Mob MC 351.1

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Chapter 351.1. Tokyo Reconstruction Plan

-Miu's Dad POV-

The ground is muddy, and a cold wind blows. Takano Houretsu, the father of Takano Miu, rubs his hands together and mutters.

"It seems like spring is approaching soon."

His breath is no longer visible. Although the cold wind blows, there is hardly any snow on the vast land before him. Fallen trees, ruins of houses, and buildings emerge from beneath the snow.

Houretsu is in Tokyo. It's already March, and the snow is starting to melt. He's wearing a down jacket. But he might not need it next week.

"When the snow melts, will they start the reconstruction project?"

My father stands before me, then looks at me with a troubled expression, and I nod.

"Yes. It seems they're finally starting the full-scale reconstruction plan. I've received documents about the reconstruction plan from my daughter."

A hologram displays a document with the title "Tokyo Reconstruction Project". My daughter proudly handed it to me, breathing heavily as if saying it was a perfect plan.

I only can describe the hologram's contents as childish.

"She plans to develop the city in a checkerboard pattern."

In the city development plan written in the document, the streets get divided into beautiful square blocks, reminiscent of old Kyoto.

"Hmm... there are rivers and hills too. It might be challenging, but it's good that it looks childish."

"For each block, there's a police station, a fire station, a samurai barracks, and a barracks. And next to that, she always wanted to build a casino."

"A casino? What are you teaching your daughter?"

Listening to my story, my father glares at me. I used to be afraid of that gaze, but now I don't feel it as much. Perhaps because I've grown, and because there's someone to protect me.

"I asked my daughter too. She said casinos generate income, but the security worsened. So, she made police stations to balance it out. And she answered me with an innocent face."

I shrug my shoulders, remembering that time. According to my daughter, casino income is significant. It surpasses the maintenance costs of police stations and such, so she didn't seem to doubt her reconstruction plan.

Someone must have convinced her that casinos are profitable.

"Hahaha, a casino for each block is quite bold. It's typical of the girl not to think about clashes."

Aguni, who is also present, laughs heartily and pats me on the shoulder. It's quietly painful, but it's typical of the athletic Aguni.

"Of course, I stopped her. But she absolutely wouldn't give up on police stations and such. So, I had to compromise and modify it to substations and temporary garrisons. Of course, I abandoned the idea of building a casino for each block."

Mii-chan was quite a handful at that time. She rolled on the floor, making a fuss and throwing a tantrum. She wanted to eliminate crime.

But if there was a police station every hundred meters, I think it would be troublesome. It seems to stem from the childish idea of feeling secure if there are many police stations. 

Even so, there are still quite a few. Security will certainly be better than in the Imperial Capital.

"Hmm... The budget for police stations and the like is provided by the government, right?"

"Yes. They thought that if Takano Queendom handled the budget, it would eventually lead to corruption."

"Everyone pledges loyalty to those who pay their salaries. It's a strange policy." 

Father said that, rubbing his chin and furrowing his brow. Aguni laughs dryly in response. I agree; it does seem that way. The Emperor fears Takano Queendom gaining power.

Which is why the budget is now under the control of the government.

"Well, isn't that fine as it is? We should leave this discussion as it is."

"That's a considerable budget, you know? I doubt the Emperor will approve."

In this gathering, there are not only my father, Aguni, and me but also several bureaucrats. They seem to nod in agreement.

However, Father seems to have a different perspective.

"Miu is thinking that far... No, she probably is. Listen, this can be pressure on the country."

"Is there some ulterior motive?"

Lately, Mii-chan has been smiling sincerely, including well-thought-out strategies. So, there might be a problem with this discussion. A chill runs down my spine.

"Yes. This time, the incident with the 'Queen' is a characteristic of the Emperor's thinking not to have military power, and to avoid paying the budget. However, there is a high possibility of being controlled in the future."

"Yes, I don't think they'll do anything that drastic."

"Yeah, Houretsu. By picking on every little thing, there's even the possibility of buying Tokyo at a low cost. Enlarged nobles can be a nuisance for the Emperor."

It seems everyone else in the room shares this sentiment. Father's words are met with nods from Aguni and others; there's no counterargument.

I can't imagine doing something so ruthless. After all, most of the development costs come from Takano Queendom. The immense wealth will decrease significantly, so it's unlikely to become an enemy of the Emperor.

"However, this contract. I also noticed a loophole. Look at this. It's explicitly stated that police stations and Takano Queendom could place barracks where we desire."

Operating his bangle, Father projects a copy of the contract. Peering into it, indeed, such a provision is explicitly written.

"Therefore, it's permissible to request a police station for every two houses."

"That's extreme. If something like that goes through, the maintenance costs will become astronomical."

"That's true. However, the fact that it's explicitly stated is the problem. No matter how absurd this proposal may be, the Emperor cannot brush it aside. It would mean violating the agreement."

Frowning, Father points to the contract terms. It does seem to be true. But it's ridiculously absurd.