Published: September 9, 2025
Satou here. When I first joined the company, I was weary of those long meetings that never reached a conclusion, but after learning that they serve as an outlet for complaints and frustrations, I started attending them with a more peaceful mind.
â—‡
"With that, I hereby adjourn the kingdom council. Anyone who objects may rise."
The prime minister, acting as chairperson, declared the formal closing words.
No one had objected here for the past 300 years (.....) or so I heard.
I said that in past tense because I caught sight of a young lord standing up from the seats where the previous lords were seated.
"Young man, please take your seat."
"Let go! Do you say you will force the people into misery?"
Waving off the lord's attendant who was quietly urging him to sit, he glared at the prime minister.
"Count Lesseu, is there an objection? Speak your mind."
The prime minister’s low voice carried an intimidating tone, causing Count Lesseu’s shoulders to tremble.
"Th-then, I will say it. I request a reconsideration of the magic core supply to my territory!"
The count pleaded with a sharp expression, but his trembling voice undercut the gravity.
"That should have been settled in the morning session—"
The prime minister spoke to Count Lesseu, explaining firmly.
The count seemed unsatisfied, lowering his gaze and falling silent.
By the way, the magic core at the center of this issue is a necessary material for the fuel of magic power furnaces in mines and mobile bases, as well as the production of magic potions and magical artifacts, but it is hard to say it is indispensable for people’s daily lives.
The magic power required within cities is drawn from the source called the City Core. Unless dealing with magic artifacts that consume magic power like the Mithril Furnace in Boruehart Autonomous Territory, which uses it lavishly, a large amount of magic core isn’t needed inside the city.
Moreover, the distributed supply only comes from the Labyrinth City’s share; the portion derived from monsters within the lord’s domain is at each lord’s discretion.
If there is a shortage, they can hunt monsters within their territory.
Of course, that requires having a sufficient local army.
"—What your territory needs is restoring security, isn't that right? The magic core planned for your lands is being provided to the magic power furnace at the mobile base for the kingdom knights’ expedition to Duke Bistal’s territory. In return, the kingdom knights will exterminate the monsters rampant within your lands and secure the safety of the roads. You had agreed to this proposal, hadn’t you?"
"Th-that is…"
I began to understand the prime minister’s intention a little.
He probably wants to prioritize securing the roads in Count Lesseu’s lands.
And, moreover, at Count Lesseu’s expense.
If the roads in Count Lesseu’s territory are not safe, it would be difficult to secure the supply lines for the rebellion suppression troops in Duke Bistal’s territory.
Also, it would disrupt the flow of goods between the northern territories of the kingdom, especially the Marquisate of Ellet and the Royal Capital.
From a military and economic viewpoint, it seems undeniable.
It also appears that only Count Lesseu has not realized this.
Presumably, Count Lesseu’s demand for more magic core is to restart the precious metal mines in his lands.
He wants to prioritize the profit of the count’s family and their subordinate nobles and gain control over the nobles within his territory.
"I repeat, having the knights exterminate monsters along the roads will bring a greater revitalization effect than supplying more magic core. What good is supplying magic core to the mines and fortresses’ magic power furnaces if the safety of the people is not ensured?"
The prime minister spoke to Count Lesseu in a tone that was gently persuasive.
It was a kindness that felt like tightening a noose with silk.
"Then, I shall arrange for your portion of the magic core—"
Upon hearing that, Count Lesseu’s face brightened with hope, but after seeing who the speaker was, his expression darkened again.