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"Well said, Master." Ayane returned. "Land-wise, we have the small towns of Northumbridge to the west and Vonstadt to the east, both being only around four hours from here— yet we'd have to pass through forests and go around hills and mountains to get to either town. The port-cities closest to your estate would be Southumbrige for Westphalia and Weisserhafen for Eastia, yet these require proof that you aren't an enemy to even be approachable. Archipelegea also has trading hubs, yet it might take half a day to get there by boat or airship if the weather is bad.
There are smaller islands scattered about which could fashioned into trading ports. Yet we'd risk taking one belonging to Atlantis, Archipelegea, Westphalia, or even the Southrine Sultanate. I suppose we <span class="mu-i">could</span> also try to trade with the Atlanteans too, considering their country can apparently glide beneath the waters." Ayane suggested.
"We'd have to see if they're willing to speak with us first." You stated.
"I don't think that's likely." Gerty said. "Merfolk don't have much trust in foreign diplomats."
"I guess mermaids wouldn't like hanging around the dockyard much either, considering the geography and isolation." You commented. Knowing that—despite the port having stable enough waters to safely hold some ships, having no underwater obstacles, and being deep enough for most vessels—it was still close to the cliffside that extended for most of your estate. There was a small cove and beach that were also close to the port, but you weren't entirely sure if these would be ideal 'natural ports', and you considered blowing up parts of the cliff to compensate or even artificially divert a river to the sea.
"Centria is theoretically in a far worse position than us geographically, yet they've been able to overcome it. Besides, I've seen worse water-bound ports in my homeland." Said your fox. "And there's still a constant flow of trade from them." She paused. "With other regions in my country, at least."
"Master," Gerty said. "I can see why you believe that opening up this land would bring benefits, but the isolation and natural barriers have the potential to be our best defense." She did bring up a point— you didn't want to create a path just so that an enemy could use it against you.
"I'll keep what you two have said in mind." You smiled at your kitsune and gave your secretary a squeeze under her skirt.
Discussion slowly dwindled down, with your knightly secretary getting hot and bothered from how much you harassed her. Ayane, this time, took note, and seemed to look for an excuse to give you two some privacy.
"Hey, wait a minute," You wanted to confirm something before Ayane left. "What's the price of the Lucky Artifacts I've been making?"
Ayane smiled. "If you want my humble opinion, Master, they are priceless."
"She said they were worth around 400 gold coins in total." Gerty revealed.
Ayane bowed once more, expressing her sincere gratitude with a smile.
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