第７３７堀：問題が起こっている場所 (Part2)
"Then, allow me to provide an update as well. His Majesty has returned to Findar and is currently gathering information. We have confirmed that the incident did indeed take place in the Kingdom of Seasifo."
I checked the information immediately, and it seems there is no doubt that the country where the incident occurred is the Kingdom of Seasifo.
"…The Kingdom of Seasifo, is it? My apologies, Kirika, could you explain the situation?"
"Eh?"
I wondered why he had called out to Kirika-san, and when I looked, she was standing right behind Yuki. As always, she is an incredible woman. She is capable in a way that is quite different from Eris-san or Ratz-san.
However, it’s strange. Given Kirika-san’s usual work ethic, she should have already investigated the Aquenoki base and the current incident long ago…
"Yes. I shall explain. First, please accept my apologies for the delay in this report."
"No, don't worry about it. Your range of activity here is limited to the regions where we have placed gates."
Ah, that’s right. In this New Continent, the movements of Kirika-san and the other undead are severely restricted. While it might be possible for them to operate by embedding a Magic Gear—a subspecies of a core—into their bodies, as Aquenoki did, no one wants to go through the trouble of slicing open their own abdomen to insert a core. Besides, we’ve been too busy to conduct such experiments.
Actually, there was a proposal to have Firia-sama, who is accompanying us today, handle that issue, so it seems no one has been actively researching it.
Well, as Yuki said, the restrictions in the regions where gates have been placed—that is, the territory under Yuki’s influence—have been relaxed compared to the early days. It seems Kirika-san is now able to operate in this New Continent by using specific items. In the beginning, even the legendary slime, Surakichi-san, was in a precarious situation.
"The Kingdom of Seasifo is a nation facing the sea and is one of the major powers on this New Continent. The reason for its status as a major power seems to be the immense benefits it reaps from the ocean. The marine industry and salt are the primary sources of income for this nation, and they represent an absolute strength."
"I see. Salt, huh."
"Yes. While it is not impossible to obtain salt inland, salt harvested from salt pans using seawater is overwhelmingly cheaper. Even if other nations tried to sell rock salt, they would find no buyers. They have used that economic power to develop and deploy weaponry, making a name for themselves as a major power."
That’s right. The Kingdom of Seasifo controls the salt supply of this New Continent. By employing mages to enable large-scale salt production, this maritime nation became a major power, shielded by the overwhelming economic strength gained from it.
Nations that only have access to rock salt deposits must concentrate their defensive forces there, but Seasifo gained the advantage of being able to produce salt anywhere there is a sea. Of course, every country has some small-scale production, but searching for salt veins is a hassle, and it is faster and cheaper to import from Seasifo than to develop those locations.
Naturally, they didn't become a major power easily. They have been invaded by other countries many times due to their favorable geographical conditions, but each time they repelled the invaders, they grew larger, eventually becoming the major power they are today.
"Thank you, Kirika."
"Yes."
"Now, is there anything anyone would like to add to the previous explanation regarding the Kingdom of Seasifo?"
Yuki asked everyone in a formal, conference-like tone. Yuki is really good at switching between his "on" and "off" modes. That ability to switch quickly is something I should learn from.
"Hmm. May I?"
"Yes, please, George-dono."
"To add to Kirika-dono’s explanation, among their military forces, their naval power is truly formidable."
"When you say naval power, do you mean ships?"
"Yes, exactly. All of their major cities, including the royal capital of Seasifo, are located along the coast, and the navy is always waiting with warships. If one were to carelessly attack by land, they would not only use long-range magic attacks from their ships but also employ various tactics like pincer maneuvers, which is how they have repelled invaders until now."
I can’t really visualize what a "warship" is, but it is said among the various nations that if you want to fight the Kingdom of Seasifo, you have no chance of winning unless you crush their warships. Since we are an inland nation, I can’t grasp the concept at all. I mean, I don't really understand the point of fighting wars with ships. We have large lakes in Baide and I see large commercial vessels, but those aren't exactly powerful, are they? I could destroy one of those wooden ships in a single blow with my lightning strike.
However, Yuki had a difficult look on his face…
"This is troublesome. Have they been assimilated by Aquenoki? If they have, we might be facing a much more dangerous enemy than I thought."
He muttered that to himself. I couldn't understand the meaning behind his words. After all, there is no reason for Seasifo to pick a fight with the two nations of Haiden and Findar, is there? Right, Yuki?
The new nation, "Kingdom of Seasifo"—the battlefield is the sea!!
Now, Taizo, this is the time to show the soul of the Imperial Japanese Army.
No, I hadn't really planned for it to turn out that way, though.
Also, I’ve started a blog.
http://snowbookman.diary.to/
I also started a Twitter.
Snowman @sonwbookman
I just started it the other day, so there isn't much there yet, but it’s easier to post pictures than activity reports, so I thought this might be better.
Plus, I can write novels with whatever mix of ideas I want.
Please come visit if you'd like.
There’s nothing there yet, but if you have any requests for things you want me to do, feel free to ask there.