第８１１堀：田舎発展物語 序 (Part2)
"Ah, I’m not sure how to put this..."
It’s not like I can just say I need enough land for an airplane to take off and land without sounding like a madman. As I struggled to find the right words, Micos, who had rejoined us after the negotiations concluded, spoke up in my stead.
"Father. You were listening to Yuki-sensei, weren't you? Since we’re planning to connect this to Weed, a plot of land the size of a single mansion won't be nearly enough. Look, the field past that hill is perfect."
"Wait, wait. Have you forgotten that I already told you that area is littered with massive boulders and would be far too much trouble to clear?"
"It’ll be fine, don't worry. Right, Yuki-sensei?"
Micos turned to me with a beaming smile. She knows about my Dungeon Creation ability, so she understands that no matter how many rocks there are, it’s a non-issue for me. Even so, I couldn't exactly tell Baron Jama—who was still looking perplexed—that it would be "no problem" without him even seeing the site.
"Well, let’s take a look at it first."
"That would be prudent. Though, I find it hard to believe this is land that can be easily managed... Honestly, Micos, don't go making our guests go on a wild goose chase. And call me 'Father'."
"Heh. A father who doubts Micos-chan and Yuki-sensei is only worth being called 'To-chan' (Dad)."
"Hah. You went to the academy and even experienced a war; I thought you would have matured at least a little..."
"Ahaha! Micos-chan has super-powered up, you know. If you can't even notice that, then 'To-chan' is all you deserve. Right, Kagura?"
"Honestly, Micos, you should show your father more respect. You’re being far too blunt. Please forgive me, Baron Jama; this is a failure of my education and supervision."
"No, the apology is mine for having such a forward daughter. And thank you for being a friend to a girl like her."
"Wait a minute? How did it end up being Micos-chan’s fault?"
We continued this truly peaceful conversation until we arrived at the proposed site.
"This is... quite a difficult place to utilize."
"Indeed. It would take an immense amount of labor to make this land usable," Princess Stasia and Enora murmured, looking out over the grassland where giant boulders lay scattered about.
"Strange. Where did rocks this big even come from?" I wondered aloud, walking over to a nearby boulder.
"They likely came from that rocky mountain over there," someone suggested.
"No, no. I mean, how did they get all the way out here?"
"Hmm. Now that you mention it, that is a mystery. There are over a hundred of them at a glance, and they’re just strewn about randomly. They don't look like rocks cut by human hands, either."
As Deryu noted, there was indeed a rocky mountain visible beyond the plains, but there was no way those boulders could have rolled all the way here from there. Deryu tilted her head in confusion.
"Well, I could do it, but..."
"It’s impossible for an ordinary person, and as you said, they don't look like quarried stone. They must have rolled here naturally, though I have no idea how that could have happened."
As we were discussing this, Micos tugged on my sleeve.
"Um, I don't really get the complicated stuff, but from your perspective, Yuki-sensei, is this place usable?"
"Ah, sorry. I was just lost in thought about how strange this space is."
This is the kind of thing I should ask someone like Taizo-san. Regardless, as far as the land goes, the rocks aren't a problem at all. The only question is how much of it I’m allowed to use.
"Baron Jama, how much of this area may I use?"
"Er, are you truly going to use this place? Even if you try to clear it, it will take quite a lot of..." Baron Jama replied, looking worried.
Well, that’s a normal reaction. But since explaining it wouldn't lead to any real understanding, I decided to push forward.
"Yes. We can manage that. My request is to rent as far as the eye can see."
"Ah, you mean you want to find a good spot. That’s no problem at all. If you search this grassland, I’m sure you’ll find plenty of usable land."
Oh, he misunderstood in my favor. Well, I got the permission, so that’s what matters. Now...
"I’ve received permission. Is that alright, Princess Carrie?"
"You seem to be under a slight misunderstanding, but it cannot be helped. I shall act as the witness and observer for this contract. Baron Jama, is this acceptable?"
"Yes, that is fine."
Good. Since Princess Carrie is on board, all that’s left is to draw up the contract and build the base.
"Then, we shall return to the mansion to draft and sign the contract. Yuki-sama, wouldn't it be better to perform the work first?"
"Are you sure? It would be a problem if you decided to back out after seeing it."
"To-chan wouldn't do that. Right, To-chan?"
"Of course. Even if it’s just a verbal promise, I will not break a vow made in front of a Princess. Though, if it were just a verbal promise to Micos, that might be a different story."
"Ehh!?"
"Yes, yes. Then, let’s get started..."
I began to renovate the land using my "Dig-Dig-Woof-Woof" technique. Though, in reality, I was just building according to the template I had prepared in advance.
And thus, the development of the Baron Jama territory began.
At super-high speed!!
Wait, does everyone even remember that it’s called "Dig-Dig-Woof-Woof"?