Chapter 19: The Role of Merchants

Chapter 19: The Role of Merchants

“To produce a product, there are several steps: collect raw materials, perform simple processing on them, turn the processed materials into basic components, and finally assemble all the basic components into a complete product.”

Listening to Airael’s explanation, Domiya nodded.

Although she only took charge of design and development, she had some understanding of product manufacturing as well.

The process was roughly like that.

Domiya understood, and Airael continued, “Our Elven Race has a small population, and if we distribute them across different tasks, our production capacity will inevitably be subpar. So, I’ve decided to skip some production steps and acquire those from external sources.”

At this point, Airael stopped, just like before.

Domiya grasped the previous explanation, but she was unsure if she understood this one.

“Are you suggesting we concentrate our population on certain production steps to improve our Elven Race’s production capacity?”

After a brief pause, Domiya asked.

She didn’t evaluate whether it was good or bad.

Airael nodded and continued, “Yes, while acquiring production materials externally may make the whole production process unstable—due to reasons like war and pirates preventing materials from reaching us on time—I still believe it’s a very feasible method.”

Seeing Airael’s expression, Domiya knew her mentor had made up her mind.

Airael came to tell her this.

Therefore, Linis didn’t question the feasibility, asking, “Your Majesty, are you planning to move those production steps outside?”

“I think we can shift some of the raw material collection and simple processing externally. These tasks don’t require high technical skills, and with the current capabilities of the continent, they can handle this work flawlessly. Besides, we don’t need to worry too much about our Elven technology being stolen by other races.”

“Because high-tech components would still be completed in our Elven homeland. As for the finished products, the races on the continent won’t see them for now. They only know that we Elves buy things they can produce with gold coins.”

After listening to Airael’s proposal, Domiya agreed, saying, “Since Your Majesty has made your plans, let’s proceed accordingly.”

These things were hard-earned results from her efforts; it would truly break her heart if they were stolen so easily.

As for theft, she was already mentally prepared.

Once the Elven Race unveiled new technology, many races would surely be envious.

The Elven Race couldn’t guarantee complete safety for their technology either.

For instance, human magic was initially taught by Elves to magically gifted humans as a way for the Elven Race to dominate the world, but those were only basic spells. Later, with the rise of the Human Race, many spells were stolen from the Elves.

There were some innovations by humans as well, but those were few and far between.

So, she could accept being stolen from.

But it mattered how it was stolen.

Being stolen from easily was unacceptable.

If others went through great difficulty, she could accept that.

This would imply that her products were valuable.

Otherwise, why would others go to such lengths to steal her things?

Ideally, if her next generation product was stolen after great effort, she wouldn’t care that much if some old products that were about to be phased out were taken.

“Although I’ve made my plans, the entire production process will be very complex, and the required raw materials certainly won’t be just one or two types. So, I’ll need you, Teacher Domiya, to help identify which raw materials can be better sourced externally from the two steps.”

“I’ll help, but it will take some time.”

“I will patiently wait. Also, there are other matters to attend to before we formally begin, which will definitely take some time.”

Airael smiled.

Their discussion about official matters came to an end, and after chatting about some personal topics, Domiya left.

After Domiya departed, Airael went to find Anna.

Though she had mentioned that Domiya had other things to do before, it’s essential to know that not everything needed the Elven Queen’s personal attention—otherwise, what were her subordinates for?

Those tasks could be delegated to someone else.

While Airael was taking care of Anna, Hela, under Airael’s orders, took a group to the merchant association located in the royal city.

As stated earlier, according to Airael’s plans, acquiring external materials would be achieved through foreign trade.

This was also a highly legitimate and formal channel.

Even though it might seem unusual for the Elven Race to suddenly purchase many items from the continent, they believed that as long as gold coins were in place and they kept a low profile, they could conceal anything that needed to remain hidden for a while.

After all, this was formal commercial activity.

“You provide the goods, I give the money.”

There would surely be many nobles unable to resist the lure of gold coins.

And this would be a period for the Elven Race’s rapid development, using the continent’s strength to aid their own growth.

In this process, merchants played a critically important role.

However, despite their significance, in this age ruled by nobles, the current status of merchants was not high enough for Airael to deal with them personally in her role as Elven Queen.

To be honest, a wealthy merchant worth billions wasn’t even comparable to a powerful adventurer in status.

Merchants might have gold, but that’s all they had.

People might love gold coins, but in this world, gold isn’t omnipotent; at least, it can’t always protect your life.

Letting Hela engage with them was more than enough to make them excited.

If Airael were to do it herself, it might backfire, as it seemed highly unusual. Though merchants were profit-driven, they generally valued their own lives more.

Additionally, this would lower Airael’s own prestige.

Thus, she entrusted Hela with this task.

She believed that, as her steward, Hela would handle the matter well.

When Hela arrived at the merchant association’s premises, the staff reported to Rolt, the head of the association.

Rolt personally welcomed Hela in the meeting room, praising her, “Lady Hela, I, Rolt, represent the Elven Merchant Association in welcoming your esteemed visit.”

“Please have a seat. I’ve come here today for some matters that require your assistance.”

Hela responded to him calmly, looking at him with an expressionless face.