第１９３７堀：覚悟しておくように (Part2)
"Indeed. If we are to move in accordance with Brother’s schedule, it would be quite impossible to have the Knightmen deployed across various regions to perform feats of heroism.
Well, if they were to act on simple, fragmented information, it wouldn't be impossible, but we could hardly expect any significant results."
"The Knightmen were originally heroes meant to save the demi-humans. Of course, they were meant to deal with monsters too, but that was always a secondary objective."
"…That was because it was a hassle for us to go and save the demi-humans directly. For now, the demi-humans are cooperating to hunt down monsters, so the necessity is low. Still, there is no doubt they are a useful asset."
"True. As Nina says, we already introduced them and drew attention to them. They have various uses, so I think it’s fine to wait and see for a while. It’s only been about three days since the incident in the town, or rather, since they went missing, right? It might seem too soon for them to reappear."
It is true that not many days have passed since the Knightmen first revealed themselves to the public. Moreover, they were something we prepared to ensure we wouldn't be suspected while rescuing the demi-humans. Therefore, there is no reason to overutilize them at this moment.
"Exactly. For now, let’s make our arrival at the Ioa Kingdom our top priority, and if the need arises, we can have the Knightmen step in. How does that sound?"
"That should suffice. However, even if the land battleship can be completed in twelve days, it still needs to undergo test runs in the wilderness. Won't it take at least a month to bring it here?"
Sia-san’s point is well-taken. We have never built a land battleship before, and the idea that we could build a prototype, test it, and transport it to the northern region in just twelve days seems highly questionable.
"Yes... I certainly hope that's how it goes..."
For some reason, Brother is staring off into the distance. I would rather not ask, but I have no choice.
"Are you anticipating that many troubles occurring over there?"
"That’s part of it, but we have also thrown all our resources into the development of the land battleship. With Narjia-san leading the way, along with Firia, Agil, Comet, Zargis, Nilua, Taizo-san, and the various technicians Weed boasts, as well as experts from other nations, the development speed is faster than I imagined."
" " "Ah..." " "
They were always more passionate about land battleships than warships, weren't they... So, when it was officially decided to prioritize its development, it’s only natural that everyone would be brimming with enthusiasm.
"Besides, we’ve been helping with the mana shortage as well. The construction of the armor is already half-finished."
" " "Half!?" " "
The scale of it is so far beyond what I expected that I can't help but exclaim.
"Wait a minute. A land battleship is at least the size of an aircraft carrier, isn't it?"
Even Kishua-san can't help but verify the facts. For reference, the "aircraft carriers" we operate in Weed—named after the goddesses Luna and Lilishe—have a runway of at least 200 meters, a beam of 60 meters, and a height of over 40 meters. While the balance required to move them onto land will be tricky and might lead to some design changes, it is undoubtedly an "iron fortress." To be told that half of it is finished just a day or so after the development permit was granted—it’s only natural to want to confirm that.
"It’s not quite as large as an aircraft carrier, but it is still substantial."
"And that’s half-finished? Even if it’s just the armor, doesn't that seem wrong?"
"I understand why it sounds wrong. However, I had already informed them that we would be building warships, and there was already a plan to build a ship that could withstand monster attacks. So..."
"You had already started moving in advance?"
"As Nina says. By acting in advance and utilizing that foundation, the development speed has become incredibly fast. Or rather, since we have previous data, even though changes were necessary, we are using materials that offer a degree of flexibility. It’s an extension of that. We aren't building from scratch."
I see. So that’s how it is. I thought it was too fast even for Narjia-san and the others, but since they aren't relying solely on brand-new technology, it makes sense.
"So, the idea that the development of the land battleship will be delayed... is hard to imagine. Usually, things get delayed, though."
I feel the same way. I don't think Narjia-san and the others would ever let a project be delayed, even if they might accelerate the schedule. It is a universal truth that people pour their all into their hobbies. After all, they get to do whatever they want!
The nightmare of development speed only ever increasing, never slowing down. It is a level of reliability that I find rather unpleasant.