It had been about two weeks since Dragontan's affiliation became Mynoghra.
While confusion regarding the transfer of authority still lingered, the staff assigned to handle it had gained a certain degree of familiarity, and business was finally getting back on track.
City Governor Anterize Antique, who had been thrust into the role as the city's most important figure, was once again wrestling with paperwork at her tidier desk, a marked improvement from before.
"I've brought the documents, Governor. It's the draft proposal for the basic education of the city's residents."
"Thank you. Leave them there—"
A male apprentice civil servant entered the open Governor's office without knocking and placed a stack of crisp, white paper on the desk.
Anterize paused her work to briefly skim through the documents. Confirming there were no urgent matters, she tossed them to the bottom of a box marked "Unprocessed" on the corner of her desk.
Watching this, the man felt sympathy for the case so quickly relegated to the back burner and voiced a question.
"Is that alright?"
"Hmm? Ah, yes. This is a draft proposal for resident education. Since the construction of the 'Learning Facility' has been decided, we plan to put systems in place to raise basic academic skills in the future. Well, it's not an urgent matter to tackle right now, so I'm shelving it for now. Ah, there are some documents I need delivered to another department, so wait a moment."
As she spoke, she began pulling several stacks of paper from a cabinet.
Unlike the cluttered office of the past, the current Governor's office was meticulously organized, so her movements were efficient and sure.
The civil servant who brought the documents was a former guard recruited into the city hall staff based on a previous conversation on a watchtower. It was an unusual personnel decision, but such examples were now common in Dragontan.
With the city's defense entrusted to Mynoghra's grotesque units, a major personnel restructuring was currently underway.
What the city needed now, above all else, were minds to run it. Therefore, anyone who could read and write was being drafted into administrative positions, regardless of background.
This former guard had been swept up in that great overhaul. He seemed to resent the work, which required unnecessary mental effort, but no matter how tyrannical or unprecedented the personnel decision was, once a decree was issued, one had to bow one's head and comply—the bitter truth of serving the state.
Incidentally, his beastman partner had, fortunately or unfortunately, failed to achieve satisfactory results in the selection exam and thus remained a guard.
While a pay raise was expected, the amount he had to learn was incomparable to his previous job. For his current role, which demanded that his previously half-dormant brain operate at full capacity, he sometimes felt an urge to voice his resentment toward his former colleague.
Smothering those small internal complaints beneath loyalty to his new master Mynoghra, the former guard and current apprentice clerk applied himself fully to his duties, hoping to aid the reforms Mynoghra was vigorously advancing.
That said, with unfamiliar work everything was a groping in the dark, and with duties completely opposite to what he’d done before, every day brought a succession of mistakes and confusion. Even now, he wore a troubled expression, unable to gauge the priority and importance of the matter Anterize had reserved.
"But still... a draft regarding basic literacy education? I heard they plan to teach various things to the general public as well. I always assumed something like this was handled by much higher-ups..."
"Minimal knowledge is necessary. More importantly, having the king’s subjects unable to even read is an image we simply cannot afford. You should acquire enough knowledge yourself so you don’t bring shame to the king’s face."
"I... I’ll do my best."
Indeed, hearing it put that way, he had no room for rebuttal. Yet, some parts of it just didn’t sit right with him.
Glancing at the man, who wavered between loyalty to the king and his own aversion to study, showing an indescribable expression, Anterize sensed the rapidly changing world within her own mind.
(No matter what industry they engage in the future, basic education is essential, isn’t it? At the very minimum, without the ability to read and write, it becomes difficult to even smoothly impart job training.)
It was common knowledge among those involved in urban administration that Mynoghra’s homeland was investing heavily in Dragontan. The scope was vast, employing significant amounts of money, personnel, and materials. Up to that point, it was somewhat understandable. What truly astonished them was the strong push for future education for the residents, even if it was a long-term plan. This extended even to the laborer class, previously deemed not to require it, drawing voices of bewilderment and confusion from most of those holding traditional views.
An increase in the knowledgeable class directly led to the acquisition of new concepts and breakthroughs. This was evidence of how much Mynoghra prioritized the research of new technologies, and simultaneously proof of their wealth and power, sufficient to allocate national strength to education.
Of course, given the scale of Mynoghra’s homeland she knew, such a monumental policy seemed somewhat reckless. So what transformed that recklessness into possibility?
There was one answer: the Great Destroyer King, Takuto Ira.
It was all due to the profound wisdom and power brought by their new leader.
