第１９４５堀：最前線の町と砦 (Part1)
**Chapter 1945: The Frontline Town and Fortress**
**Side: Fiora**
We are currently gathered in our respective office conference rooms, having received intelligence regarding the northern part of the New Continent.
"You’ve arrived. Fiora, Tori."
Stasia is already on the other side of the monitor, calling out to us.
"Did we keep you waiting?"
"Sorry about that."
"Not at all, I just arrived myself. Things have settled down in the northern town, so—I wouldn't call it 'free time,' exactly, but I have a bit of breathing room."
I see. The northern town of Ohe, which Stasia oversees, has seen a decrease in monster activity recently, and trade with other nations has resumed. While there are still duties like maintaining public order and training soldiers, they aren't facing active sieges, nor are they tasked with surveying the wilderness like we are, so I suppose you could say she has it easier.
As I was thinking this, the next person to appear on the monitor was—
"Yoo-hoo! You sisters are early, aren't you?"
"Aslin, yoo-hoo."
Yes, it’s Aslin. Our younger sister. Currently, she serves as the top authority for monster surveys in the southern part of the New Continent, covering the wilderness and forests. She always had talent, but now she’s even managing units independently; it feels like she has truly blossomed.
Still, there is one thing that concerns me.
"Are you sure you’re okay without Filia?"
It was Ria who asked that. Indeed, Filia has stepped away from the wilderness exploration unit to prioritize the development of that land battleship. It’s not that there’s an overwhelming amount of work, but it’s certainly not sparse, either. We have to gather vast amounts of information, check for discrepancies, and investigate the origins of the monsters that had been appearing in Ohe. When you include the survey of resources to eventually invite other nations into the wilderness, the workload is by no means light.
We are dispatching survey teams to the stable areas of the wilderness, so we aren't placing the entire burden on her, but conducting surveys in unstable regions—areas beyond the reach of our Weed eyes—requires a great deal of nerves. Anyone can see that being the commander of such an operation is a difficult task.
"I’m fine! Deryu-oneechan is here, after all."
"Indeed. I am here today in Filia's stead, so have no fear. As for the field, the teams led by Wazfi and Havia are working hard."
As we were talking, a new monitor window opened.
"Oh? I don't hear Nilua's name. Is she having some kind of trouble?"
Jessica, who seems to have been listening in while organizing her documents, asked this.
"As for Nilua... it’s not that she isn't working, but..."
"Whenever she finds a new plant or mineral, she starts thinking about how to use it right on the spot, you know~."
"I’m surprised she’s survived this long. Or rather, that’s why Wazfi didn't like to take her along."
"““I see.””"
So that was Nilua's flaw. No, I suppose that’s only to be expected.
As we were catching up on our recent situations like this, Yuki-sama, who had organized this meeting, appeared on the monitor.
"Everyone’s gathered. My apologies, I’m the last one here."
"Not at all, please don't worry about it. However, is this an emergency, given that we are meeting via monitor?"
Jessica asked on our behalf. Come to think of it, even Jessica, who should be at Weed with us, is participating via video—it wouldn't be strange if it were an emergency.
"It’s not quite an emergency, but there is something I think we should share. Orelia."
"Yes. Everyone, Orelia and Hovis will be explaining the situation from here on."
Oh, how rare. Yuki-sama isn't the one explaining; he’s putting Orelia and the others at the forefront.
"They’ve been assisting me with various things for a while now, but when I’m occupied, I’ve decided to have Orelia and the others—or Prof—handle the explanations. I trust them that much. Do you mind?"
"No."
"That’s fine."
"It’s a bit late for us to object, isn't it? No problem."
"Yes. I trust them as well."
Everyone immediately agreed that there was no issue. Compared to when they were newcomers, they are quite capable now, and they have had sufficient professional contact with us. We aren't just receiving administrative responses; we understand their internal circumstances and their hearts. In that sense, it is reassuring.
"I see. Then, please continue."
"Understood. Then, I will explain once again why we have gathered everyone today."
As Orelia said this, another monitor was projected into the air, displaying a map.
"This is—well, it’s from just the other day, yesterday to be precise—a map created by Viria-sama and the others after they finally reached the frontline town of the Ioa Kingdom. They wanted us to compile the information on the surrounding geography."
Understanding the importance of this map from Hovis’s explanation, I immediately focused my attention on it.
"First, this is the town where Viria-sama and Nina-sama are currently staying."
An arrow dropped onto the town at the southernmost tip.
"In terms of size, it’s a major city with a population of about 30,000."
"30,000? That’s incredible. Especially considering it’s under constant monster assault."
I couldn't help but voice my surprise at that number. While it’s common for royal capitals to have 100,000 people, it is rare for a regional town to exceed 10,000. After all, the damage from monsters and bandits is a constant threat. Furthermore, even within the same country, there is the usual competition for people and territorial disputes. It is rare to be able to grow a town to this size.
"Yes. Viria-sama and the others heard about that; it seems there is little factional infighting because this town is the most important defensive line against monster offensives. The country is pouring money into it—or rather, it is under direct royal control."
"I see. Now that you mention it, that makes sense. If that place collapses, the country itself could fall. It’s only natural for the state to manage it directly."
Stasia and I nodded at Jessica’s words. Since it is the linchpin for the nation, it should be managed by the state.
"And the reason it’s so bustling is that people have gathered to do business with the soldiers and adventurers defending the fortress. It was originally a farming village, but I suspect the construction of the fortress and defensive walls, which brought a certain level of safety and military power, is the reason for its growth~."