Eris spoke of the very first thing that needed to be considered. As expected of her. From here on, the discussion would likely move toward supplementing the points raised by the other members.
For now, I write: Land Selection.
"Then, first: we must speak again with the representatives of the Roshure Kingdom regarding exactly how many immigrants will be coming. We should plan our future developments according to those numbers."
"Right. As Eris says, no matter how much we prepare, we can't do it properly without knowing the scale. Well, that will depend on how much aid we can secure once Seraria arrives."
I add: Immigration Details.
"Next, I shall speak—your favorite, Onii-san. You mentioned aid from Roshure, and the policy is for residents to be self-sufficient to an extent, but that usually leads to a life consisting purely of tilling fields and hunting. That's no different from any other backwater village. I propose that we employ slaves—as slaves—to run the recreational facilities Tori mentioned. We pay them a wage and allow them to earn enough to buy back their own freedom. Additionally, we should use DP to prepare various storefronts from the start and have them 'purchased' by residents. Naturally, those shops would also employ and be operated by slaves. The same goes for the fields; rather than telling people to plow from scratch, leasing out land that is already ready for harvest will make the town's economy vibrant from day one."
Ratz folded her hands on her lap, her eyes briefly sweeping over the others before she continued:
"In short: when we buy slaves and bring them here, we don't release them immediately. By making them work for a fixed period, we make them conscious of the fact that they are supporting themselves. Honestly, if Tori hadn't spoken up, I would have just told everyone to plow their own fields. We should use DP effectively. As for the aid, we will need a certain amount of lump-sum capital for these operations, so I believe it is vital to have Roshure provide us with funds."
I see... Ratz makes a solid point. I had intended to have them plow the fields from scratch. But then, what's the point of coming to a new land? Effective use of DP is key. And we're going to need actual money... how troublesome.
* Employment of Slaves
* Effective Use of DP (High initial investment in shops, etc.)
* Funding for Employment (Plan A: Aid from Roshure; Plan B: Refine precious metals with DP and exchange for cash)
"Lastly, if we are to lead the management of the village and town as you said, Yuki-san, is it correct to assume we will also listen to the opinions of the residents who come here?"
"Yeah. I think you've all realized that your individual opinions alone aren't enough. We'll need a forum to hear from more people in the future."
"Then we should build a place to hold such meetings. Or at least establish a method for gathering feedback."
* Establish a meeting place for residents' opinions
"That's necessary too. At first, we'll still need to guide them, just like I'm doing with you now."
"Yes. And next... this might be a bit difficult to say..."
Milly looks slightly uncomfortable.
"Hey, it's just an opinion. Say it. Even if you're wrong, others will correct you. That's what meetings are for."
"Then... I propose we disclose information about dungeon management to the general public."
For a moment, the atmosphere turns tense.
That statement could be taken as an act of rebellion against me.
"Explain your reasoning. Otherwise, no one will accept it."
"Yes. While it's true the dungeon is run by the core, ordinary people don't understand what it really means for the core to be taken and the dungeon to stop. We understand its usefulness because we've lived here. But people trying to live here might think it's safer if the core is stopped. If we don't explain things properly, more people might target the core."
Milly has a point.
Ensuring safety by stopping a "monster-producing" Core is a logical human thought. Only those of us here know the Core is the source of our prosperity; most see it as the root of all evil.
"I hear you, Milly. But disclosure alone isn't a reason not to take the Core. It's not like they'd be unable to live in the dungeon immediately after it stops."
"Exactly. That's why we use Tori's recreational facilities—let them experience the open-air baths and other functions stopping the moment the Core does. If we can make the wells or rivers go dry too, that would be effective. That way, the residents will see the Core as indispensable and will take the initiative to protect it themselves."
Using the residents as an autonomous defense for the Core. That would make rebellions unlikely—or rather, impossible. If they take the Core, they lose their home.
* Explanation of the Dungeon Core (For resident peace of mind)
"May I add something to Milly's idea, Onii-san?" Ratts asks.
"Go ahead."
"Why don't we report our DP income at, say, 90% and let the various races—or a council—use that remaining 10% of DP at their own discretion? That would give them more opportunities to realize the necessity of the Core. If they can use DP to create useful things with their own hands, they will view us as dungeon administrators more favorably. It provides tangible evidence that they are managing their own lives. After all, the results would be right in front of them."
Everyone nodded at Ratz's addition to Milly's point.
* Let residents use a portion of skimmed DP (to improve morale)
"One last thing. Would it be possible to use the dungeon itself for promotion? It might be hard to call it an entertainment facility, but couldn't we operate it as a normal dungeon? Not to let them take the Core, of course, but I think having a dungeon here could help adventurers settle down."
A very Milly-like opinion, coming from someone who used to work at the Adventurer's Guild.
Well, I had been thinking the same thing.
"I've been thinking about that too. I'll give the details later, but basically, I'm thinking of giving each of the current groups their own minor Dungeon Core to create a 'sub-dungeon.' A dungeon within a dungeon sounds weird, but we can adjust them for training, which should appeal to novice adventurers."
"Oh! That sounds fun! Let me make one too!"
