Volume 4.2 - Extra 1.2 (1/2)

Volume 4.2 Extra 1.2

Editor: Weasalopes

Agreeing with Hiroshi’s proposal, Haruna organized the commodities needed in her head. In one sense you could claim this was a date, but 90% of the procurement was food/condiments and the remaining 10% was for materials for practice. She was simply not the best example of a woman well-versed in love affairs.

「Can we also get some sand oysters and cacti？」

「’Course we can.」

While showing some signs of joy (but subtly so as to not make Hiroshi uncomfortable), Haruna made a totally unromantic suggestion. Hiroshi immediately gave her the go, not thinking all that deeply about why she asked. So in the end, despite being all cheery about just the two of them going around gathering things, poor Haruna never quite realized that this could very well be considered what one might call “a date”.

「So I hear that you’re back？」

Layotte visited the workshop after Hiroshi had finished making Fum’s child-sized pickaxe.

「Lay, wazzup？」

「I thought this might be a good time to discuss a few things.」

「Yup, I also have a few things mate.」

Layotte showed up at what one might consider perfect timing, and Hiroshi welcomed him.

「Let’s start with what ya wanted to tell me, Lay.」

「Alright. Then first is the instant ramen factory.」

「Oh, ya really startin’ with that eh.」

「Yes, seeing as how it’s an important industry in this country.」

Hiroshi inwardly felt repulsed at Layotte’s serious expression. Really, what kind of country builds its foundation of government management and national policy on instant ramen factories?

「We currently have a clear idea of when the sites will be acquired. We only need three more people to sign the contract, pay the money, and then move to that area.」

「……I’m glad ya accomplished this so fast, but ya did it without pissin’ anyone off, right？」

「Why would we risk that？」

「Well hey, good point there.」

Ignoring Hiroshi’s slightly doubtful demeanor, Layotte began marking the location of the planned factory site on a detailed city map. Hiroshi’s face did a double take on the scale.

「This is mighty large, mate.」

「When developing/manufacturing new products and brewing soy sauce, miso, and mirin ensite, including material storages and storages for putting away goods prior to shipping, wouldn’t you say that we need about this much space？」

「……I mean, you ain’t wrong.」

Understanding what Layotte meant, Hiroshi now really wanted to know how many people Layotte removed from the premises just to secure them. The same could be said for the budget and the assistance given to the people who were forcibly removed.

「And I’m sure you’ll be concerned about this, so let me tell you a few things: we purchased the area at double the market price, and we also ensured that the people we moved got better property than they originally had, with the government paying the moving fee. Our budget for this is provided for by using the remnants of ruined properties, so there is no need to worry about the treasury taking a hit or the people getting more cumbersome taxes. Hoarding money will only kill the economy at any rate.」

「Good job gettin’ the budget for that.」

「The Minister of Finance is also a fan of instant ramen, that’s why.」

「That’s seriously the reason……」

Hiroshi just weakly commented on these inside stories regarding the budget. Of course this was not the only reason the budget was allowed. With any new industry, and specifically those that you know are 100% going to hit it big comes guaranteed increased tax revenue. The Farlane Minister of Finance was certainly not so daft as to be stingy with all this in mind.

In the first place, if we’re talking about bad influences on the economy, Hiroshi and friends were already at that point in any RPG where you almost cleared the game and have no use for your money, so they couldn’t talk.

「Also. This general area is already filled with empty houses, so would it be alright if you went ahead and began demolition？」

「Well hey, sure we can. Give us three days ‘n you’ll git vacant land far as the eye can see.」

「Alright. Then go ahead and start at your leisure. Also…」

Layotte’s face grew serious for the next topic. Getting a bad feeling about this, Hiroshi still straightened his posture.

「Instant ramen is great and all, but we’re going to need more variety than that. Is there anything else just as easy to eat and carry around？」