Chapter 30
"A year?! That's impossible in such a short time!"
When I set a one-year deadline, Master Ganze banged his fist on the table in protest. Mia-san, who was beside him, looked startled by the intensity of his reaction, but I couldn't back down either. Besides, it wasn't impossible.
"No, it is possible. Certainly, transporting a large amount of earth and stone would take time and manpower. But in this case, there is no need to transport them. They're right there, after all."
I pointed to the drawing I had made.
"The rocky mountain covering this inlet—we can cut it down, drop it into the inlet, and reclaim the land."
If we drilled holes in the mountain, buried explosive magic stones in them, and detonated them inside, we should be able to bring it down.
"That way, we can use the entire inlet as a port. Fortunately, the water is deeper on the far side of the mountain, so even large ships can anchor there. If we cut it down to just the right height, unloading cargo should be easy as well."
"But..."
Master Ganze swallowed the words he had been about to say.
"Can't it be done?"
When I asked again, Master Ganze conceded the point.
"I won't know until I see the site. But I don't think it's impossible."
I nodded at his words.
If all goes well, this port could handle half the kingdom's logistics. Since we'll need to move huge quantities of supplies, we can't keep ferrying them little by little in small boats. We need a massive port. For that, I'd level one or two mountains if necessary.
"But even if the plan is feasible on paper, that doesn't mean it can be carried out. Cutting down a mountain that size will require a huge quantity of explosive magic stones. Gathering them will take time. I haven't been allocated that many."
Explosive magic stones are valuable weapons. Because of their power, their manufacture and use are restricted.
They are also sold to construction companies and the like for industrial use, but the supply is limited. It wouldn't be nearly enough to cut down a mountain.
"Don't worry; I'll procure them myself. Fortunately, a large quantity of magic stones is scheduled to arrive here."
"Why? Does the Kashu Garrison really have that many magic stones stockpiled?"
"No, that's not it. But you know what we're going to do here next, don't you, Master Ganze?"
Master Ganze shifted his gaze slightly, then his eyes widened as he realized what I meant.
"I see. We'll use the magic stones intended for developing the gold mine."
The monster extermination was progressing smoothly, and development of the gold mine was now in sight. Drawn by gold's allure, the royal family and my father had already begun reaching for it. Since developing the mine would require crushing rock, a large quantity of explosive magic stones would be needed.
"But is that really all right? It might delay development of the gold mine."
"That's fine. I'm not expecting that much from it anyway."
Mia-san, who had been listening beside me, looked shocked when I said that. She must have thought it contradicted what I'd said earlier.
I would explain it to Mia-san later. For now, I needed to focus on Master Ganze.
"I'll prepare however many magic stones are needed. Will you take care of it?"
Misappropriating them like this would be serious if it came to light. Even if I adjusted the numbers later to cover it up, I'd be walking a tightrope. But this was a bridge I absolutely had to cross. Dangerous as it was, I had to do it.
"Very well. I'll go inspect the site tomorrow."
"Please do. I'll assign soldiers to escort you."
There weren't many monsters in that area, so the journey should be safe, but I couldn't risk him getting injured. To be extra cautious, I would assign several members of the Rome Unit as his escort.
"You come up with some interesting ideas, young lady."
"Do you think so?"
"It's bold, but rational. I think we could do good work together, young lady."
"Hearing you say that reassures me as well, Master Ganze."
We shook hands, smiling, and Master Ganze lumbered out of the tent.