Chapter 173: The Meeting Might Dance…
Ula Lavender stood up from her chair, finally ready to begin her report.
“The eastern side of the plain… development is progressing, albeit slowly…”
Though it was a long-awaited report, it was far too brief and delivered in a flat tone.
The eastern side of the Subnock Plain was under the leadership of the Lavender Barony, in collaboration with the lower noble, Yoriko. Since the Lavender Barony had not participated in the recent civil war, they were not initially allocated land that could serve as a breeding ground. However, in exchange for investing sufficient funds, manpower, and resources into the plain’s development, they were granted a portion of land on the eastern side.
(The eastern side of the plain has many wetlands, making it difficult to transport materials like timber and stone from the west. Without the support of the powerful Lavender Barony in the eastern part of the kingdom, development would be challenging…)
It was far more efficient to transport materials directly from the east than to take a long detour from the west to avoid the wetlands. The Lavender Barony, alongside the Cattleya Marquis Family, was known as a martial aristocracy. It would be wise to avoid actions that could alienate them and sow discord.
“So, progress is… not very significant?” Andrew inquired, his expression hinting at something he wanted to say.
Ula merely nodded in response, offering no further details.
“The eastern side has many wetlands, and there isn’t much flat land available. This is hindering development,” a nameless woman standing in for Ula began to explain. Rest recalled that she had accompanied Ula during their first meeting and was a subordinate of the Lavender Barony.
“We are focusing on developing the flat areas. As for the wetlands, we plan to conduct an ecological survey of the monsters there to determine if development is feasible. Depending on the findings, large-scale flood control works may be necessary… That is all.”
With the report from the Lavender Barony concluded, both Ula and the woman returned to their seats.
“I see…” Andrew’s face contorted slightly, as if he had something more to express. It was likely that most of the people gathered around the round table shared a single thought.
(Everyone, including Rest, was thinking: “You should have spoken from the beginning!”)
“Well then… please continue the investigation into the wetlands on the eastern side. Report anything significant,” Andrew instructed.
Ula nodded again, but immediately shifted her gaze back to Rest, signaling the start of yet another uncomfortable silence.
“Next, I would like a report on the supplies,” Andrew said.
“Yes… We have gathered enough timber and other materials. Currently, there are no shortages. However… we are lacking in stone, so we are placing additional orders with the Commercial Guild. Selling monster materials has provided us with sufficient funds,” a bureaucrat-like man reported while holding a stack of documents. He frowned, his expression troubled.
“There is a shortage of food. The rapid increase in immigration has led to a deficit in wheat and other staples. It seems that transportation is taking a bit longer than expected.”
“I understand… I will write a letter to expedite the process. That should suffice for now, correct?” Andrew replied.
“Yes, thank you very much.”
“Ah… now then, everyone,” Andrew said, surveying the round table once more. He looked each person in the eye before speaking in a resonant tone.
“At present, development is progressing smoothly. This is wonderful news. However… as the saying goes, ‘good fortune is often accompanied by misfortune.’ I urge you to remain vigilant during these prosperous times. Reporting any issues is essential. Do not hesitate to consult with me.”
Everyone nodded and bowed their heads toward Andrew.
“Alright then, we shall reconvene at the next Regular Report Meeting. For today, we are dismissed.”
With that, permission to leave was granted. The individuals at the round table began to rise from their seats, gradually departing the room.