Let’s Manage the Tower

Book 4: Volume 3 Chapter 1, Current Status of Crown

Translator: Kazumi

Editor: Silavin

Schmidt and Dulles visited Kousuke in the management conference room with significant news. Research into the Magic Power supply facility that Kousuke had previously proposed had progressed beyond expectations and now stood at the practical stage.

Kousuke’s original proposal had been purely theoretical. The fact that Crown had brought it to practical implementation demonstrated the organization’s remarkable capabilities. The project was advancing much faster than Kousuke had anticipated, prompting him to confess his honest amazement.

“I’m still surprised by how quickly you’ve made progress.” Kousuke said.

Dulles, the person directly overseeing the project, shook his head and gestured toward Schmidt. “The researchers certainly performed well, but our rapid advancement is undoubtedly due to the generous budget allocated to this.”

Schmidt laughed heartily. “We recognized the substantial profit potential from the planning and estimation stages. The merchant department was willing to contribute extensively.”

Typically, the merchant department remains the most reluctant to provide funds. However, in this exceptional case, their generous funding from the research stage proved crucial. The merchant department’s willingness to invest stemmed not only from promising early research results but also from confidence in Kousuke himself. Having provided numerous successful magical tools previously, Kousuke commanded considerable trust within the organization.

The Magic Power supply facility Kousuke conceived would function as a large-scale installation generating Magic Power through the earth vein. Upon completion, this facility would fundamentally transform Magic Power distribution.

Rather than relying on individual Magicians, power would flow directly from the facility itself, dramatically increasing supply capacity and expanding possibilities for magical tool applications. Depending on implementation, the facility could potentially power multiple large installations rather than merely individual tools!

Crown’s initial strategy focused on operating the facility for commercial purposes rather than individual distribution. As the first facility of its kind in history, making it available to individuals would require extensive time and effort. Furthermore, individuals would likely hesitate to invest in an unprecedented technology. The quickest path to funding would be to appear to be for commercial operations.

Hearing this explanation, Kousuke’s expression shifted as something occurred to him. “Has the main management responsible for the facility been decided upon?”

Schmidt and Dulles exchanged troubled glances at the question.

“Unfortunately, no consensus has been reached just yet. But the outcome seems inevitable.” Schmidt replied with a sigh.

Kousuke nodded slightly, understanding the complexity. A Magic Power supply facility would generate enormous profits, but its physical nature meant governmental authority would play a major role. Building such a facility could not proceed through organizational effort alone. Naturally, permission from Razequa Amamiya had been obtained during the experimental phase.

Beyond its commercial potential, the facility posed military considerations. The state’s involvement stemmed partly from security concerns about concentrated energy resources that could serve military purposes.

“The beginning is crucial,” Kousuke observed. “Either approach have their advantages and disadvantages.”

Whether the state or Crown should serve as primary operator remained unresolved. As Kousuke noted, challenges would arise regardless of leadership choice. This matter lay outside the scope where Kousuke believed he should interfere in.

“Will you visit the facility before its official opening?” Schmidt asked.

Kousuke tilted his head questioningly. “I would like to, but isn’t that impossible?”

“Actually, we would very much appreciate your visit, Kousuke-sama,” Schmidt replied, shaking his head. “We will naturally ensure complete privacy and discretion.”

Dulles nodded vigorously in agreement. From small magical tools to this large-scale facility, Kousuke had become indispensable to Crown’s crafting department. For a project of this magnitude, Crown genuinely desired his presence, regardless of the logistical effort required for said visit.

Sensing their earnestness, Kousuke replied thoughtfully, “If you believe the visit can proceed without that much of a disruption, I will definitely attend.”

Schmidt and Dulles visibly relaxed at his response.

* * *

As discussion about the Magic Power supply facility concluded, Dulles raised another matter. “The Magic Power supply facility proceeds smoothly, but the communications device has encountered a few obstacles.”

“What kind?” Kousuke asked, tilting his head.

Dulles nodded once before continuing. “We would like to establish communications between towns outside the Tower, but transmission between Towers and external towns is problematic.”

“What?” Kousuke stood abruptly, surprising both Dulles and Schmidt.

“Kousuke-sama?” Dulles asked, puzzled.

Kousuke clasped his hands apologetically. “I apologize. The theory I provided makes communication between the Tower and the outside world impossible.”

Dulles nodded in understanding, then shook his head. “Kousuke-sama, you don’t have to apologise. The fault lies with us for failing to recognize the initial limitations.”

“That may be true, but why didn’t you consult Isnani? She would have immediately identified the problem.”

Communication with the outside world from within the Tower required more than Magic or Holy Power. Divine Power was necessary, something Isnani would have recognized instantly.

However, Dulles shook his head at the suggestion. “Isnani-sama has focused entirely on golem development recently and has been unavailable for other matters.”

“The golems are reaching a critical development phase, yet we still lack sufficient personnel/” Schmidt added, explaining the current situation.

The seeds Kousuke and Isnani had planted in earlier days were now bearing fruit across multiple areas, leaving Crown short-staffed in many departments. However, everyone understood that overcoming this period would allow their potential to flourish. Perseverance now seemed essential.

Regarding golem development specifically, production had reached a stage where certain products could be manufactured without Isnani’s direct involvement. Once she could redirect her attention from the golem department, Crown’s capacity would significantly expand.

After hearing about Crown’s production department situation, Kousuke’s expression grew somber as he crossed his arms. “Given the circumstances, I would gladly directly assist.”

Neither Schmidt nor Dulles agreed with this proposal. Isnani was known among informed circles as something approaching a spokesperson for the Living God. Such status already stretched propriety. For the Living God himself to directly support an organization would violate conventional boundaries.

Both men therefore declined politely, and Kousuke reluctantly accepted their reasoning.

“You’re right. Since I can’t help. the production department must persevere a while longer.”

“Indeed,” Dulles confirmed with a vigorous nod.