Takarakuji de 40-oku Atattandakedo Isekai ni Ijuu Suru

One afternoon.

Yiliang, along with Narson, and Zirconia, watched the footage shown from the projector in the work room.

Production volumes such as various minerals and crops, chemicals and leather goods, as well as revenues from taxes and businesses, are shown on a bar graph on a monthly basis.

"Lead, copper, tin, silver, plus oil and iron. All right, all right, the production is going well. Looks like the city's getting lively, and it's looking good."

Ichiyoshi nodded satisfactorily to the graph that was rising his right shoulder by the moon.

All had seen a significant increase in production over the past few months, accompanied by a steady increase in funding in the territory.

In addition, because of the considerable harvest of autumn crops, food prices, which usually gradually soar as the cold gets harsher, are still stable.

Furthermore, unemployment had also fallen significantly due to the increase in the workload associated with river construction and the opening of new agricultural land, as well as the architectural rush of immigrant dwellings in Isteria and neighbouring rural areas.

"Yes, the building of the fort and the shore protection works are going great too. The introduction of iron vessels has also begun, so I was wondering if the construction would proceed even faster in the future"

"How's the snow effect?

"Quite a bit of heavy snow is only partially interfering, but it's not enough to be a problem because everyone works so hard because of the introduction of new tools and the ability to provide workers with adequate meals and salaries"

In March, the continuous snowfall has finally calmed down.

This winter has been a heavy snow, as Zirconia used to say, but so far the impact on the production and construction of objects has been minimal.

"The price of essential commodities, such as food and fuel, has stabilized and security has been improved by a significant drop in unemployment. There have been reports of an extraordinary decrease in theft in the Glades."

"You're in a position to put any person in right now. You mean you don't have to go out of your way to commit a crime and get in danger? Good trend."

"Right. There also seem to be some easy jobs out there that even kids can do. In low-income households, it will be a valuable source of income."

Since demand for firewood and charcoal was expected to be higher than usual, during the winter months the method of manufacturing coal conglomerates (dung) was made available to citizens with a good proposal.

Citizens who can afford time seem to be saving money on fuel by lumping their own coal conglomerates.

In addition, vendors appeared to buy cheap coal scum out of the home to manufacture and sell coal conglomerates.

Employees have many vendors that hire children from nearby families.

The price of firewood and charcoal has fallen slightly compared to last year, as some of the wood delivered in substitution for the fold of famine was also put on the market as firewood.

"Oh, pay attention to those children's working environments. Because it is something that is easily exploited unfairly. No low wages, no heavy labor in the mines."

"My land has an age limit of 16 + for working in mines, so it's okay. Conditions also include slaves, so rest assured."

"Oh, did you? Are there penalties for violations?

"Violating employers can be fined, forced labor, or both, or viciously forfeited property, and you can be a slave."

"Wow, that's a pretty heavy punishment"

"We can't stop forcing workers to work hard, consign and rebel. Every country, when it collapses, comes from its feet."

"I see."

Istel territory has invested in policing before the arrival of Ichigo, and the penalties for violators are quite severe.

Nevertheless, when citizens rise to poverty, the crime rate increases, no matter how severe the penalties.

The good economy is probably the best prescription for a drop in crime rates.

"And thanks to a significant increase in the production of bean oil with the introduction of screw presses, the price of bean oil of course fell considerably for animal fat. There seems to be a voice of joy coming from the general public and from those who run restaurants."

Thanks to a sharp drop in the price of soybean oil, lighting using soybean oil as kerosene (and if bladder) instead of expensive candles is becoming generally popular.

Because of the spread of applications not only for cooking but also for lighting, the price of animal fat was reversing to soybean oil so that it could be obtained cheaply.

The reason why the value of animal fat has decreased is because it is unpopular because coal and odor are quite common when used as a light fire, and is mostly used only for cooking purposes.

Parallel to the fall in the price of fat, the price of soap (semi-solid made of ash, fat and salt), which was slightly more expensive, had also fallen slightly.

Incidentally, the soybean oil I used to squeeze in the mansion using a degreaser was told by the cook that it was "not tasty" and everything was for lighting.

The way it is squeezed also seems to change the taste of the oil.

