第９１１堀：お店はあれからどうなった？ (Part2)
Perhaps it was because I had spent so long as a leader, even if it was in an isolated village of Dragonkin?
"And so, you are also considering the management aspect, I see."
"That’s right. It would be troublesome if countries opened shops wherever they pleased. If the conditions and environment for opening a store changed based on wealth or power, it would only breed dissatisfaction. By providing a dedicated space from the start and setting clear boundaries, we can minimize such troubles."
As Yuki said, by providing this space, the goal was to reduce petty conflicts between nations and to monitor and manage the area to avoid trouble. In the future, using this shopping mall as a model, the plan is to build similar facilities on every continent.
"…So this is aimed at the general populace. I know of Touya, so I understand the intent, but wouldn't there be many who fail to grasp it?"
As Queen Miyabi suggested, there are surely many who believe there is no need to be so considerate of the common folk. There are no shortage of nobles who view the gap between themselves and the commoners as absolute, believing that the lower classes exist only to be oppressed.
"I’m sure there are. Those types probably wouldn't apply to open a shop here in the first place, and as for the finer details, I’ve left the management of such things to the major powers of each continent."
"Hmm, I see. In other words, countries with no interest simply won't open a shop here."
"Yes. Since all the major powers are participating, I doubt there will be many of those, though."
"Indeed. To open a shop in this mall is to be recognized by the major powers. It’s the perfect way to sell one's own country's name, and a chance to build connections with nations one previously had no relationship with."
Exactly. Opening a shop in the mall is a matter of honor, and for any country thinking of its future, it is an essential step.
"Well, to make sure they understand that, we’ve focused on recruiting shops primarily from the major powers this time around."
"If the major powers all flock to it, the smaller nations will surely follow suit."
"He really has thought this through."
Just as Gaul-dono said, Yuki truly put a great deal of thought into realizing this shopping mall concept. And today, we came to see the results of that…
"Oh? It’s surprisingly bustling."
"Yuki-dono’s strategy is hitting the mark. It seems many people have come to see it."
"…Even though there aren't that many shops yet."
As the two of them noted, the interior of the mall was quite crowded. I thought this would be a happy situation, but Yuki didn't look particularly pleased.
"Yuki, is there a problem?"
"Ah, the shops this time are only from the major powers, and the products are somewhat limited. Including the sample shops from Weed, it’s still quite empty compared to its final form. We’re supposed to recruit the smaller nations for the empty spaces later. That’s why…"
"I see. If it’s this crowded with only the major powers, it’s going to be a disaster once the smaller nations open their shops, too."
Samantha’s words made me realize the truth. It was indeed a harrowing thought—if it was already like this before the shops were even fully occupied, what would happen when they were? I could already see Seraria, Eris, Ratz, and Tori racking their brains over increasing security and managing the chaos.
…Actually, since this shopping mall concept was Yuki's idea, we would likely be dragged into it as well. My own homeland, Zilba, was already pestering me to provide a list of spaces available for the smaller nations…
"Well, let’s head inside. We can’t say anything until we’ve seen it for ourselves."
Yuki was right. We had only been looking from the outside. Once we stepped in, we might see things differently.
" " "Oh?" " "
When we entered, an unexpected sight greeted us. In the spaces where no shops had been set up yet, tables and chairs had been arranged in an orderly fashion, and tourists were sitting there, resting. I hadn't heard anything about this plan…
As I was thinking that, I heard voices.
"Yes, yes, hurry up and move those!"
" " "Yes, Representative Milly!" " "
"Alright, we’re on cleaning duty. Install the trash cans and make sure the guidance signs are thorough!"
" " "Yes! Representative Ratz!" " "
Milly and Ratz were leading their subordinates, busily working on something. What on earth were they doing?
And so, we finally ventured deeper into the shopping mall. Were the shops from the major powers doing well? And what exactly were Milly and Ratz up to?
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