Chapter 196 - Each One's Circumstances
Wednesday
"Morning."
"Ugh…"
Nat, who had been slumped over his desk, lifted his head and replied.
He clearly looked sleep-deprived, which probably meant,
"You look sleepy. Is it because the World Quest started after all?"
"Yeah. I wish they'd considered the timing…"
The World Announcement was around 10:30, wasn't it?
Given he has many friends, they probably started discussing what to do about that World Quest.
"So, what are you guys planning to do?"
"We've decided that those who want to will go. But we also have unfinished business where we are now, so we'll go after that settles down."
His friends who were investigating the Ancient Ruins deep within the Former Gnome Village were staying put.
Also, production-focused players specializing in Carpentry, Farming, and Animal Husbandry would remain.
"Speaking of which, have you created a Player Guild yet?"
"Not yet. We haven't decided on a base of operations…"
"You mean the Rashad Territory you're in now? Not there?"
"That was the plan, but then the World Quest started…"
Ah, I see, that would certainly make one's eyes wander.
It's a Necropolis, but if the World Quest ends successfully, it might become a normal city, and there could be further developments from there.
"What about Miki (Seth) and her group?"
"They're taking a wait-and-see approach. More than that, they were talking about going to a different place while a lot of players are heading there."
He relayed the 'Silver Manor's policy, adding to keep it off the record. Well, he probably wouldn't spread it around anyway.
So, while the Necropolis is crowded, other places will be emptier. That makes sense… "Fuuuuh~."
"You should take it easy. Iincho is glaring at you."
A piercing gaze passed over my left shoulder towards Nat.
This means an afternoon lecture during lunch…
*
It was a regular club activity day, after a long time.
Mion and I were checking comments on the Mountain Cabin renovation video that was uploaded yesterday.
Perhaps because of the break during exams, the comment section was quite lively…
President Bell seemed to be checking the forum.
"By the way, have you found any Applied Magic grimoires on your end?"
"No, not yet. That's why I want to go to the Ancient Ruins, but…"
President Bell sighed deeply, sinking into her gaming chair.
"I heard someone achieved a Skill Level Cap Breakthrough with Holy Magic, but aren't you close to Elemental Magic, President Bell?"
"My skill level is 9 now. With the staff's correction, it's 10…"
"Just one more level, then."
She'd definitely want to raise it, and ideally get the bonus SP for being the 'first in Elemental Magic.'
Considering what comes after, it feels like Applied Magic should be acquired sooner rather than later.
"It's quietly painful that the Ancient Ruins in Amiera Territory became such a hassle."
"Yes. It was so much easier to move around there with the 'Silver Manor' members."
Supplies were readily available, there were members who could handle various things flexibly, and above all, it must have been comfortable.
"By the way, what happened with the negotiations after that?"
"Fortunately, Gold Onee-sama returned, and she and Jinbee-san conveyed the Kingdom's stance."
President Bell spoke with a hint of amusement.
Adventurers might want to mine and explore the Ancient Ruins, but the Amiera Territory and the Kingdom apparently had no involvement.
Regarding their demand for 'tribute,' they would inform as many people as possible, but left the collection entirely to the Winged Folk.
"So, you're saying if they make such demands, they should manage it themselves?"
"Yes, that's right."
"That's brutal."
"It was the result of Seth-chan's idea and Viscount's approval."
I instinctively looked up at the ceiling. Ah, that's right, my sister is like that.
Still, it makes sense that they wouldn't do anything for the Winged Folk.
If it had been a friendly and mutually beneficial discussion from the start, I think it would have been possible to talk about handing over some of the tribute.
"What was their reaction?"
"They were apparently dumbfounded."
Argenta-san must be having a tough time.
I should report this, too…
"From now on, we'll be properly developing the reclaimed land into a city, and expanding to the east."
President Bell said, showing me a map of the continent on the official page.
It looked much larger than the one I first saw; I guess that's not my imagination, but the result of their development.
"So this is what it looks like now."
"Is this Cleene, the fishing village where the President is?"
"Yes, it looks quite far, but if you have money for a carriage, it doesn't take long."
A small village at the western edge of the continent.
A place where a river flowing from the Capital Wolkel emptied into the sea.
"Given its location, and if it's safe, it seems like a place where more people could gather."
"You're right. Apparently, not many monsters appear there, but there are stronger enemies."
"Strong enemies?"
"Yes, the river apparently overflows immediately when it rains. Also, there's quite a bit of storm surge damage."
Ah, that kind of thing.
It's a world where Civil Engineering skill is missing, so there's no revetment work either.
If farming on flat land is impossible due to floods and storm surges, then there's probably only fishing.
"What are the fishing boats like?"
"They're small boats that can carry two or three people. Naturally, they're powered by wind and manpower, so they're not the kind of boats that can go far."
Shipping technology was more underdeveloped than I expected.
Local people apparently fished, exported dried fish to the Capital Wolkel, and bought wheat and vegetables in return to make a living.
"Aren't they making salt?"
"They used to make a little, but they stopped when rock salt became available in the north of the Kingdom."
Considering the effort, that makes sense.
It's probably not a world rich enough to be particular about different kinds of salt yet.
"Were there any Mermaids?"
"I heard rumors that they exist, but I haven't met them. I heard rumors they live on small islands visible from the shore, but the village NPCs are hesitant to talk about it."
"Like a curse or something?"
"That might be part of it, but they also worry that conflicts could have a bad impact on fishing. They told us not to do anything strange."
Ah, yeah, that's right.
If you incur displeasure for something foolish and it affects your livelihood, you'd think twice.
"I hope they come to us."
"Yes, I'd be happy if it tied into the World Quest…"
A connection from Mermaids to Dragons isn't impossible.
But if I swim too far north, it feels like it would get really cold…