Overlord (LN)

“Firstly, I would like to initiate friendly relations between our nations. Then, I would like to engage in trade.”

“—Is that so.”

“I have heard from one of your countrymen that your staple foods are mushrooms and meat, am I wrong? I recall something about farms at the feet of the mountain which raise fresh vegetables, but apparently they are few in number and their variety is quite poor. My nation can supply fresh vegetables and — do the alcoholic spirits of human kingdoms and the Sorcerous Kingdom hold any interest for you?”

The topic of alcohol made the Dwarves’ eyes light up. That was a very frank reaction.

“I also hear that this country trades with the human nation to the east, but not to any great degree.”

“Indeed. Our traffic is merely twenty dwarves’ worth of merchandise. Currently, we are developing magic items which can hold an unlimited supply of goods.”

The Merchant’s Guildmaster gave that reply.

“I see. Is it true that there are few Dwarven trade caravans due to the dangerous mountain roads?”

“That is indeed the case.”

Another Dwarf supplied that answer.

“We cannot carry too many goods due to the steepness and danger of the mountain paths. In addition, moving in groups draws the monsters’ attention. There are many monsters which will attack regardless of the numbers of their prey. In particular, aerial ambushes are hard to deal with.”

It was true that conventional trading methods would require great effort. The Empire only engaged in limited trade with the Dwarves due to the lack of profit in doing so. However, it was precisely that reason which made them a very lucrative trading partner for the Sorcerous Kingdom.

Unfortunately, the only notable export which the Sorcerous Kingdom could boast was their undead. However, to the Dwarven nation, even regular food would sell well.

What a marvellous trading partner.

Ainz smiled evilly in his heart as he asked his question.

“If that is the case, then I must further recommend national relations with me — with the Sorcerous Kingdom, so we can export foodstuffs.”

“...We have not yet inquired of the precise location of the Sorcerous Kingdom. Can we transport our trade goods there by ourselves?”

“Having your country’s people move cargo by themselves would still be quite dangerous. I feel that my nation should take the lead in establishing a proper trade route so your nation’s people can safely transport their wares. When that happens, wagons and carriages will be able to move smoothly. Of course, they will not be pulled by anything as fragile as horses, but by other beasts of burden.”

“Could those be... the undead?”

One of the Dwarves, his face filled with disgust, asked that question.

Ainz recalled that he was apparently the Forgemaster.

“Precisely. I propose the use of undead-pulled cargo wagons, which possess the power to defend themselves and will never tire. They will surely make for excellent transportation tools. In truth, our nation has already made use of them, and the response from the citizens is very good. In addition, there are other advantages to using the undead—”

Just as Ainz was about to launch into an enthusiastic presentation, the Forgemaster interrupted him.

“—Is it not true that the undead will attack the living?”

Ainz pouted internally, but he responded with supreme confidence.

“It is true that many people would think that way about an average undead being. And to be fair, it is true. The undead are beings which hate and attack the living. However!”

Ainz placed particular emphasis on that word.

“Under my absolute authority, the undead of the Sorcerous Kingdom will not pose any problems for you. You may rest easy knowing that.”

The Forgemaster’s mouth pursed into a へ shape. He did not seem to believe Ainz at all.

He must have had a bad experience where the undead slew his family, or something. As Ainz contemplated that possibility, he played one of his trump cards.

“In addition, my nation can supply labor.”

“Labor?”

“During my journey, I spoke with one of your countrymen whom I saved from the Quagoa—”

Ainz had not done so on purpose, but it was not a complete accident, so he decided to phrase it as doing them a favor.

“—And I heard of the work that goes on in your country’s mines. While it is work for Dwarven miners, the undead can handle it for you.”

“What? Can they really do that?”

The eyes of the Master of Caves and Mines went wide, having taken the bait.