Day after day, the leadership of the Klein Kingdom held deliberations regarding the development plan for the area surrounding Toka Village.
"This recent air race has made it abundantly clear that it possesses more than enough power to attract visitors. Considering the future, we must expand our lodging facilities."
"That goes without saying, but before that, we must improve the roads. The transportation of goods is crucial."
"That is also important, of course, but we must also train engineers so our own nation can build Blow Floaters and compete. This is not something that can be achieved overnight, so if we are to begin, we must do so soon..."
"It would also be wise to maintain Toka Village's racecourse so that it can be rented out when races are not being held. To accomplish that, we will need to construct ancillary facilities such as maintenance workshops and hangars."
"...Aaargh, everything costs so much gold!"
Auburn Today Suuyou, the Minister of Finance of the Klein Kingdom, let out a lamenting cry.
The Klein Kingdom's finances were still in a tight spot.
"Still, taking on debt from other nations is rather difficult to stomach."
General Affairs Minister Bean Show Border agreed as well.
"However, one could call this a golden opportunity. If we invest now, we can expect significant returns in the future."
"I understand that, but..."
Chancellor Philistelle van Todes still wore a sour expression.
"We cannot afford to focus solely on that."
"Mmm..."
Melikalans I, King of the Klein Kingdom, was also lost in thought.
"Perhaps we truly ought to undertake development while prepared to take on debt."
"Your Majesty...!"
The Chancellor looked flustered, but the Minister of Finance nodded.
"If you would only make the decision..."
"Indeed. However, this is a matter that concerns the rise and fall of the nation. I would like to take a vote on this first."
"Very well... In that case, all those in favor of taking on debt and proceeding with development, raise your hands."
When the Chancellor made this declaration,
Finance Minister Auburn's hand went up first, followed by General Affairs Minister Bean, and then Chancellor Philistelle.
First Ministry of Internal Affairs Teidar Zocoi Mirana, Defense Minister Molder Marse Melda, and Magic Technology Minister Cowen Racca Kido appeared to be against it.
"Hmm. If I vote in favor here, it would pass by a simple majority, then."
King Melikalans I said so, but his expression remained grim. A razor-thin majority evidently weighed heavily on his mind.
Thereupon, the King decided to hear the opinions of the opposing side.
"First Ministry of Internal Affairs Teidar, tell me your reasons for opposing."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The First Ministry of Internal Affairs gave a small bow, opened her mouth, and began to speak.
"Our Klein Kingdom's budget is limited. Measures with an eye toward the future and the promotion of technology are all well and good. However, we cannot afford to neglect the present."
"Hmm, meaning?"
"This year's crop yields have been classified as 'slightly poor.'"
"I see."
She explained that this was the aggregate result combining the harvest yields of spring wheat, winter wheat, beans, tubers, buckwheat, vegetables, fruits, and the like.
The First Ministry of Internal Affairs concluded that at this rate, next year's national budget would have to be reduced.
"Hmm....How are the revenues from the mine?"
"The Kutsudo Mine, you mean....Yes, thanks to Jin-dono, its revenue has increased to two to two and a half times what it was before the lease. However, it is not enough to offset the loss in agricultural revenue..."
"I see. Is that so?"
Melikalans I slumped his shoulders.
"Then, how about you, Defense Minister Molder?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. Allow me to answer."
Defense Minister Molder Marse Melda began to speak slowly.
"It is well that the threat of the Magic Federation has passed, but because we purged those who were affiliated with or influenced by them, the military is facing a personnel shortage. A budget is required to recruit and train new soldiers, and as things stand, our defense remains precarious."
"I see. In short?"
"Though it would be temporary, I would like us to hire mercenaries or increase the number of combat golems."
This, too, would cost gold. Melikalans I let out a sigh.
"And what of you, Magic Technology Minister Cowen?"
"Yes, Your Majesty....I believe various magi-devices will be necessary for the development of Toka Village, but preparing them within this fiscal year seems virtually impossible."
The Magic Technology Minister explained that it was not a matter of budget, but rather that preparation time was needed.
"Of course, if we had the budget, we could shorten the delivery time."
And with that, he casually slipped in a budget request as well.
"Hmm, I understand."
After exhaling a small breath, Melikalans I spoke.
"We shall tap into the emergency budget."
"The emergency budget, you say?!"
"Your Majesty, that is...!"
The emergency budget. It was precisely what the name implied:
a budget meant to be used in national emergencies.
It was funds set aside by successive Kings of the Klein Kingdom... essentially, a "secret stash."
That said, being a national-scale reserve, its total amount was nearly equivalent to the Klein Kingdom's entire national budget.
"An emergency is not limited to war or famine. Having to overlook an opportunity for the nation to take a great leap forward... that, too, is an 'emergency.'"
Melikalans I declared resolutely.
"...If you have thought it through to that extent, I shall say no more."
The Chancellor bowed deeply toward the King. And the remaining dignitaries followed suit.
"Maintain and improve the roads leading to Toka Village."
"Concurrently, proceed with the construction of lodging facilities in Toka Village, Rakuno Village, Doppa Village, and the Town of Charles."
"I approve an order for three hundred general-purpose golems. One hundred of them shall be temporarily loaned to the military for combat purposes."
"Submit an official request to Avalon to contact Deus Ex Machina-dono. And ask for his cooperation."
Such directives flew across the room.
It was the beginning of a grand reform that future generations would come to call "The Decisive Resolve of Melikalans I."
A contact reaching Deus Ex Machina naturally meant it reached Jin's ears as well.
"The Klein Kingdom made a bold move."
"Yes, My Lord."
"Hmm... Maybe I should build that wind tunnel we've been planning for them... at actual cost."
It was a topic he had discussed with Lordtoss and the others just the other day.
"It might be interesting if we could turn Toka Village into the hub of the aircraft industry in the Klein Kingdom."
"Indeed. I will research the market rates, so how about building it for them at cost plus a little extra Alpha?"
"Sounds good."
Having overheard the conversation, Lishia popped in.
"Jin-san, thank you for going through all this trouble..."
"No, honestly, Toka Village's terrain and weather conditions are well suited for test-flying aircraft."
Jin remarked that choosing it as the venue for the air race had not just been for show.
"Let's use Maquina to support them as well, Laojun, Mentor."
"Understood."
With Jin fully motivated, the development of Toka Village was set to advance at an even faster pace.