Proposing an Idea After Gathering More Allies
"Does attacking a dungeon make it spill out money?"
A certain noble tilted their head.
"Dungeons are living beings, so they don’t want to die. Plus, the inside of a dungeon is like its body. If you attack the walls or floor, it gets angry. If you keep doing it, it'll eventually give up treasure to make you leave. That’s what we call charging land fee."
"I thought I was going to die back then. It’s like experiencing a stampede in a confined dungeon. You get attacked by an endless stream of monsters."
I learned this from Father’s boastful stories. Since he was once an adventurer who rampaged across the continent, he’s been through a lot. This was just one of the tales I heard. He also spoke of other things, like how the supposedly extinct fairy race is actually still alive.
"It’s dangerous!"
"I’ll be fine. I’ll be leading an army."
"Are you planning to take royal troops? Even if they’re from the Alliance, the procedures alone would take time."
"The golem soldiers should be ready soon. I’ll take them for a trial run. You remember the ones we used on the plains last time?"
Since Commander Albert was familiar with them, he nodded and said, "Ah, those ones." The soldier golems, which primarily use guns, and the heavily armored assault-type golems, designed for charging and smashing, were nearly complete.
"We'll block off both sides of the passage with earth and use small gaps near the ceiling to intercept the approaching monsters. Meanwhile, the assault-type golems will use their pile bunkers to attack the dungeon and make it spit out treasure.
Ostland is still in chaos from the last stampede. If we send them a share of the profits, they won’t complain. Plus, we’ll be wiping out any remaining monsters along the way."
I only repelled the stampede. The overflowing monsters were still causing damage in Ostland, and adventurers were being gathered to fight them.
"We could exterminate the monsters in Arland as well, though…"
"If we send the princess to the battlefield, the citizens might get angry."
Lately, the people have been overly protective, so I go by the alias "Hollow" when adventuring. But if I operate within Arland, sharp-eyed individuals might notice.
Alright, time to embark on a cool adventure as an adventurer!
And so, I ended up being dragged back by a large group of knights and taken to my Father in his office. He was tied to his chair, complaining as he worked. Big brother wasn’t there since he had official duties—he would have opposed my trip to Ostland anyway. More than half of the gathered nobles were against it too. I ignored them, of course.
"Anyway, I need a budget."
"You never settle down, do you? Now it’s domestic development? The budget plan I worked so hard on is ruined. And if you use your personal assets, what will other nations think? They’ll assume Arland is a cruel country exploiting its princess."
"It’s fine. Just build a culinary school in the royal capital. You can say it’s to improve the Kingdom’s food culture."
"What’s the real reason?"
"To train pâtissiers. I want more people who can make new sweets. Don’t worry, I’ll expand the market, so it won’t go to waste. If we don’t have sweets, we just need to create a country that can make them."
Delicious sweets are essential for implementing an official tea-time culture.
Hearing that, Father held his head in his hands.
"Well, it’s your money, Alicetia. It won’t burden the Kingdom’s treasury. Do as you like."
"Then I’ll go collect land fee from Ostland’s dungeons to secure additional funds."
"What?!"
Father cried loudly for a while after that. He even clung to me, which was annoying, so I escaped to the Viceroy Merchant Union. I had to report my achievements to the assembled members.
"The expansion of the royal capital has been officially decided. The Viceroy Merchant Union should use this opportunity to employ a large workforce—about several thousand people."
"Is the expansion really that large in scale?"
"Heh, heh. I’ve secured an unprecedented public works project. And since it's funded by me, the Union has priority negotiation rights. I expect great things from all of you."
""Ohhh!""
Since it's my money, I can favor the Union. But since it's a national project, I won’t tolerate any corruption. I made sure everyone understood that I wouldn’t show mercy.
I won’t let the Viceroy Merchant Union become a privileged class. That’s why I’m at the top—to prevent that from happening.
The Union was established to strengthen the Kingdom’s economy, advance technology, and increase employment. If they want to profit, they have to rely on their own abilities. Well, Mr. Ponpoko will manage it well. I leave most of the Union’s operations to him and only provide general directions. The details? I don’t care. I have no business sense.
"I’ll be busy for a while, so Mr. Ponpoko, you’ll act as interim chairman and oversee everything."
"Understood."
After that, the Kingdom officially announced the redevelopment of the royal capital, and the Viceroy Merchant Union secured numerous jobs. As per my policy, Mr. Ponpoko prioritized hiring slum residents and the impoverished.
Factories also began construction. Mr. Ponpoko established a large-scale production system, and research into heavy machinery was progressing well. Although only a few were being produced, the process had started.
Recognizing the potential of heavy machinery, Mr. Ponpoko immediately pushed for mass production. Though the cost was high, he said, "If we produce 100,000 units, the price will drop. We can sell them not just domestically but also to allied nations," and expanded the factory plans accordingly, making major investments in component manufacturing.
There are many skilled engineers in the city. Those who lacked opportunities due to their background were now flocking to the Viceroy Merchant Union, drawn by its financial power.
Raising the technological level also makes my magic tool crafting easier since I won’t have to make parts myself anymore. Though, for now, that's still not possible.
I produced additional magic stoves and requested Father to supply airships to the Viceroy Merchant Union. Since only nobles and royalty can own medium-sized airships, I was granted ownership.
However, while the demand for airships was high, allied nations had to slow their purchases to avoid financial strain. From now on, production would be focused on supplying domestic nobles. We had made too many. The extra workforce was redirected to weaponized and large airships, but those were difficult to produce, significantly slowing production. Half of my duplicates were dedicated to stabilizing magic reactors. Eibon had shut himself in his lab, not coming out. That pervert should stay sealed underground for the sake of society. He harasses people when he’s out.
I assigned Master to oversee the maintenance of experimental weaponry. Since he understands my creations best, he was perfect for the role.
Under the name "Arland Kingdom Experimental Unit," we formed both a land force specializing in firearms and an aerial force operating single-engine fighters and heavy bombers. I specialize in development, so I left military operations to Captain Pash, newly appointed as a baron, and the leaders chosen by Commander Albert.
This new system was causing some confusion, but flexible individuals quickly adapted. Eventually, all soldiers would be armed with guns, and the Knights Order would evolve into an elite force capable of repelling even bullets with combat aura—just as Father had planned. In this world, guns can’t claim the throne as the ultimate weapon. Father easily deflects them, and even mages can counter them with barriers and shields.
"Alright, time to go earn some money."
It took a while, but I can finally act as an adventurer.
With the Air Force established and the Technical Development Bureau running smoothly, most operations no longer required my presence. Simply giving directives in advance was enough. The Prime Minister even looked happy when I handed over the paperwork. Giving him work is the best way to keep him happy—and it makes my life easier.
"Princess, let’s reconsider. Adventuring is dangerous, you know. It’s full of risks. Plus, it’s not exactly a job popular among women."
"Combat experience is important. And adventurers who can earn big should do so. First, I’ll meet with Ostland’s King and get permission to charge the dungeon land fee.
They’re struggling too, so they should be satisfied if we give them 20% of the profits."
And so, this marked the beginning of Arland’s great development—later known as the *Alicetia Parade*, a period of economic prosperity.
What do you think about this chapter?