"I see, potato seedlings and indoor seedlings are growing well, and we expect a good amount of food production this year"

"We'll sell out the fridge in the summer, and demand for ice is going to be amazing. I look forward to summer."

Zirconia smiles, like, really looking forward to it and having no choice.

Zirconia seemed to intend to spread the shake ice to its citizens as well, breathing when it came to selling shake ice utensils to city restaurants in the summer.

This summer is going to be a lot of fun for Zirconia.

"Shall I give instructions to the craftsmen who are sending them as technical cooperation so that the method of making salt is also in the form of inventions on milling territory? Let's have a massive production of quality salt."

"Right. Still, I feel like Nibel hasn't set anything up since then..."

As for the price of salt and the volume of trade, so far there has been no notification from Gregorn territory of a significant contraction, as Nibel had said.

20% less than the previous volume of transactions, which was also due only for six months, the price had been set aside.

The exchange between Liese and Nibel is going on as if there was somehow nothing.

"Um, I knew it was haphazard. Or what Mr. Niebel's trying to do pissed Mr. Diaz off."

"If that's the case, I don't think you'd be offended..."

"Um, the existence of a rock salt pit... well, if that's really the case, maybe Lord Diaz knows that. I'm guessing the deal itself isn't entirely up to Nibel."

"Either way, you're waiting for a report from Mr. Alondo. I'm sure he'll find out the truth, so let's wait and see."

……

"Mr. Zirconia? What's wrong with you?

"Oh, no, it's nothing"

Narson tightened his expression "Well," as he had a good incline toward how Zirconia was doing.

"The only remaining issue is Barbell's complaint and his claim for damages."

About two months after the first complaint came from Barbell that 'a village near the border was attacked by the Arcadians'.

Five more complaints had been delivered under Narson.

All of them are about villages near the border being attacked, caravans moving between the cities being attacked, etc.

About 10 days before that, the head of Barbell's defensive army himself had visited the fort under construction along the border to complain with a sobering sword screen.

It was Isaac's father, Ixios, who was the superintendent at the fort, who responded then.

"What the hell is going on with that? The head of the defensive army's coming out, that's not a bit of a big deal, is it?

"Well... since then I've had people turn their hands and check the situation, but there's still no sign that someone from my territory has gone over there to loot it."

"Nalson, I knew things weren't right. I don't care if you're a small group, you should start training the civic soldiers."

"Uhm......"

To Zirconia's opinion, Narson is roaring.

Yiliang reflected on the complaint and the claim for damages from the material he had on his computer.

The column headed by the other party states: Barbell 10th Legion Commander, Kylen Gripes.

"Sure, you're a little scared to say this lame,"

"But it is at this time that we take military action…"

"Don't you feel comfortable?

"Yes, even if a small number of citizens are to be summoned, economic growth could slow sharply in response to citizens' anxiety. If that's what they're doing for it, that's what they think."

"So what if you mean don't use a citizen soldier and stick to the defense?

In a good word, Narson will look a lot worse.

"Without using a citizen soldier, is it? For any reason, does that mean summoning a reserve?

"No, we have a lot of new weapons to prepare for. Like this."

Yiliang said so, reflecting a picture of a handmade crossbow on the screen.

Seeing that, Zirconia moved Pickle and Eyebrow.

Because it looked quite different from what Barletta had previously seen.

"This is a weapon called Crossbow. You don't need to be as skilled as a bow, and a few days of training will make it available to anyone. I don't know how to fire in a row, but it's quite lethal."

"Mm... how powerful is it?

"Depending on the distance, a thin shield or armor will penetrate. Operational law is slightly different from a bow, if you consider it a more powerful projectile weapon than a bow."

"Well, I was giving you something like this. Are you sure? I thought you said the military was out of jurisdiction before."

"I did say that then, because it's a situation where I can't even say that anymore. If there is imminent danger that this country will perish, you can't be holding hands. I'll be ready, too."

With regard to the introduction of crossbows, Ichigo has never been able to stop.

The reason is that in the history of the planet we knew how the advent of Crossbow affected the world.

Crossbows can be mass-produced by separating each part and making it assembly-type, while being able to handle it in just a few days of training.

