第１４８３堀：どこにどう建てるのか (Part1)
Chapter 1483: Where and How to Build
Side: Yuki
Preparations are steadily falling into place.
The plan to construct the combined defense and lodging facility is proceeding without a hitch.
In other words, we have successfully arrived at the town of Wean in the Kingdom of Ewai.
Looking at the footage from above, I can clearly see Lowell’s group.
"Looks peaceful enough at a glance, doesn't it?"
"Yeah, it’s peaceful. Our advance unit has already secretly placed a Dungeon Core, and we’ve grasped the state of the town. It’s literally peaceful."
The fact that Lowell and her group have arrived means our advance team is already in position.
Naturally, we can’t afford to take any unnecessary risks.
There’s always the chance of being blindsided by an ambush.
"The town data doesn't show any members of the Dark Guild, right?"
"None. Even if they were there, they’re likely the type who don't even realize they belong to one. Still, we can't let our guard down. There are plenty of ordinary criminals around, after all."
"Well, it’s a town. You’re going to have more than just one or two of those. Where people gather, that sort of thing follows."
"Besides, the judgment for titles is ambiguous at best. Sometimes, even someone who commits murder is called a hero."
"Oh? Is that a jab at me?"
"Not a chance. I’m just saying we can't dismiss people based solely on their titles. Even if they are tagged with 'Dark Guild'."
"I suppose you're right."
Seraria understands that much.
She was a soldier, after all.
She’s seen her fair share of killing and knows just how unreasonable those titles can be.
"Fought for the country," they say.
Still, compared to grander titles like "Valkyrie," it tends to pale in comparison.
Or perhaps, they’re just so dazzled by her that they stop caring.
To the people looking at Seraria, anyway.
Well, to me, she’s just my lovely wife.
"So, Lowell and the others are currently scouting, but from your perspective, where do you want to place the facility? They’ve mentioned that anywhere in Wean is fine, though there’s talk about water sources being an issue if we go too far out."
"They only imagine digging wells or piping water from existing sources."
"That’s all most people can do. Or supplement it temporarily with magic."
"The reservoir strategy, huh? Well, if we’re only thinking about the duration of our stay, that’s an option. But for us, dungeon construction makes that a non-issue. We don’t even need the manpower, but..."
"Somehow, the people of Wean seem to think they’ll be hired, so a crowd is forming. Well, that’s only natural, I suppose."
"True. Even if it’s a place for dignitaries, if you think you’re building from scratch, it’s natural to expect a need for labor. Plus, they probably see this as a business opportunity."
"Of course. Dignitaries from major powers are gathering here. They must think there’s a fortune to be made. According to reports, people are flocking in from neighboring towns and villages, too. If we don’t hire them now, that’ll become a problem in itself."
It’s going according to plan on our end, but the locals are being quite clever—or rather, sharp-eyed—in how they move.
Thanks to that, I have to keep an eye on that front, too.
"Heh, it actually makes things easier for us. Eris and I will take charge of directing the road construction and the deployment of the shops."
That comes from Ratz. Eris, standing beside her, nods in agreement.
"Hiring the locals also builds trust through regional interaction. We’ve already accounted for that budget. I’ll leave the recovery of those wages to Ratz."
"I understand the logic, but it feels a bit premature to talk about recovery already."
"What are you saying, Seraria? They get to eat and drink well with the wages we pay them. The country gets tax revenue, and the town’s vitality increases. It’s a win-win-win."
"Exactly. And as I said before, even if it doesn't skyrocket, the trust in our alliance will certainly grow."
This is the very definition of a "three-way win."
Even if the Dark Guild wanted to interfere, they’d only be hastening their own decline, so unless they have a very compelling reason, the townspeople won't cooperate with them.
Well, there are always those who cling to the "good old days" or reject outsiders, so it’s not like there won't be any collaborators, but we can detect anything that reaches a lethal level, so that’s not a problem.
Hearing this, Seraria sighs.
"Haa, so the only ones who suffer are the Dark Guild and those chasing their own interests. I’m sure there are other minor issues, but you’ve considered all of that, right?"
"Of course."
"Yes, we’ve made our predictions. Well, the world generally runs on money and goods."
"Hahaha. It’s not usually the kind of thing Eris or I should be saying, but we know exactly where to apply those resources."
The two of them, who had been laughing while answering Seraria’s questions, narrow their eyes and answer with complete seriousness at the end.
Yes, there are those who will never be convinced, no matter how logically or rationally you explain things.
But money and goods are things that can overwrite those emotions.
I often say that we shouldn't disregard people's hearts, but conversely, it also means that if you strike the right chord, you can move them.
If their hearts can be changed by money and goods, then so be it.
That said, I don’t want to invite any grudges, so I’ll keep it in check.
It’s not like we lack the budget for it.
We’ve been building our strength for exactly this purpose.
"Understood. Use your methods to corner them. But keep the risks to a minimum. It goes without saying, but the subordinates who take our place on the front lines have families, too. They aren't disposable."
Seraria makes sure to emphasize that.
It’s a sentiment filled with humanity, but it also carries the weight that replacements aren't easily found.
"We understand that, too."
"Yes. We will ensure safety is thoroughly checked and coordinate with the shadows."
"Good. Now, setting aside the jobs for the people gathering there, what about the site selection for Lowell’s group? Fortunately, there don’t seem to be any strange customs or legends attached to the land."
"That’s the part I’m struggling with."
I say that and drop my gaze to the map.
The map of Wean lies before me.
It’s a white-background map with lines, showing the existing structures and the additions Ratz has drawn in.
As I study it...
"The lord’s mansion in the center, the commercial district to the south, warehouses in the north, residential in the west, and the administrative district in the east. I can see the structural coordination they’ve put into it."