第１６０２堀：ワクワクする町作り (Part1)
Chapter 1602: An Exciting Town Development
Side: Yayui
"That’s naive."
At Ratz’s blunt, almost dismissive remark, Sisua and Sona were left blinking in surprise. Even I hadn't expected Ratz to be so critical, and I paused my administrative work to look her way.
"Naive, you say?"
"Is ten thousand really too high an estimate?"
We aren't exactly experts in town management, so we had no idea if the figures the two of them had projected were appropriate. But if Ratz calls it "naive," there must be something fundamentally wrong with their assessment. Could it be that people won't gather because the region is infested with powerful monsters? As I pondered this, waiting for Ratz to elaborate...
"No, it’s the opposite. If you can secure a safe zone within the dungeon, tourists will flock there by the thousands. And with that, not only will restaurants spring up, but everyday shops will follow, because people need to live there. As a simple calculation, the minimum staff I’m planning for a branch store includes a manager, an assistant manager, four or five sales clerks, and about ten part-timers. Not everyone will have a family in tow, but even so, the population will easily triple. And that’s not even counting the government officials who will be working at the port. We’re already well over a hundred right there."
Indeed, by that logic, it would quickly surpass a hundred and reach village-level status. But I was still skeptical that it would reach ten thousand.
"Military personnel, port workers, adventurers coming to hunt monsters, the Adventurer’s Guild, and the merchants arriving to buy goods. Hotels and other lodging facilities will be built, too. In other words, Super Ratz won't be the only ones there; many people will relocate because they sense a golden opportunity to make money. And the biggest reason for this is that prosperity is practically guaranteed. After all, big brother—once it’s built, you’re going to invite the kings of every nation, aren't you?"
"That’s the plan."
Ah, that made sense. If it’s confirmed that the kings of various nations will be visiting, it means they have officially recognized the port. At the very least, it’s unlikely to fail or wither away anytime soon.
"Which means the port of Logari will be under the gaze of every monarch. There won't be a single merchant or adventurer who doesn't take notice. I heard from Milly that the Adventurer’s Guild is struggling with various issues, but once the kings arrive, those problems will be resolved. They’ll be eager to buy up the sea monster materials, after all."
"Ah, you're right. So, a revenue stream is established."
"Exactly. And for adventurers, completing a task under royal decree is a matter of honor. It adds prestige to their reputation, which is a significant merit for their future careers. Of course, there are some adventurers who dislike that sort of thing, but..."
I agree with her. Adventurers seek honor and wealth. While some truly just enjoy the thrill of adventure, honor and wealth are always welcome assets for continuing their work. That said, as Ratz pointed out, gaining such status means attracting attention, which inevitably leads to deeper entanglements with nobility and the like. It’s true that some avoid it, but they are a distinct minority.
"I see. In that case, people will definitely gather. Weapon shops, armorers, tool shops, magic item shops, and everything else."
"Of course. While I was there to open a Super Ratz branch, I also came to see the blueprints, and I intend to put out a call for those types of businesses as well."
"That’s efficient. Sisua, Sona, what do you think?"
"I certainly see that if we consider the future, it’s impossible for people not to gather..."
"But if they don't, the losses would be immeasurable. Well, since we’re using DP, we could probably cover the deficit, but wouldn't that bring shame upon Yuki-sama?"
The two of them looked at Yuki-sama with worried expressions. They were right; if this port town project ended in failure, especially if it earned the disapproval of the kings, it would be a stain on the reputation of Weed and, by extension, Yuki-sama. That is not something we, his subordinates, would ever want. However, Yuki-sama didn't seem concerned in the least.
"I don't really care if my reputation takes a hit. I’m not planning to fail on purpose, but it’s not like I’m going to do something reckless, right?"
"Of course not."
"That’s impossible."
"Then there’s no problem. If anything, a story about my failure would just add to my reputation as a 'useless consort.' If that’s the price for Sisua and Sona to gain some experience, it’s a bargain."
He laughed, as if to say, "Bring it on." It would certainly be good experience for Sisua and Sona, but...
"Haa..."
Most of the people in the room let out a sigh at Yuki-sama’s reaction.
"You’re the same as ever, big brother. Your subordinates aren't just worried; they’re exasperated."
"It’s fine. Besides, you don't have to talk only to me. It seems everyone else has started getting interested in the port town project, too."
"Indeed, everyone has stopped what they were doing."
Startled by his words, I looked around and realized Orelia and Hobis had also turned their gazes toward us. We made eye contact and shared a bitter smile.
"Eh? Me? I’m just..."
Nina-san was the only one who kept typing away at her computer.
"Nina can do as she likes. So, give me your opinions on the town development. You’re all curious, aren't you?"
At Yuki-sama’s prompt, Prol-san spoke on behalf of everyone.
"We are here to assist Yuki-sama, and we each have our own duties to attend to. Is it really alright for us to get involved?"
"It’s fine. You’re interested, aren't you? And if you’re my assistants, that means you’re assisting with the port town project, too. Well, you’ll need Sisua and Sona’s permission, of course. What do you say?"
The two of them looked at us.
"Yes, that’s fine. Precisely because you are all handling other work, you’ll likely see things that the town needs."
"Indeed. The two of us are bound to hit a wall eventually."
They gave us their permission to chime in.
"Good. That said, make sure you all coordinate your schedules properly from now on."
"Eh? Yuki-sama, this isn't just a one-time thing?"
Ryushi asked back, looking surprised. I’m sure I had the same expression on my face.
"A town isn't going to be built in a single day. Besides, half-hearted input is no good. You’ll help Sisua and Sona while managing your own duties. And it’s not just about me covering the costs anymore; there’s a good chance you’ll be involved in the actual management of the town like this. It’ll be good experience for you all."