落とし穴８９堀：何がそんなに忙しいの？ (Part2)
"If people can live in Weed, I’m sure many would want to leave their hometowns to try and make a name for themselves," I remarked.
"That’s true. But then you get the impoverished, those without any starting capital, flocking in. If you leave them to their own devices, it just leads to a decline in public safety. That’s why we need development."
"Is there enough money and work to go around?"
"That’s the problem. The money side is fine, mostly, but the work... that’s the tricky part."
"Weed is still doing alright, but places like Ranks are struggling financially," Rurua added.
"Then why not have Ranks send those people to Weed to help with road construction? We’re planning on utilizing vehicles more in the future anyway. We can extend the roads to Ranks, use that as a model case, and let them pay for the construction costs in installments."
"That would be great if we can get the people to gather, but if we aren't careful, we’ll just end up drowning in debt."
"If only Ranks had some kind of industry. What about branding their soap?"
"No, the soap we’re running in Weed is leagues better than anything they could produce."
"I don’t really want to keep pushing products from Japanese manufacturers moving forward. It’ll just kill off the local industries here, won't it? Given the sheer technological gap."
"That’s true. So, you’re saying we should switch over gradually?"
"Exactly. And not just with soap, but printing as well... though that’s still impossible due to the machinery. But we have to move from woodblock prints to movable type; we’re still a long way off from inkjet, after all."
"An endlessly long way, at that."
"Well, it’s the same with shampoo and food. We’re increasing the amount of Weed-grown crops, but it’s sad for the local merchants if they’re reduced to nothing more than resellers."
"Is that why you’re looking to expand that to other countries?"
"We’ve already started with crops and food, but soap and shampoo are still pending. Taiki’s side has been making them from the start, so they’re strong in that area, right?"
"Strong is one way to put it, though we were just the first to start. Well, I suppose that’s the only reliable source of revenue for now. Can’t we do commercials? Weed has the radio, doesn't it?"
"In that case, why not build radio systems for our allied nations and broadcast them? We could get sponsorship fees and the like. If we frame it as a way to support the allied nations, they shouldn't be too bitter about it. Ever since that broadcast during the fireworks, every country has been asking us to teach them about that loudspeaker system."
"I bet they would. Unless they're Call, that is."
...I can't keep up with this conversation at all. I barely understand a word they're saying. I assume they’re talking about creating local specialties to attract people, but... Radio? Sponsorship fees? Commercials? There are too many words I don't know.
But I feel like it would be a disaster if I didn't join the conversation. My goal is to deepen our ties and ensure a more secure future for Haiden.
"U-um, I don't really understand, but... wouldn't wine be a more straightforward local specialty?"
"Well, that is a classic."
"The downside is that it takes time. By the way, to strengthen our ties with the Kamishiro Ducal House, wouldn't it be better to know what they like and dislike?"
"Ah, now that you mention it, you're right. Baide is already effectively under our control, and for better or worse, it’s been influenced by Weed. It might be worth trying a few things out in the Kamishiro territory to see what’s popular among the people there."
Y-yes!! They finally bit on something. I have to use this to keep their interest.
"I-if so, why don't you try setting up a shop in the territory and selling things there...? I think I could manage at least that much if I speak to my father."
"Oh, that’s a good idea."
"Wait, you haven't been doing that until now?"
"We decided that Weed would be the only base on the Rogari Continent. Since we live in our bases for a long time, stealing market share just breeds resentment, and crushing competitors only leads to more trouble. We didn't go to the If Continent for business in the first place. This would be a perfect way to show them what kind of benefits come with forming a friendly relationship."
"You were practically invincible on the If Continent, after all."
"That was under the title of mercenaries. Here, everyone already knows we’re from Weed, so we have no choice but to attack by bringing in our goods. Our military strength is already known, so they’re bound to be wary. If that’s the case, we have to lure them in with products."
"I suppose so."
*Grrr...* Why do they only talk about things I can't follow? Rogari Continent is the one where Weed is, right? But what is the If Continent? Don't tell me there are other continents out there!? *Eek!* I'm too scared to ask!
And so, local governments and nations are incredibly busy every single day. Managing funds, negotiating with others, preparing bargaining chips, and drafting development plans. It’s fine if you have the ambition to improve your country or region, but that requires the political maneuvering to climb the ladder.
They say you must be able to swallow both the clean and the dirty, but that’s fundamentally unnecessary for Yuki or Taiki. If they were still in Japan, they would have lived their lives as ordinary people. That is precisely why Yuki, who boasts such specs yet lacks ambition, and his best friends—who serve as the final line of defense—are so extraordinary.
For Luna, there are no better talents than these. For now, Kagura did her best to survive another day.