第１６２３堀：人がいればアイディアが出てくる (Part1)
Chapter 1623: Where There Are People, There Are Ideas
Side: Mikos
I received a sudden call from Yuki-sensei, so I wrapped up my current work in a flash and headed to his office. When I arrived...
"How about putting together a pamphlet, a trade magazine, or even a special feature on the port town?"
He presented me with an offer that was, quite frankly, incredibly delicious for a girl like Mikos. As expected of Yuki-sensei.
"Of course! The port development is a massive project that has not only Weed, but every country on every continent watching with bated breath. There are investors everywhere; there’s no way they wouldn’t be curious about our progress. If I can be of assistance, I’d be delighted to help."
That’s right. While the port development led by Weed was, behind the scenes, a means to corner the Dark Guilds, on the surface, it was the first major port construction project on the Rogali Continent. The movement was being watched not just by the great powers, but by smaller nations, the residents of Weed, and even tourists.
However, port construction is, in a sense, a bundle of secrets. Well, information does trickle out, but... rumors of powerful monsters, or that the area isn't yet habitable. Because there’s a naval port involved, information hasn't really been made public. Everyone is starving for news. I was certain that such an article would sell like wildfire.
"Thanks, that’s a huge help. So, let me reintroduce you: this is Mikos, the expert who will disseminate information to the public through pamphlets and books."
He introduced me formally. Hmm? Ah, I see. It seems Yuki-sensei hadn't told the others I was coming, so everyone except Nina and Prof looked completely blank. I decided to take the lead.
"Yes. I have arrived at the invitation of Yuki-sensei. From what I’ve heard, I believe this falls squarely within the expertise of Mikos and the Weed Information Magazine and Publishing House. What do you think?"
I waited for their reaction.
"Indeed, there is no expert more qualified than Mikos-sama."
"That’s true. I read the Weed information magazines myself, and I’m sure we can leave it to Mikos-sama."
As Sisua and Sona nodded in agreement, the others followed suit. It seemed there were no objections.
"Then, please leave the pamphlets and the future publicity regarding the port town to me."
"Right, I’m counting on you. Now, let’s get into the details..."
Yuki-sensei handed me a stack of documents. They contained the information he wanted included in the pamphlets. As for the magazine, he wasn't sure what to report yet. Well, that made sense. Although the basic form of the port town was finished, it only consisted of the administrative office, a fishing port that wasn't yet operational, and a naval port running on its own. Ordinary citizens hadn't moved in yet, and the infrastructure for receiving them wasn't ready. That was why there was nothing to report.
I gathered information from Sisua, Sona, and the others, but the documents remained unchanged.
"I see, I see. I understand the requirements for the pamphlet, but may I offer an opinion, Yuki-sensei?"
"Go ahead."
"Then, I won't hold back. Whether we want to gather people or encourage tourism, we can't do anything until the environment is ready. If we put out a pamphlet saying 'we haven't built it yet but we will,' people might think they’ll be living in tents. I recommend building the housing and workplaces first. The administrative office is preparing, right? How much longer until you're ready to accept people? I suggest we time the pamphlet to coincide with the completion of the housing and workplaces."
When I said this, Sisua and Sona looked at each other, then...
"Yes, you are correct. Right now, we are doing the basics, like preparing furniture and documents for the office."
"And after that, we plan to move the families of the office staff, have them practice administrative procedures and resident registration, and then move on to developing the residential and commercial districts."
"I see, I see. So, what I mentioned is still in the future. In other words, it will still be a while before the general public moves in?"
"According to the schedule, we plan to start in about a month. By then, the residential and commercial districts will also be partially operational."
"Though, there's a chance things might not work out as planned once we actually start building."
"Then, the deadline is about twenty days away. I’ll need photos, so can I assume the buildings will be up within twenty days?"
I began to map out the detailed schedule needed for the pamphlet. Sisua and Sona seemed to realize anew that they needed a foundation to create the material, and they began discussing setting time limits on the spot. Well, it’s not as if taking more time is always better. I wasn't sure if a month was reasonable, but if Yuki-sensei wasn't intervening, it must be fine.
As I was thinking this, Ria spoke up to Yuki-sensei.
"Oh, and Yuki-san."
"What is it?"
"You said the rice balls Canaria made were delicious, right?"
"I did. Ah, so that was the main topic. Sorry for dragging you into this while you were practicing your cooking."
Come to think of it, I heard yesterday that Ria and Canaria had tried cooking, but there was nothing unusual at the dinner table. Did they bring some kind of offering? As I pondered this, their conversation continued.
"About that, is it possible for her to help out here?"
"By 'here,' do you mean the port development?"
"Yes. Though, I can't handle internal affairs. I mean, I will if you tell me to, but..."
"I have my family's situation to consider, so if I push for it, there might be dissatisfaction."
Ria hesitated, but Canaria cut herself off bluntly. Ah, so she came here because she wanted to help with something? Ria seems to be thinking about her future while sticking close to Canaria. However, as she herself said, even if Canaria is innocent, the Kingdom of Vinosia collapsed after bankruptcy and was annexed by Hinsua. The resentment is deep, and there are people who would hold even a princess raised in luxury responsible. That’s what led to her being sold into slavery.
If we were to involve her in the operation of the port town, those dishonorable rumors would follow her everywhere. It wouldn't be impossible with the backing of Yuki-sensei or Seraria, but it was clear that it would be several times more difficult than usual, which is why such a topic hadn't come up until now.
"No, I agree with Canaria. There are those kinds of issues, and she's a newcomer, so it wasn't in the plans. But if not that, what else?"
Hmm, given the flow of things, what kind of help could she offer outside of internal affairs? Mikos, Sisua, and Sona seemed to have overheard them as well, as they tilted their heads and looked toward Yuki-sensei and the others.