Chapter 27

"......So, the result is about a thousand slimes and about a thousand rat people."

I listened to Selena's report with my eyes closed.

There's no way there could be that many... No, I have to face reality.

When I cautiously opened my eyes, the grand hall was filled with a large number of rat people and slimes.

"I never thought Prince Alec had such power..."

Selena still looked as if she couldn't believe it. She seemed surprised by how much the rats had changed in appearance, while the slimes remained the same.

Until just a moment ago, I had been making the slimes and rats that Elyk and Tia gathered for me into my followers.

The rat people, having become my followers, had grown to about the size of puppies, and their voices were quite loud. The squeaking was incredibly noisy.

It's no wonder Selena almost fainted at the sight.

Also, regarding the individual differences after becoming followers, there wasn't much of a difference.

The rats were mostly about the size of puppies and could walk on two legs and converse with me. Some were as big as human children, but...

As for the slimes, they were all indistinguishable from before they became followers. Perhaps monsters are less likely to change in appearance. However, they all seemed to understand my words.

In any case, I ended up with nearly two thousand followers.

Moreover, both rats and slimes are known for their high reproductive rates...

"I think the slimes will be fine with just water..."

I nodded at Elysia's worried voice.

"The rats won't be so easy. Tia, can you prepare food for them?"

"Chu! If the king says so, we'll think about increasing our numbers! Besides, we don't usually have many children anyway."

Tia, who I made the leader of the rat people, answered.

This Ars Island has a shortage of food.

That's probably why they've been controlling their population.

The word "king" is a bit concerning, but I don't really mind how they address me.

"I appreciate that... I'll also make sure to provide proper food for the slimes. So, could you hold off on dividing for a while?"

At my words, Elyk and Eleonora jumped up.

The slimes also seemed to be concerned about food and population.

"For now, I want to ensure that we can secure water and food for ourselves."

We'll need to procure food from the capital or other cities like Lobrion for a while. Then, we'll need to hunt and fish to become self-sufficient.

As for water, we can manage with water magic, but it's better to have a constant supply that we can access at any time.

"Tia, do you know of any places around here with plenty of drinkable water?"

"There's a place underground where drinkable water flows!"

So, there's a water supply system.

I turned to Selena.

"Does this city have an underground water system?"

"In an imperial provincial capital, there's almost certainly a water and sewage system. I don't understand the structure, but when I arrived, the taps provided drinking water, and the sewers were functional... However, it's been over a thousand years since I came here, so I'm not sure if they still work."

Water supply systems require money and technology.

I've heard that many cities that had water systems in ancient times have since abandoned them.

"Understood. In any case, let's check the condition of the water system. As for food, first... Yurii?"

"Yes, what is it?"

"I want the Blue-Haired Clan to make small crossbows for the rat people. Can they do it?"

The rat people are larger than they were as rats, but they're still small.

So, they'll find it easier to fight at a distance rather than in close combat.

The power will be reduced, but with their numbers, we should be able to overwhelm the Arrowclaw.

Weapons are necessary for both defense and hunting.

Yurii answered confidently.

"Crossbows! I can make them because I accompanied the miners. I'll make them as easy to handle as possible."

"Good. Don't skimp on materials; I want you to make the best ones you can. Use the feathers and beaks of the Arrowclaw for the bolts."

I handed Yurii a burlap bag containing fifty gold coins from the *Pandora Box*.

"S-so many... Is it really okay?"

Yurii took the bag and looked at it anxiously.

Is she wondering if I trust her? Of course, I do.

"It's fine. I believe Yurii and the Blue-Haired Clan will make something great."

"......I will definitely make something great!"

"Thank you. If there's any extra money, please make knives and armor as well."

Yurii nodded deeply.

However, it will take time for the weapons to be made and for hunting to begin.

"We need some food for now... How about buying it from the cathedral's convent in the capital?"

At my words, Elysia looked startled.

At the convent where Elysia used to live, people with the same dark crest as me and demons worked.

They made tools and food there.

Their livelihoods were sustained by the money they earned from selling these items.

I thought that if I bought food from them, it might improve their lives a little.

"Prince Alec... I'm sure Reina and the others will be happy."

Elysia answered with a happy face.

It's a waste to keep all that money in the *Pandora Box*.

I'll use the money generously to make this Ars Island... no, eventually the entire Tialus, a prosperous place.

For that, I'll need more money.

Earning it steadily is good, but maybe I should bet on horse racing. A big bet... No, no, I shouldn't.

"......In any case, let's start by ensuring the safety of this Ars Island. Everyone, I count on you."

"Yes!"

Elysia and everyone else responded enthusiastically.

And so, I began managing the territory of Tialus.

However, at that moment, I had forgotten about the benefits I gained from having two thousand more followers.