110 Lesson 9: Parent-child bonding

"How was the construction site of the new city?

When Ilia had finished preparing the tea, she inquired where she had gone to all of them. I put my mouth on the tea before answering.

"It's very lively. Everyone, including Uncle Drags, favors and cooperates with me."

"Oh, how was your father and mother-in-law?

"I'm fine, I'm fine. And once again, congratulations on your promotion to Countess Raini."

"Thank you. I don't really feel it..."

Says Raini with a bitter smile. The fact that Uncle Drags became Count also elevated Raini's status to Count's Lady. Raini herself can't help but feel less realistic because she is dedicated to her work as a samurai.

"From now on, you have to call me Lady Raini, right?

"Ya, please don't, Master Ilia..."

"No need, Lady Raini"

"... Ugh! Master Ilia is mean!

I turned that way and swelled my cheeks like Raini was obstinate. You did get Raini up there in your capacity, didn't you?

By now, Viscount Coral might be biting his teeth at Ilia's home. I don't think the promotion of Uncle Drags is unusual.

"So you're saying there's nothing particularly wrong with the progress of the new city plan?

"There are no projects that need to be solved immediately, but I wonder if there are problems that I would like to solve as soon as possible."

I told Uffi, Raini and Ilia again about the problems at the construction site of the new city plan and showed them.

Yuffi turns into an intriguing look and arms away from me to think of something. Raini manages to have a weak reaction in places like where he can see the content of the story. Ilia nodded and showed one especially as usual.

"I see, improving the living conditions of the workers and knights and. In the long run, it will be necessary."

"I also have an opinion that it would be better to build my residence in advance to solve that problem. How about making it for me as a prefabrication, and letting the knights stay in the dormitory for a while, or freeing the bathroom for the workers?"

"... that's not a bad idea. There is no reason to say no if you have a say that will be pre-built. Unlocking dormitories and baths for knights and workers is a reward."

Yufi gave me a positive attitude as I nodded several times. It would be a disservice to focus on improving the lives of knights and workers ahead of me in the city where I will be in charge in the future.

Then it's not bad to decide to give priority to building my residence, and then send it to the knights and workers.

"But in order to do that, you have to speed up the construction of my home. Uncle Dragus has told me that if I were to work on the water supply, I would be able to accommodate it by foreclosing the plan and replacing the order, but it would be a little strange to delay the progress of the overall work and let my residence be built..."

"If you can, do you mean you want the current worker's work to remain the same and you want additional personnel?

I shook my head from left to right, although Yuffi asked me to confirm.

"I don't think you can just add a few more people, do you? I know I'm going to put more strain on you than just more work...... I want to keep it to a minimum if I can. So I've been suggesting that Priscilla could make some kind of magic equipment that would shorten the construction period..."

"Is this some kind of magic device that would shorten the construction period? Does Master Anisphere have a plan?

"... there's nothing wrong with that."

I think I'm getting a sinister look at the inquiry from Ilia. Priscilla would have given me a similar look when she asked.

It's hard when you ask if you can make that happen. I have an ideal diagram. But I can't think of a good idea to put my hands on it.

"If you're a demonic prop that helps you with your work at the construction site, you've had the experience to make it. Switching to Mana Blade's appliances and technology. But that's only a tool that people assume to use, and it doesn't make sense no matter how good the tool is without people. So I find it difficult to shorten the construction period easily"

"Do you still have any ideas per se?

To have, to have. What comes to mind in my mind is a “heavy machine” of memory from a previous life. There's nothing we can do with manpower, such as shovel cars and dump cars, or if we're going to shorten the time-consuming process, we need to develop them.

However, even if I can imagine the completion diagram, I still can't see the way to actually row to completion. We have to start by taking the time to break down the mechanisms of imaginary existence and create parts that meet the necessary components.

(Any of which may be produced. Maybe it just speeds up its completion. So I produce knowledge, as it is still good. This is the situation I need right now, and it's going to take too long.)

So I couldn't say I could make it cheap. If we can create something like a heavy machine here, we can expand what we can do with the application.

But when I can, I can do it. I think I'll have to decide on precautions and how to mass produce it. And I can't do that alone.

(It will also take some time to develop a demon prop worthy of a heavy machine, and even if it is finished and in time, we will now have to decide from the precautions of that demon prop to how to handle it. Then even if I take the lead, I have to talk to the Ministry of Magic...)

Is there a basement in the current Ministry of Magic that can accept new, but also new, concepts of magic? I can't, I don't care what you think. I can only see a future in which the work of the Ministry of Magic will fail.

Until now, the magnitude of the magic props has been all in the range of things that fit into people's hands. I guess that's because it fit on the assumption I use, that is, on a scale that one human being could handle.