Mobu finally reacted.
"Yeah, yeah. Later. Back to the meeting."
* Establishment of minor dungeons to attract adventurers.
That concluded the opinions from Eris's group. Quite dense. They hit several of my blind spots. Meetings really are important.
"Finally, Elju, do you and your group have anything? You looked like you were writing a lot."
Eyes turned toward them.
Milly and Kaya looked like they really wanted to complain, but since they understood the purpose of the meeting, they kept quiet.
"Yes. First, thank you for allowing me to participate. This meeting has given me much to think about."
Elju bows deeply.
"As for my suggestion—can we employ doctors in this dungeon? No matter how well you manage things, Yuki-san, it's impossible to go without a single injury."
"That's a given. But hiring doctors or healers..."
"You don't need to hire them. Please use me and Rurua-sama. We were both called Saintsess once; I believe we can be of use."
As soon as Elju said that, Milly immediately spoke up.
"Excuse me, but the Saints-samas are currently believed to be dead. If they appear in public carelessly, it will cause problems for the dungeon's operation. I would like you to refrain from that."
That was reasonable. Even though they are technically "dead," if people suspect they might still be alive, it would cause all sorts of trouble.
"...I understand what Milly wants to say. But please listen without getting angry. I actually support Elju-sama and Rurua-sama providing medical treatment. Since they are thought to be dead, if we slightly change their appearance — for example, cut their hair and have them wear glasses — they should look like completely different people. Also, their healing won't involve using powerful recovery magic. On the contrary, if someone tries to do something because of their treatment, that would mean unnecessary forces are already interfering with this dungeon..."
When Eris said that, Ratz also reacted.
"I see. You deliberately create a point where problems are likely to occur. Since we know where a problem might start, it's easier to handle. And since no one can use force inside the dungeon due to Designated Protection, it's safe."
"Yes."
Eris nodded in agreement with Ratz's explanation.
Using them as bait, huh... I'd thought of it, too, but it depends on their willingness.
"That's the idea. If Elju and the others are okay with it, we'll build a hospital... or rather a treatment clinic, and have you run it. But remember—it won't be completely safe."
"What do you mean? In a dungeon under Yuki-sama's designated protection, physical force cannot be used. Is that incorrect?"
Rurua asked with a puzzled expression.
"Ah, you think that being unable to use violence equals safety. You need to consider the loopholes in the rules. Listen: physical force cannot be used inside this dungeon—but that only applies within the dungeon itself... which means..."
"It can be done outside," Oriel finished. "If we're abducted while sleeping, it wouldn't be impossible."
"Correct, Oriel. I'll give everyone warp rings that jump back to this banquet hall for emergencies, but it's not perfect. If you're killed before you can use it, that's it. I want everyone to stop staying overnight in the town and always return here."
Everyone nodded solemnly.
"Anyway, back to the point. Elju, Rurua, are you okay with that?"
"Yes."
"I am aware of the risks."
* Establishment of a clinic.
"Next is me," Oriel said. "I noticed it hasn't been mentioned: we should organize a patrol for maintaining public order. We can employ people from the slave pool as Ratz suggested."
"Naturally. Even with a small population, we need a neighborhood watch or patrol."
* Establishment of a patrol and designated patrol areas.
"From me... well, I believe we should decide on the zoning of the village and town now," Rurua said. Most of the girls looked confused; this was an insight you only get from running a city.
"Rurua means that by separating where people live and where they work, it's easier to manage them. In the cities you've seen, weren't the noble districts separated?"
"Ah, yes. So, building things randomly causes problems?"
"Exactly. If you have a rowdy tavern next to a residential house, the people living there won't be able to sleep. By zoning, it's easier to ensure safety. For example, if a fire breaks out in a residential zone, which is worse: during the day or at night?"
"At night, obviously, when everyone is home sleeping. Ah, I see. During the day, people are concentrated in the 'work zone' where they do their jobs."
Thanks to the back-and-forth with Ratz, everyone understood Rurua's point. It also prevents the creation of slums.
"Alright, that's most of the opinions. Let's figure out what to tackle first. If you think of anything else, say it now—adding things later is a massive pain."
I move the whiteboard to the center so everyone can see.
Whiteboard Summary
Team Labyris
* Play area/Square (Assembly area)
* Fields (For survival)
* Smithy (To make essentials)
* Housing (Homes)
Team Tori
* Open-air bath (Entertainment)
* Training center
* Greenery (For Beast-kin/Elves)
Team Eris
* Land selection
* Immigration details
* Employment of slaves
* Effective use of DP (Shops/Initial investment)
* Funding (A: Roshure; B: DP metal refining)
* Meeting hall for resident feedback
* Dungeon Core explanation (Peace of mind)
* Let residents use a portion of skimmed DP (to improve morale)
* Sub-dungeons for adventurers
Team Elju
* Clinic establishment
* Patrol establishment/stations
* Zoning/District planning
My Opinions
* School establishment (Education/Socializing)
* Toilets (Absolute requirement)
* Procure Mobile Suits to play with (Personal)
* Negotiate for me to go play outside (Rejected)
Alright, time to get to work.
