to spend all the money we had just for it . ”.

It was a matter of cost to performance . The technology may have equal effect and cost, but the current counterfeit measures were more than enough

“Another problem is the timing issue…”.

“… Time?”.

“As I said earlier, Terra’s deposit certificate was scheduled to be renewed next two years . We may use this ‘Magic Powder’ at that time . It is something needed for the final product…”.

They need to carve the wood, and comb the paper, and finally printing . We didn’t need to buy everything now

“I don’t mind if we can buy it two years later . If the technology catches up at that time, I can buy it comparatively cheaply . Terra could not afford to have any unnecessary inventory right now . ”.

The prices would be determined when the supply and demand match . ‘Magic Powder’ was a mere ‘Powder’ if no one wanted it . –.

“… I see . I can see some truth there…”.

He relaxed his body into his chair and looked at Kota

“Then, what if the technology doesn’t catch up two years later?”.

“At that time, then we will buy according to your price . Most of the time, the higher the anti-counterfeit technology is, the better…”.

I sighed deeply . I saw Carlos dropped his line of sight as if he was tired

“… You got me . I guess, as expected of ‘The Devil,’ huh?”.

“You’re overestimating me too much…”.

“Which part of it I overestimate you?”.

He said that while laughed a little

“Fine then… This magic powder would be ‘free’…”.

“I see… Huh–??”.

 .

“… F-Free? Your Majesty, did you say free just now?”.

“That’s right . Free, go on take it, you thief… In this jar, it filled with the same powder, but inside this castle underground vault, there’s a large quant.i.ty of it . All of those ‘magic powders’ is Kota’s…”.

‘How’s that?’ he said that while smiling nihilistically

“… What is your aim?”.

“None… This magic powder, you can take it as much as possible . ”.

“…”.

There was no way this was everything

“Just to show this powder, your majesty, you went your way to make a counterfeit . It was also so precise that at first glance, I didn’t recognize it . ”.

It must’ve been a daunting task since in this Orkena Continent there was no copying machine . With such incomplete knowledge and technique, to create a counterfeit, it must have been costly

“Even this magic powders . It must’ve caused you quite a lot of money . And you said you’re going to offer this magic powder? Unbelievable . ”.

“If you think that, then how about this… Kota went all his way to come to Sorbania . This is a thank you gesture for all of the efforts you’ve put…”.

“Still, this is too much . I think this is impropriated . ”.

“Don’t worry too much you know? I want to have amicable relations with Kota after all…”.

“That alone didn’t justify giving the magic powder as a free gift though?”.

“Come on, let us get along better start now…”.

That said, Carlos holds out his hand toward Kota

“… That… How about we do that after we knew each other more better?”.

“ Oh come on, isn’t it rude to act like that toward royalty?”.

Carlos I muttered those words and forcefully hold Kota’s hand and shake it

“I guess it can’t be help it~ . Then let me tell you the truth? The truth is, I want Tera’s Certificates to be used here as well . ”.

“The deposit certificate?”.

“That’s right . ”.

“Sorbania itself had its own currency . The highest currency in Sorbania was ‘Sorbania White Gold Coin,’ the material and the purity was the same as the white gold coin distributed in flame . Thus it had equivalent value . In fact, due to the Flame Empire period, most of the money in Orkena Continent was very identical to each other . Most of the times the difference was only on design

‘Sorbania has currency, but no banknotes . See? With this, it would be an equal deal…”.

“… Well, I guess so…”.

The certificate was indeed created for that….

“So with this certificate . I want Sorbania white Gold coins as collateral… I want to make a ‘Sorbania White Gold Coin Deposit Certificate’…”.

‘How’s that?’ Carlos I puffed his chest as if asking Kota for a respond . Honestly, Kota could not understand why he did that

“… Go on do as you like, that was what I wanted to say but…”.

There was no patent right here . If anyone wanted to use it, no one forbid him

“Alright . Then, since you let me do it . Instead of thanking you, go and take this ‘magic powder’ with you…”.

“… Why?”.

“I’m the King of Sorbania you know? If I used someone else invention without permission, won’t that looked uncool~?”.

“… I see it’s about that huh?”.

“That’s right . Royalty, or Aristocrats in general, for them Honor is a valuable thing . I don’t want to be called ‘the king who used somebody else idea’ by historian…”.

“…………………”.

“Well, I guess you can say this is aristocrats’ logic…”.

Inside Kota’s mind, he never thought of that . After all, when everything was said and done, Kota was born as . common people with father as a trading firm salaryman and part-timer mother . Thus, he was not familiar with ‘the logic of the aristocrats . ”.

“… I understand . then you can make the certificate . ”.

“Really?! As expected of Kota, the man I have chosen! Very generous!”.

Happily Carlos I strikes Kota’s shoulders

“Hei, it’s hurt! Don’t hit me too hard!”.

“I see! You’re not lying about what you said right?”.

“Sure, go ahead and make it if you wanted to!”.

“Men shall never go back on what one said, okay?!”.

“I won’t . That’s why quit taping my shoulders already!”.

“Alright! Kota . Thank you and let us get along well in the future! Oh right! Let me use the counterfeit measures as well?”.

“Sure, feel free…”.

“Well then! I’m looking forward to when the certificate hit Tera as well!”.

“Sure, sure… Counterfeit currency is dangerous after all . I would be glad if you—…”.

Wait a bit….

“– Hit Tera?”.

“… Of course, isn’t that obvious?”.

He then showed his signature nihilistic smile once again

“If I the one who makes the certificate… Won’t that become more convenient for us…”.

Then his smile distorted into a grinning

“Your Majesty!”.

“Men can’t go back on their words, no?”.

“Cancel! Are you planning on killing Tera’s economy?!”.

“Killing? Please don’t make me a bad person . The strong always stand at the top . Not only in the world of business, but it is also common sense to understand that . ”.

“… Khu! But!”.

No matter how much currency developed, no matter how much the distribution network grows, the fundamental of an economy would never go beyond barter . Because it would be troublesome to always look for equal value, everyone uses money as ‘trust’ value

“… Now, Kota . ”.

‘What do you think if a more convenient ‘intermediary’ appeared?’, Carlos said with a smile on his face and continue

“Come on, look for an escape… It is fine with lowering your head too . Try saying ‘Please don’t distribute Sorbania Certificate,’ while hitting your head on the ground…”.

If there were two certificates with the same value, which one people going to choose? It was a simple answer . People would want the most ‘convenient’ one

“… Go on, cry and beg…”.

The snakes that entangled the scale start his counterattack