The journey upriver on the Lanta River is on its fourth day ✧ NоvеIight ✧ (Original source) today.
The distance traveled has already exceeded 500 km, and if we were to cover the same route by carriage, even if the roads were well maintained, it would probably take more than ten days.
You can really understand how valuable water transport and magic blowers are.
And besides, going downstream requires no power at all, and depending on the ship, it’s even possible to reach more than double the speed.
It makes sense that the Forest Kingdom of Levresta developed along the Lanta River, and that it has greatly increased its population centered around each lake.
“But compared to rail transport...”
“Yes-affirmative, Commander Ma’am. A railway network requires enormous investment in development, construction, and operation, but its usefulness after completion is beyond comparison. That said, water transport has the advantage in terms of the amount that can be carried, and the operating cost is a world apart.”
Knowing about the national railway network development plan being pushed forward in the neighboring Kingdom of Lepuitari makes me start to worry about Levresta’s future.
“It’s our neighbor, and it’s fine if they’re weaker... is it?”
“It’s a difficult judgment. The advantage of us, the <The Tree> faction, is that the various problems that basically arise with the expansion of a dominion do not occur. Even if a Strategic AI specialized in governance makes judgment errors due to lack of information, it is unrelated to corruption driven by self-interest.”
“Don’t casually recommend world conquest. ...But really, you’re right.”
Still, this is something like wordplay between Commander Eve and <Ringo>.
<Ringo> understands well enough that Eve does not want aggressive expansion of territory. Until it is analyzed that she has definitely changed her mind, even if she were to order world conquest out of a momentary lapse, <Ringo> can make the judgment to refuse it.
<Ringo>’s reason for existence is, first, to protect Commander Eve; second, to serve Commander Eve; third, to expand the faction.
Compliance with these is mandatory, and even reversing that order of priority is not permitted.
Therefore, even if there is a clear order, if it is judged to conflict with the first item—protecting her—then it is possible to refuse that order.
“Build embassies... but being de facto vassal states isn’t that interesting, either. Maybe I should think of it as a civilization-development simulator. Export industrial goods? Or make them buy technology...”
<The Tree>’s financial situation is improving day by day.
That is because we have entered a positive loop of pouring the acquired resources into mining and production facilities, and then further improving recovery efficiency.
Not only are terrestrial veins being developed, but the development of seabed veins is also accelerating.
Thus, Commander Eve’s mood is skyrocketing, and she has reached the point where she can spout nonsense like a civilization-development simulator.
“Either way, if we leave it alone, it looks like the Kingdom of Lepuitari is going to win alone. In the magic-fantasy direction, I want Levresta to do their best.”
“Yes-affirmative, Commander Ma’am.”
*****
The problem occurred the next day, before the sun rose.
It was the time when the eastern sky was faintly starting to brighten.
“Tiariada-sama. I apologize for waking you. This is an urgent message.”
“Ah, don’t worry about it. What is it?”
Chief Diplomatic Aide Baluadega Tigiris woke Tiariada at this hour because the town chief brought outrageous information.
“It’s a report from the town chief. A hunter on night watch came rushing in saying that Giant Soul Butterflies are approaching this way.”
“...Soul Butterflies, you say.”
Giant Soul Butterflies. In the United Kingdom of Aphrasia they are called <Big Moth>—those enormous butterfly monsters.
The origin of the name is an anecdote about how the first witness wasn’t believed by anyone, as if they had been dreaming. That hunter, whom no one believed, charged alone into the <Demon Forest> to prove it, and never returned.
A dream-butterfly that steals your soul—thus, Giant Soul Butterflies.
Well, setting that aside.
“The confirmed number is three. They aren’t coming in a straight line, but they are definitely approaching this way. It’s expected they’ll reach the skies above the town within a few hours.”
“...Subjugation, or countermeasures?”
