Build Gundams Ch 22

The authorities of Iron Ridge Country now address Ryuuichi as "Young Master Kaneshiro" in all official communications.

Iron Ridge Country is formally recognized as the Kingdom of Iron Ridge, governed by a monarch.

The current King of Iron Ridge is Thales Iron Ridge, a man in his early seventies with silver hair, a characteristic trait among members of the Iron Ridge royal family rather than a consequence of age.

Advancements in technology have extended human lifespans considerably since the era of space colonization.

Individuals routinely live beyond 120 years, barring unforeseen accidents, and middle age is officially recognized as beginning at 100 years. The period of youth has also been expanded.

The age range of 20 to 100 is considered youth, with middle age beginning thereafter.

Therefore, King Thales is still within his youthful period.

Despite his relative youth, King Thales has experienced disturbed sleep in recent weeks, due to the presence of a powerful mercenary group and an armaments manufacturing company capable of developing advanced weaponry operating within his kingdom.

He harbors concerns that the Antares Mercenary Group might turn against Iron Ridge Country.

A major war more than a decade prior involved large mercenary groups that accepted payment from major nations to destabilize smaller ones. He worries that the Antares Mercenary Group might accept similar contracts and directly undermine the Kingdom of Iron Ridge.

Prime Minister Duterland, his hair also silver, presented updates on various national matters.

"Your Majesty, I am aware of your recent concerns regarding the Antares Mercenary Group. Intelligence reports indicate that the Antares Mercenary Group has no interest in Holy Cross Country. As long as we maintain a non-provocative stance, there should be no issues."

"I understand. However, I find it difficult to accept the presence of a private armed organization within the country that possesses capabilities exceeding those of our national military. It is unsettling."

"I have a proposal for Your Majesty's consideration."

"Please elaborate."

Duterland conveyed his strategy in a hushed tone.

"Is this feasible?"

"It is worth exploring. The potential downsides are minimal."

In recent times, the Antares Mercenary Group and Skywing Armaments Manufacturing Company experience rapid growth, steadily increasing their operational scale.

The Antares Mercenary Group maintains a network of five bases.

Two additional bases are currently under construction in other countries.

Skywing Armaments Manufacturing Company has established six manufacturing facilities. In addition to production personnel, Severine has expanded the workforce to include technical experts, engineers, and other specialized employees.

Initially, factories and bases shared facilities, with operations conducted on a comparatively smaller scale. As the organization expanded, Ryuuichi initiated several experimental projects within the newly acquired areas.

In specialized, environmentally controlled rooms, he explored innovative planting methods. Results confirmed that with proper conditions, successful cultivation of various vegetables and fruits is indeed feasible. Additional dedicated spaces are used for raising poultry such as chickens and ducks, as well as livestock including sheep, cattle, and pigs.

Ryuuichi initiated these agricultural experiments primarily due to the time-honored military adage, "Troops and horses move, provisions go first." The growing scale of operations necessitates an increased demand for food resources.

A disruption in the external food supply, whether accidental or intentional, could potentially impact the morale of the Mercenaries.

Ryuuichi determined that food imports should not be reduced; on the contrary, they should be increased. The internal cultivation and raising of livestock are considered a contingency plan to ensure food security in emergency situations.

The food manufacturing company acquired from Tarou Sayama underwent expansion, dedicating a segment of its production line to supplying food products to the Antares Mercenary Group. These products include long-lasting canned goods and military rations designed for extended shelf life.

Addressing another critical resource, Ryuuichi also conducted successful experiments with advanced water purification and generation technologies, ensuring a reserve supply of potable water for emergencies.

A mineral water company was acquired, and its production capacity was expanded to serve as the primary provider of mineral water for the Antares Mercenary Group.

Ryuuichi has been exceptionally busy recently, often getting less than six hours of sleep per night, resulting in visible dark circles beneath his eyes.

In his private bathroom, Ryuuichi rested his hands on the edge of the washbasin, gazing at his reflection in the mirror. He reflected on the contrast between his current appearance and his physical form in his previous life.

