第１６０５堀：こっちもやりたくなる (Part2)

第１６０５堀：こっちもやりたくなる (Part2)

"Now, let us return to the subject at hand—the port town, or rather, the monsters."

"Monsters?"

"Indeed. Surely you have been conducting investigations?"

"Of course. We have already completed an inspection alongside the Adventurer's Guild. I believe the documents were sent to you."

And, incidentally, I had enjoyed the spoils of that investigation quite thoroughly.

"Indeed. I have confirmed them. And I must say, I was astonished by their strength. A goblin is hardly worth mentioning, and even an orc is insurmountable without sufficient numbers."

"That is only natural. If a land-dwelling monster were to face a sea-dwelling one on equal footing beneath the waves, a vast disparity in power would be required. The reverse holds true as well; a sea monster fighting on land faces the same disadvantage."

"Well, it is impossible for a fish to fight on dry land, is it not? However, that is not what we are concerned with. We wish to know how to respond should we encounter such monsters while out at sea."

"…What do you mean? From what you’re saying, it sounds as if you intend to set sail?"

To encounter monsters at sea implies that one is, in fact, out at sea.

It is common knowledge that August is an inland nation, with no coastline to speak of. Though, they do have vassal states...

"Upon hearing that Weed intends to construct a port town, the idea arose that our nation, too, should secure a coastal presence."

"Fortunately, the monsters of the If Continent are relatively weak. Furthermore, the truly formidable beasts are confined to the Great Forest where the Lancer Magic Academy resides, are they not? Considering that, it serves as a potential source of revenue."

"I see. So you are looking to prepare for the monsters that surely inhabit the seas."

I understood now. If Weed builds a port town, the know-how will be established. Eventually, Yuki will build ships to traverse the oceans, connecting Rogari, If, Haiden, and Zlabur. Given that, building a port is not a mistake. If they can acquire more seafood, it becomes food and resources, and selling them through Weed would generate capital—it is only logical. But...

"It feels far too premature. Weed has only just begun to venture into a small portion of the Rogari seas. It will be quite some time before we head toward the If Continent."

That is the crux of it. Even if August starts building a port now, it will be a long time before Weed establishes a shipping route to the If Continent. We do not yet know the true threats of the ocean, and I question the necessity of taking such risks. The seas of the If Continent may not be the same as those of Rogari—in fact, they are almost certainly different. I fear it could lead to significant casualties. I would like to think they are not so short-sighted as to ignore that...

"We understand that. That is precisely why we are here."

"What do you mean?"

"Waiting for Weed’s port to be completed so we might receive information is a sound safety measure, certainly. But if we do that, we can never be the pioneers."

"…I see. You want the prestige of having fearlessly ventured into the sea yourselves?"

I narrowed my eyes at such a trivial ambition, but...

"Hmm. It may appear that way to you, Cleena, but that is only because you have Yuki-dono. When one is faced with the unknown, one has no choice but to take the first step. Am I wrong?"

"…No, you are quite right."

We are able to conduct our research with peace of mind because we have Yuki, who ensures our safety. But even Yuki encounters things he does not understand. In such cases, one must proceed with the utmost caution.

"Well, wanting the prestige is not entirely incorrect, either. It is a fact that the demand for sea access is rising. And since the If Continent sees less monster activity than other continents, we believe the If Continent could be the first to embark on port construction."

"…That fact is indeed correct. The weakness of the monsters has also been confirmed in Dressa’s territory of Nassa."

Ah, that is the Nassa territory of the Ex Kingdom now.

"Indeed. We have information that our vassal states have not encountered significant issues either. In that sense, we believe it is feasible."

"Of course, the sea is vast. We wish to know how to handle it when a powerful monster appears. Or rather, we should say we wish to prepare for such a battle."

"You wish to train your soldiers?"

"Yes. It would be remiss to know nothing at all. We wish to study these monsters."

"Naturally, this would not be without compensation. We will submit our ocean survey data of the If Continent, and once the port is built, we will reduce the usage fees."

"…I understand the situation. However, you must prepare the proper documentation. We cannot proceed without formalizing this."

"That goes without saying. It is already prepared."

How well-prepared they are. Did they lead the conversation this far just to have me accept it? *Sigh.* I suppose I am still quite inexperienced when it comes to politics. If they are doing it, others will want to follow suit—that is simply how it goes.