第１００３堀：情報管理の必要性と王の葛藤 (Part1)
**Chapter 1003: The Necessity of Information Management and the King’s Conflict**
**Side: Shera**
"Hmm, I see. I understand now. Instead of a single individual receiving a vast amount of information, we are to collect, analyze, and manage it as an organization, and then present a summarized report. Is that it?"
"That is exactly it. Information is incredibly diverse and wide-ranging. We are lending out about fifty wireless radios this time. If you had to listen to every single report individually, it would be an enormous burden."
"Indeed. It would certainly be easier if the information were summarized for me."
Firia continued her explanation smoothly.
Yes, she is doing a wonderful job. I’ll be able to send some good news to Yuki-san.
Labyris, standing beside me, seems to feel the same way.
"Right? Yuki really is such a worrywart."
"Yes. Firia has grown up so much, too. She was already head and shoulders above everyone else when it came to blacksmithing, after all."
"Exactly. She’s a sister I’m proud of."
"She really is."
She is no longer a child who needs to rely on Yuki-san or the people around her forever.
In fact, thanks to Yuki-san’s education, Aslin and the others now possess a level of refinement far superior to that of the average kingdom noble.
Those innocent, naive girls who once knew nothing at all...
Ugh... I’m about to cry.
"Wait, Shera, is it really okay for you to be here? Or are you heading back when the time comes? You have a meeting, don't you?"
"Oh, that’s fine. There are no particular issues regarding Gartz. Besides, if there were any problems, my father, brother, or sister would come directly to ask for help."
"That’s true, I suppose."
As for this diplomatic trade report, I didn't see much point in attending as a representative of Gartz, so I prioritized Firia and the others. I’ve already asked Seraria-san to cover for me, so there shouldn't be any issues.
"Still, fifty wireless radios... Yuki is certainly being generous."
"Well, that includes spares. And if anything, you could say fifty is far too few. Considering the vastness and the current situation of the Zuraburu Great Empire, it’s nowhere near enough."
"You're right. It’s a territory roughly the size of the four major powers of the Rogali continent combined, and they’re in the middle of a war, too."
"Hmm. When you put it that way, it’s definitely not enough. But won't other countries complain?"
"Yuki-san will handle that part skillfully. Or rather, he intends to push the narrative that this will serve as a blueprint for wireless radio operation during wartime."
"I see. If he puts it that way, there’s no room to argue. It’s as if Zuraburu is taking the initiative to be the test subject."
"Labyris, please keep your voice down. Besides, everyone is afraid of a first-time endeavor. That is exactly why we are building up experience and track records."
Practical operation of remote communication devices like these radios is a first for this world, outside of Weed. If someone doesn't take the lead in this initial operation, the world will just continue to tread water. No matter how much Weed says it can be done, someone has to take the first step.
In that sense, this proposal was a godsend. For us, lending these radios to various countries makes gathering information much easier.
...Well, there is the issue of how to increase the staff for the Information Management Department, but we can cross that bridge once the use of the radios actually expands.
"Another thing I’m concerned about is the communication range of the radios."
"Hmm. At the moment, as long as the magical power reaches, it connects anywhere regardless of distance. Yuki and his group were saying, 'Wow, magic is amazing,' and such."
"The radio waves from the devices themselves only reach about two or three kilometers at best. In bad locations, even a hundred meters seems shaky."
"However, communication via magical power isn't guaranteed to be absolute. To avoid over-reliance and to identify situations where malfunctions might occur, these kinds of trials are necessary."
"There seem to be strange beings in this land as well. I suppose taking safety measures is never a bad idea."
"Honestly, those things are everywhere, aren't they?"
We all nodded in unison at Labyris’s disgusted remark.
For some reason, they really are everywhere. The existence of gods.
...There are good gods, but there are also quite a few who are nothing but a nuisance.
*Sigh*, I hope they don't interfere this time. ...Though, I wonder who I should even pray to for that.
While we were whispering amongst ourselves, Firia’s explanation seemed to have concluded.
"...And that concludes the explanation on the necessity of the Information Management Room. Are there any questions?"
"Hmm. No problems for now. However, I’m sure questions will arise as we go along. I’ll be counting on you then."
"You can count on me completely. That’s what an advisor is for."
From what I heard, the explanation went off without a hitch. Since she even offered follow-up support, I’d give her a perfect score.
Now, as for the establishment of the Information Management Room...
"Oh, that is truly reassuring. Now, Shou, you heard the explanation, right? I want to prepare a location immediately. Where do you think we should place the Information Management Room?"
"Hmm. According to Firia-dono, this department will handle a vast amount of information from various fronts and major cities, so we cannot place it in just any location. We must choose a site carefully for the sake of counter-intelligence. The same goes for the personnel, of course."
"That is true. A place that communicates with every front and major city will become a vital national hub. Hmm, should I place it next to my office?"
"No, that would be inadvisable, as it would allow spies to enter the vicinity of Your Majesty. Isn't that right, Firia-dono?"
"Yes, Shou-aneesama. Both are vital hubs. Therefore, it is standard practice to avoid centralizing them. We must avoid a situation where both functions are paralyzed if one is attacked. Besides, since reports can be made via radio, there is no problem even if they are located at a distance."
Exactly as Firia said. Centralizing vital hubs is a mistake; even in Weed, the Information Management Department and the mansion where Seraria-san works are in separate locations.
"Hmm. I understand the logic, but it shouldn't be too far away, should it?"
"That is correct. If it is too far, we won't be able to defend it in time if something happens. Perhaps we should place it within the Imperial Capital, but separate from the Imperial Castle?"
"That would be best."
"Then, make the arrangements accordingly."
"Understood. I shall begin selecting the site immediately."
With that, Shou-san left the room. She must have gone off to start scouting locations, but...
"He trusts you all quite easily, doesn't he?"
As Deryu-san muttered, I also felt he was trusting us a bit too readily.
Perhaps hearing that, Emperor Eupia turned back toward us.
"It is not quite as 'easy' as you think. You have no idea how many countless meetings we have spent agonizing over this."
No, we actually do know, but... I couldn't very well say that out loud.
"You need not look so anxious. I do not blindly trust you people of Weed. I have watched and learned, and I have judged that you have no reason to lie to us or to do anything that would put us at a disadvantage. Under normal circumstances, a strange proposal like this would take months, if not years, to even begin to be considered. Though, I suppose you orchestrated it so that this would be the ideal outcome, didn't you?"
"Yes, that is true, but..."
Indeed, as Emperor Eupia said, we had made various arrangements to ensure things proceeded without issue. But even so, Yuki-san—and many others, even Lowel-aneesama—have always warned us to be especially cautious when things go *too* well.