(In fact, having received all sorts of knowledge from Mynoghra’s homeland, I truly feel the importance of education anew. Especially since Fonkavun is inferior in technological capability compared to the nations of the Northern Continent, it’s completely understandable why the king emphasizes education so much.)
Fonkavun's technological inferiority to the northern nations of the continent was due to the harsh environment in the southern regions. The land was barren, crops struggled to grow, and savage barbarians roamed, snatching lives. This was a perilous territory.
Education consumed money, time, and labor. In their former homeland, the Fonkavun era, even children were a vital workforce. Once a child could speak coherently, it was customary for them to assist their parents with household or work duties. Through the master-apprentice guidance received during this process, the next generation of artisans and laborers was born. For citizens, education, therefore, held largely a leisurely connotation reserved for the wealthy and privileged few. The reality for most was simply struggling to survive day-to-day in this unforgiving land.
However, all of that had changed completely under the protection of the state of Mynoghra; or rather, by partaking in the benefits brought by the Demon Lord of Ruin, Takuto Ira. In a sense, one could say Dragontan and its inhabitants were, for the first time, able to live a civilized life.
"Still, everything is advancing at such an incredible pace, it's quite difficult to keep up," he remarked.
That said, the change was nothing short of abrupt. Every day brought a fresh shock. A corner of the city he had known yesterday would look completely different by the following morning, and familiar procedures or ways of working were replaced with something new by the day after. The word "rebirth" had never seemed more apt than for Dragontan, currently caught in the maelstrom of transformation.
"It's thanks to the near-infinite food and materials supplied from the homeland. And above all, the policy is possible because we have the musket units deployed—that absurdly powerful weapon." Anterize half-agreed with the apprentice scribe's words while contemplating one of the key factors enabling these rapid policies: the musketeer units. The city's musketeers, already formed from selected elites, had completed basic proficiency training. They guarded the city's vicinity while also exterminating barbarians intruding into the country. Their power was immense; fields were no longer ravaged as before. On the contrary, they were driving with momentum to eradicate the barbarian nests in the surrounding regions. If this continued, creating villages with large-scale farmland outside the city would also be possible. Of course, the current priority remained rebuilding Dragontan's urban functions. Anterize sorted the finalized documents by department, attaching sticky notes. Simultaneously, he remembered the important task he had previously commissioned from the man before him. "Come to think of it, how is the intelligence gathering from other countries progressing?"
Even amid the chaos and confusion of Dragontan's cities, they are not closed off in the manner of complete isolation.
Naturally, trade with Fonkavun continues, and dealings with the merchants from the Northern Continent, which predated the current situation, also persist.
Information can sometimes yield more value than gold.
Even while stretched thin, Anterize had ordered budgets and personnel allocated to gather intelligence from other nations.
This directive, of course, came directly from the Mynoghra homeland, and from King Takuto Ira himself.
She could not afford to produce a half-baked report and incur the King's displeasure, so despite her light tone, she was inwardly anxious.
"The reports from the other cities, and even just rumors, are coming in steadily enough."
"Hoh. That's surprising. I thought it would be more difficult. Are the sources merchants and mercenaries?"
"Exactly. Once they think there's money to be made, they show up from everywhere. And their prices are even higher than usual. They're completely looking to exploit the situation."
"Even with generous support from the Mynoghra homeland, there are still things we lack. Fortunately, we have the funds, so shouldn't we buy even if it's a bit overpriced? That should also make them more forthcoming."
Things were proceeding more smoothly than anticipated, and Anterize felt a secret wave of relief. She had worried the merchants might be wary due to the nation's evil reputation, but apparently not.
Currently, Dragontan is in a state of transition. While the future might bring a more fearsome appearance and atmosphere, as things stand, large-scale reconstruction is underway, yet the strong silhouette of the old Dragontan remains.
Perhaps it is this current, in-between state that has loosened the merchants' vigilance.
That said, considering the homeland's situation, how these outsiders will judge things in the future remains unpredictable.
"Understood. I will instruct the person in charge to prepare a list and cost estimate for the goods we will purchase from the merchants. Please handle it accordingly."
Regardless, the current situation allowed for both intelligence gathering and resource procurement without issue.
And for both Dragontan and Mynoghra now, these were matters of critical importance.
Anterize nodded at the civil official's words and conveyed that these tasks be prioritized.
"But really, the receipts and estimates... All these tedious little tasks have certainly multiplied, haven't they?"
"When you consider the hassle of arguing over who said what or who's to blame, wouldn't you say it's a small price to pay?"
"Indeed. An organization run through thorough management and systems certainly has fewer troubles, which is wonderful. My approval signature has even improved daily, so I've no room for complaints."
