Chapter 395: National Land Planning?
“With Asas around, the plants should start sprouting soon, right?”
“Yeah, but true prosperity will probably come after the flooding of the Es River—most likely, the black soil is already at the riverbed. It’s the blessing of the Goddess Es, maximizing the power of the God of Fertility, Asas.”
Karn answered as I tilted my head in confusion.
“My protection within the city will weaken, but the river is under the Goddess Es’s domain, and the land between the sand and the river belongs to the God of Fertility, Asas. Previously, I couldn’t stop enemies crossing the water, but this time, it should be fine.”
Baylis, who had hugged Karn from behind, leaned in closer and said happily.
Those two really do look good together. Damn it, that charming guy…!
Speaking of which, Baylis mentioned that she struggles with water. It makes sense since she can’t exert her power in places without dry sand. Even if she temporarily expands her influence by kicking up dust, she can’t do anything in the water.
But this time, that water is the Goddess Es. Yeah, if I ask her, the geographical defenses should be solid.
“All that’s left is to set up Wanwan’s hut, and it’ll be perfect. But where should we put it? If we consider that entrance to the hall as the meeting place for Es and Asas, it feels a bit off, right?”
What should I do?
Looking around for answers, Retze averted his gaze as if to say not to ask him, while Karn and Baylis maintained their silence. Dinoss let out a sigh.
“Come on, let me indulge in my thoughts a bit longer.”
The last person I turned to, Haulon, looked slightly exasperated.
Isn’t urban defense an important matter? At least Auro and Kiel from the island are really invested in it!
“Choose your words a bit more carefully. For someone like me, being straightforward is fine.”
Retze remarked.
I’d prefer it to be straightforward too.
“I have a good affinity with the God of Storms and War. Given his nature, I think he can exert his power better when he’s above ground.”
Baylis said with a hint of intrigue.
If the powers of the Storm and Desert Spirits combine, it would indeed be something incredible. Sandstorms and tornadoes… that sounds pretty devastating.
“We’ll build the Aboveground Temple here and surround it with the royal palace. Eventually, we’ll invite the God of Fertility, Asas, to the Aboveground Temple, and for convenience, we’ll place the Spirit’s Branch there. The underground will be the Goddess Es’s temple, and we’ll also invite the God of Storms and War to the Aboveground Temple.”
Karn slowly surveyed the area as he spoke.
“For convenience… So, you’re really going to leave the Spirit’s Branch there?”
It feels like the effect wouldn’t change whether it’s there or not, considering the main body (Karn) is present.
“Even if I claim to be the King’s Branch, there will be those who won’t believe it. I have no intention of proving myself every time. Besides, I plan to follow your example and explore various places. If there are no warring nations and with Haulon’s Teleportation, that should be possible.”
Karn smiled with an indescribable expression. It wasn’t dislike, but it felt complicated.
Oh, right, I was hoping for Karn’s release from being tied to the nation by Shahira. It’s not that I wish for him to hate or abandon the country; perhaps a king who wanders while still loving his nation is what’s being formed?
“You seem to not understand, but this city is yours, you know? Including me.”
“What?”
“Seeing your surprised face is just like you.”
“And you look somewhat annoyed too.”
Haulon and Baylis chimed in.
“My master has a weak awareness of being my owner.”
Karn grinned.
“Well, normally, the owner of the King’s Branch is the king.”
Dinoss said with a face that expressed ‘oh well.’
“Yes, my king is the king of kings… Though that title makes no sense.”
Haulon shook his head slowly, looking pained.
The king of kings! The supreme high king! …It sounds like a casual hike. Can I take both Rishu and Wanwan with me now?
“No way, I don’t want something as troublesome as a nation. I can’t handle the responsibility.”
I snapped back to reality and replied. The island is enough for me.
“From an objective standpoint, my position would be that of a sage who aided in nation-building. I’m called that by several countries in Nakahara too, but…”
Haulon said with an incredibly ambiguous expression.
“The Great Sage of Nation Building.”
Dinoss leaned back, looking at me skeptically.
“If you strip away the unnecessary details, that’s what it boils down to… You’re doing better than me. Not to brag, but I should be quite a famous person, right? I really don’t know what to do anymore.”
Haulon sighed again.
“If we just convey the results without the background or the person’s actions, it sounds like a legendary tale.”
Retze remarked.
“That doesn’t suit you at all.”
Dinoss added.
“Let’s just blame Haulon for the trouble.”
“Hey, don’t throw that on me! I can’t do it either!”
Haulon exclaimed, wide-eyed.
“It’s fine, it’s fine. Just push half of it onto Dinoss.”
“Wait! Did it just bounce back to me?!”
Dinoss looked horrified.
“Truly, the legendary Gold Rank duo!”
I had previously secured the right to push it onto them!
“How in the world did it come to this?!”
“Stop making unreasonable demands! It’s impossible!”
The two of them screamed.
“Alright, let’s head back. We need to board the ship.”
An evening cruise on the Es River!
“Oh right, I had arranged that… It feels like a distant memory now. Is this not even a day for you?”
Retze murmured.