In his past existence, he possessed an average, somewhat overweight build, wore thick-rimmed glasses, and had perpetually unkempt hair. Beyond his passion for Gundam and science fiction, he also held a mild interest in historical studies. He had a pronounced interest in military affairs, often delving into technical theories regarding armaments. His friends jokingly referred to him as a "military tech geek." After dying and being reborn, all the technical theories, knowledge about Gundam and sci-fi, were somehow retained.

Observing his current reflection, he saw a refined visage, a blend of scholarly refinement and rugged determination. Whether he could be considered traditionally handsome was subjective, but he possessed a certain appeal, and his physique was notably athletic. Ryuuichi also noted a slight reduction in his body weight compared to a few months prior.

If my aunt, Yumi, were to see me, she would no doubt say, 'Ryuuichi, you've lost weight.'"

Ryuuichi sighed softly, dressed, and headed to the cafeteria for a meal.

Both factory employees and Mercenaries were visibly occupied with their respective tasks. While the factory integrated the MD automated system, robotic arms, and other equipment designed for automated operation, certain processes still required manual intervention.

For example, if any equipment malfunctions occurred, factory employees were needed to perform repairs and maintenance.

Numerous Mercenaries and a limited number of factory employees were present in the cafeteria, partaking in their meals.

The meal options included rice, noodles, bread, steamed buns, dumplings, pancakes, a diverse selection of meat and vegetable dishes, and seven choices of soup.

Additionally, yogurt, milk, tea, coffee, fruit juice, and soda were available.

Dessert options encompassed fresh fruit, cakes, jelly, sweet soup, and other confections.

Both Mercenaries and employees were permitted to select any food they desired and consume as much as they wished, within reasonable limits. Food wastage was discouraged and subject to wage deductions.

The culinary operations were jointly managed by the Antares Mercenary Group's culinary squad and Skywing Armaments Manufacturing Company's catering department.

Ryuuichi had previously instructed all relevant personnel that whether serving employees or Mercenaries, meals should be filling and sufficient. However, food wastage was strictly prohibited.

Ryuuichi served himself a bowl of rice, a bowl of egg drop soup, a selection of meat and vegetable dishes, and a cup of coffee.

Haruki and his sister Shirayuki sat together. Shirayuki was a member of the culinary squad, and it was her break, so she was eating with her brother.

Haruki had already consumed a bowl of rice, a bowl of noodles, and several side dishes. He got a few pieces of fried chicken.

Shirayuki frowned slightly, advising her brother to be mindful of his dietary habits, avoid overeating, and prevent any harm to his physical well-being.

"Your brother is currently experiencing a growth spurt, so his appetite is naturally higher than usual. Let him eat his fill."

"Hello, Boss."

Haruki, Shirayuki, and the others at their table greeted Ryuuichi respectfully.

An employee who finished eating stood up, "Boss, I'm full. Please, take a seat."

He collected his bowl, plate, chopsticks, and other items before departing.

Ryuuichi took his seat and started eating his meal.

Haruki, while consuming a piece of fried chicken, inquired, "Boss, this is the first time I've seen you eating with us in the cafeteria."

Many of the other people looked at Haruki, and he blushed.

"You've been working here for over a month. Have you not seen me here before?"

"No, I haven't." Haruki shook his head.

An older employee responded, "I've been here for more than three years. Whatever the cafeteria cooks, the Boss eats the same as everyone else."

"Oh, I thought the Boss would be like those big bosses in movies, sitting at fancy dining tables, eating delicacies." Haruki said innocently.

Shirayuki pinched her brother's waist, silently telling him not to speak nonsense.

"Sis, why did you pinch me?"

Shirayuki glared at her brother, again telling him not to speak nonsense.

"It's okay. I'm not that delicate."

A few more Mercenaries, having finished their meals, said, "Boss, we need to get back to our tasks."

Ryuuichi nodded in acknowledgment.

"Boss, you seem to have lost some weight recently. You should eat more," Hayato said, accompanied by Pani and Avina.

The trio joined Ryuuichi at his table to eat.