Chapter 92

January.

It is an important day to welcome the new year.

For me, it is the first New Year as king.

As king, I must also fulfill my duties as the High Priest.

Well, it’s not that difficult. I just have to imitate what Yuria did while acting on behalf of the ailing King Rosais.

However, there are two issues.

The first is the public announcement of Tetra’s birth.

“...Everyone is surprised.”

“Well, of course. I was surprised too.”

Tetra, with her swollen belly, murmured beside me.

Usually, New Year celebrations are for the country’s citizens alone.

But for some reason, a foreign dignitary named Abraam came to our country.

The nobles and commoners were gossiping about it, but apparently, no one expected that Abraam was Tetra’s real grandfather.

...This birth carries significant political implications.

Because Abraam has no direct descendants other than Tetra and the child in her womb.

The others have died in accidents or from illness.

If Abraam were a regular governor, it would be fine, but he is a tyrant, a dictator.

He might think of passing his legacy to a child who carries his blood.

If that happens, Tetra won’t just be a concubine anymore.

Honestly, I didn’t intend for this to turn into a political marriage, but it has become quite troublesome.

Still, since it hasn’t come to the surface yet, it’s fine for now. It will surface after the child is born... damn, my stomach hurts.

The next issue is that I need to establish the worship of the three gods recently designated as the main deities.

After all, no one has ever done this before.

The nobles and sorcerers had to come together to figure out the rules for the worship.

It’s not just about worshiping them. We need to show the entire country that these three deities will be the protectors of Rosais.

We built a makeshift altar and performed the ceremony there.

Combining the new anti-curse system with the traditional methods, I think we can withstand retaliatory curses.

Our country has more sorcerers than any of the three kingdoms, and Yuria’s barrier, which she set up before she became pregnant, is still in place.

Still, it’s only a temporary measure. Yuria’s barrier will be destroyed this time.

There’s a possibility that Yuria might fall ill and won’t be able to set up the barrier next year. If that happens, our country will be directly hit by the enemy’s curses.

We can’t just defend; we need to take retaliatory measures as well.

Right now, our country is urgently working on building the anti-curse system.

It will take at least five years to complete, though.

According to Yuria, the key to a system that utilizes the gods is faith.

We need to build temples in various places to gather people’s faith and construct a grand temple to consolidate that faith.

The faith gathered in the grand temple will be converted into magical power to create a barrier.

That’s the anti-curse system that utilizes the gods.

Building temples in various places sounds simple, but it will take time and money.

We can secure the funds, but we don’t have the time.

We have no choice but to take our time.

“Quite a bit of progress, huh? The construction.”

“Yes, it’s going faster than planned. Well, the construction of the new grand temple will take up the slack, though.”

Ismear said with a hint of sarcasm.

I ordered her to build the grand temple at all costs.

Because of that, she had to revise the plan, and she’s angry about it.

However, I had political reasons for doing so.

I wouldn’t be able to get her cooperation if she didn’t understand.

I was at the site of the new capital.

The New Year’s chaos was over, and I had some free time. After all, I needed to see it with my own eyes.

The flood control is progressing smoothly. Dikes have already been built around the rivers near the site of the new capital.

With this, it won’t flood even with a moderate amount of snowmelt or heavy rain.

Still, it’s not a perfect situation. If a once-in-a-decade heavy rain hits, it will be destroyed.

Well, it’s only been four months since construction began, so it’s understandable.

According to Ismear, this is just the beginning.

They plan to create diversions and expand the dikes even further.

The site of the new capital has seven hills.

If the dikes break, these hills won’t be submerged in water.

In other words, they are the safest places.

Important facilities like the palace and the grand temple are planned to be built on these hills.

“To be honest, the river isn’t that much of a threat. The problem is the hills.”

“The hills?”

“Yes. Hills are like small mountains. There are streams and underground water. It’s fine on a sunny day, but it gets bad when it rains. That’s why drainage facilities, or sewers, are essential.”

Sewers... so they need to be installed before water supply systems.

Well, drinking water isn’t a problem since the river is nearby.

“What specifically are you going to do?”

“We’ll bring a branch of the river into the city. Of course, we’ll have floodgates to prevent flooding. We’ll also use this river for sewage and rainwater. Wells will be sufficient for drinking water. If it’s not enough, we’ll build aqueducts. The water from the river is cleaner than the river water.”

Aqueducts...

I’ve seen them in Rome. If we build them, it will require a huge amount of money and resources.

Do we even have the technology?

“The current technology in the Adelnia Peninsula is not up to the task. Even in Kirisia, aqueducts are limited. But by the time this city is completed, the craftsmen’s skills will be on par with Kirisia’s. I think the road construction technology is already on par.”

