第486堀:世の中書類仕事は大事 (Part1)
### Chapter 486: Paperwork is Important in This World
**Side: Yuki**
"It’s all poverty’s fault."
"What are you even talking about..."
Labyris and I were huddled inside the kotatsu, checking the DP accumulation rates. A few hours ago, we had invited a large group of outsiders into the dungeon to jumpstart our DP reserves, but in the grand scheme of things, it was just a drop in the bucket.
I’ve told the citizens of Weed that the conversion rate is 1 DP per 10 hours, but in reality, 1/100th of their magic power is converted into DP every hour. Because the professional soldiers and others have high levels and massive MP pools, the actual intake is dozens of times higher than what I told them.
If you want to call it a rip-off, I suppose it is. But then again, DP is useless without a dungeon, and since I’m the one granting them permission to use it, I’d appreciate a little leniency.
As for this place, with its absurd 5,000x efficiency, the DP collection rate hasn't changed. In these few hours, we’ve already gathered nearly 3 million DP—a testament to the "effort" of inviting 100,000 people and a group of magic students. At this rate, we’ll have enough DP to open the gate in about five days. As you can see, even with 5,000x efficiency, it’s not exactly a fortune. If I’m not careful, it could vanish in an instant.
"So, should I save up for the gate, or prioritize gathering necessary supplies?"
"Hmm. Wouldn't it be better to just open the gate and have them send supplies from the other side?"
"That’s true. It’s better to transport things purchased at Weed’s standard rates. I’ve already gathered the bare minimum, so any further expansion should wait until we’ve coordinated with Weed."
Labyris’s point was perfectly valid. Wasting more DP and delaying the gate opening would be counterproductive. That reminded me—what about the unofficial visits happening in Betan? With me gone, the remaining members in Weed have to hold the fort and keep things running, but now they have the added burden of searching for us and providing support. It must be a miserable situation for them.
"Oh, it seems they’re doing fine. They’ve pulled themselves together, divided up the work, and decided to get some sleep for the night."
"I see. I’m glad to hear they’re staying strong."
"Though, they were disappointed that they couldn't hear your voice clearly."
"Can’t be helped. According to Luna, she’s being pinpoint-jammed and obstructed."
I tried opening a call to contact Seraria, but all I got was static. It seems there’s some kind of interference neutralizing the Goddess’s power. Since I received such convenient powers directly from Luna, I suppose I’m feeling the brunt of the interference. It’s a relief that the dungeon itself is still functioning. Luna says that dungeon systems require a step-by-step process of attuning one's magic to the land, and that we might be able to exert control during that phase. She claims the difference in call quality between me and my wives is because my connection to Luna’s magic is stronger. Whether that logic holds water or not, I’ll just have to accept it as the way things are.
"I understand that this place is particularly troublesome, but I’m starting to doubt Luna’s guidance."
"I don't think so. She seemed quite serious this time."
*Sigh.* One problem after another. They say troubles come in bunches for a reason.
"For now, the plan for the next five days is to focus on accumulating DP for the gate."
"That sounds best. After that, we’ll bring in personnel and supplies from Weed to put these people in Bide at ease."
"They were suddenly occupied by strangers, after all. They probably want to say 'that’s ridiculous,' but I did flatten the Bide army right in front of them..."
"And the imperial army outside was dealt with so easily that Aslin and the others say they’re terrified of us."
I suppose that’s only natural. If I saw a bunch of little girls like Aslin tossing around fully armed adults like ragdolls, I wouldn't want to get near them either. It’s too unsettling.
"Alright, I’ll leave this plan to Weed."
"Understood."
Labyris left the kotatsu and headed to the communications room. Though, calling it a "communications room" is a stretch—the electronic equipment is useless without the relay to Weed, and the magical communication via call is still plagued by heavy noise. I suppose it’s just slightly easier to hear in a quiet room. I really should summon Zargis or Comet to get to the bottom of this.
As I scribbled down notes and formulated a response to this bizarre situation, Shera and the others, who had been monitoring the situation at the Bide lord’s mansion, returned.
"We’re back, Yuki-san."
"Oh, welcome back. Shera, everyone, did anything happen?"
"Yes. It seems that being 'rabbit-eared beastmen' is having quite an effect. Apparently, the Priestess of the Spirits is a very special existence in this land."
"But, big brother, they keep calling Aslin and the others 'monsters.' It’s so rude."
"I’m furious."
"...Well, you did go on a bit of a rampage."
"Dressa went on a rampage too, didn't she?"
"Hiiro did her best."
Ah, right. Sorry, I just took it for granted. I’m sure it’s unpleasant for the parties involved.
"Hmm. I understand how Aslin feels, but for now, that’s for the best."
"Indeed. It’s better that they fear us for now. Even though we’ve occupied the place, there are only about ten of us, mostly women and children. If they think we’re easy targets, they’ll attack us, which would be a nuisance."
As Cleena and Samantha said, I feel bad for Aslin and the others, but it’s necessary. Showing off our power is essential to avoid unnecessary conflict. Besides, under dungeon control, no one can harm Aslin and the others who are under designated protection. With Luna’s power being obstructed, the effect might be weakened, but they aren't so fragile that they’d fall to a simple sword, bow, or spell. Plus, their base specs have been boosted.
"Well, Cleena and Samantha are right. You might be frustrated, but please bear with it for a while. It’s for everyone’s safety."
"If big brother says so, I’ll endure it."
"I will endure it."
"Understood."
"Yes, if that is my big brother’s command."
"Okay."
Aslin and the others are so obedient, it’s a huge help. Now, I need to hear what Shera has to say.
"So, Shera. How did the meeting and interrogation go with Catherine, the Lord of Bide, whom we released?"
"Yes. She has honestly accepted that they are under our control. I imagine it’s because she saw Yuki-san’s power with her own eyes."
"Well, I knew things would get complicated, so I figured showing them was faster."