第１６２６堀：久々の同行とリゾート開発 (Part2)
"As Yuki-sama and Ratz have pointed out, goods that only Yuki-sama can create do not pass through the hands of the common folk, so they offer no real benefit to the populace. At this point, there is no meaning in pursuing personal profit, so that option is off the table."
"Ah, I understand the situation regarding the hotel and the goods, but have you heard about Ria and Canaria?"
"Pardon? Ah, you mean the talk about them opening a bento shop, or something of the sort?"
"So you haven't heard the details yet. Well, that’s fine. The Commercial Department will be handling the entry of individual shops, won't they?"
"Of course. It’s a new seed for business, after all. It’s a perfect place for new sprouts to bloom. Naturally, we will proceed with it. Ah, so you’re asking me to prepare a space because Canaria wants to open a shop?"
"I wouldn't call it 'preparing' exactly, but I do want to secure a rental property. As for advice on running the shop, I honestly don't know if Canaria will stick with it."
"Well, if she gains a good reputation there, we can always pull her up to higher positions. I wouldn't want to see such talent wasted on menial labor—assuming she desires it, of course. If she ends up becoming a famous bento shop owner, that would be fine in its own right."
Ratz answered with a pragmatic smile. Indeed, if Canaria lacks the drive, there is little point in involving her in the upper echelons of politics. Though she bears no personal guilt, her start as a representative of the country was marked by a failure that left her in a significant deficit. Even if her situation improves slightly by running a bento shop, it is highly unlikely to be an easy path. It is quite possible she will face treatment as harsh as mine—or perhaps even worse.
However, the poor treatment I receive is merely for appearances; behind the scenes, Yuki-sama treats me with the utmost care. Still, there is no doubt that dealing with people will be an incredibly tedious affair.
As I pondered these things, the conversation moved forward.
"If that’s what Canaria desires, then so be it. For now, we’ve dragged her around for our own convenience, so I will cooperate as much as I can. As for Ratz’s hotel and business matters, I’ve judged them to be sound. As for how to utilize the existing land, we’ll just have to decide while looking at the site and the data."
"Thank you very much. Well, when it comes to constructing buildings, that’s the only way to do it."
It seems Yuki-sama has accepted Ratz’s request. I glanced over the documents myself, and seeing no issues, I found the decision reasonable. I can reread them later and discuss any concerns another day; it’s not as if there’s a demand for an immediate budget allocation.
"Then, shall we head to the site immediately? What will you do, brother?"
"I’ll tag along. After all, I need to think about the goods. It’s impossible to design them without seeing the location. What about the rest of you?"
Asked such an obvious question, we naturally replied in unison:
"We will go."
Yuki-sama likely meant that since I was with Ratz, it wouldn't be a problem, but for me, today is a rare opportunity to accompany him. It is only natural that I fulfill my duties as his guard.
And so, we set off for the port town, taking Ratz along with us.
*Crash, swish.*
Along with the sound of the waves, a scent that could hardly be called pleasant pricked at my nose.
"Oh my, it’s quite briny, isn't it?"
"That’s because it hasn't been maintained yet. The beach area has already started to be cleaned up, so it’s a bit better there. Well, that briny smell just means the sea is rich in organic matter—in other words, it’s teeming with flora and fauna..."
"I see, so it’s proof that the sea’s resources are abundant. The fishing port at Weed’s resort beach has a strong scent as well, after all."
"Exactly."
I see. So the scent of the sea is proof of its richness.
"Now then, Ratz will be deciding the design and layout of the hotel and the shopping district, but we’ll be coming up with the initial concepts for the goods."
"Goods, you say? But this is just a barren seaside," I remarked, looking around. There was truly no other way to describe it.
"Let’s start by walking around. And let’s gather anything that catches our eye, no matter what it is."
For some reason, Yuki-sama pulled out an insect cage with a bright smile.
Eh? Are we catching bugs? I absolutely refuse to touch anything like a sea slater!
Perhaps, if Canaria returns to the upper ranks, she might be able to provide support for Fiora?