In the year 3579 of the continental calendar, the settlement of the northern continent, then called , began.

The base of the settlement was the Duchy of Jagus, located across the sea on the side of the Laurentian Continent.

At that time, it was still called the .

The land was mainly settled by people of Mitsho Huso descent, and there were three other areas: Norja, Dalat, and Mimaka.

These four areas are located near the equator, which means that the concentration of was quite low at that time, and there were many people of Mitsho Huso descent who did not rely on magic.

"A new land, huh? It sure is spacious, isn't it?

"It's not as hot as I thought. Is it because we are inland?

They cleared the land and turned it into a large arable land.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Later, these four areas were recognized as the "breadbasket of the world" with large farms, and the number of settlers increased.

Meanwhile, the development of the Pandor continent has been slow.

"What is this land?

There are no mines anywhere.

"The land is so small, what are we supposed to do with this place?

This was because there were not as many plains as expected, and it was impossible to create agricultural land, and also because underground resources were scarce.

In particular, the lack of underground resources led to a sharp rise in the cost of daily necessities and magic tools, putting pressure on the pioneers' livelihood.

There was an organization that took advantage of this situation.

At that time, they called themselves the and lent tools and magic tools at a low price to support the people.

There were many mages, and they naturally rose in social status because they took on the task of killing dangerous beasts, healing, and even making small tools.

After about 50 years of such an era, which lasted for two generations, the <> were in a position of leadership.

...... in the continent of Pandor, as well as in the four regions.

The people of Mitsuho-Huso were originally in awe of <>, so they did not have much aversion to the <> becoming the lords of the land.

In 3623, Date village was destroyed, and two years later, in 362 Two years later, in 362/5, the had gained control of the continent of Pandor and four regions.

It was around this time that the House of Mercana was founded in 3636.

The continent of Pandor had slightly changed its name to Pandor.

In 3748, Golbert Malkitas organized the League of Magic, which grew in strength around the Lesser Group of Nations.

In 3765, Horai Island was in danger, Reiko was sealed, and the old lord made Horai Island dormant.

In 3770, Golbert Malkitas disappeared from the public eye for a time, and in 3800 In 3800, the power of the <> begins to wane.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

In the early 3800s, four regions became independent, calling themselves <>.

They are named the Principality of Jagus, the Principality of Norja, the Principality of Dalat, and the Principality of Mimaka, respectively.

It is said that the reason why they were named <> instead of <> was because they were a little bit reserved for the minor group of countries.

"Nothing has changed since we became a <>, has it?"

"Of course not. It would be a problem if this quality of life were to change.

But countries change. No, the people change, and perhaps the country changes along with them.

< took its name that the began to emerge.

It all started with the accession of the to the throne. In other words, the <> was clearly divided.

Specifically, those who could use <> or not.

Those who cannot use magic are <> and those who can use magic are <>.

This was the beginning of discrimination, which Jin would have spat out if he had heard it.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

And now the present day. May, 3901 of the continental calendar.

The provincial city of Dragul is located 50 kilometers north of Jaguar, the capital of the Principality of Jaguar.

On the outskirts of the city, there is a 100 meter square plot surrounded by a 4 meter high wall.

The official name of this zone is the , also known as the .

Although it is ostensibly a zone of extraterritoriality, in reality it is not much different from a prison cell.

Nevertheless, this was a valuable area for trade with the countries of the East.

"...... one more week or ......"

<>, sighed.

"We got almost nothing, didn't we? ......"

His colleague <> let out a small sigh.

"I guess we have no choice. We are the first team. If we report what we find out this time, they will take a few more measures next time. That's what we're here for, isn't it?

"Yes, I'm aware of that."

Sean Dennison is 28 and Dorothea Arkin is 23, both of medium height and average features.

Both are of medium height and average features. They have come to the Duchy of Jagus, this time as merchants.

"Elena-sama told me to take it easy. Our goal this time is to bring back whatever information we can on this country safely."

"...... yes."

Dorothea Arkin, younger than Sean Dennison, was full of energy and wanted to bring back as much information as possible.

It was Sean's job to keep her from getting too crazy.

"...... if you keep going silent for too long, it's going to look suspicious, I'm going to remove the sound barrier."

"Uh, yes."

The wards are only deployed for a short period of time when talking about business, not business, and they have a effect.

"Well, this time the deal is ......."

Sean, with a nonchalant look on his face, starts talking about the summary of the business.

"We sold 120 items of magic tools and made 1,050,000 dollars. I have also purchased 15 works of art for a total cost of 1,100,000 Tolls, which means that I have paid a total of 50,000 Tolls.

Dorothea also joins Sean.

I understand. That's about what I expected. I wonder if I can sell you something for another 150,000 dollars.

I'm afraid that if we deal in bills, our profit margin will go down.

"I don't have a choice. We can't go back in the red."

These conversations are also a camouflage.

"Then, how about trading with other merchants?

"Yeah, that's a good idea."

Sean and Dorothea are not the only ones here.

Five other merchants are selling food, condiments, daily necessities, medicine, books, and other items.

Most of what they buy is arts and crafts, so they are almost half-volunteers.

"...... but I can't get any information."

"Don't be in a hurry.

How do I explain this to my home country? ......

We've only just begun.

And Sean and Dorothea were not the only two who had gone undercover as agents.

Up to three of the five groups were agents of the Shoro Kingdom, the Kingdom of Cerroa, and the Kingdom of Egelea, respectively.

They did not seem to have achieved much.

But...

"...... are those merchants from the Kingdom of Celuloa?"

"It would seem so."

Three merchants who appeared to be from the Kingdom of Selroa were seen being arrested and taken away by the guards of the Principality of Jagus.

"...... suspected of espionage?"

"Maybe."

Sean and Dorothea looked at each other and silently warned each other to be careful.