第１５８８堀：さあ次の仕事がドンドンくる (Part2)
"While it is certainly difficult to push the issue regarding Hinsua, the incident in Suls has already spread throughout the region. Couldn't we frame it as part of our security maintenance activities, under the guise of searching for undiscovered dungeons?"
"I see your point."
I agreed that Stasia’s proposal had merit. Indeed, with that justification, we could certainly mobilize from Litea. I watched to see how Yuki would judge the situation...
"I’ll propose it to Litea for now. Or rather, to avoid any sense of unfairness, I might as well ask all the great powers of Rogali."
"That would be for the best. I have my own connections in Roschur, so that shouldn't be much of a problem, but there’s always been a lingering sentiment that 'it’s just because it’s Roschur' whenever we do things."
"…I believe that is correct. I have caused you trouble as well."
At Seraria’s words, Fiora shrank back slightly in agreement. It was true; Fiora’s home country had ignored their supposed reliance on Roschur to beg for Weed’s assistance, and in the end, they had left the resolution entirely to Weed. Whether Roschur was actually to blame for that was debatable, but many in the surrounding areas still viewed it as a case where Fiora had exploited her connection with Seraria to bypass the proper channels.
"Well, that aside, our true objective is to pursue the Dark Guild and crush their dungeons. Of course, I’m sure Yuki-san is still considering the construction of the port as well."
"Though, I do worry that acting too overtly might invite complications," Shera and Rurua added with hesitant expressions.
Ultimately, the true goal of our alliance is to track down the Dark Guild and prevent future catastrophes. However, given that we have been plagued by trouble after trouble, the others are clearly wary of taking such an overt approach directly from Litea. It feels like a case of 'six of one, half a dozen of the other.'
"Regardless, it’s fortunate that we haven't reached a dead end. The pursuit from Hinsua has already begun. If we can obtain detailed information from that front, it would be ideal. In the meantime, we need to select a route toward the coast and start conceptualizing the port."
"Ah, about that, Yuki. What are you going to do about the personnel needed to build the port? According to the initial plans, it’s in an area that basically no one has touched, right? Does that mean you intend to recruit from Weed?"
Ah, Dressa’s question made me realize that. Indeed, if we are to survey the coast and build a port, we will need not only the labor to construct it but also the people to govern it.
"That is the problem, but I’m thinking of selecting them from Weed, or perhaps from the great powers that provided the land."
"But the port is being built by the alliance, isn't it?"
"That’s how it will be. A conference will be necessary."
"Hah, I suppose every nation wants the rights to a new port."
As Dressa said, everyone would surely want a port led by Weed, equipped with all our latest technology. I feel the same way—just thinking about the potential profits is staggering. But Yuki’s expression remained ambiguous.
"…Honestly, I don’t think they’ll be that eager to claim it."
"Eh? Why?"
"Do you think they could make better use of a port designed specifically for our own convenience than we can?"
"..."
Everyone realized the truth behind Yuki’s observation. The port, infused with new technology, is indeed impressive. But the number of people who can fully utilize it is limited. In other words, there isn't much profit for a country other than Weed to possess it.
"For the various nations, it would be better for Weed to operate the port and provide them with the technology and knowledge they can actually use. Above all, there is the matter of sea monsters. If a nation without a navy tries to get involved, they’ll inevitably suffer casualties. Besides, only Weed can handle the supply and maintenance for the fleet Dressa leads. If the leadership isn't centered on Weed, delays will be inevitable."
"Ah, when you put it that way, I suppose you’re right. ...Wait a minute, doesn't that mean we need knowledge of naval warfare as well?"
"No, the Aurelia port we borrowed—or rather, received—from Zlable is managed by Curse, and the port at Seasifo isn't exactly run by amateurs, but they aren't experts in our military or naval vessels either. Of course, having that knowledge is better than not having it."
It is true; neither of the ports currently utilized by the navy is officially under naval jurisdiction.
"But we’re talking about a coastal survey, right? Wouldn't it be better to have specialists for that? Well, there’s the port operation to consider, so having knowledge in that area would be beneficial, too."
"It just comes down to the fact that it’s best to be able to handle everything."
As Yuki-sama said, this is not something that can be decided easily without consultation. In the end, it seems our workload remains unchanged. Just saying we’ll build a port town doesn't mean it will all happen automatically. The real struggle is only just beginning.