第８４８堀：影の情報収集 (Part2)
Should I take Lady Aslin and the others to an all-you-can-eat dessert buffet then? Or perhaps somewhere that serves high-end, artisanal sweets would be better?
"Now, Kirika, before we get to your time off, shall we discuss business?"
"Understood. However, is it appropriate to speak of these matters in front of Lady Kagura, Princess Stasia, and Bishop Enora?"
"It’s fine."
"As you wish. Everyone, please take your seats."
I gestured for them to sit, signaled my subordinates to prepare tea, and began distributing the documents.
"To start, regarding the movements of the Kingdom of Seasiph, there is nothing particularly alarming. They are cooperating with us quite willingly. That said, they did insist that access to their military bases and research facilities remains restricted unless specifically requested by Master."
"Well, that’s to be expected."
"In connection with that, I have a follow-up on their firearms. I infiltrated their research facility to gather data, and it turns out they haven't actually succeeded in developing cannons. As noted on page three of the report, they concluded that it is more efficient to simply employ mages to cast high-level magic."
"When you really think about it, that makes sense. You can’t pour vast amounts of gold and resources into something that might not even work."
"But isn't it strange? They’re already using magic guns, yet they won't build cannons? I suppose there’s the issue of weight and logistics, too."
As Lady Deryu suggests, unless it is a completed weapon with proven performance—like those we have in Weed—it is difficult to justify pouring precious funds and resources into something that is far from finished, especially during a national crisis.
And as Lady Milly points out, it isn't just a matter of money and materials; there are operational concerns as well. After all, a cannon is essentially a massive block of iron. Since they are using them to fire magic rather than traditional projectiles, the logic of not needing something so heavy and cumbersome is sound. In truth, if one simply wishes to unleash large-scale magic, a magic sword or a holy sword is more than sufficient. Even a staff equipped with a magic stone can serve as a conduit for artillery-style spells.
"So, with their current technology, magic is simply more efficient than developing and deploying cannons. Well, unlike the If Continent, they aren't exactly short on mages."
Precisely. If they establish a method to effectively train mages, that will likely surpass any weapon development they could achieve. And that is not the only issue.
"Yes, that seems to be the case. Furthermore, the transport of magic stones has been stagnating due to the recent trouble with sea monsters..."
"I see. So, Seasiph has shifted its policy toward cultivating mages rather than focusing on gun-based weaponry."
"I believe that is the conclusion they reached, Princess Stasia."
As expected of a former general, Princess Stasia’s grasp of cost-benefit analysis is sharp.
"But when General Lake came to Haiden, it looked like they still had plenty of magic stones in stock, didn't it?"
"Enora, it’s too late once the supply actually runs out. If the means of replenishment are cut off, it’s vital to pivot early. With magic, you only need the user’s mana to recover."
"Hmm. Is that how it works? Well, if Yuki says so, I suppose it must be true. It’s like food, then, isn't it?"
"Exactly. It’s too late to start farming once the stores are empty."
...This religious girl is completely hopeless when it comes to military affairs. She’s the type who believes that faith alone will save her. Still, with Master around, I doubt he’ll let her commit such follies.
"Moving on, I spoke with the fishmonger and the restaurant owner Master introduced me to. It seems there are no particular issues within the coastal waters where they fish. Though, with current technology, venturing into the deep sea is difficult anyway."
"Indeed. That makes me wonder why the Kingdom of Seasiph felt the need to head out into the open ocean in the first place."
"That appears to be linked to the import of magic stones. The source is the Kingdom of Gusdo, located beyond the great mountain range that surrounds this region."
"So, there are monsters beyond that great mountain range?"
"It appears so. However, as powerful monsters began appearing both on land and at sea along the mountain range, they attempted to bypass it by sailing further offshore, but..."
"And that’s when they encountered those 'not-quite-Sheela' creatures in these waters?"
"That seems to be the case. Based on the situation, we can predict that the power balance of the monsters near the great mountain range has shifted, causing those creatures to congregate in this sea area."
"…I understand. Thank you for gathering this information."
"Not at all. It is my job."
"Continue to monitor the situation."
"Understood."
And so, I continue to carry out my duties. Now, let me read Master’s report for today as well. Since Master has been giving this some thought, there must be something in there that connects to my findings. I must be of use, even if only a little! If only to enjoy my holiday with my sisters!
How does the shift in the monster power balance near the great mountain range connect to all of this? And will Kirika be able to go out for a meal with Aslin and the others?
Though, to be fair, we do go out quite often.