第１６１７堀：慌てるのは分かるけどよく考えてみよう (Part2)
"Even if it's made by Weed, it's only natural to have concerns about safety. And since it would be a national project, the selection process will take time. If we’re not careful, that’s where the infighting will start."
"True enough. I mean, even if they can't exactly use the Core to expand the dungeon and manifest supplies at will, they’re still installing it. The local lord would surely demand some level of discretionary power."
"Furthermore, having their town and residents utilized would significantly increase their political leverage. It’s bound to become a tug-of-war."
Samantha led the charge, with Cleena, Agil, and Jessica immediately chiming in to shoot down the idea.
Well, unfortunately, they were probably right.
It’s the classic "everyone wants a piece of the pie" scenario.
"Then what about the royal capital? That’s the King’s territory, right?"
"Riel. That is the absolute worst option."
"Eh? Really? Big Sis?"
"Um, I don't fully understand, but does that mean the royal capital isn't actually the King's territory?"
"Vilia-san’s answer is close, but not quite. However, I agree with Dressa-san’s opinion."
Shera offered a wry smile as she answered Riel’s follow-up, while Dressa immediately dismissed the notion, Hiiro looked confused, and Vilia remained perplexed. As for the details...
"Well, like Vilia said, the royal capital is nominally the royal family's territory, but it’s not just the commoners living there—the kingdom's high-ranking officials reside there too. If they decided to put it there on their own, there would be an uproar."
"Exactly. That’s why I think the decision will fall to some other territory. Of course, considering the safety aspect, there will be those who worry about it being in the royal capital anyway."
This time, Kagura and Stasia provided the explanation.
They’re right.
Even though the royal capital has the largest population, it’s also where many retainers and subordinates spend their time.
It’s not impossible to force it through, but many would resent the royal family monopolizing the benefits of a dungeon.
Hearing all this, Aslin spoke up.
"Huh? So, nothing really changes from how it was before?"
"I suppose so. It’s not like anything will change overnight. If anything, I suspect it will be a slow process, if only to prevent widespread chaos."
"...True. Hearing all this, we have to start by laying the groundwork for acceptance, and there are issues with DP usage, so it’s not something that can be decided easily."
Seraria, perhaps having cooled down or perhaps looking toward the future, said this with a bitter expression.
It’s a case of the benefits being so immense that they bring their own complications.
And then...
"Indeed. The Litea Church has treated dungeons as malevolent entities, and while it’s a bit late to start using them now, doing so as a Dungeon Master is another matter entirely..."
"Just like Rurua, the Haire Church will likely cause a fuss, too. After all, they’ve been fighting that sort of thing for ages."
"As for Enaria... well, they don't have any lingering grudges against dungeons, but the relationship between the royal family and the church is still... you know."
It seems the religious factions on each continent, despite their differing reasons, all agree that this is a difficult path.
After all, they are arguably the most troublesome when it comes to vested interests.
Just as I was thinking that, Comet spoke up.
"I see. So, you brought this up yourself, knowing it would be a multi-year plan, and it’s also a clever move to apply pressure against the unauthorized use of Cores."
"That’s the idea. As for the DP usage, I plan to suggest later that they funnel it into vehicle maintenance and medical-related fields."
"Oh, that’s a great idea! It’s been a hassle to source those things ourselves, but if we make them build dungeons, they can create those kinds of facilities. In other words, vehicle and medical technology will advance on every continent."
"..."
Comet was genuinely impressed, but the other members were left speechless.
After all, it meant that things they had desperately wanted but couldn't obtain were now potentially within reach to be produced and maintained within their own borders.
"...You were hiding this, weren't you?"
Seraria, realizing what my true objective was, muttered under her breath.
Unfortunately, while this is indeed part of my plan, there’s more to it.
I’ve offered up Cores and dungeons—things that are nearly my trump cards.
I’m going to demand a commensurate return.
Well, whether I can actually get it all back is another question entirely.
I said I would provide Cores to each country, but I have no intention of leaving it all to them.
Now then, I wonder what that could possibly mean?