But when you create a heavy machine or something, you have to think about a new standard. There is still no surplus in the Ministry of Magic to be able to cope with that new arrangement.

(As a result, we conclude that it's better to get moving after the construction of a new city is complete.)

I have a concept when people ask me if I can make magic props. But we don't have enough manpower and time to make that concept a reality. In other words, it comes to the conclusion that it is not possible to create a convenient magic item.

I'm not sure I can manage it either if I make something that's too big for a boulder. Even if they were put together to try it out, there are predictions that they will be sealed until the Ministry of Magic can afford it.

"There is, but we also have to start with basic research, rather than manpower, to make it happen. I don't care how you scratch it, you won't make it this time."

"Was I? Well, that's a pretty difficult question."

I wasn't talking about construction or construction overnight. If that's not magic either.

But it's nobility who can handle magic. It is not good to put such aristocracy in charge of the site of construction and construction. It's not supposed to be noble work, and it's also scary to be recognized as noble work.

"Well, I guess I'll just have to take the time. I can't help but rush."

I could only end this story by tying those words together.

It was night and dinner time. In this time of supper, people were adding to the faces that surrounded the usual meals away from the palace.

That's Father and Mother. She told me to show my face when I came back from the outhouse, but I was hoping to join the outhouse dining table from there, so that we would have dining seats together.

"Anisphere, you're back."

"Are you fulfilling your duties well?

"Father, Mother. I'm back on this street. Countess Cyan and the remaining knights and workers have helped us in our duties, and we are on our way."

Exchange such opening greetings for a meal. There is no conversation during the meal, and the meal is quietly progressing.

This is not the first time Father and Mother have come to the House to eat. Everyone was already used to it because there are about once or twice a month.

Raini, who was initially solidified into bees, is now eating impeccably beautifully as a lady as well. They might say I'm the most inferior. Once, I ate a big eyeball at my mother.

After one nervous meal, my mother opened her mouth by the time she was served post-meal booze.

"So, Anis, is there something wrong with the urban development plan or something?

"Mother, don't you trust me that much?

"... Did I ask if you were having a problem?

"Huh.... Ah, no. I heard that wrong. Ha ha."

"My mother is worried that you're always hiding something dark behind her when she mishears you like that...?

That's not true! Recently! It's already like a reflection, even I reflected on the boulder. I'm trying to stay calm now!... I'm trying!

"Silphine."

"... Ugh, aren't Orphans sweet on Anis these days?

"I see Annis has been very calm here lately. I know you're worried you're out of sight, but aren't you the one who should be more relaxed? Silphine."

"... mmm"

My father blames me for pointing my lips. My mother looks young and adorable to match. There's really no sign of getting old, is there, Mother?

Father is getting incredibly healthy for letting old grassy signs drift. I wonder if it's because my assistant in administration is also spending more private time away from me and putting out a sperm in the dirt.

"So, what about the actual place? It's Annis."

"There are no urgent issues, but there are many cases that cannot be left unattended."

"Right. … if you need any help, say so."

"... Yes?

"... Did I say something strange? I am."

"... Yes, no. Well, I'm surprised your father told me that."

"Hmm..."

My father looks at me jiggly as he touches my jaw with his hand. I don't feel comfortable with the gaze from my father and I shake myself by accident.

"Our position has changed, and freedom has become advantageous. Your work in recent years deserves recognition. It is not stingy to lend a hand if it is in the interests of the people. Or that you can't rely on me because I'm family? Even Uffi said he kept us working like carriages for a while."

"Father-in-law, I don't remember treating you that way?

"I'll tell you what. It was used well just to stand up."

Father looked delightfully at Uffi even though he said it was used. All Yufi had to do was let his father flaunt his shoulder like that.

Rely on your father, huh? Until a while ago, that didn't work either, and this didn't work, because I kept telling you to behave thoughtfully anyway, so I admit it wasn't an idea to rely on your fathers for something.

"I'm glad to hear your words, because all this is a problem that takes time to solve"

"Ho, what's the problem?

Since Father asked me to explain, I will explain to Father and Mother the problems of the new city construction site that I also told Uffi and the others at the salon.

They both took my explanation seriously. He zeroed his breath as his father stroked his jaw around the end of the explanation.

"... I got the story. Indeed, the knights in the same condition as the camp, former workers and their families who live their lives while repairing their abandoned village dwellings. If it is to improve its living environment, it will take time if it is the traditional way of doing it. And it's not like I can't even think of a new way, but I need to work hard to make it happen."

"Yep."

"It's Annis. If so, do we not have to rely on the power of the nobility?

"Huh?"

"If we're going to shorten the construction period, can we also use magic and put it into perspective?

