Chapter 5: The Makings of A Trip
Sitting in my room at my desk with my magical glasses on I am looking through several documents and reports.
It is all the information about the Belial territory. Census reports, tax collection, payment to soldiers and other staff of the household, not to mention detailed land reports and information on who borders us.
I requested this all and Diablo happily provided it for me without batting an eye.
He's a good man.
And unlike the other Diablo from Tensei Slime he isn't a simp for me. He can see my flaws and mistakes, and if I mess up he will correct me. I'm truly grateful he is around to watch my back.
Anyway, the reason I have all this information is simple.
I am going to start one of my plans to increase the standing of the Belial Clan. I am going to improve upon our territory.
A stable territory will not only make the people living here happier but bring even more opportunities my clans way. Allowing us to secure allies and even more power. It all works in tandem.
However from looking at these reports I can see I have a lot of work to do.
First off the land within the Belial Territory sucks. It's not suited to growing any sort of crops whatsoever. It is hard soil, and it has been that way for generations. Even if we started treating the soil right now I don't think it would make very much difference. Besides that the climate of our territory is continental and we only get rainfall a 4th of the year around.
So once again, that's a no on crop development. But I'll still try and apply it.
Moving on, the one thing our territory does have an abundance off is mountains. And where there are mountains, there are usually mines.
People come to visit our territory just to climb and get a glimpse of the beautiful mountains we have.
So it makes me wonder why we aren't trying to mine those mountains to see if they store any precious metals and the like? I'll definitely ask my parents about this matter later.
Next up, we have the people. The backbone of any society no matter what anyone else says. It's the common man who keeps things running.
The people in our territory number at 800,000 but compared to other devil territories that number is relatively small. I hear that the territories of the original Four Great Satan's house over 1 million devils each.
That's not even mentioning the fact that most of the people in our territory live in small villages or pockets spread all around. It's very hard for them to contact each other, and most of them just do what they can to get by.
My father wants to change, but for change he needs money, and the Belial house is in short supply of that. We get by, but that's about it. My parents are actually quite frugal.
A trait I know is rare in noble devils. But since we are the poor rich man devils it makes sense.
Anyway, I need to think of a way to gather our people together and strengthen their bonds. Jobs would definitely do it, but first I need to find a stable resource to provide those employment opportunities.
Leaning back in my chair I sighed. Managing a territory is a lot harder than I first thought.
But someone has to do it.
Sitting up once more I looked at the last important piece of information.
The data about our neighbors, of the groups that border the Belial territory.
To the south and the east there is nothing but mountains. To the north is unclaimed territory that leads towards the other territories and lands within the Devil-claimed parts of the underworld. And to the west we are bordered by a very powerful and well-known pillar clan.
The Phenex clan.
That's right. Riser and Ravel's family territory borders my family's territory to the west. But the difference between us it like night and day. Thanks to the Phenex's specialty product Phenex Tears they are rolling in money with room to spare.
And since we Belial don't have much to offer we can't even dream of getting into business with them.
At least not yet.
But I plan to change that one day soon.
Putting down the report on I heard a knock at my door.
"Come in." I said. I then turned around only to see Angelica enter.
And in her maid uniform no less.
But before any of you perverts ask Angelica is not wearing a sexy-maid uniform. She is still a child after all. No, she's wearing a proper long-sleeve maid uniform.
Which is her idea by the way, not mine.
Angelica started wearing it since she said as my attendant she should look the part at all times.
I told her of course that she didn't have too.
Angelica is my friend, and I don't want her doing anything that will make her uncomfortable. Even if she technically is my attendant.
Our parents decided that, not us.
But Angelica has taken it too heart.
She also really likes maids. I've caught her staring at the maids around the mansion with stars in her eyes, but every time I ask her about it she denies it.
This girl really can't be honest with her feelings.
"Angelica, what is you need?" I asked her.
"It is time for dinner." Angelica said.
"Ok." I said. I then gathered up all the papers on my desk and placed them in a neat pile. Once I did I got out of my chair and left my room, Angelica closing the door behind me.
We then walked to the dining hall and I opened the door.
"I will take my leave now." Angelica said.
"See you later." I told her. I then went inside and took my seat at the table, my parents already in the room.
As soon as I arrived, dinner was served.
My parents and I ate and made small talk. Then once I saw my chance I brought some of my ideas to them.
"Mother, father, I was just wondering something. Why haven't we began trying to mine the areas of the mountains in our territory?" I asked.
The moment I did my father looked at me. "You see son we can't. Well actually that's not exactly accurate. What I mean to say is, attempting to mine any of the mountains in our territory would be more costly than just leaving them alone as we are right now."
"Why is that?" I questioned.
"The mountains in our territory have many dangerous magical beasts that call them home." My mother spoke up. "They don't usually leave the mountains so that's why our territory is never over run with them, but if we disturb their homes they will attack in full force." She explained.
"Ah." I mused, so that's the reason.
If we tried to mine the mountains the creatures would be attacking the workers non-stop. We would lose them, and the soldiers we send to protect them. And if we ask for outside help we'll definitely end up in a deal with will screw us over if we do find anything of value in the mountain ranges in our territory. It's all perfectly clear.
"I understand." I said.
My parents nodded.
"But even so, isn't there anything we can do?" I asked. "If we do find a new source of revenue or something else in the mountains then it will improve the lives of the people under our care for the better. Are you telling me we have no options at all?"
"Well not exactly." My mother mused.
Meanwhile my father sighed.
"What is it?" I asked.
"The truth is there we could mine the mountains. But to do so we would need the assistance of the giant clan that calls the territory home." My mother explained.
I raised a brow at her words. "Giant clan you say? Who are they, because I have never heard about them in my lessons?" I questioned.
"Yes." My father said. "I wanted to wait until you were a little older, but that's not possible now." He said. "You see the truth is for generations there has been a clan of giants living in the mountain ranges of our territory. They are known as the Gigantos. They are incredibly strong, and know the mountains and all of its creatures like the back of their hand. However they are not friendly with us."
"Why?" I asked.
"Our ancestors attempted to drive them out of the mountains many times." Dad said.
I facepalmed at that.
"I understand how you feel. I did the same thing when your grandfather told me the story." Dad said. "But the long and short of it is, the Gigantos clan does not like our family at all. However they don't want a war with devils, so as long as we leave them alone they will do the same with us and it has been that way ever since I was a child."
"Can we try and change their minds?" I asked. "I know our ancestors messed up, but that shouldn't be our faults."
"I am of the same thought. That is why I have been trying to establish friendly relations with the Gigantos clan ever since I became clan head. However giants have long memories and are quite stubborn. That's why it's been so slow-going but I am making progress. Their current chieftain Dagruel is a smart and honorable man and I feel that he is willing to help us make peace and even start a business venture if the opportunity presents itself. I am actually going off to see him in a couple of days for another round of talks."
"I would like to come?" I asked.
My father looked at me. But my eyes never wavered.
Seeing this he looked at my mother who nodded. My father then looked back at me. "Ok, you can come with me. But you must do everything I say to the letter."
"Yes father." I said.
And with that I am about to venture outside the family home for the first time.
I also might help create an alliance that will get rid of a centuries old grudge.
So many things, so little time.
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