第１６０４堀：お昼前の飲食店はギリギリ開いている (Part2)
"Ah, I’m not sure how widely this is known to the public yet, but I’d like to hear your take on a certain rumor."
"A rumor? Concerning what, exactly?"
"The plan to construct a harbor."
"Ah, that. So that is why you’ve come to this shop."
"Yes. I suggested we come here because, unless someone has a particular interest in the sea, they wouldn't have much of an opinion. I apologize if we are intruding."
"Not at all. Thank you, Shera-sama. Lately, Yuki-sama and the others haven't stopped by, and while I wouldn't call it worry, I have certainly felt a sense of loneliness."
Indeed, when Yuki-san, who could be called the owner, stops showing his face, it’s only natural for the shop manager to feel a bit concerned.
"Now, regarding the harbor construction—first of all, among the staff and those connected to the shop, the main topic of conversation is what kind of delicious seafood might be brought in."
"Ah, don't worry about that. I’ve already hunted some and tasted it myself. They were monsters, mind you, but they were exquisite. Right, everyone?"
As Yuki-san said this, we all nodded in agreement. Given that level of quality, there would be no issue at all with serving it here.
"That is good to hear. However, monster materials tend to be expensive. Will you be able to supply them at a reasonable price?"
"I’ll handle the logistics personally. Whether it becomes profitable depends on whether adventurers and the like gather there, I suppose."
"True, I have heard that sea monsters are quite powerful. The key, then, is how much can be circulated. But couldn't you provide them yourselves, Yuki-sama?"
"We could, but that would mean pulling them from the Weed dungeon. That wouldn't contribute to the harbor's development."
"Ah, I see. We are looking for the materials, but you need the harbor itself to flourish."
"Exactly. Well, in the worst-case scenario, we could just make it a military port, but it’s better if people can actually live there. It’s good to have an environment where we can procure materials from the sea should something happen to us, isn't it?"
"That is certainly true. Ah, I understand the intent behind your question now. You’re asking if we would want to work there, aren't you?"
As expected of a manager chosen by Yuki-san, she is sharp.
"Well, as I mentioned, both from a management perspective and as someone who loves to eat, the idea of a new harbor is quite intriguing. That said, even those of us who don't make a living through combat know that sea monsters are formidable. Unless safety is guaranteed, the general public will hesitate."
"Hah, well, that’s to be expected."
Yes, I believe that is only natural. However…
"But ensuring such safety is, for Yuki-sama, child's play—or rather, a given, isn't it?"
That is exactly right. There is no way Yuki-san would do anything that puts the populace in danger.
"Therefore, if you declare it safe and call for settlers to the port town, people will likely gather. I cannot speak for the adventurers needed as a fighting force to secure the monsters, though."
I share that opinion. Even now, Weed is a place of prosperity compared to other nations. More than anything, it is a place where new technologies are born. There is no way other countries would just sit by and watch this harbor fail. On the contrary, they would surely be eager to send people over.
…Though I imagine Milly-san and the others might be holding their heads in their hands regarding the adventurers.
"I see. Then I suppose I should consult with you when people don't gather."
"Indeed. In that case, it would be best for us fish-lovers to spread the word. And perhaps those who enjoy playing at the beach, too."
Calling out from those circles would be ideal. As I was thinking that—
"Ah, one more thing. If it becomes a port town, we’ll be able to land fresh fish. Well, with the Gate, it doesn't make that much of a difference, but I’m planning to open a sushi restaurant over there as well. So, do you think you could spare some personnel?"
"What is the planned scale? I have been hiring and training people under my jurisdiction for the super sento and the authentic sushi restaurant, but it isn't easy to simply increase the number of people capable of teaching."
And so, Yuki-san proceeded to ask for help in securing personnel for the sushi restaurant.
Still, the possibility of sushi toppings made from monsters… If the things we ate yesterday were to be served, people would surely flock there in an instant.
It is just before noon.
Truly, right at the edge.
Where it’s crowded, it’s crowded.
I suppose it all depends on the location.