第７０６堀：新大陸のこれから (Part2)
With the Emperor of Findarl’s permission secured, we were finally cleared to install a gate in the Imperial Capital. However...
"Is this... the central plaza of the Imperial Capital?"
"Yes. As Kagura-dono noted, this is the fountain plaza that the Imperial Capital prides itself on. This fountain was constructed by using waterwheels to draw water up. It was designed by your ancestor, Sota-sama, Kagura-dono. He gifted it to Findarl as a token of friendship and gratitude."
Indeed, this was the fountain plaza. It was a design that incorporated an aqueduct into the scenery. I had initially been skeptical, wondering how they managed to pull water from a distant source like a Roman aqueduct—the labor required would be astronomical—but then I remembered a certain fact.
"Water Dragons and magic, huh?"
If done by hand, it would be an insane amount of labor, but with Sota-san’s ability to locate water sources with the help of Water Dragons and his mastery of magic to shorten construction time, such a feat was possible.
"Yes. You have a sharp eye, Yuki-sama. I was surprised when I heard the stories of its construction, but after meeting you and Sota-sama, I realized it was possible. And even now, this aqueduct continues to support our Findarl."
"Well, I understand it’s impressive, but a gate here? Are you really sure about this?"
"Yes, that is the plan. Your Majesty, are there any mistakes?"
"None. I want the gate installed beneath this fountain plaza. By placing the gate here, visitors to Findarl will first see this fountain plaza, the very face of our capital. There is no place more fitting."
I see. So they’re considering tourism as well. Or perhaps, it’s also to test our capabilities—to see if we can pull this off without damaging the plaza.
"Then, I shall begin the work."
I was certainly surprised by the location, but I had ensured the necessary clearance for the entrance. The fountain had an underground structure, but it was only about two meters deep, so it wouldn't be an issue.
I quickly used magic to create a hollow space underground, reinforced it, secretly placed a dungeon core, and shored up the foundation. To make it look like actual manual labor, I brought in the gate components and assembled them.
It wasn't exactly "easy," but the Findarl Emperor—not to mention his subordinates, who clearly didn't believe it could be done—watched with their mouths agape as the work unfolded before their eyes.
"...No wonder war with them is impossible."
The Emperor was also stunned, though he managed to keep it off his face. Well, that was fine. Now, I had to activate the gate.
"The gate installation is complete. Next, I will perform the activation. There is no danger, but please step back just in case."
I watched the onlookers retreat, then activated the gate. A curtain of light descended upon what had been a mere frame.
"Gate activation successful. Beginning activation verification. Ria."
"Understood. Ball. Going in."
This was the same verification test we performed when we first connected Weed and Baide. She threw a ball inscribed with the time and location, and we waited for it to be returned from the other side to confirm the connection. Of course, we had already installed a gate for Findarl in Baide, so we were ready for the test at any time. I had been keeping in touch via *Call* to avoid long wait times.
"The ball has returned. It bears the Baide seal, and there is no time discrepancy."
"Good. Jessica. Begin the human trial. Go over there and bring back the people waiting."
"Yes, sir."
Without a moment's hesitation, Jessica threw herself into the gate and returned shortly after, bringing the guests with her.
"Yuki-sama. I have brought Baide's Lord Catherine and Enora, the acting Bishop of the Haire Church in the Royal Capital of Haiden."
"Good work. Both of you, this is the Emperor of the Findarl Empire."
"A pleasure to meet you. I am Catherine, Lord of Baide."
"And I, Enora, acting Bishop of the Haire Church. It brings me great joy to meet the Emperor, a descendant of Findarl, our former ally."
"I... I see. Indeed, the gate is connected. And welcome. Lady Catherine, Lady Enora. I welcome your visit from the bottom of my heart."
And just like that, the gate was opened, and the alliance between Haiden, Findarl, and the Haire Church began to move. With the gate to Findarl now operational, the conditions for the New Continent to participate in intercontinental exchange were met.
Now, is the world about to change in a big way? Or rather, I feel like other problems are bound to pop up soon, though I can't quite recall what they might be.