While arrows can be produced by flushing molten iron into moulds, moulds can be used around.

In other words, we can mass-produce this weapon as a substitute for archers, which until now required a great deal of time to develop.

The ancient Chinese country of Qin (Shin), which created this terrible weapon, literally repainted the map of the world with 2.6 million square kilometers of land in just nine years and 27 million people under its control, using an extremely military-specific national system and effective cross-bow operations.

It was the first mass-produced shooting weapon in the world, and the next time a shooting weapon is mass-produced is about 2,000 years later.

We have to wait until the musket gun, manufactured by the American Springfield Armory.

"Oh! Thank you! Thank you very much!!

To Narson, who stands up and asks to shake hands, Ichigo takes it with a troubled face.

There is no grin on that face.

"Mr. Kazra, how about leaving the manufacture of this to Barletta? I'm sure that girl will do well."

Wait for the handshake to end and Zirconia makes a good suggestion.

"No, I want Mr. Barletta to keep a secret about the manufacture of weapons."

"Why not?

"It's my fault... I don't want her to get involved in this sort of thing. If I knew, I would take the initiative and try to help…"

I lean down a little and answer. For the best, Zirconia narrows her eyes.

"May I ask why?

"... she's losing her mother in the last war. And yet, I don't want to tell you that I can help you make such horrible things about what you use for war. Because I think it makes her feel really bad."

"... really, do you think so?

To Zirconia's inquiry, Ichigo looks up.

"When she feels bad, do you really think?

"Oh, hey, Jill"

Ignoring Narson, who calls out still like he's in a hurry, Zirconia continues her words.

"Mr. Kazra cares about that girl, doesn't she?

"Yes, of course."

"Even that girl should be the same. You must care more about Mr. Kazra than anyone else."

That said, I turn to the crossbow drawings that are moving onto the wall.

"Isn't it normal to want your loved ones to reveal everything? If you find out later that you were replacing your shoulder with something that hurt or disliked for you, that should hurt you very much."

"... Mr. Zirconia, can you look at this weapon and imagine what will happen next?

To a good word, Zirconia looks suspicious.

"We're not talking about a lot of people dying. Depending on how you use it, you could destroy one country, it's such a weapon. If we align this in large quantities before the war begins, it is even possible to attack and ravage the other country, instead of defeating the Barbell army. This weapon is such a weapon."

Ichigo alternates between Narson and Zirconia.

"If the war starts, I'm trying to tell you to do it. Until now I have been thinking that perhaps even after the expiry of the truce agreement, it may not have to be a war. But given the recent developments here in Barbell, I have to say that was a sweet idea. If the battle is inevitable, we have to do it now. However, I will do it thoroughly. Screw down the enemy by striking a decisive blow early enough that the enemy will never rise again. I'm sorry the battle got muddy when I ended it halfway through and a few years later they attacked me backwards or mimicked the technology against me."

To a good dialogue, Narson took a serious look at the picture of the crossbow shown on the wall.

One weapon that could destroy the country, even if they say so, I can't imagine it well just by looking at the pictures.

"Lord Kazra, is this weapon really that easy to handle?

Ichigo nods to Narson, who asks questions to confirm.

"It's easy. Just set your target, pull the trigger, and the arrow will fire, so you don't need advanced technology like a bow."

"Hmm, that's great for sure...... what about the hassle of manufacturing. It's a lot different shape, but what kind of ingredients would you need"

"They use iron, wood, leather, sap and wax used for adhesion, and strings of animal tendons or plant fibers. Since the machining of the bow part takes a lot of work, we need to focus now on bow and carpenter craftsmen to get the numbers in order. If we build more hydro lumber machines, we'll figure it out."

"Uhm, is it the intensive input of carpenters..."

"I said it can be produced in large quantities, but it takes a lot of advanced processing technology. Because I can't even let an amateur make it."

The actual items made by Ichigo the other day have not been brought to this occasion.

Because bending and gluing of the bow part didn't work well, causing a core brake and it was useless.

"The point is, as long as you have gold and productivity, you can align a large number of high-powered archers. I see, this is just plausible."

