Ernst Shouro, the next Emperor of the Shouro Empire. He was currently on a regional inspection tour.
"This is amazing!"
"Yes, Your Highness. This is thread made from the Ground Spider, a species discovered only in recent years," Tenkunhan Terries replied.
They were in Bundarot Town, located within Marquis Theoderic's territory. A factory for processing Ground Spider silk had been established there, and Tenkunhan served as its technical manager.
"Though Ground Spiders were once thought to be extinct, they still inhabit the mountains of Mitsuho. We have begun breeding them and importing them to our Empire like this."
"Are there breeding grounds in our country too?"
"Yes. While operations are still in the experimental stage, there is one on the slopes of Mount Bakusa."
Mount Bakusa was a mountain further west of Bundarot Town, also within the territory of House Theoderic.
"I’d like to see that too..."
However, it seemed that particular wish was unlikely to be granted.
"Your Highness, I am terribly sorry, but as for that matter..."
"Hmm, I see..."
Afterward, Ernst was shown products made from Ground Spider silk—specifically, Ground Spider resin (GSP) and GSS.
"Various products are being manufactured using these materials."
Tenkunhan explained that GSS was used not only for high-end clothing fabrics but also for ritter cloaks.
"It is exceptionally durable and flame-resistant. Furthermore, it does not dissolve even in the corrosive fluids spat by magical beasts."
"Wow, that's an incredible material."
It was a superior substance capable of withstanding various acids, alkaline solutions, hydrogen fluoride, and even the fluids of a Gigant Peeder.
"We can even make items like cups this way."
"Oh!"
This was one of the many applications for Ground Spider resin (GSP).
"However, it will not see widespread use until the production costs come down further."
The Shouro Empire was vast, and the climate varied significantly from region to region.
On another day, the group traveled as far as Hatata, a town located along the Trockenbahn. It was a parched region with very little rainfall.
"The eaves of the houses are short, aren't they? That is because there is so little rain."
"Ah, so that's why!"
To Prince Ernst, every sight and sound was a novel experience.
"I see... Because there's so little rain, water is precious in this town."
"Yes. Your Highness, please take a good look around."
Not just reading about it in books or hearing reports, but seeing it with his own eyes, hearing it with his own ears, and touching it with his own hands—the intelligent Ernst had realized over the past few days that this was a precious opportunity.
"We will stay at this inn today."
The group entered a two-story inn, a rarity for the town.
"Welcome."
A young girl working at the inn brought them water for susugi.
"This service is unique to this dusty region, Your Highness."
"I see."
Since she couldn't carry enough for everyone at once, the girl went back to fetch more. As Ernst watched, he saw her working a pump in the inn's courtyard to draw water from the ground.
"What is that?"
"That is called a 'deep-well pump.' It was installed years ago by Lord Reinhard Randol and Lord Jin Nidou," the Inn Owner explained.
"I see..."
Ernst felt an even deeper sense of respect for Jin, a man who could create such life-changing tools. He began to think deeply about what it truly meant to improve the lives of the common people.
On another day, Ernst and his party visited Ismar, the western gateway of the Empire.
"Wow, it's so lively here."
"The town has continued to develop ever since diplomatic relations with Mitsuho were formally established about a year ago."
"Aunt is truly magnificent..."
Even Ernst could understand that this prosperity was a direct result of the Empress's achievements.
"It's amazing. I wonder if I can ever be like her..."
Though he was inadvertently building the foundation required of a future Emperor, the weight of the responsibility was a source of great anxiety for the young prince. Regardless of Ernst's internal struggle, the town of Ismar remained brimming with vitality.
"Phew..."
"Are you tired, Your Highness?"
Emilia Flot von Galaloa, a member of the Female Ritter Order attending him, spoke up with concern as Ernst let out a heavy sigh.
"Yeah, a little..."
"Our next destination is Banne, but Kalts Village lies along the way."
"Kalts Village? Er, that's Reinhard Randol's territory, right?"
Ernst had the tour itinerary more or less memorized.
"Yes. I hear a hot spring was recently discovered there."
"A hot spring? You mean hot water that gushes naturally from underground?"
"That is correct. It seems it happened just about a month ago."
"Heh... I'm actually looking forward to that."
"Your Highness, welcome to my humble village. I am the lord of this territory, Reinhard Randol von Adamas."
"Lord Reinhard, this is an undercover inspection, so please do not be so formal."
The Chamberlain accompanying the Prince gently checked Reinhard, who had welcomed Ernst with a profound bow.
"His Highness has expressed a desire to experience the hot spring facility that was recently completed here."
"I understand. It would be my honor."
Reinhard personally guided them to the newly built hot spring facility.
"Hmm, it's quite simple in design."
"Yes. Since the primary objective was the welfare of the residents, I prioritized practical utility over vanity."
"I see. That is a fine mindset."
"You flatter me, Your Highness."
And then...
"Fuwaa... this feels wonderful..."
Ernst was stretching out his limbs in the bathtub. He was alone in the water, though Emilia stood guard nearby, wearing a thin bathing robe.
"Hey, Emilia, why don't you get in too?"
"No, Your Highness. I am your guard; I shall remain here on duty."
"Really? But it feels so good..."
With a comfort that seemed to heal not just his body but the fatigue in his heart as well, Ernst looked up at the ceiling and took a deep breath.
"...Facilities like this... I think he called it a 'welfare facility.' It would be wonderful if I could build many of them to care for the people one day..."
"As you wish, Your Highness."
As the days of the tour continued, Ernst's inspection was proving to be a truly fruitful journey.