The highway development plan that Princess Lieschen explained was structured as follows:
- Highways extending from Alban, the capital of the Klein Kingdom, would be systematically improved.
- Priority would be given to the highway toward Toka Village (leading to Kaina Village).
- Next, improvements would be made to the highways leading toward the Kingdom of Egerea.
- Finally, the highways leading toward the Kingdom of Franz would be addressed.
- The first phase of development involved widening the roads to over four meters to allow carriages to pass one another with ease.
- The second phase focused on smoothing out the road surfaces to minimize bumps, which would increase carriage travel speeds by thirty percent.
"Well... what do you think?"
"In principle, I think it’s a solid plan," Jin stated honestly.
"I see, I see... and?" Princess Lieschen smiled, prompting him to explain what he meant by "in principle."
"To be honest, I know very little about politics and have no intention of meddling in state affairs. However, I can offer my thoughts from a different perspective." After that preface, Jin decided to speak his mind. "I think the plan should focus on two main goals: making the highways more user-friendly and encouraging the growth of the towns they pass through. Integrating those two aspects would be ideal."
"Oh? And how would you do that specifically?"
"I discussed this briefly with the Raglann Company, but I think it would be beneficial to establish 'Roadside Stations.'"
"A 'Roadside Station,' you say?"
Jin proceeded to give Princess Lieschen the same explanation he had provided to Raglann and the others.
"Hmm. So, you provide free rest areas for the convenience of travelers, while simultaneously operating paid lodgings and shops to generate profit. That is quite an ingenious idea!"
The Roadside Station concept seemed to appeal greatly to Princess Lieschen.
"However, incorporating such facilities might be difficult with our current budget..."
The Klein Kingdom was currently in the middle of a financial crisis. It was only natural for Lieschen to be concerned.
"Perhaps we could speak with the merchants and have them contribute to the costs..."
Based on his talks with Raglann and Roland, Jin knew that merchants would find this proposal highly attractive. If they were offered incentives—such as priority when applying for shop space once construction was finished—many merchants would likely be willing to invest.
"Then there is the matter of the facilities and equipment. I'm talking about public water and sanitation. I think I can help with those."
"Indeed! I shall count on you when the time comes. Of course, you will be properly rewarded."
"After that, there's the hardening of the road surface... it would be ideal if we could find an inexpensive method."
Hardening the roads would not only make them easier for carriages to traverse but also prevent them from turning into mud pits after heavy rains.
"That shall be a task for another day. Jin, you have my gratitude!" Lieschen scribbled a note on a piece of paper and handed it to Tia. "Keep this safe for me."
"Yes, Princess."
"Now then." Princess Lieschen turned back to face Jin and his companions. She offered a bright smile. "That is enough of such heavy topics. Tell me stories of your travels!"
They shared various tales while enjoying the lunch that had been brought to them. In the Klein Kingdom, it was customary to eat lunch in a convivial atmosphere with lively conversation, and the group found themselves talking quite animatedly.
"The investigation team led by Gloria recently returned, and she seemed to feel her own lack of experience quite keenly. She mentioned that if the World Security Guard is established, she intends to join so she can further hone her skills."
Jin had already heard about this from Laojun.
"I’m sure Gloria-san would make an excellent officer," Elsa added. Then she asked, "Does Gloria-san have any plans to marry?"
Princess Lieschen shook her head slightly. "Well, she is a royal ritter. Such things are often complicated for those in her position."
"That's true. Being a royal ritter means they are privy to many national secrets," Lishia noted. As a former relief ritter, she was well-acquainted with military protocols. "If I recall correctly, the ritter regulations require one to file an application two years in advance if they wish to marry."
"What? Such a rule actually exists?" Jin blurted out, somewhere between shocked and exasperated.
"I believe it depends on the country," Elsa explained. Since her brother Fritz was a soldier, she was somewhat familiar with these matters. "The military of the Shouro Empire doesn't have restrictions quite that severe. When Ani-sama comes home, he often tells me stories about life in the army."
"Is that really allowed?"
"He doesn't share anything classified, of course. Besides, our father was also a soldier."
"Ah, that makes sense." Jin figured that father and son probably bonded over such discussions.
Wandering off on a tangent, Jin began to wonder, I wonder if the World Security Guard will allow workplace marriages?
"W-Well, perhaps we should save that discussion for another time," Princess Lieschen said, looking slightly flustered as she watched Jin sink into deep thought.
"Jin-nii, come back to us."
"...Ah, sorry about that. I got lost in thought again. It's a bad habit of mine."
"Hehe, do not let it trouble you....Oh, that reminds me. There is a report meeting regarding the ruins investigation tomorrow. Would you be willing to attend?"
"Sure, I don't mind."
"That is wonderful to hear. You must stay at the castle tonight."
"Okay."
While their stay was decided, it was only half-past one in the afternoon, and they still had plenty of time.
"Say, Jin, I wish to visit the town below the castle. Would you accompany me?"
"Pardon?"
"It is a 'clandestine' trip, as they say. Gloria usually accompanies me, but she is far too busy with the preparations for tomorrow."
"Uh, does the King... does His Majesty know about this?"
"Naturally."
Realizing she wasn't planning on sneaking out of the castle without permission like a protagonist in a period drama, Jin felt a bit relieved.
"So, that means Elsa, Lishia, Hanna, Reiko, Edgar, and Tia will be coming along as an escort?"
Counting everyone, there would be eight people in total. Jin couldn't help but feel that was a bit excessive.
"Jin-san, for high-ranking nobility, that's actually quite a modest group," Lishia explained.
"But then it wouldn't really be an incognito trip, would it?" Jin countered.
"Hmm? Jin, what do you mean by that?" Princess Lieschen looked genuinely confused.
"Before we go, I have to ask: what is the purpose of this outing?" Jin inquired whether she simply wanted a change of pace or if she intended to observe the lives of the common people firsthand.
"I would like to say it is to observe the people... but I cannot deny that I also wish for a moment of relaxation."
Jin gave a wry smile at her honest answer. "In that case, you definitely need to hide your status. Even if they don't know you're royalty, commoners will act differently the moment they realize they're dealing with high-ranking nobility."
"Mmm... is that truly the case?"
Lishia stepped in to explain. "It is, Your Highness. For someone like me, the townspeople's attitude doesn't change much, but when they encounter someone who is obviously a noble at a glance, they inevitably become guarded and intimidated."
"Is that so..."
"I suspect that whenever Your Highness goes into town, there are guards following in the shadows, or perhaps the town is notified of your visit in advance."
"Umu... I cannot deny that." Princess Lieschen looked down, clearly realizing how orchestrated her previous outings had been.
"Then, for this trip, let's try going 'incognito' in the truest sense of the word," Jin said with a mischievous smile.