"Yeah. But of course, even if we keep the manufacturing laws to ourselves, we're sure they'll be imitated by the enemy side over time. At the same time as the war starts, we need to destroy the enemies of the crossbow, invade the enemy countries immediately, take control of the capital and the big cities, and tilt the situation to this side."

"Then you're going to be doing a strategy for the city. This weapon alone is impossible to attack in the short term if the enemy is caged in a city or castle fortress and turned completely into defense. Are there any other new weapons?

"Yes. We must have a large offensive weapon called 'Catapult' that will eject a large stone bullet. With that, the walls of this world should be able to be destroyed in a short time. Wall-proof opponents who use mortar to increase strength, like us, don't either."

"Do you mean to bring it into harmony in a short-term showdown? We also need to increase the production of Lata harnesses for the transportation of supplies… Locally, should we use fortifications along the border as our manufacturing base…"

"Maybe that's a good idea."

"Hmm..."

Are you thinking about operational law early, and Nalson is staring at the picture of Crossbow.

Once again, Ichigo turned his face to Zirconia.

"I will teach you all how to manufacture weapons. So I want you to keep your mouth shut from Mr. Barletta until something happens."

"But..."

"Please"

Zirconia sighs at the stubborn good looks.

"Okay. Either way, let's all go visit the fort early. Make it a weapons production base. Whatever it is, I want Mr. Kazra to see the site."

"Yeah, that's fine. Would you prefer to plan for future production soon? We need to think about working with other territories."

"Right. Make a plan as soon as possible."

Zirconia to answer quietly.

To that appearance, Ichigo tilted his inner neck.

The last time I went back to the village of Grisea, she even said she was going to kill all the Barbaires for revenge.

She revealed the stray she had begun to be born into herself, but her firm belief in taking revenge seemed unshakeable.

I thought if I made a weapon manufacture suggestion, I'd have some reaction, but she looks calmer than Nalson.

"Mr. Kazra."

Zirconia called out as Ichiyana manipulated her computer to pull out a photo of Catapult (a copy of the restored photo that was in the book).

"Just like Mr. Kazra, Barletta should be thinking about Mr. Kazra"

…… Ha. "

"Say something great, I'm sorry. But putting up with yourself alone is very easy. Because you can leave them behind and complete everything within you. I think it would be nice if they didn't know about it until the end."

"Jill, come on. It was Lord Kazura's decision."

"It's important. Just shut up for a second."

A sharp gaze is turned and Narson shuts his mouth.

The sight was very similar to what it was a few years ago when the proposed invasion of Barbell was rejected.

Zirconia turns her face once again.

"Mr. Kazra thinks that maybe the war can still be avoided, right?

"Yes, no, that's not..."

"Is it not? If so, as of now, you should also talk to her about the production of weapons and tell her that the manufacturing plan will proceed by herself, Mr. Kazra. No matter how many barrettas, Mr. Kazra won't argue with you if you run out."

……

Ichirano silenced.

Because Zirconia's words were poking at the stars.

If, in case there is no war.

The manufacture of weapons is not a snack, and only some humans can keep it to know.

That way, Barletta won't have to know that she gave them the tools to use in the war.

Soon Arcadia may use those weapons to invade other countries for her own benefit.

Rather, it would be more reasonable to think so.

But even if it does, it should still be a story ahead for her to know.

What makes you turn to yourself is the kind of sad eyes that Barletta showed you the night she followed you to Isteria.

"I know how they do it. War cannot be avoided. Even truce agreements are suspicious."

"But maybe..."

"It's inevitable."

It blocks a good word and Zirconia runs out.

"It's just the difference between whether you're going to be known to her in a disintegrating way or talking to her from the beginning to get an understanding. You know which one hurts her better, don't you?

……

"There's still time. Before the war begins... No, I think we should talk to Ms. Kazra from her mouth before the production of weapons begins"

With a distressed look on her face, Zirconia smiles all the time.

"It's okay. I won't hate you or anything."

"... Huh?

They throw unexpected words at me, and one good surprises me in the face.

"You think so much about me, and that girl's happy. I'm so jealous."

"Yes, no, you know what?"

"It's time to take a break. Narson, prepare the sweets. I'll get some hot water."

That said, Zirconia just left the room when she took a seat.

Two pompous men were left in a dim room where only the light of the projector shoots.