Kirisia is far ahead of our country in terms of construction technology. But in terms of civil engineering, the gap isn’t that big.

Kirisia is divided into small states, so bridges and roads could be used by the enemy’s advancing forces.

That’s why they don’t build many of them.

Kirisians are a maritime people.

When they think of traveling to a neighboring country, the first thing that comes to mind is a boat, not walking.

That’s why they tend to neglect land trade routes.

“By the way, when will I be able to live there?”

“In four years. It will function as a full-fledged capital in six years. Well, if you focus only on the capital, it can be done faster…”

We also have to build roads and temples in various places.

With the personnel being allocated to those projects, it will take time.

“Your Majesty, can you mobilize more people? If we had a thousand more, it would be much faster.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. The construction is already straining the finances. Considering the possibility of war in the future, we can’t afford more expenses.”

We are currently mobilizing 3,000 craftsmen. Including the standing army, it’s 4,000 people...

Do you understand the number? We are constantly mobilizing 1.6% of the population.

Wars usually end in two weeks, but we’ve been mobilizing this 1.6% for four months.

Well, the revenue has increased along with the expenses.

Sales taxes from Kirisian merchants, paper, wine, garnet, rock salt, and others. Revenue has increased significantly compared to the previous reign.

“The road construction... about 20% is complete. This country already had simple roads made by tamping down the soil. There are no troublesome obstacles like mountains or forests. The concrete you invented is easy to handle. It’s going smoothly. The road to King Dorgal’s country is almost complete. The road to King Berberdil’s country should be finished by June.”

The plan is to prioritize three roads: from the current capital to King Dorgal’s country, to King Evil’s country, and to King Berberdil’s country.

This country already had decent roads.

It’s common knowledge that roads speed up the movement of armies and increase the flow of people.

The roads to King Dorgal’s country and King Berberdil’s country, in particular, are quite impressive by Adelnia Peninsula standards.

This time, we will solidify these roads with gravel paving and equip them with drainage facilities.

Since it’s just that, the construction period is short.

Well, the current size of Rosais is about the same as Iwate Prefecture.

The distance to be paved is short, so it’s not that difficult a project.

By the way, the roads extending from the new capital haven’t started construction yet.

It’s a waste to build roads where there are no people. We are using water transport for construction materials.

It’s on hold for now.

“Still, it’s like a dream to be in charge of a country’s construction project.”

“It’s a small country in the countryside, though.”

“But it’s on the rise, isn’t it? Under your rule. This country will become the most powerful in the Adelnia Peninsula. Maybe even the unification of the Adelnia Peninsula... how about it?”

Ismear said with a half-joking smile.

I want to make it happen, though.

“By the way, how are things with you and Seimei?”

“W-What are you talking about! N-No way...”

Her face turned bright red. It’s easy to tell, thank you.

“I want you to be honest. Actually, a marriage proposal has come for you. It’s not a bad match. I recommend political marriages, but I don’t force them. I think it’s better if you can marry for love.”

“Well, I’ll find someone on my own...”

“Alright. Let me know if you need any help.”

I said that and bid farewell to Ismear.

“Wow, interesting.”

I finished reading the first volume of Seimei’s “Continental Crossing”.

The first volume is about the Crimson Empire.

It describes the customs, culture, traditions, geography, and history of the Crimson Empire, along with the episodes of Seimei’s parents’ travels and the reasons for their journey.

According to this book, dragons and qilins actually exist.

I’d like to go there. Well, it’s probably impossible.

“Thank you. This paper is really easy to use... I’m really grateful. And it’s free...”

“Don’t worry about it. It’s a matter of pride for our country to produce excellent books.”

I was giving Seimei paper for free.

Not only that, I prepared a mansion and servants to create an environment where he could write.

In the real world, books like “The Travels of Marco Polo,” “The Records of the Western Regions of the Great Tang,” and “The Record of the Buddhist Monasteries of Luoyang” are famous.

Seimei’s “Continental Crossing” is on par with, or even surpasses, those books.

Even if I make a mistake and this country falls, Seimei’s book will continue to live on.

By supporting him, I will live on in his book.

My existence will be remembered by future generations.

“Still... one thing that bothers me is that it’s hard to read. The more you read, the wider it gets and it gets in the way.”

“...But isn’t that just the nature of scrolls?”

Yes, it’s the nature of scrolls.

In other words, I’m telling him to stop using scrolls.

“Why don’t you try a codex?”

“A codex?”

“Yes. Cut the paper at regular intervals, bind them together, punch holes, and thread a string through them. Then use cardboard as a cover to protect the book. This way, it won’t get in the way, and you can use both sides of the paper.”

Compared to modern Japanese books, scrolls are hard to read and take up more space when stored.

