第１４６７堀：会議その７ 商売は売れて困っている感じ (Part2)
"True enough. Rules are only effective when there’s a shared understanding and a collective will to uphold them. Like the simple principle of not taking what belongs to others."
"Precisely. That is why those who love the baths have taken it upon themselves to teach the rules and provide support."
"To that extent?"
"To that very extent."
Everyone nodded at Narjia’s words.
I use the super public baths myself, and I’ve certainly seen such people there.
Well, baths are a staple of Weed now, but for those arriving from the outside, the proper etiquette is a complete mystery.
To them, the idea of using hot water with such reckless abandon is unthinkable; they find it almost counterintuitive to wash their bodies before entering the tub.
In fact, they often feel it would be more natural to wash while submerged in the water.
But that is an act of barbarism in a communal bath shared by so many.
It is the staff—and these self-appointed 'Bath Guardians'—who set them straight.
"Oh, of course, we provide them with discount coupons, free passes, and even meals as compensation."
"You’re paying them, then? Does the math work out?"
"Naturally. It’s far cheaper than hiring them as full-time staff, and for them, it’s less of a job and more of a hobby they enjoy."
That makes sense. Getting to use the baths for free or at a discount, coupled with access to the delicious food inside, is value enough in itself.
"So, while the super bathhouse management is running smoothly, as Ratz, Eris, and Kaya mentioned earlier, the population is growing, and with it, the demand for the baths. While the hot springs aren't widely recognized by outsiders just yet, I expect those opportunities will increase. Therefore..."
"The super bathhouse will eventually fall short of demand, then?"
"It’s a possibility. I would like to discuss that with you at a later date."
Indeed.
An increase in people inevitably leads to an increase in demand.
Just because operations are smooth now doesn't mean they will remain so indefinitely.
The members involved in the commercial district will need to sit down and map out the future in more detail later.
"Understood. Now, what about the Blacksmith District? Any issues there?"
"Let’s see. As for my report on the Blacksmith District, production of the scheduled weapons, armor, tools, and consumables is proceeding smoothly. The push for standardization is also gaining traction. It seems the other continent is considering it as well."
"Ah, I’ve heard of that. There’s even talk of a 'Unified Alliance Standard' or something of the sort."
Standardization—the process of unifying the dimensions and shapes of screws, nails, and other components used in industrial products, weapons, and tools so that they can be easily maintained anywhere.
Until now, not only did every country differ, but even individual craftsmen used their own unique tools, often leading to situations where repairs were impossible elsewhere.
Granted, that served to prevent the leakage of trade secrets, but we live in an era where the world interacts across continents.
While sensitive technology should certainly be kept under wraps, unifying the standards for everyday items like screws, nails, and hammers makes life much easier for those who build things.
Incidentally, in the world of commerce, standards for length and weight are already established, which has made trade significantly easier.
I suppose the craftsmen—or rather, the higher-ups—have finally recognized the convenience of it.
The importance of a standard that holds the same meaning in every country, or rather, every continent.
Above all, it means parts can be procured anywhere.
"Everything is on schedule. We have also stockpiled enough to distribute a fair number should we decide to disseminate that technology."
"The rest depends on us, then. Understood."
"Finally, regarding Weed’s proprietary weaponry, we are still far behind. We are nowhere near the level of Earth’s armaments."
I was surprised by how readily Narjia admitted defeat—or rather, how honestly she acknowledged that their technology couldn't measure up. But when the opponent is the weaponry from my brother’s homeland, it’s understandable.
It is far beyond the level of anything that could be easily imitated.
"That can't be helped. I know you and your team are working hard, and I’ve seen the results of your research. You’ve collaborated with Zargis to create convenient tools for the public, so let’s just take it one step at a time."
"Thank you. Still, it’s frustrating. If it’s not too much trouble, could you order us a Mobile Sui—or even a Za—?"
"That is impossible."
An immediate rejection.
Asking to suddenly import giant robots is a bit much, isn't it?
Hahaha. We laughed it off, but the conversation continued.
Things are fine while they’re selling, but once the boom fades, they become ruins.
Bringing everyone together.
It’s a difficult problem, as we see it happen in reality all the time.