"With that said, shall we have the Mayor's splendid signature delivered to those toiling day and night?"
"Yes, yes. Here, take these."
It seemed she'd indulged in a bit too much chatter. Without even heeding the reproachful pointing from the apprentice clerk, Anterize was already handing over the prepared documents.
Watching the man leave the room briskly as if his business was concluded, Anterize pulled a wine bottle from beneath her desk and boldly uncorked it.
"Now then, work, work. Time to do my work while enjoying a drink~"
---
**[Dragontan Urban Development Plan and Cautions Regarding the Cursed Land]**
Urban development is proceeding largely as planned.
All vacant homes with unknown owners, increased by resident emigration, will be requisitioned by the state en masse. After appropriate repairs, they will be provided to residents seeking housing.
Additionally, buildings in the former slum areas and others at risk of collapse are slated for demolition.
Given the high likelihood of land mutation due to Mynoghra's inherent property, the "Cursed Land," structural integrity for housing is set to be reinforced.
Concurrently, the production of unique buildings such as the Magic Research Institute, Market, and Training Grounds will continue.
Regarding the Dragon Vein Wells, investigations and verifications by Mynoghra and Fonkavun, and the determination of future operational policies, will take time. For now, they will only be designated as restricted-access zones.
**[Food Production Plan]**
Food production capacity provided by Dragontan is extremely insufficient to meet the city's demand, resulting in numerous residents suffering from nutritional and developmental deficiencies.
Therefore, the primary strategy for the immediate future is to prioritize the supply of high-nutrient food generated by the King.
Simultaneously, to improve the city's food situation, we aim to popularize the Human Flesh Fruit. To accustom citizens to this new food culture, we will actively seek cooperation from taverns and other establishments throughout the city to incorporate dishes using the Human Flesh Fruit into their menus.
[Domestic Road Construction Plan and Allied Nations Distribution Network Development Plan]
Construct roads from the Mynoghra capital to Dragontan to facilitate smoother logistics.
Development of the Great Cursed Realm, characterized by rugged terrain and massive trees that make construction difficult, will be the primary focus, handled by the domestic construction corps.
Dragontan will also dispatch personnel to cooperate and consult, but the fundamental priority remains the city's own improvement and reconstruction.
Simultaneously, a distribution route to Fonkavun's capital, Crescent Moon, will be formulated and developed.
[Information Gathering]
All taverns, dining halls, and inns within the city will be placed under direct Mynoghra control and operated as key nodes for intelligence gathering.
Furthermore, owners and staff will undergo basic specialized training to cultivate personnel capable of more refined information gathering.
The primary targets are domestic information and movements within the Holy Kingdom and the Spirit Covenant Union, our hypothetical enemy nations. Secondary targets are Fonkavun and other small nations scattered across the southern continent.
Information gathering operations will be under direct domestic control; Dragontan's role is to collect information as instructed.
◇ ◇ ◇
The concurrent tasks underway are extensive.
The information dispatched from the Mynoghra mainland is reviewed and processed sequentially.
Nearly all of these are new ventures that bear little resemblance to conventional city administration, and each represents a critical matter that cannot be underestimated.
Beyond these, proposals for constructing entertainment facilities and reinforcing the city's defenses through outer wall expansions have also been raised.
However, these hold a lower priority for now and, alongside the establishment of educational institutions, remain on hold.
"There's so much to do, but having hope makes it much easier to handle, doesn't it~?"
It was fortunate that the situation no longer involved the kind of anxiety about one's future that existed before.
The power displayed by Mynoghra's king had instilled in her and the other Dragontan residents an indescribable sense of reassurance, at times bordering on a certain narcotic-like euphoria.
Wondering if this was what becoming evil felt like, she nonetheless focused her efforts on the work at hand.
The busy days would continue for some time.
Dragon Tan was still in the process of being transferred; on paper, it was still part of Mynoghra, but it would take a bit more time until it was truly under their control.
"Let's see... Where did that directive go? Ah, here it is."
That day, given the current busyness, would arrive in the blink of an eye.
Anterize reviewed the directive received from the homeland.
[Dragon Tan Transfer Ceremony and—]
"...Just one more month. I'd better work hard so preparations go smoothly."
She had been given ample compensation. In that case, she must see it through, even if it meant wearing herself down.
Anterize fondly caressed the bottle of liquor given to her by the king, then took a hearty swig.
For what was likely a day of significant importance not only to Mynoghra but to the world itself, Anterize tightened her resolve once more and threw herself back into her duties.