Episode 52 — Sandboxes and Privileged Accounts

"...Alright, the patch build is complete. Now, the only question is how to 'deploy' this to the production environment."

I was munching on potato chips in the Throne of Sloth, staring at the "Old Town Integration Plan" displayed on the monitor.

Outside, the new city Garam and the others had built was running perfectly. However, if I left the "unregistered users" lurking in the shadows of the system alone, they would eventually trigger a fatal system crash.

Ding-dong.

The intercom rang. As expected, it was Gustav, clutching his stomach, and Bartos, looking eager for action in his full plate armor.

"Mr. Zect... Um, regarding the Old Town matter, have you come up with a plan?"

"Master Zect! The Knights are ready to move in at a moment's notice!"

"Bartos, violence is the highest-cost solution. ...Gustav, look at this."

I displayed a map on the living room monitor, with the Old Town divided into two distinct colors.

"First, the Kardos tribe. ...We’re going to open the area around the monument as a 'Historical Protection Sanctuary' in perpetuity. The land ownership remains with the Felsen territory, but the management rights will be delegated to them as 'Privileged Administrators.' And we’ll build a 'Museum' within that sanctuary."

"A museum...?"

"Yes, a museum. A historical folk museum. The representative of the Kardos tribe will be the 'Curator.' We’ll exhibit things related to Felsen’s history as data alongside the monument. After people learn about the history of Felsen, the second-floor terrace will be the only place where they can view the Kardos tribe's mysterious worship ceremonies."

"I see... Indeed, the basement of my manor is filled with ancient documents, armor from previous lords, and various magical tools that I haven't known what to do with. That would be an appropriately prestigious space to exhibit them."

Gustav was stroking his chin, his mind clearly racing with the possibilities.

"By the way, Gustav, how’s the traffic from other territories been since the new city was completed?"

"Oh, it’s been excellent. Many merchants are flocking here from neighboring lands just to see the paved stone roads and the magical fountains. They all return home marveling that 'Felsen is a city of miracles.'"

"Good. Then this is easy. If those merchants spread the word about Felsen, the next people to arrive won't just be traders, but 'tourists.' To them, the 'mysterious worship' of the Kardos will be prime tourism content. Naturally, we’ll collect an admission fee. If we give a portion of that back to the Kardos tribe, they can stabilize their lives while protecting their sanctuary."

"...Rather than excluding them, you're transforming their very existence into value for Felsen. ...I’m astonished."

"Next, Volg’s 'black market' and 'brothels.' We’ll have the black market operate as a new 'Duty-Free Shop.' It’ll be for merchants and tourists visiting Felsen. However, business outside the area or with our own citizens will be prohibited. ...And we’ll officially recognize the 'brothels.'"

Gustav’s eyes went so wide he looked ready to fall out of his chair.

"Recognize the brothels?!"

"They’ve been operating in secret even while they were prohibited, right? Whether you recognize them or not, the reality is the same. Gustav, this kind of human desire is a 'necessary evil' that has existed in every era of history. If you try to force it out of existence, it’ll just move to less visible places and become a breeding ground for severe bugs—like disease and crime."

I took a sip of cola and continued flatly.

"In that case, we might as well decorate the whole shady area and turn it into Felsen’s signature 'Night Spot.' In exchange for official recognition, we’ll impose obligations for sanitation and security maintenance, and collect substantial taxes. If Volg and his crew can get a license to do business openly, they’ll follow the rules gladly."

"...I understand your point regarding the brothels. But what exactly is this 'Duty-Free Shop'?"

"We’ll issue 'temporary IDs' to everyone visiting Felsen at the point of entry. Then, only within that specific area of the Old Town, we’ll allow 'unofficial free trade' that doesn't go through the Management Plates for travelers with those temporary IDs. That’s the logic of the duty-free status."

I pointed to the "Old Town Integration Plan" on the monitor.

"Furthermore, we’ll set up an 'Export Procedure Office' within the duty-free zone. We’ll create a flow that encourages people to buy loads of souvenirs while they wait for their paperwork to leave the territory. By targeting the moment their wallets are the loosest—amidst the thrilling atmosphere of the black market—we’ll make sure they drop plenty of foreign currency before they go."

"Putting a necessary evil under management and turning it into a city attraction... You're saying it's more rational to control it in the light than to hide it. ...Not just selling the 'darkness,' but even creating a flow to funnel it out of the territory... I am in awe."

"Master Zect... Subduing them not through force, but by controlling their 'pride' and 'interests'... Truly, a god-like maneuver...!"

"Bartos, I’m telling you, I’m not a god. It’s just user management."

I finished my cola.

"Gustav, go meet with Volg and the chief of the Kardos tribe. I’ll leave the negotiation script to you. Tell them it's the word of the Lord."

"...Understood. I will take responsibility for the deployment."

Gustav and the others left the living room, their hearts filled with resolve.

Meow. (Truly ruthless. Pretending to save them while turning them into gears of the city.)

On my lap, Tama let out a cry that sounded half-impressed and half-exasperated.

"Tama, this is 'coexistence.' When everyone tries to maximize their own profit, the system stabilizes as a result. That’s the best way to ensure nothing disturbs my sleep."

Felsen New City, Version 1.2.

Application testing of the 'Minority Patch' has begun.

Once the Old Town issue is settled, I should finally be able to focus on the maintenance and operation of the city—I mean, playing the latest games—without being disturbed by anyone.

...Well, more often than not, unexpected "conflicts" tend to occur during patch application.

"Whatever. I'll deal with it if it happens. ...I think I'll open another bag of chips."

I sank as deep as I possibly could into the Throne of Sloth and decided to escape into an afternoon slumber.

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