Once everyone had finished exchanging greetings, the discussions began immediately.
We discussed the location of the city-to-be in the Northern Savage Lands between Wedgefort and Yggurle Kingdom.
First, Yggurle Kingdom’s Prime Minister Balza talked about how much they were requesting that I make.
「We would like to avoid increasing Iruma-dono’s workload too much.」
「It is embarrassing to say, there are still many Elves who envy and begrudge Takumi-sama. If Takumi-sama builds majority of the new city……」
「The rebels would emerge.」
According to Lord Balza and Princess Mimir, there was a certain amount of people who did not find it amusing that I was a human yet I was the Keeper of the Sanctuary and the Protector of the Spirit Tree. Princess Mimir said a certain number, but by some chance, the number of displeased people might have been a lot.
「As such, what we would like to request of Valkyra Kingdom and Iruma-dono are the city walls and road maintenance until the city.」
「If possible, may me request the soil be prepared inside the walls?」
「Umu, that much is adequate. What do you think, Iruma-dono?」
Having heard of the request from Lord Balza and Princess Mimir, Lord Simon asked me if I thought there was any issue with it.
「That is fine on my side. Now, about the location you’re selecting……」
「About that location, ideally speaking, we would like it to be at the halfway point between our country and Wedgefort, but because of an issue with the water supply, it is far closer to our country.」
「Hmm, that would mean that the road we are responsible for would increase.」
「My apologies, but may we request this?」
When it comes to building cities, the water issue is an inseparable problem. It was for that reason that the location of the city more towards Yggurle Kingdom. The distance was 50 km. Lord Balza asked if they would be willing to shoulder that portion of the road maintenance.
Lord Simon also pondered over the 50 km increase in road maintenance. We were already planning to do the construction work itself, but because this was a joint venture between Valkyra Kingdom and Yggurle Kingdom, our escorts during the construction would be the Knight Order of Valkyra Kingdom.
「……fumu, if that is the case, how about an increase of recompense for Iruma-dono, as well as a budget of the food and such for extended stay of the knights.」
「Are you satisfied with the portion for the extended days for the knights?」
「Let’s leave it as a favor for an ally.」
Lord Balza and Lord Simon’s talk seems to have settled. Yggurle Kingdom would also want to keep its expenses as low as possible. However, building a city by themselves would cost enormous amounts of money and time at the early stages. Though it was a fort, Lomaria Kingdom constructed it by themselves, so it would be bad if it was only Yggurle Kingdom that benefits too much from the Trination alliance.
Lastly, regarding our reward, it was troublesome so we’ll just leave it to Lord Simon.
It can’t be helped. I don’t know the cost of building walls to surround a city and flatten the ground inside it. Basically, I depend on magic for everything.
There, the approximate size of the city was decided. I made advanced arrangements regarding the size and height of the walls, the number of gates, their locations, and other details with Yggurle Kingdom’s side, and that settled everything for them.
Lord Simon went over the schedule of knights to be dispatched, the construction of the camp grounds, and other necessities, then the meeting finished.
◇
「It looks like we will not need that many stones.」
「You’re right. Instead, should we sell it to Yggurle Kingdom? Well, it could be used for something.」
On our way back from the Wedgefort Castle, Sophia said that we didn’t need the stones we got, but the stocks could be used for something, so there’s no problem.
「Why not use cobblestone on the road?」
「I wonder if we’ll have enough cobblestone for the entire distance of the road that I am assigned. It will eat up some magic power, but that’d mean I wouldn’t have to go through the trouble of paving the entire road surface into stone.」
Maria asked if we’d make use of the stones for the cobblestone road, but it would take more time to secure enough stones for the quota.
「How about we go back to the Sanctuary for now, then we’ll decide which members would go?」
「Indeed. Let’s ask Akane and Laeva what they they want to do.」
Myself and Sophia escorting me are confirmed, and Maria would join when she has time. She was apparently busy making clothes with Kaede. Marnie would participate for the entire time to take care of my needs. Obviously, we couldn’t bring maids into the Savage Lands. I think Laeva’s response would depend on how much work she has.
It would be half the size of our fort, so even if the road placement was included, it wouldn’t take that long.