第１８１７堀：グラス港町の感想は (Part2)
"Indeed, seawater is quite sticky, isn't it? I was truly surprised by how salty it was. But if safety can be guaranteed, there is no place more alluring."
"With this, now that the various nations have learned of the sea, they will surely begin moving in earnest toward maritime development. The If Continent, in particular, where the influence of monsters is minimal, is a certainty."
"That is true. King Fionha is already selecting coastal sites, and we have received requests for assistance with the reclamation efforts."
"One might call him impatient, or perhaps, simply typical of King Fionha."
He is not the type to hesitate. Lately, he has been complaining about the war hawks being noisy; if he turns his attention to coastal development, he should be able to expend that excess fervor.
And then, there is the other matter...
"So, has there been any progress regarding the disappearance cases?"
"Ah, yes. I believe there were reports of missing persons in a village on the border between Usano and Ae. They say there might be involvement from the Dark Guild, yet they refuse to allow an investigation."
"So, both of you have heard of that as well?"
I intend to bring it up during the current party to garner support. Well, since the matter has reached the point of involving the Adventurer Guild branch, I plan to grant them some leeway, though whatever they are planning in the town of Suana does not seem to be anything good.
"Indeed. As for His Majesty, he likely wants to involve us—who were once Jessica's superiors—to earn some favor."
"We have been so well taken care of by Weed, after all. I imagine there is a desire to return the favor, even if only a little. Besides, it feels like a down payment of sorts regarding the production of automobiles and medical supplies."
"Come to think of it, has the production site been decided yet?"
"Not at all."
The two answered in unison.
Well, I suppose that is to be expected. The ability to produce automobiles and medical goods is synonymous with holding the keys to the nation's core. Anyone with a modicum of intelligence would understand that. And that is precisely why...
"There are mountains of candidates, but there is also the issue of resources, and simply leaving it to some random noble is out of the question. Conversely, stripping someone of their current territory would also cause problems."
"And substitute land is not something that can be easily prepared, either. For now, the most prominent theory is to place it under the direct control of King Fionha."
"That would be the safest route."
One cannot entrust something that holds the reins of the state to a mediocre subordinate. In that case, entrusting it to oneself or one's kin is the best path. Weed follows this same method, after all. Fortunately, since we have few subordinates and little territory, we rarely face such problems. Rather, we face the opposite: a situation where there is a shortage of hands to handle the massive influx of work—not that we are simply pushing work onto each other, of course.
"But if it is the 'prominent theory,' that means it still hasn't been decided, correct?"
"Yes. You see, we still have to determine the specifications for the vehicles and such."
"There is also the debate over whether to unify them across the If Continent, or to align the standards with other continents to a certain degree."
"I see. Certainly, if the standards do not match, one would have to bring them to each continent for maintenance or order parts from afar."
"The mere discussion of standardizing these specifications has been a complete chaotic mess. Though, once explained, they do seem to understand."
"Indeed. By unifying parts that previously differed from smithy to smithy, the ability to perform maintenance easily anywhere is incredibly convenient. That applies to architecture and other fields as well."
It is. Standardization is that convenient. However, the achievements of those who accomplish it will be monumental, so discussions are currently underway regarding whether to set unified standards per country, per continent, or perhaps international standards. Yuki predicts that it will eventually split into these three categories. Local industries and such...
But I digress.
"I understand what you two are saying, but we have strayed from the disappearance cases, so let us return to the subject."
"Ah, you're right."
"Is there any progress?"
"Yes. It is a matter I will be reporting to the various nations tomorrow, but..."
And so, I will be leaking information about the advance into the New Continent to the two of them in advance. Naturally, I have Yuki's permission. After all, it is easier for us to manage the people they send if they are acquaintances. Oh, and it also ensures they can properly interact with Weed. There was even talk of wanting to send battle-junkies over.
Hm? I seem to recall Lady Marly being a battle-junkie herself...
I have asked not only Jessica but the other diplomatic members to leak information regarding the New Continent to a certain extent so that we can maintain some level of control. After all, if we are surrounded by people who refuse to listen, it will only hold us back, considering the war situation in the New Continent.