ALL NOVEL Chapter 157
157. Preparation Is Not Something You Can Skimp On, Isn’t It?
The power of the teleportation gate was immense. It was designed to be big enough for about five people to stand side by side, so a handcart could get through. Even now, large quantities of alchemical hardening agents, which were in short supply in the capital, are being transported.
“…Isn’t it getting difficult to keep this a secret in the hidden room?”
Only trustworthy people from the capital are involved in transporting goods, but there’s been a lot of traffic. Even Van and Old Man Batista looked like they had swallowed a bitter pill.
“Yeah. But unlike artifacts we’ve dealt with so far, this one can be mass-produced. Instead of keeping it secret, it’d be more constructive to think about a distribution network using the teleportation gate.”
“Well, if that’s how it goes, moving around will be way easier.”
Thanks to that, Van keeps coming over, bringing stuff along and visiting whenever he pleases. Well, most of the time he’s made to work in the office with Kyle. Makes you wonder what the king is up to. The teleportation gate uses a lot of magic stones, but since we can restock them directly from Golden Dawn, which is now a major source, costs are reportedly pretty low.
After inspecting the teleportation gate, we moved to the office in the castle. Kyle and Zaid were working side by side there. It seems like any grudges between them are gone, as they looked natural together.
Van also dropped into his seat (why does the king’s personal desk even exist in this town?) and pulled out a document from the pile. After scanning the numbers with his eyes for a bit, he sighed and muttered.
“But still, can’t we get a few more alchemists?”
Hearing that, Jabil-sensei, who was with us, looked up.
“This is only a rumor, but…”
With that preface, he began speaking slowly.
“According to old documents, it seems there used to be a village inhabited only by alchemists. It’s uncertain if it’s true, though.”
“A village of alchemists?”
That’s incredible. Of course, it’s not too strange, since I’ve heard that family crests weren’t as rare in the old days.
“Yes. It’s an ancient story with hardly any information left about it. If that village were still around, it could improve our situation.”
“I’ve heard humanity nearly went extinct at one point, so that’s probably impossible.”
Apparently, humanity flourished in ancient times but was almost destroyed by monsters. To be precise, it wasn’t entirely wiped out, but rather nearly decimated. The few survivors gradually increased, reaching today’s population, but ancient technology was said to have been almost entirely lost, according to my teacher.
“If such a village existed, I’d gladly welcome them to this country with the highest respect… but there’s no use asking for what we don’t have. Craft, Jabil, and Batista, do your best.”
“I think we’re already working hard enough!”
“Ha-ha! True enough! I look forward to your continued efforts!”
“Yeah, yeah…”
I can only see a future where His Majesty piles more bothersome tasks on me under the guise of encouragement. I better be careful not to get assigned some strange position because of sweet words. I’m fine with just being a guild member for life.
As the conversation reached a stopping point, Zaid turned to look at me.
“Craft.”
“Yes?”
“Even though His Majesty allows informal speech, isn’t your manners still a bit lacking?”
Well, even if you say that, Van himself stopped me when I tried to use polite language. Is he just bringing it up now after so long, only to attack me personally? Kyle also raised an eyebrow slightly. He looked like he was about to speak out against Zaid’s words, but Zaid’s next line left him speechless.
“Shouldn’t His Majesty also work on his demeanor a bit? Dignity is an important thing.”
Whoa! He’s not just talking about me, he’s calling out the king, too?! Seriously? Kyle and I just stood there with our mouths open, but Old Man Batista, without any sign of surprise, backed up Zaid’s words.
“Zaid is right. Your Majesty, you should act more in line with your role as king—”
“Alright, alright. I’ll be more mindful in front of others.”
“You always dodge the issue like that, but as the country’s representative, you should—”
“Batista! Is this document fine? Which one is next?”
Old Man Batista slumped his shoulders in resignation and handed over a bundle from the pile of documents.
“Once things calm down, I’ll provide you with royal education.”
“If that day ever comes.”
At Van’s dismissive comment, Old Man Batista looked up to the heavens. I quietly asked Batista.
“Uh, isn’t Zaid saying some pretty rude stuff?”
“No, that’s just how he is. When we made him work at the castle as a punishment, he immediately showed his competence and ended up working with the royal scribes and such. He’s been like that ever since.”
“Really!?”
Whoa. I’m starting to respect the guy a bit! So, he’s actually a pretty fair man. He still seems to be strict with noble protocol, though.
But to think he’s been working with the royal staff, even though he was supposed to be treated like a semi-criminal… Zaid is something else. With someone that capable, it seems like he’d be fine managing things on his own. Even Kyle seems happy, throwing himself into the work of handing over his duties.
“Hey, Your Majesty.”
“Just call me Van.”
He rejected it instantly. Seeing that, Zaid rubbed his temples. Yeah, there’s no fixing this. If you want to change him, try again later.
“Hey, Van. How about taking Zaid to the small nations instead of Kyle?”
“Rejected.”
“Immediate answer, huh. Why?”
Van looked up from his documents and gestured with his chin toward Zaid.
“He’s certainly capable, but only at handling assigned tasks. In unpredictable situations, he can’t make independent decisions. Kyle has both abilities.”
“I’m happy Kyle’s being praised, but could you send over a governor-type person instead?”
“Impossible. With all the fortresses we’re building to push the borders, we need more people who can handle independent work. Frankly, we could use more of them here, too.”
To expand humanity’s territory, Van has been erecting forts everywhere. Right, it’s not something warriors alone can handle. Negotiations with the smaller nations and reclaiming land from monsters are both pressing issues. Originally, kingdoms and empires expanded in relatively monster-free areas. But as the population grew, they needed to push into more dangerous territories to survive. With the mass production of Craft Wheat (seriously, can we rename it?), the food situation has improved somewhat, but it’s still more of a temporary fix.
“…So, you’re saying you want Kyle to go.”
“I think that’d be ideal, but I can’t decide yet.”
“I see.”
Looks like I’ll have to make a decision.
“Kyle.”
I stand directly in front of Kyle.
“I’ve decided on the members of the delegation.”
“Yes.”
He looks up at me with a slightly tense expression.
“The members are me, Leafan, Ryuko, Raidoc, Solar, Eva, Camille, Marilyn, Jitaro.”
I paused for a moment, and Kyle’s expression grew anxious.
“And you, Kyle. It’s going to be a tough journey. Are you ready?”
“Yes! Absolutely!”
With that, the delegation members were decided. We’ll set out as soon as Raydock and the others finish their preliminary survey!
No matter what challenges arise, Kyle, I’ll protect you!
…Though, I never expected trouble to arise before we even reached the smaller nations. What’s going on!