第１６３３堀：お弁当屋の計画書からお金について (Part2)
"Ahaha~. There really isn't much we feel like we need these days, is there? Anything we actually want, we can just get with DP. So, it ends up being all about investments and donations, doesn't it?"
As Ratz said, we have an endless supply of goods from Earth available through DP. Consequently, our daily necessities—and frankly, our luxuries and hobbies—are essentially sourced from there. That’s why our expenditures are so low.
"And so, you’ve fallen into a vicious cycle of investing to increase your funds even further, haven't you?"
"Nahaha~. Normally, that’s something to be happy about, isn't it? Well, it hasn't been much of a problem so far. Right, Yuki?"
"I suppose. I might have explained it clumsily, but the amount of money circulating in the world is truly astronomical. Even if a nation were to hoard its treasures, it wouldn't cause the world's money to simply vanish."
"Wait? Then that means it’s not really a problem, right?"
As Rushi tilted her head at our contradictory explanation, Nina looked up from the bento shop’s menu.
"It’s a problem if it continues indefinitely. If you distribute the cores and they start being utilized to any degree—even with restrictions—each country will begin hoarding wealth. If that happens, the circulation of money in the world will stagnate. That’s why you’re taking those factors into account, aren't you, Yuki?"
"Exactly. Setting aside the salary of a single noble, if countries start hoarding their national funds, the economy will genuinely grind to a halt."
"That reminds me, have there been any responses from the various nations?"
"Regarding the provision of the cores? Not yet. They’re likely still bickering over the negotiations. After all, it has the potential to be a massive bombshell. Plus, they all need to keep their actions in sync."
First, they need to suppress any rogue elements within their own borders, and then they must demonstrate to the international community that no one intends to jump the gun. Those are the two conditions in a nutshell, but the details are...
"I know I’ve asked this before, but do you really think those discussions and the coordination will ever end?"
Nina fired the question point-blank. Well, idiots who love to pull the rug out from under each other exist everywhere. It’s impossible to completely silence the opposition factions. As for the coordination between nations, well, once one country takes the lead, the others will likely follow. After all, failing to reach a consensus within one's own borders is a scandal—a stain on the nation's reputation. It signals to the world that the King or the leader is incapable of unifying their people, which is essentially advertising that the country is weak and ripe for interference.
Setting that aside, the appropriate answer to give her is...
"It will end. Without a doubt."
I declared it firmly.
"And why is that?"
"Come on, you know the conditions for using the cores, don't you?"
"““Ah.””"
It seemed everyone present, not just Nina, had just remembered.
"Right, the vehicle production and maintenance, and the medical facilities, was it?"
"Exactly. They’ll want those at any cost. That should be enough to suppress any internal agitators."
It generates massive profits for friend and foe alike. Anyone who tries to oppose it is bound to be crushed by the very factions they claim to represent. There isn't a leader soft enough to let such people derail the plan—especially since they’re all members of the Intercontinental International Exchange Alliance.
"Anyway, we’ve veered far off topic, but regarding the Canary bento shop proposal, I don't see any issues. If I had to suggest one thing..."
"Oh? Do you have a proposal?"
"Wouldn't it increase the unit price if you allowed customers to buy side dishes, bread, or rice individually at the storefront, separate from the bento boxes?"
That’s right. While it’s best to limit the variety of bento boxes for mobile sales and door-to-door service, offering individual portions of sides or rice to walk-in customers is surprisingly effective. Ratz, and even the others, seemed to grasp the intent behind my suggestion.
"I see. For people living alone or those who lack the energy to cook, they wouldn't need to go all the way to Super Ratz or Weed; they could just get it in the neighborhood."
"That’s convenient, isn't it? A blind spot. Does that mean it would compete with Super Ratz?"
"It’s impossible to avoid overlapping entirely, but the flavor profiles for things like fried chicken or rolled omelets vary from shop to shop."
"It would be nice to have sweet rolled omelets, too."
"I wonder... for the fried chicken, maybe soy sauce and garlic?"
"It goes so well with alcohol, doesn't it~"
"““Eh?””"
Needless to say, at Yuyu's final comment, everyone except Orelia and Hobis wore an expression of pure shock.
Wait, she could drink?