“This is only the first report, but at the moment, almost all confirmed users of Penetrating Pierce have been deployed to the front. Even though this town is the frontier, there are forward-line cities further ahead. If an unknown Penetrating Pierce user from outside happened to be staying here, perhaps...”
“I see. So it’s impossible...”
With the major incident relayed to him right after waking, Tiariada let out a sigh without thinking.
“If only we could call it negligence by the Ministry of National Defense... Or perhaps the day has finally come.”
“The collapse of the absolute defense line...?”
“That possibility should be assumed. But what do we do? If it’s now, evacuation can still make it in time. They’ll probably aim for this town’s mana pool hot spot. I haven’t heard that they actively attack humans, but...”
“Always assume the worst. I understand. Shall I issue an evacuation order in my name?”
“No. Use my name. This is that kind of situation. It’s unfortunate for the town chief, but I’ll have them accompany me and serve as the rear guard. You—evacuate together with the <Paraiso> group. If it’s downstream, you should be able to escape easily.”
“...Yes. Understood.”
The chief aide accepted the instructions and immediately left the room.
“Bad luck. If it were a few days later, we could have fled into the capital... no, maybe it’s good luck. If it’s this town, escaping south is easy. But to flee from the capital, if you go around to the west, you have to pass through this town no matter what... huh.”
After putting himself in order, he moved to the floor where the <Paraiso> group was staying.
It’s unfortunate for Arborea=Heath and Alistarta=Heath, but they have to prepare immediately and withdraw. If you can run, you should run.
When he went down the stairs, his eyes met those of a sleepless-guard girl standing by the wall.
“Tiariada-dono. I’ve been waiting. Arborea and Alistarta are on standby. This way.”
The commotion should not be that large. Since this inn is reserved by Tiariada’s group, almost everyone has begun moving in response to the situation, but perhaps they sensed it.
In any case, fast action helps.
“Sorry, but I’m counting on you.”
In the guest room he was led to, two people in full combat gear were already seated at a round table.
“Explain the situation, Tiariada-dono.”
“Yeah...”
At their urging, he sat down in a chair.
Everyone from <Paraiso> present here was armed.
As he thought that they looked like a military special forces unit, Tiariada spoke of the current situation.
“...Understood. I also understand that, given our position, it is better for us to evacuate.”
“It helps to hear you say that. I will attach my aide, Baluadega Tigiris, so immediately—”
In front of Tiariada as he proposed that, Arborea and Alistarta looked at each other and nodded.
“This is our proposal.”
“Soul Butterflies. We call them <Big Moth>, but regarding the subjugation of that monster, we would like to cooperate.”
“This is not something that demands compensation, but if inter-state issues are a concern, we do not mind entering into some kind of contract.”
“That is...”
At the sudden offer, Tiariada was bewildered.
Soul Butterflies are tough monsters. Ordinary arrows don’t leave a scratch, and unless you use powerful magic skills, you can’t cause them any pain at all.
But what did they just say?
In the United Kingdom of Aphrasia, a monster called <Big Moth>?
That means they know that threat.
Soul Butterflies, by their ecology, can only live in the <Demon Forest>.
If so, then they have already carried out investigation or development concerning the <Demon Forest> as well.
“But if something happens...”
Soul Butterflies are not a species that actively attacks humans. But if attacked, they will show a level of response such as counterattacking.
Is it really acceptable to request that of a foreign envoy delegation?
“Your concern is valid. Very well—if we take damage, we will not bill you. Upon completion of subjugation, we will acquire all rights to the materials from the <Big Moth>, the Soul Butterflies. How about conditions like that. If necessary, we can also prepare it in writing.”
“...Yes. That’s... right.”
It was a conflict. Rationally, he wanted them to evacuate immediately. He should not involve them in a domestic problem.
But as a diplomat of East Gate City, he found himself wanting to know their power.
The power of the owner of that enormous ship that flies through the kingdom’s skies at irregular intervals.
