第１７７６堀：よくよく考えたら砦って？ (Part1)
Chapter 1776: Come to Think of It, What Is a Fort?
Side: Orelia
"Please check these over."
"Got it."
Yuki-sama says this as he begins to review the documents I’ve prepared.
Currently, we are working out of an office located inside the dungeon, which has been established within the Ohe Royal Castle.
I’ve suggested that we could just as easily handle this from Weed, but Yuki-sama insists on staying here so that we can move immediately should anything happen in Ohe.
I personally feel that with the Gate, it wouldn't make much of a difference, but it seems the Ohe side feels more at ease with us being physically present.
Well, if things go south, there’s no telling when they might be cut off, I suppose.
If I were acting purely from the perspective of a merchant, I would have moved on already, as there is little value in these dealings with Ohe.
However, Ohe holds value in other areas.
"So, this is the estimate for the fort?"
"Yes. I heard we are building a base on the southern side, but since there is no need for it to function as a town, I believe this scale is appropriate for a purely defensive structure. We must also prepare bases for the armies of each nation within the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance."
The documents I’ve prepared cover the basics, such as the land area for the planned fort.
Still, if we don't decide on this, we won't know how much land to secure, so it is a vital step.
I learned that lesson during the construction of Glass Port Town.
...I never imagined that a young girl from a merchant family would end up involved in the foundations of national governance.
Then again, I am participating in state management through Yuki-sama, so I suppose I’ve come quite far.
As I ponder this, Yuki-sama opens his mouth while looking over the papers.
"You're right, Orelia. If the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance is going to be coming and going, this fort is the place for it."
"Yes. That is why I have made the plans on the larger side."
After all, the armies of the major nations in the Alliance number at least in the tens of thousands.
No, if they were to mobilize their full strength, a million would be a safe bet.
Well, I doubt they would mobilize that many, but we still need enough space to accommodate tens of thousands.
"...That’s a fort larger than most cities."
"That is true, but since no residents will be living there, most of it will be empty rooms. I believe it would be best to leave the maintenance to the monsters of Weed."
"That’s the best approach. Humans can't handle that."
We cannot bring Weed citizens along to maintain a fort larger than Glass Port Town.
Not only are there not enough of them to begin with, but it is a dangerous zone where monsters frequently attack.
There are various issues with bringing a large number of non-combatants into such a place.
"However, for those who will be using the fort, such as Tori-sama and her group, the lack of entertainment or shops would be a problem. I believe we need the bare minimum of such facilities, and consequently, the personnel to operate them."
"True. Tens of thousands of people, plus entertainment facilities... Hmm, it’s necessary, but this is going to be quite the scale."
"Yes, I believe so."
Since these are entertainment facilities for tens of thousands of soldiers, a corresponding number of staff will be required to maintain them.
"...I need to consult with Ratz and the others. For now, let’s prioritize the fort’s core functions."
"That goes without saying. The interior can be filled in later."
There is no need for the entertainment facilities to be operational immediately.
What matters is that it serves as a base for Tori-sama and her group, providing both a place to live and a defensive barrier against monsters.
In the worst-case scenario, we can simply frame it as an expansion project later.
As for the entertainment of Tori-sama’s group, they can bring their own or we can introduce small-scale facilities.
"It’s about five days until Tori and her group arrive at the southern town and depart, right? What is their current position?"
"I shall answer that. They are currently on the road from the northern town to the southern town, on their second day of travel. There are no delays so far. They seem to be excellent soldiers."
Prof-san answers Yuki-sama’s question immediately.
I still cannot mimic Prof-san’s instantaneous response time.
Where on earth does she verify her information from...?
Well, that’s nothing new, but since they are moving with an army, they have vehicles but also horses, so they cannot move at high speeds.
Actually, delays are a common occurrence in military marches, so the fact that they are on schedule confirms that they are, as Prof-san says, excellent soldiers.
"I see. We can’t expect delays, so if we don’t finalize the shape of things in five days, Tori and the others will be in trouble when they go looking for land in the south."
Indeed, if the basics aren't decided, they won't be able to search for anything.
That means we need to finalize the contents of these documents quite quickly.
"Then, should I show these to Ratz-sama?"
"No, there are various interests involved, so it’ll be faster if I bring them myself. Orelia, come along and take notes."
"Understood. Shall we go immediately?"
"Yeah, there’s also the matter of the prisoners in the northern town; it’s best to finish the work that can be finished. Still, it’ll be a problem if Ratz and the others aren't there, so I’ll get in touch with them."
With that, Yuki-sama immediately opens his call screen and contacts Ratz-sama.
"Yes, hello~. It’s your brother’s cute bunny~."
She answers immediately, as always.
Not that I don’t try to answer Yuki-sama’s calls immediately as well.
"Are you free right now?"
"For you, brother, I’m always free~. So, what can I do for you?"
"Yeah, I had Orelia draft the basics for the fort construction plan for our expansion into the southern land, and I’ve been looking over the documents. You know, we planned to use this to help stir up the fighting spirit of those lingering in the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance, right?"
"I see~. Now that you mention it, that was the plan~. If we accept them, the population might end up larger than Weed’s, depending on how we handle it~."
As expected of Ratz-sama.
She understands exactly what I want to say and voices it before I can.
"Even if it’s temporary, it won’t be for a short period, will it?"
"Exactly~. After all, we’re talking about taking new territory, and until the bases for each country are stabilized, it’s obvious that the fort we’re building from Weed will be the hub. That’s why it needs to be so large~. Plus, there’s the matter of other supplies and entertainment~."
"It helps that you’re quick on the uptake. That’s exactly what I wanted to consult about."
"Understood. It would be best if Seraria and Eris were present as well. Actually, why not gather the diplomat group too? They should know a bit about the tastes and preferences of each country. It would be worth hearing what they have to say, don't you think?"
"That’s true. Let’s gather them. What about time... how about 3:00 PM?"
"That sounds good~. It’s 11:00 AM now, so it would be better to have the meeting after lunch. Let’s go with that. What about contacting them?"
"I’ll handle the diplomat group from here."
"Yes, hello~. Then I’ll contact Seraria and Eris~."
The conversation ends, and Yuki-sama turns toward me.