"Hey, what are you talking about? Father."

I turned my eyes round when they said things I didn't even think I would see. I can't believe your father, the first king, said that.

"Father, ask the aristocrats to do the architectural work, I wonder if that..."

"Is that because it's not what nobles do? So what is the job of nobility in this country now? It's Annis."

"… to protect the lives of the people by considering policies for the operation of the country, the management of the territory and the development of the country."

"Mm-hmm. And nobility and I need to fulfill our duty as honorable beings who can handle magic for a people without power. It would have been shown by force before. But now this country is about to change dramatically. Is the construction of a new city in progress as a symbol of this?

"But if nobles use magic to build, some people will want it again. Wouldn't that put you in a relationship between nobles and civilians? corners, I think we should be cautious about imitating things like watering down relationships that are getting better..."

If magic makes construction easier, then nobility will do it. I don't think all architects will, but I'm worried they'll lose their enthusiasm for the job.

"So I ask you, Anis, do you allow that?

"Huh?"

"Use magic to shorten the construction period. Is that why you're concerned that nobles will be expected to be disappointed by the people? But do you allow that next opportunity?

"... I will not tolerate that..."

"What's missing from you would be time and the environment? There's no point in having to rely on magic next time because I lent you a hand once. And if a city for magic is developed, it can be used as one of the studies."

Well, that's true...

"So, but also noble decency..."

"If so, how about gathering manpower in the name of taking over the bastards of nobility and those who cannot inherit their houses and have nothing to do with them? A variety of people will be needed in the future. Isn't it a good idea to strike a cloth stone while you're at it and keep people together?

"... I think it's a good idea. If it's about keeping it here and giving it a job, it's about money. Then I don't hate to spend my money I've saved. However, in the first place, there is concern that some aristocrats are disgusted by the very fact that they try to make architecture do so by magic..."

"If there are any that complain so, they should be enlightened by theory. It would also be the will of the people if they could gain support for the idea. Besides, if you insist it's only a temporary procedure and you're not willing to let it continue. You're the one who leads magic."

I couldn't argue with your father's words. Because I thought it was appropriate.

It is noble to use magic, but there are noble second sons who become adventurers without being able to inherit their homes and positions. But they are proud to be adventurers in them. It's hard to say if you want to do the architect's job.

Then one of their options before that stage is to develop a magic city, and going there would be enough reason to gather people to pave the way for some position in the finished city.

Originally, even if the construction period could be shortened by magic, I wonder if magic could have been incorporated into the construction site because of the subtlety of rewards commensurate with the effort. It's no wonder some people think that using magic every time for building repairs and construction doesn't work for them if they get paid less.

Even the cost of repairing buildings and walls is not foolish in the Kingdom of Palletia, where there are many demonic raids. Against that background, he said that nobility, which must be left to defend itself and elsewhere, should be left to the civilian population, not to make every effort to build it.

I suppose it has been replaced by the realization that nobility does not work dirty on the soil. The relationship that civilians are taking on jobs instead for what nobles can only do is supposed to be right.

"Anis, think about it, this is a kind of investment."

"Investment…"

"If I offer my support for your urban development, I may be able to get a job in a completed city. That, if I say so, could also be one of the new positions in which those who showed talent in the Ministry of Spirituality and the Ministry of Magic could remain aristocrats regardless of their homes. We can also make the name of learning the people's work as a download for this purpose. This can shorten the construction period without stimulating the awareness that it is not so aristocratic work. Local knights and workers are helpful and lead to improved living conditions. Aristocrats who have responded to the cooperation are given the option to children who cannot be allowed to succeed the family governor or children who can only be allowed to marry outside. Would that be a good story for both of us?

"It may be that…"

"But you will not be bright in the handouts between the nobles. Then you can rely on me or Sylphine. You don't see what I'm saying?

"No......"

"There are not as many things you think you have to do alone. Tell that to yourself for once now. All right?"

All I could do was slightly drop my shoulder and snort at my father's words. I think Father wants to tell you to rely more on the people around you. As far as I'm concerned, I was already counting on you.

But if I can carry what Father told me, I will solve the problems that I see as problems at once. That's just a little, like, some pity......

"What a face, Anis"

"Ugh, Mother..."

"It's been a good year for you too, but I'm just a kid. Parents can count on it. Use it.... No, no. You're not."

After Mother said away in a harsh scolding tone, Mother shook her head and breathed.

"You won't let us help you? Anis."

"... isn't that cheating?"

"But if you don't, you won't rely on people."

I could not help but look away from my mother's gaze, which looked at me as though I were somewhere frightened, but merciful.

The smiling gaze of Yufi, Raini and Ilia, who had been watching the conversation in silence for so long, made me even more pointy and silent.