第３４掘：会議後半 (Part1)
**Dungeon Floor 34: The Second Half of the Meeting**
The second half of the meeting began.
Eris was the first to speak, addressing the most critical priority. As expected of her. The rest of the discussion would essentially be about filling in the gaps left by the points she raised.
*Well, for now, let's write down: Land Selection.*
"First, we need to speak with the representatives of the Roschur Kingdom again to determine exactly how many immigrants will be arriving. We should base our future development plans on those figures."
"Right. Eris is correct. No matter how much we prepare, we can't plan properly without knowing the scale of the influx. That will largely depend on the level of support we receive once Seraria arrives."
*And: Details on Immigrants. Scratch, scratch...*
"Then, next, let me speak—your favorite person, Big Brother. I mentioned support from the Roschur Kingdom, but while our policy is for the residents to eventually become self-sufficient, if we just leave them to plow fields or hunt, this place will be no different from any other rural village. I propose that we operate the entertainment facilities Tori mentioned by hiring slaves as employees. We pay them wages, allowing them to earn enough to buy back their own freedom. In addition, we should use DP to prepare various shops here from the start and have them purchase those. Naturally, those shops would also be operated by hired slaves. The same goes for the fields; rather than telling them to plow from scratch, if we lend them land that is already prepared, we can ensure the village and town are vibrant from day one. In other words, the goal is not to free the slaves immediately upon bringing them here, but to have them work for a set period so they can realize they are supporting themselves. Honestly, if Tori hadn't mentioned it, I would have just told them to plow the fields from zero. We really should make effective use of our DP. And regarding the support, we need to have a decent amount of capital on hand. Therefore, it is vital that we have the Roschur Kingdom provide us with funding."
I see. Ratz’s point is also valid. I had intended to have them plow the fields from scratch, but that wouldn't really make coming to this new land meaningful. I suppose I should use my DP more effectively. And it seems we’ll need money... what a harsh world.
* Hiring slaves.
* Effective use of DP (investing heavily in initial infrastructure like shops).
* Capital for hiring (Primary plan: aid from Roschur; Secondary plan: refining precious metals via DP and converting them to currency).
"Finally, as Yuki-san said, if we are to be the ones managing the village and town, I assume it is correct to say that we will be seeking the opinions of the incoming residents as well?"
"Yeah. I think you’ve all realized by now that your individual opinions aren't enough. We’ll need a venue to hear from more people in the future."
"Then, I believe we should create a place to hold such meetings. Or at least establish a way to gather their input."
*Establish a meeting place to seek the opinions of the residents...*
"Agreed. That’s necessary, too. Though, since they won't know what to do at first—much like you all—we’ll have to take the lead."
"Yes. And the next point is a bit difficult to bring up..."
Milly looked uneasy.
"Well, it’s just an opinion, and it’s free to speak your mind. If you’re wrong, everyone will correct you. That’s what this meeting is for."
"Then, I will speak. I request that the general public be informed about the operations of the dungeon."
The room grew tense for a moment. In a sense, that statement could be taken as an act of rebellion against me.
"Give me your reasons. People won't be convinced with just that."
"Yes. The reason is that while it is a fact that the dungeon is operated by a Core, the general public does not actually know what happens when the Core is removed and activity ceases. We live here and have experienced the utility of this place through your words, Yuki-san. However, people living here and trying to be self-sufficient will likely think, 'Wouldn't it be safer if the Core were stopped?' If we don't disclose the truth, more people will start targeting the Core."
Milly has a point. As humans, it’s natural to want to ensure safety by stopping the Core. Only the members here know that the dungeon is safe; to everyone else, a Core is seen as the root of all evil that spawns monsters.
"Milly’s point is valid. But simply disclosing it won't give them a reason *not* to take the Core. It’s not like life in the dungeon would immediately become impossible."
"Yes, that is why we should have them experience that the functions of the entertainment facilities Tori mentioned—like the open-air baths—cease when the Core is stopped. If we can make the wells or rivers dry up, that would be even more effective. If they realize the Core is indispensable, the residents themselves will take the initiative to protect it."
So, we use the residents as a voluntary defense force for the Core. That would make rebellion difficult, or rather, impossible. Because if they take the Core, they can no longer live here.
Well, I suppose the alternative is them holding the Core hostage for demands, or destroying the dungeon to target the Core. Currently, this place isn't seen as a threat by other nations, and adventurers don't know it exists. Soon, Seraria’s declaration and Elju’s holy prayers will announce this as a safe dungeon. For now, there’s no reason for anyone to cause trouble. And my existence is known only to the members here and the heads of state.
*Explanation of the Dungeon Core (for the residents' peace of mind).*
"I have something to add to Milly’s opinion, if that’s alright, Big Brother?"
"Hmm? Did you find a problem with it?"
"No, I was thinking: why don't we report the DP balance as one-tenth of the actual amount, and allow them to use that DP arbitrarily during meetings? That would provide more opportunities for them to realize the importance and necessity of the Core. And if they can refine useful items with DP by their own hands, they will view us, their dungeon management representatives, more favorably. After all, they’d be able to do various things with DP based on their own wishes. It would also be clear evidence that they are managing things themselves. After all, they’d have the physical goods in front of them."
Milly’s point, with Ratz’s addition, seemed to satisfy everyone; some nodded, and others murmured in agreement.
*Have the residents use the 'skimmed' DP (to improve resident sentiment).*
"Lastly, one more thing. It’s hard to call it an entertainment facility, but couldn't we use the dungeon itself as a regular dungeon? No, not for the purpose of having the Core taken, but I thought that having a dungeon might encourage adventurers to settle here."
That’s a suggestion only someone who worked at an adventurer’s guild would make. I had been thinking about that, too.
"I’ve been considering what Milly said. I’ll talk about the details later, but I’ll explain it simply. I’m thinking of giving each of you—well, the current members—a Dungeon Core to create your own dungeons. It might feel strange to have a dungeon inside a dungeon, but it would be useful for training and adjustments, and I think it would be popular with beginner adventurers."
"Oh!! That sounds fun!! Let me make one too!!"
Mauve finally showed some reaction.
"Alright, alright. We’ll talk about that later. For now, let’s continue the meeting."
*Constructing small dungeons to attract adventurers.*
With that, Eris and the others finished their suggestions. It was quite an intensive session. I had several of my own blind spots poked. Meetings are important.
"And finally, Elju, do you have anything? You seemed to be writing quite a bit."
All eyes turned to Elju. Milly and Kaya looked like they wanted to complain, but they kept their mouths shut, seemingly understanding the purpose of this meeting.
"Yes. But first, this meeting has given me much to think about. I am grateful to be allowed to participate."
Elju bowed deeply.
"Regarding my input, would it be possible to hire a doctor for this dungeon? Even under your management, Yuki-san, I believe it is impossible to avoid injuries entirely."
"That’s a given. But hiring a doctor or a healer..."
"No, you don't need to hire anyone. Please use me and Rurua-sama. We have both been called Saintesses, so I believe we can be of service."
As Elju said this, Milly immediately interjected.