第１６０８堀：提供してもらった資金資源について (Part1)
Chapter 1608: Regarding the Provided Funds and Resources
Side: Eris
We had gathered to discuss the inventory of funds and resources promised by various nations, as well as the protocols for their storage. During our meeting, the topic shifted to Yuki’s recent encounter with Menou-san.
“……And so, that was the gist of what Menou had to say.”
The content of their conversation was essentially a marriage proposal from Menou-san—or rather, a desire to bear his child. Under normal circumstances, one might be indignant, assuming she was merely prioritizing her own desires or seeking a life of luxury. Yet, everyone remained silent.
“We’ve already reviewed the footage beforehand. All of us.”
As Seraria spoke, we all nodded in agreement. Whenever such advances are made toward Yuki, all of his wives gather to deliberate. We weigh whether the suitor is appropriate or not.
“I see.”
“Still, it’s rare for you to bring this up to us yourself.”
“Well, if you’ve seen the footage, I think you understand. I could sense that Menou was being sincere. What did you all think, Seraria?”
It is not often that Yuki goes out of his way to discuss these matters. However, it seemed that Menou-san’s words had left a lasting impression on him.
“What are you asking? Of course she was sincere. Menou is trying to protect her family, her house, and her people. She is even willing to offer herself to do so.”
We nodded deeply at those words. She was truly in earnest.
“Menou-san’s position is quite delicate, after all. The reason she hasn’t approached Brother with such talk until now is likely because she was gauging the situation. Even if they are both Japanese, the nations they belong to are different, their positions are constantly shifting, and there is no guarantee that her family’s assets wouldn’t be devoured by those circumstances.”
“I suppose so. I share Ratz’s opinion. But that doesn’t change the fact that things could change at any moment, does it? Who knows when Weed might falter, or if I might decide to do as I please with Menou’s house and assets.”
“““……”””
Everyone fell silent at his insincere words. *Sigh*, it can’t be helped.
“Ahem. I believe she is convinced that you would never do such a thing, Yuki. And perhaps she has judged that even if such a time were to come, she would have no regrets.”
“That’s right. She has decided to support you, Yuki-san.”
Milly added to my statement. Yes, that is exactly it. Menou-san spoke those words because she had determined that Yuki-san is someone she can truly trust.
“Well, it’s not as if we need to decide anything right now, so let’s put it on hold. We’ll wait for her to make the next move. Or, if you want Menou, Yuki, I’ll help you.”
“You’d help me?”
“Of course I would. She’s a fellow Japanese, just like you, Taiki, Taizou, and Souta. And when it comes to advice on things like cosmetics or clothing, she’s infinitely more reliable than you lot. I know her personality, and she’s the kind of talent I’d kill to have. We’d be able to learn much more about the movements of Cysypho.”
“……*Sigh*, is that so.”
Yuki replied, looking utterly drained. He still dislikes these kinds of conversations. It’s only natural, I suppose, given that he would be carrying the weight of another person’s life. Nevertheless, for Menou-san and others who desire a relationship with Yuki, this is literally a matter of life and death. If offering herself is the only way to protect herself and her family, then doing so gladly is only logical. After all, love alone cannot fill stomachs or protect what is truly precious.
Though, as I have said from the beginning, we would never accept some fool who only intends to exploit Yuki.
“I expected you’d react that way. Now, let’s return to the matter of the port town. I am leaving the management of the funds and supplies provided to Sisua and Sona. That is acceptable, yes?”
“Yeah. Both of you, are you fine with that?”
“Yes. We are grateful to be entrusted with such a significant responsibility.”
“Indeed. We will do our best. However, I have a question: since we are constructing the town and port using dungeon skills, there isn’t much of a place to actually spend these funds and supplies… but it would be problematic not to use them at all, wouldn’t it?”
Everyone fell silent at Sona’s remark. It was true. While we are certainly grateful for the money and supplies—which were provided by various nations as a form of obligation or to secure future interests—the question of how to utilize them is a difficult one.
“At most, we can only use them to hire people or provide them with moving expenses and supplies.”
When it comes to the funds and goods we’ve received, that is truly the only way to use them.
“Exactly. Seraria, what do you think? I suppose we could divert them to other projects if necessary?”
Ratz, perhaps realizing that non-consumption was difficult, suggested an alternative—or rather, a logical course of action—to use the funds and supplies elsewhere.
“No. I’m sure you know this, but these funds were provided for the construction and maintenance of the port town. If Weed were in an unprecedented crisis where we desperately needed resources, that would be one thing, but that is not the case right now. Honestly, the only way to ensure we use them is to throw a grand festival.”
“A festival?”
“Yes, Sisua. A festival would inevitably consume a significant amount of budget and supplies, and it would also serve as a way to welcome those who invested in us.”
“I see. So we should make it a grand affair?”
“Well, it’s not just about the higher-ups. Since it’s a new town, we’ll need to bring people in from Weed. We can use it to support those who are migrating.”
“I see, that is another approach.”
Just as Seraria said, we can use the festival as an opportunity to encourage migration, with us covering the costs. I’m not sure if we need to offer such favorable conditions, but we do need to promote the town, and it is better for the nation if everyone celebrates the completion of the port town together.
“If that’s the case, will the funds and supplies end up being tighter than we expected?”
“Calculate it and see. Well, even though I’m leaving it to you, you still need to get approval from my husband and me, you know?”
“I know that~. The thought of throwing around the amounts listed in these documents without permission is terrifying. Honestly, how do you, His Majesty, Yuki-sama, and the heads of each department like Eris and Ratz handle this? Do you have some kind of mental preparation for it?”
Sona asked for advice with a rare laugh. She is the type who can handle things quite capably. She has a husband and children and manages her own household budget, so her sense of money shouldn’t be that skewed, but the scale here is just… different.
“Well… I suppose. The amounts we handle may be large, but when you actually sit down to calculate it, it surprisingly settles within the realm of common sense.”