“This [Philosopher’s Stone] has the property of recording and storing specific magical power, then generating magical power that reproduces it. If we record and store the family heads’ magical power with this, the problem will be resolved.”
“…Hmm, an application of the magical inheritance performed by Eisenhud.”
“Yes. However, currently it’s extremely difficult to make contact with the Six Ducal Houses, particularly the family heads, and if we fall into a situation where we must take action, we’ll likely be crushed by overwhelming military force.”
Being able to approach and kill Ornament Ducal House and its head Zavis was largely due to various factors converging recently.
From now on, they need to intentionally take action, and for that, they need to layer many preparations and arrange the proper stage.
“For that purpose, we need to transform this land of Felmund into an unshakeable, rock-solid territory, and gain the power to oppose the Six Ducal Houses in various aspects.”
“I see… so that’s why you first asked to borrow my power.”
“I’ve heard that Lord Trakia took the position of head of the Blaskas family, and after retiring from that position, managed territorial affairs. And from your past diplomatic experience, you have connections not only with demihumans but also with humans from the northern regions and the empire. I hardly need to explain that kind of maneuvering to you.”
That’s precisely why the ownership of Felmund and its lordship were announced under Trakia’s name.
While externally showing that the stated reason Feiyu gave when seizing Felmund–“so that grandfather Trakia can spend his remaining years in a place of memories”–was true, it was also to have Trakia lead the territory’s reconstruction.
And Kurtz, as a member of the Achimenes family who would manage the territory after Trakia’s death, would take the position of lord’s aide in place of his fictional viscount father, with the appearance of learning territorial management.
However–
“Kakka… you make it sound quite simple. Even if I’m suitable for the task, rebuilding such a territory would require nearly several decades.”
Etching deep wrinkles across his face, Trakia strokes his beard thoughtfully.
“The former residents moved to Ornament territory before the transfer. Those residents were mostly soldiers managing border security and a small number of mages, with land management neglected. Naturally, with no business whatsoever, the territory’s income is zero. Normally, no one would want such land even if offered.”
The Ornament Ducal House had assigned only minimal personnel to Felmund’s territorial management to keep the existence of the [Philosopher’s Stone] secret.
In reality, they also conducted remote management using alchemy magic through underground passages, but since large-scale magic might affect the [Philosopher’s Stone], they could only perform minimal management.
And there’s also a reason why Ornament couldn’t assign personnel.
“First–this [Paradise] is not land suited for humans.”
Trakia glances sideways out the window.
The sky and earth that seem slightly reddish.
White smoke rises from the distant volcano, and erupted lava colors the ground.
Such terrain isn’t limited to one location.
Arctic zones covered in pure silver snow, lake and marsh zones overflowing with abundant water sources, mountain zones with several steep peaks towering high, forest zones with lush green nature spreading wide, jungle zones with vast tropical rainforests.
Centered on the plains where the mansion sits, various distinctive lands spread out like flower petals–an abnormal land where every environment exists within a single territory.
Land created by the second Eisenhud lord using inherent magic.
In the past, it was called [Paradise] by those involved, but that was only true for species other than humans.
“The boundaries of each region, and the central plains, maintain stable climate for habitation and travel, but the other lands are a bit harsh for human habitation.”
“Of course, living there long enough would allow adaptation to the land, but many humans would leave before that. There’s no one who would migrate to or settle permanently in such harsh conditions.”
“Exactly. Without residents, you can’t establish businesses, and without workplaces, you can’t expect immigration. Frankly, it’s hopeless.”
The plains where the mansion stands are suitable for human life and residence, but the land is limited, so they can’t accept many residents, and without securing personnel, no business can be conducted.
And being unable to increase personnel works disadvantageously in aspects other than territorial management.
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“This Felmund is adjacent to the territories of three races–Elves, Dwarves, and Dragonians–above, and vast imperial territory spreads below. The empire won’t attack for no reason, but conversely, it’s hard to predict what might happen with the demihumans.”
“Question. With Lord Trakia and Feiyu here, why consider the possibility of demihumans attacking?”
“That too is due to [Racial Hunting]. Many demihumans still harbor ill feelings toward Eisenhud, and Felmund could be called a symbol of that. There would certainly be demihumans who’d consider attacking under the pretext of settling past accounts.”
Even with the demihuman Trakia reigning as lord, there are certainly those who would prioritize their ill feelings toward Eisenhud and consider attacking. Even fellow elves are no exception.
But when trying to organize military force as a deterrent against such demihumans and as a means of opposing the Six Ducal Houses, they’re again blocked by the wall of personnel shortage difficulties, creating an endless cycle.
However, hearing this, Edel tilts her head curiously.
“Then what were you planning to do with the materials and food brought into the territory?”
“Ah… come to think of it, you did say you brought materials and food. I thought it was certainly a lot, but with those supplies, it should be more than enough for Kurtz-boy and the others to live–“
“No, that’s already the fifth time.”
“…Fifth time?”
“This was my first time accompanying them, but I’ve transported the same amount of materials and food to the territory four times previously. So I thought there were lots of residents or the problem had already been solved.”
“…By the way, how much was transported and how much did it cost?”
“Building materials for fifty simple dwellings, plus food for nearly a hundred people to last about three months. The food aside, the building materials are fire-resistant, so they were expensive–about three hundred million gald total.”
“Where did that money come from?”
“Provided as credit from my trading company under the name of Felmund’s lord Trakia.”
“Hoho… was this Kurtz-boy’s instruction…?”
“Yes. I placed orders with Edel in advance.”
“With no residents at all, you prepared not only housing but food with three hundred million gald…?”
“That’s how it is.”
“No residents, no income, three hundred million in debt immediately upon arrival, and my future looks grim.”
“Please don’t be so pessimistic. I have a proper plan.”
“That’s reassuring. Then please give me a convincing explanation right now–“
Just as Trakia turned his face toward Kurtz–
A thunderous roar echoing from the distance struck the mansion along with violent ground shaking.
While the three grab tables and chairs to support themselves, the shaking eventually subsides and silence returns.
“Lord Trakia, sorry, but I’ll explain while we move.”
“…Move?”
“Yes. A quick response will make a better impression.”
Taking a small bottle from his pocket and putting a red candy into his mouth, Kurtz declares.
“That sound was a volcanic eruption at the boundary between Dwarf territory and Dragon territory. It’s somewhat distant from this Felmund, but we felt the aftershocks.”
Deep in the volcanic zone, the sky beyond appears even redder than before.
This was an event that happened in his previous life too.
[The eruption of Mount Fleet]
Though that eruption didn’t become major news, some villages that dragonians had long established were destroyed by pyroclastic flows, flowing even into adjacent Dwarf territory and causing great damage.
“–It seems the materials and food prepared [just in case] will come in handy.”
So saying, Kurtz crunches the candy and smiles.
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