第１６７４堀：人が集まり始める港町 (Part2)
Under normal circumstances, someone in Yuki-sama’s position would likely be chided for the lack of decorum in eating while walking. But since Yuki-sama enjoys such things, there is little to be done about it.
As I pondered this, the government office came into view.
"Huh? There seem to be quite a few people coming and going."
Indeed, a steady stream of traffic was visible in front of the building. It was well past noon, a time when official business should have already been in full swing.
"It’s likely related to that shopping district I mentioned. Procedures like these are never simple."
"Is that how it works?"
"It’s not just a matter of filing a form and being done with it. You have to verify that the shop matches the application, and for eateries, you need to inspect the hygiene standards and the safety of the cooking fires."
"Ah, I see. To prevent people from lying about their business or running something else entirely?"
"Exactly. Those kinds of deceptions often mask criminal activity or become hotbeds for it. If they undergo proper inspection and registration, their taxes are actually lowered."
"Wait, they get a tax break? Even though they’re opening a shop?"
"Well, it’s a complicated matter. Naturally, they still pay more in taxes and expenses than someone working a standard job."
"I’m sorry, I’m still confused about the 'lowering' part."
Generally speaking, being a merchant is a more costly endeavor than being an ordinary citizen—both in terms of setting up shop and the tax burden.
"Yayui, your work involves negotiations with merchants and the general public, doesn't it?"
"Yes. Which is why, even including Weed, I understand how difficult the taxes and guild fees can be. You’re saying those costs are being reduced?"
"Then we’re on the same page. In a newly developed region like this, you never know if people will actually flock here."
"But surely, the idea that people wouldn't flock to Weed is..."
I found the very notion impossible, but Yuki-sama continued his explanation before I could voice my doubt.
"Well, that may be true for Weed specifically, but you can see that the speed of development here—a port town built from scratch—is unprecedented. And then there’s the matter of attracting merchants from other, lesser-known towns."
"That is, yes. I imagine that would be quite difficult."
The pace of development here is so rapid that comparing it to anything else feels absurd, and I can only imagine how grueling it must be for obscure towns to lure in merchants. Weed, however, has such a reputation that people constantly line up, offering bribes just for the chance to open a stall.
"Well, as part of that recruitment strategy, are you aware that Ratz is currently soliciting applications for new merchants?"
"Ah, now that you mention it, I believe you did say that. The hope is to increase the number of people starting businesses here."
"Exactly. It takes a great deal of courage and capital to become a merchant, doesn't it?"
"That is certainly true."
Indeed, becoming a merchant requires not only courage but a significant amount of starting capital. And there is no guarantee of success. To me, it feels no different from gambling. Unless, of course, you possess unique goods like Yuki-sama does.
"That is why we are going through the procedures to alleviate that burden, even if just a little."
"How so?"
"To get into the specifics... well, why don't we head inside?"
"Yes..."
Following Yuki-sama’s lead, I entered the office, where the air was thick with the frantic energy of people rushing about.
"Judging by the bustle in the Resident Services division, the population really has surged."
"It certainly seems so."
"Now then, let's head to the Commercial Division to file the business opening permits."
"Oh, they have a separate office for that here?"
"Most of this is handled independently. It’s more efficient to manage it here than to consolidate everything in Weed."
"That makes perfect sense."
If they didn't, I suspect the staff at the main government building would be worked to death. We made our way to the Commercial Division.
"Oh? Yuki-sama, Yayui-sama, what brings you here? Is there a problem with Ria-sama’s lunch shop?"
"No, nothing like that. I know you and Sona have been working on merchant recruitment, and I wanted Yayui to learn the ropes. She handles negotiations with merchants from other countries, after all."
"Ah, I see. It is certainly knowledge worth having, but do you intend to allow foreigners to own shops here?"
"That’s something to discuss with Sisua and Sona. First, I want to see to what extent we can offer preferential treatment to the citizens of Weed..."
As Yuki-sama was speaking, a voice interrupted.
"Oh my, if it isn't Yuki-sama and Yayui-dono."
"Huh? When did you two get here?"
Sisua-sama and Sona-sama had arrived at the Commercial Division.
Attracting people requires a variety of strategies. Luring residents to a rural area is no small feat. The most straightforward method, of course, is offering incentives. It is a common practice, even in the real world—offering a house to those who agree to relocate.