Book 4: Volume 3 Chapter 2, Royal Affairs

Translator: Kazumi

Editor: Silavin

 

Following the report to Kousuke, construction plans for the magical supply facility began in earnest. The research building previously erected on the Fifth Floor, the city outskirts, would undergo expansion for full operational capacity.

 

Consequently, various projects commenced simultaneously, increasing traffic of personnel and materials moving in and out of the Tower. Naturally, such substantial material movement attracted attention to Crown’s new initiatives. However, rumors of preliminary research had leaked previously, leading informed observers to conclude that Crown had finally moved on to implementation.

 

The information leak resulted not from staff indiscretion but was deliberate from Crown as a strategy. Given that this unprecedented facility could fundamentally transform to daily life, gradual familiarization seemed preferable to sudden announcement and potential confusion.

 

Crown thus carefully controlled information release, keeping crucial technical details completely hidden to prevent technology theft.

 

While the hardware planning progressed smoothly, software challenges were still present, and they received steady attention.

 

The primary issue regarding state versus Crown leadership ultimately resolved in favor of Razequa Amamiya assuming control.

 

If implemented as planned, the facility would supply enormous Magic Power. Depending on application, military usage would inevitably attract interest. State control appeared more appropriate than management from a foreign organisation, given these security considerations.

 

Crown certainly commanded adventurers as a powerful force, but adventurers do not necessarily follow the Crown’s every word. Unlike national military forces with coercive authority, adventurers might prove unreliable during emergencies. Entrusting management over this vital facility to an organization lacking absolute loyalty seemed unwise.

 

Future facilities might be constructed internationally, but key operational components would function as proprietary systems. If Razequa Amamiya adopted policies promoting information sharing, this approach would hopefully deter unreasonable demands for technology disclosure from other nations.

 

Were Crown to manage the facilities as an organization, regardless of its power, other nations might view it merely as another commercial entity and make excessive demands.

 

Considering these various perspectives, Razequa Amamiya received operational authority.

 

Kousuke learned this outcome from Floria during a subsequent conversation.

 

“So ultimately, the nation will assume leadership,” Kousuke observed.

 

“Correct,” Floria confirmed. “Crown has become a major continental force but it remains relatively unknown on other continents. This is a sticking point where Crown would likely face huge opposition.”

 

“I understand.”

 

Floria’s assessment resonated with Kousuke. Expanding Crown beyond the Central Continent had always been a goal, but progress had proven slow. Crown’s perceived association with Razequa Amamiya presented the largest obstacle.

 

The Crown Card benefits, which spread rapidly across the monster-infested Central Continent, proved less compelling on other continents. Behind the scenes, certain countries actively promoted narratives suggesting status displays were unnecessary.

 

Countries that welcomed Crown branches refrained from spreading such rumors, but their minority status left them disadvantaged against prevailing sentiment.

 

The Seichun branch, located at the Tower’s base where status cards offered maximum utility, could potentially counter such narratives, but it remained in the developmental stages. So, claiming definitive advantage would appear premature to most.

 

Mia, who had been listening to the conversation, looked at Floria thoughtfully. “You seem more relaxed lately. Has Brother assumed more of your old responsibilities?”

 

“Yes,” Floria replied briefly.

 

Mia simply acknowledged this with understanding. Recently, Floria had delegated almost all responsibilities to Towa except for longstanding matters. This clear authority transfer led observers to speculate about potential retirement.

 

Since Floria made no effort to discourage such speculation, rumors spread with increasing certainty. She had always stated publicly that she ruled merely as regent for the living god Kousuke. Handing the throne to Towa, whose status as Kousuke’s Son was now an open secret, seemed only natural.

 

Perhaps sensing this sentiment, those around her ceased commenting on the matter. Naturally, no one dismissed Floria’s work as Queen lightly. However, remaining on the throne without legitimate justification carried risks.

 

Although Mother and Son maintained their excellent relations, making conflict seem unlikely, forces might emerge to elevate Towa while ousting Floria. Foreign powers particularly might pursue such strategies.

 

Allowing the rumor to spread as an open secret could help deter such machinations.

 

Mia sighed. “Seems like Brother will get even busier.”

 

Though Mia did not address Floria directly, Floria understood, shrugging as she met Mia’s gaze. “I would help him if you wish me to.”

 

“Mom, don’t joke about it. I have no intention of forcing you to work,” Mia replied firmly.

 

The two conversed casually, playing with words while understanding their positions in management ranks allowed only close relatives present. If their conversation leaked, intense internal and external maneuvering would occur.

 

Such machinations would naturally seek to position Mia rather than Towa as the next ruler.

 

Towa had already proven himself a capable leader as the Crown Prince. Even with backing, Mia’s power base would remain weak, producing disappointing outcomes for both Razequa Amamiya and Mia herself.

 

Furthermore, Mia genuinely harbored no ambition for the throne, as she had informed Floria. Floria, understanding this better than anyone, nodded vigorously.

 

“Well, call me when you need me.”

 

“Mom…” Mia said with an exasperated expression.

 

“What’s wrong with a Mother abiding by her Daughter’s wish?” Floria countered.

 

“I guess that’s true,” Mia conceded reluctantly.

 

“Similarly, I have every right to depend on Kousuke like this.” Floria declared, moving to Kousuke’s side and entwining his right arm. She was clearly attempting to provoke Mia.

 

“No! No romantic displays on the Administrative Floor!” Mia protested.

 

“Why so strict? There is only us here. We are all Family.” Floria countered.

 

Although Floria said this, Mitsuki stood nearby. However, Mitsuki merely smiled as if observing something entertaining.

 

Recognizing her disadvantage, Mia moved to Kousuke’s other side like Floria and grasped his remaining arm.

 

“Then, I shall join you!”

 

“I see, I see,” Floria responded.

 

Caught between the two, who had begun their competitive display, Kousuke remained motionless. Experience taught him that speaking during such moments only invited trouble.

 

The battle between the two continued until Shrein’s arrival finally ended the stalemate.