A Mid-level (Middle-aged) Office Worker’s Laid-Back Industrial Revolution in Another World

His Royal Highness Cliff and Takeo are making good moves to town.

"Mmm..."

Viscount Ashton is troubled by his arms.

"Takeo's sandwiches are delicious.

"Thank you, Your Highness Cliff.

Takeo and Cliff had picked up a sandwich from the carriage of Takeo and the others in a row to eat.

"Your Highness Cliff, what are you taking snacks to swallow!?

Didn't you hear Lord Kitamizato's report earlier?

Viscount Ashton comes to protest.

"We would have listened together. To sum up Takeo's story.

1. Import and export of all items between the Katlanda Empire and the Union of Wilip was made possible

2. A massive redevelopment project began in the eastern town of the Katlanda Empire

3. They're developing a weapon called Automata.

That's it.

"I'm more of a reflection with Lord Kitamizato and the King's Capital Guards afterwards!

"Takeo's discussion is that what the Katlanda Empire is looking for is an attack on the Wilip Union.

Meyer's idea was to assemble two armies in one region through a military alliance.

"Yes!

Earlier in the discussion, it was a territorial expansion that took us for a horse!

The other thing is they're invading our territory!

"Takeo would have concluded.

In the end, he said it was important not to lose.

I also think it's a good idea in that opinion.

Fathers, royals, and kingdoms are unwilling to attack other countries.

And no matter what thoughts the Katlanda Empire may be, we will not dawn our territory.

"But... aren't you going to do something from here?

"What can you do?

Ashton... you don't think I should declare war on the Katlanda Empire and carry out an invasion operation?

Surely if we summon soldiers from all over the country as it stands, we will have a chance of winning.

But look around you.

The Katlanda Empire, the Wilip United States, and the Demon Kingdom.

Faced with three countries, we can't concentrate our soldiers anywhere.

No... maybe we can, but concentrating somewhere means that somewhere gets thinner.

Overwhelmingly short of troops. There can be no invasion operation unless at least twice as many soldiers from all regional aristocracies and kingdoms are prepared as there are now.

If we occupy any further territory, we must implement a policy there.

Where's the cost of that?

The finances of the Kingdom of Azpur cannot support the finances of another country.

Then you know it's important to maintain the status quo and protect the territory.

"But! If you don't hit something, you could lose!

"My hand will be about to be hit by my father.

The first step is to let Takeo and Alderson run the lab and start researching new protective equipment, etc.

"Then it could be too late!

"That won't do.

We're finally building a lab, and we're starting research, and the other side's probably showing a move to build a large workshop.

It's too late at this point... but not deadly slow.

We need Takeo and the others to make enough gear to deal with twice as many enemy soldiers as possible.

"Your Highness Cliff, there's no way we can deal with twice as easily, is there?

Takeo says in dismay.

"Really?... even Takeo?

"It was about the same number of offenses in the Auga Goblin raid during this time.

But if this was double... Well, what do we do...

Plus what I've encountered is 500 to 500.

This one, by contrast, is 10,000 to 5,000 and is of a different size.

It won't be something you can do with only protective equipment.

Well, from now on, we're going to have a shield that's going to last.

"Well... did you also discuss tactics?

"I will, but... I'm thinking we need to start with an understanding of the geography of the suburbs.

Besides, this aspect probably isn't under my jurisdiction.

"Right... Takeo would be better off encouraging research on the Demon Kingdom.

Do I have to ask Alderson to give me some tactical reflection?

"I wonder if that's okay.

Takeo nods.

"Ashton, so this project is to be considered together with Alderson and the Wang Capital.

Asking Takeo would not reveal a problem.

"... okay.

Ashton nods as he makes a difficult face.

"And... those two butlers.

Cliff says as he looks at Takeo.

"Yes, Your Highness.

"Sure, a place called the former Count is a frown spit... but it still seems like a high-ranking demon to be an animal man transforming from a human to a wolf.

As Takeo fears, I also think the idea that it should not be taken as a declaration of war from the kingdom of Azpur by crossing the border on its own initiative is a true argument.

So if Takeo is to keep his contract firmly and cancel it in 25 years, it is my view that the current slavery contract will be recognized in the Kingdom.

However, you will be required to report the facts of the demonic kingdom to the best of your ability.

"It's live information, right?

I just don't think there's anything even the former Count knows about it.

Also... I'd like to avoid being forcibly interrogated for knowing this information from the Wang Du side.

"Right, Takeo, because you're already one of my men.

It would be unbearable for my men to be questioned...

Hmm. Wouldn't it be a good idea for a joint interview between the Royal Family and the Wang Metropolitan Guard, as well as the executives of the General Inspectorate and the Foreign Office?

"Then you won't be forced to do much...

I was wondering if I could say anything without trying.

"Right.

In the meantime, I will ask my father that this be attended only by a limited number of people, even in the Wang capital.

"Regards, Your Highness Cliff.

Takeo bows his head deeply.

"Takeo, I'm fine. Leave it to me.

Well, as far as I'm concerned, I don't know Takeo's saying to the two of us, 'I'm free from the clutter of being a lord or nobleman, so have a lot of experience and have fun and work' would weigh more.

Hehe, I want two new lives to be good stuff.

Cliff mutters with pleasure.

"Your Highness Cliff, you have a similar way of laughing at His Majesty.

Takeo says with a bitter smile.

"Hmm?... I don't think I've been able to have that much fun, do I?

You're still struggling with this, aren't you?

Cliff smiles back.

"You're still a parent and child, you're similar.

"Hmm... would you be happy?

"Well? But it's a good face.

"Right. I want to treat you with a good face in front of my men.

The king on the other hand seems tough.

"Yes. I think it would be better if His Royal Highness Cliff did what he wanted.

"Right.

I want to smile as much as I can in front of everyone, just like my father.

"That's all we have to do to keep the peace going.

"That's right.

But Takeo will be responsible for one end of it, right?

"With a slight force.

Takeo smiles and beckons.

Ashton stared at the two in surprise.