第１０３掘：ウィード
**Dig 103: Weed**
**Weed**
**Side: Seraria**
"Attention, everyone living in the dungeon. The day has finally arrived."
A broadcast is currently echoing throughout the entire dungeon. Apparently, Yuki and a certain mad scientist teamed up to recreate a loudspeaker using magic. That self-proclaimed Four Heavenly Kings member has been quite active lately. The one with the "bountiful assets" is busy doing regular agricultural work. Should I go and try milking those?
My thoughts wandered into a strange direction, but since then, the installation of the Gartz dungeon has been completed without a hitch. Logistics have begun to flow, and the dungeon's economy is more vibrant than it has ever been.
It has been over three months since the last of the refugees from Litea arrived. A month has passed since we returned to the dungeon, and just as the refugees were starting to settle in, the day finally came for this dungeon to give birth to its own identity.
For this very day, we succeeded in gathering the royalty of Gartz, the dignitaries of Litea, and... my own kin, the Roschur faction. The meetings—or rather, the casual chats—have concluded. Well, the actual trade negotiations are being handled thoroughly by others, away from my presence.
"Today, by the will of Seraria-sama, the lord of this dungeon—no, to give form to the dying wish of the late Elju-sama—this day has come. I know some of you are busy with work, but please, lend your ears to this broadcast."
"Ho, so this is what you call a broadcast? It’s magnificent."
"Indeed. I would certainly like one for Litea as well."
"What is this, King of Roschur? You didn't know about it?"
"It can't be helped. Because of my daughter..."
"What, are you still being hated?"
"...Hmm, I'm close in age to her, perhaps I should try saying something?"
"Oh! I would be grateful! Seraria has been especially strict lately."
"I think that part of you is the problem. Daughters are complicated; if you're too persistent, she'll just end up despising you."
The King of Gartz is closer to the truth. I’ll have to discipline Alstaire later. As for that lousy father of mine, I’ll just ignore him. The heads of the three nations are lounging in the government building, checking documents, drinking tea, and eating snacks.
"How are things on your end?"
"It's quite a handful over here too, Aria-sama."
"But to think we could talk like this..."
"Indeed."
Aria-anesama is having a pleasant chat with Prince Teague and Princess Charl of Gartz...
"Now, regarding that matter, at this price..."
"Can't you do something about it?"
"Well, we are making concessions on that point as well."
Ah, they’re basically at war. I suppose since they are both heirs, they are using this as a way to get used to such things.
"Once again, this broadcast is brought to you by the merchant representative, Ratz, and the government building's accountant, Eris."
I had initially thought about having a newcomer handle it, but this technology is so advanced that it would take too long for a novice to get used to it, so it was decided that one of us should do it. And so, these two were chosen. Yes, I believe it was the perfect choice for the right people.
The two are currently in the broadcast room in front of me, reading from a script. My husband is supporting them from the side. ...It’s a bit frustrating, but if I were told to do the broadcast myself, well, that would be a different story, so I’ll just endure it.
"Now then, once again, the name of this dungeon town will be decided today."
"We have received votes from all 12,423 people currently living in this dungeon. First of all, we would like to thank you for coming to vote despite your busy schedules."
"You might have been nervous since this was the first time, but there will be many more opportunities to vote from now on. As for my current position as merchant representative, my term will end in one year, and we will move to a system where you all choose the representative yourselves."
"Of course, I think it would be chaotic to hand everything over all at once, so we will remain in a support role, but this is the form of self-governance we are aiming for. It is politics by the people, for the people—just as Elju-sama wished."
Incidentally, Elju is here in disguise, writhing in agony as she becomes the center of attention. It can't be helped, I suppose. It is what she wished for, but she is receiving all the glory and fame that was originally meant for Yuki. And she’s doing it while technically being deceased. She really has no choice but to writhe.
"Now then, the vote counting! I would like to proceed, but we have some guests who have arrived."
"Yes. As you all know, the kings of the three nations of Roschur, Litea, and Gartz, as well as the Saintess, are currently visiting this dungeon."
The Grand Master is here too, but since he couldn't be lined up with the others, he’s just relaxing.
"Those three will now announce the name and make a certain declaration. Everyone, please listen carefully."
My husband beckons the three leaders over. Yes, as expected. He doesn't care who the big shots are. Though, the biggest shot here is my husband himself. The three leaders finish their greetings.
"Now, at last. The announcement!"
The paper with the voting results is handed to my lousy father.
"I shall now announce it. With 8,301 votes, the name is 'Weed'. This is the name of this town!"
As he makes the announcement, the surroundings become boisterous. No, it’s a roar of cheers. But the main event is yet to come.
"And, to celebrate the birth of Weed... I declare that I recognize Weed as an independent nation!"
"The Saintess of Litea, Alstaire, supports the declaration of the King of Roschur!"
"The King of Gartz, Rocksten, also supports the King of Roschur!"
The area falls silent at the declaration. They must be confused, wondering what is happening. Come now, lousy father, my husband prepared those lines to improve your standing, so say them properly.
"Everyone! I am happy that you stood up not to fulfill Elju's wish... no! To carve out your own path! The people of this town have already outgrown my hands. Everyone, build an even better town with your own hands! Seraria, I leave it to you!"
"I am Seraria, the provisional queen of this country. However, as you all know, this throne exists because of all of you. Let us continue to protect it together. And for a better future! Everyone, please lend me your strength!"
" " "Wooooooohhhhhh..." " "
The dungeon is shaking with cheers.
"Well, that’s how it is. This dungeon... Weed has become an independent nation..."
"To celebrate that, drink and make merry! Oh, but no fighting, okay? And you merchants, it’s time to make money! Don't you dare slack off!"
" "It's a festival!" "
Then, the broadcast goes on break with background music playing.
"Alright, good work everyone."
Yuki looked very happy as he said that. Just seeing that face of yours might be enough for me. Now then, shall I go and walk around the food stalls?
I skipped over a bit of the story. Well, it was mostly small talk, so if there are requests, I'll drop them into a pitfall later.
Now, the town name "Weed" means "wild grass."
From here on out, the idiots will be making their moves with Weed as the stage!