第１０００堀：あれからのウィード (Part1)
**1000th Excavation: Weed Since Then**
**Side: Yuki**
"Kirika."
"Yes. Lady Firia and the others have successfully finished explaining the situation to the Zuraburu Great Empire. Having obtained their consent, they are now beginning the setup of the Information Management Office."
"I see."
"Everything is on schedule."
"Yeah. That’s a relief."
"You worry too much, you know."
Seraria said this with a wry smile.
"That’s right, Big Brother. Firia and the others have traveled to many countries and gained plenty of experience, just like us. They’ll manage just fine."
Ratz agreed with Seraria’s opinion in her usual laid-back manner.
I mean, that’s true, but...
"Even so, I can’t help but worry. Firia hasn't had much experience as a diplomatic representative until now."
"Well, I can certainly understand that sentiment."
"Mm. As Samantha agrees, diplomacy is troublesome. However, among us, Firia is the only one who excels in that particular field of technology."
"Even so, while she understands the technology, it’s a bit much for me to go when I’m not very familiar with them. I have other work to do, too."
"That is true. Sending Agil would definitely be impossible, as it would delay necessary research."
That’s exactly it.
In the end, it wasn't just about the relationship with the Emperor of Uupia; by process of elimination, sending Firia was the method that placed the least burden on us. She was the only one with the technical expertise who also had the free time.
"It’ll be fine. Firia-chan has been handling negotiations properly through her work in the Blacksmith District and such."
"Narjia is right. You might not think so to look at her, but Firia is quite reliable."
"That’s right, Yuki-sensei. When I asked her to make armor for Enora and me, she bombarded me with questions about exactly what kind of equipment we wanted."
"Naturally. Asking for requirements is basic. But it’s not just that. I share the same opinion as Mikos and the others. I trust the Firia that you raised, Yuki. Or rather, I have faith in her."
Hmm... When everyone says that much, it makes it sound like I’m the only one who doesn't trust her.
*Sigh*, fine.
"I understand. Deryu, Labyris, and Shera are with Firia and the others. So, I’ll leave it to them, and we’ll just have to be ready to go help immediately if anything happens."
"That’s right. We have plenty to do on our end as well. I’ve finally cleared out the mountain of paperwork that had piled up. Shall we get back to confirming the situation in Weed and the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance?"
"Right. Even though I’ve received reports on the general situation, I was concerned about the state of Weed and the movements of each country while we were in the Kingdom of Sea-Cypho and the Zuraburu Great Empire. Actually, that’s the whole reason for this meeting anyway."
Yes, the reason we members of Weed gathered today was to confirm the current situation.
And we just happened to start with the report on Firia’s group.
"Then, let’s start with the situation in Weed. Seraria, how is it?"
Eris took the lead to start the meeting.
Well, no matter how you look at it, the situation in Weed comes first.
"Judging by the documents coming to my desk, there are no problems. I judge that Weed is being managed properly. Well, if I had to point out one thing of interest, it would be the expansion of the residential district, perhaps?"
"Expansion of the residential district?"
"Yes. The number of immigrants is steadily increasing, and the residential areas we originally prepared are about to reach capacity. I’ve received a report requesting an expansion. Since it involves the budget, hasn't it reached you as well, Eris?"
"Yes. I’ve heard about it from Representative Tiffany. By the way, the number of registered residents at the government office has already reached 100,000."
...That’s surprisingly high.
It was only around 50,000 just a little while ago.
"Come to think of it, and it’s a bit late to ask, but what are the criteria for registering as a resident or obtaining citizenship in Weed?"
"Huh? Didn't you know that, Big Brother?"
"Ratz, it’s understandable that Yuki-san wouldn't know. Yuki-san was only directly involved in the migration of residents during the very early days when Weed was first established."
"Ah, now that you mention it, that’s true."
"Exactly. Back then, I was doing everything I could just to gather residents and build the foundation of Weed. If they came as slaves or otherwise, they were registered as residents and granted citizenship right away."
If I hadn't done that, we never would have been recognized as an independent nation.
However, now that intercontinental exchange has begun, we can’t just increase the number of citizens and immigrants indiscriminately.
As I said, there is a limit to our capacity.
Well, after the country settled down, I left it to Seraria and the others to manage...
"Um... Qual, what were the conditions again?"
"…Your Majesty. *Sigh*, and to think you are the leader of Weed... Very well. I will explain it again. It won't do for you to be ignorant of this, Yuki-sama, so please take this opportunity to learn it."
"Yeah, I’m counting on you, Qual."
"Yes. It’s not a difficult matter. The acquisition of resident registration and citizenship depends on whether or not one pays taxes."
"Well, that makes sense."
We can’t just give out citizenship and resident registration for free.
"Fortunately, our country is a dungeon nation. Aside from the towns on the surface, the movement of people is managed entirely through gates. Of course, the surface towns are also under the dungeon’s control, and we check everyone at the entrances and exits, so there are no unverified individuals."
Come to think of it, we had that.
Weed is a nation inside a dungeon, but there are towns on the surface as well.
That’s for travelers from nearby towns and villages who can’t use the gates.
And for trade with those towns and villages.
"Now then. That said, the taxes required to obtain citizenship have been set higher recently. Also, the probationary period has been lengthened."
"Probationary period?"
"Yes. For those who wish for citizenship and resident registration, we have a probationary period to confirm that they can pay their taxes properly and live in Weed without causing trouble. Even during this period, they can use medical service discounts and receive other administrative services, so it’s no different from a citizen. We established this probationary period because, when it was just about taxes, there were frequent cases of foolish people with nothing but money coming here without any common sense regarding what Weed is."
"Ah, yeah, that happens."
"Yes. The place where that testing takes place is the Vocational Training Center."
Oh, that’s a nostalgic facility name.
In the beginning, we had people who had just arrived live there to get used to the environment.
"Well, those with personal connections go straight to shops and the like, but I’m speaking in general terms now. Those who are judged to be able to make it there are then granted Weed citizenship. If you’re looking for someone close to you, Yuki-sama, perhaps Cloche-kun?"
"Ah. Right, Cloche-kun came from a village. Come to think of it, what is he doing now?"
"He’s currently visiting the Adventurer’s Guild and working as usual."