Codices are far superior.

Well, scrolls do look cooler.

“Indeed, that would be more efficient. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it... You’re amazing.”

“Haha.”

It’s just copying from the past.

“By the way, Seimei, what do you think of Ismear?”

“Huh? She’s a good person, I think. Why do you ask?”

“No, nothing.”

This reaction...

Ismear... you need to work on it.

“Nikolaos, how are you doing? Have you gotten used to life here?”

“Yes, the food isn’t much different from Kirisia, and the climate is mild... it’s not a bad life.”

Not bad... it’s typical of him not to say something like “it’s great” or “it’s wonderful.”

“The best part is that I don’t get eggs thrown at me every time I go out.”

Should I lament the low standards of Kirisians or your own annoyingness?

Probably the latter.

“By the way, which one does King Rosais support? The geocentric or heliocentric model? ...I heard that Tetra supports the geocentric model.”

Hmm, she supports the geocentric model.

Well, if you think about it naturally, the geocentric model is the correct one. It’s obvious.

She would probably say something like, “Why do you even think of the bizarre idea that you are the one moving instead of the other? Just accept what you see.”

Hmm, which one do I support...

This is a different world, so I wouldn’t be surprised if the geocentric model were correct. But still...

“I support the heliocentric model.”

“Wow! You are truly remarkable, Almus! I’ve always thought you were well-versed for a barbaric Adelnian, but you are the best king!”

The best king. Thank you.

And sorry for being a barbaric Adelnian.

Nikolaos’s mood lifted from finding a kindred spirit, and he didn’t notice my wry smile.

I think I understand why he gets eggs thrown at him.

“I’m glad to have someone like you. Our country is behind Kirisia in terms of civilization. By the way, I have a question. How do you think we can create Adelnian script?”

“Adelnian script? Well, it’s certainly inconvenient not to have our own script. I would go crazy if I had to use Persian script without Kirisian script. But I’m not really good at that kind of thing...”

As expected, he’s weak in that area. He’s a science guy.

I thought he might be able to do it since there’s no distinction between science and humanities in this world.

He has his strengths and weaknesses.

“I’m sorry I can’t be of help. But I think there’s something more important than creating a script.”

“More important?”

“A calendar.”

A calendar?

Is there something wrong with it? I don’t understand...

“Most people in this country don’t realize it, but there’s a discrepancy with the actual seasons. It’s about forty days off.”

“Hmm, now that you mention it, is that true? I don’t really pay attention to it.”

The current calendar was created five hundred years ago. A forty-day discrepancy means an eight-day discrepancy per century. No one would notice that.

“Seeing such a discrepancy makes me irritable...”

“So, you’re suggesting we reform the calendar?”

Hmm... well, people in this country have been living according to this skewed calendar, so it might not be as inconvenient as you think.

Commoners follow the seasons they feel with their skin, not the calendar, when planting seeds.

“Reforming the calendar will have a significant impact on the people... it’s not that easy, but I’ll think about it.”

“Understood. I’ll work on it.”

This guy really doesn’t listen to others.

“Hey, Ial. I have two important things to talk about.”

I called Ial.

The moment he heard “important things,” his expression tightened.

He seems nervous.

“First, will you marry me?”

“Huh!?”

Ial’s eyes widened.

“I-I’m sorry. I respect and am loyal to you, Almus. I’m prepared to die if you ask me to. But this love is the love of a master, not that kind of love... Besides, there’s Yuria and Tetra...”

“What are you saying so absurdly?”

I’m also declining. I don’t want to marry you.

Seeing my expression, Ial’s face turned bright red, realizing his misunderstanding.

“I-I’m sorry. I heard that upper-class people indulge in love between men...”

“I don’t have that kind of preference.”

Even if I did, I wouldn’t choose you. I’d choose a pretty boy.

“So, about marriage?”

Ial asked. I nodded.

“Yes. How old are you?”

“I’m twenty-six this year.”

“That’s quite dangerous to be unmarried.”

Most Adelnians marry in their teens.

If it’s late, it’s in their twenties.

Politically married people often divorce frequently and can marry even in their mid-thirties.

Still, being unmarried is not good.

“There’s a marriage proposal for you. You don’t have a favorite woman, right?”

“Unfortunately, I’ve never been in love...”

That’s sad. I’ve been in love twice. Both times it worked out.

“So, who is it?”

“It’s not decided yet. But I want you to marry the daughter of one of the former Dibel faction.”

“The former Dibel faction?”

“Yes. The situation has been bad lately, and we need to unite the country. I think it’s time to forgive them.”

In reality, most of the nobles haven’t sworn loyalty to me.

Their concern is their own territories.

This is