After arriving in Lanrei County, Shō Unkai had no interest in joining the offshore exploration crew. Instead, he left a squad of royal guards to accompany them and took the rest to inspect surrounding islands by boat, scouting out locations ideal for tourism development.
As a prince with insider knowledge, he already knew the oil reserves in Jida Bay were real. No need to see it with his own eyes.
The county governor and his entire leadership team quickly joined him upon hearing the prince was personally surveying islands.
"Governor Ōkawa, your county governs quite a few islands, doesn't it? Which one would you recommend for tourism development?" Shō Unkai asked.
Governor Ōkawa nodded. "There are many islands with clear waters and ideal snorkeling spots, Your Highness."
"Then let's go to the best one you've got."
After an hour's sail from the main port, they arrived at a sprawling island lined with white beaches.
"What's this island called? How big is it?" Shō Unkai asked, peering through binoculars.
"This is Bangi Island," replied the governor. "It's the largest under our jurisdiction—about 440.7 square kilometers. The vegetation is dense, and the island supports diverse wildlife."
Shō Unkai raised an eyebrow in surprise. "That's bigger than I expected."
To put it into perspective, even Singapore—with its land reclamation—only measured around 700 square kilometers.
"And the population?"
"Roughly ten thousand. Mostly fishermen, some forestry and oceanographic staff. It's sparsely inhabited."
Seeing the prince's growing interest, Governor Ōkawa continued, "Besides the large size and pristine waters, there are over ten smaller islands nearby—perfect for tourism. But no one has been willing to invest."
Shō Unkai lowered his binoculars, smiling faintly. "Well, that's about to change."
The governor's eyes lit up. "Your Highness means... someone's finally investing here?"
"That's right. I plan to invest $1 billion to build a luxury resort and hotel complex. But I'll need your office to start talking to the island's residents."
Naturally, that money would also fund supporting infrastructure: expanded ports and a new airport.
Without an airstrip, a boat ride from Lanrei could take over an hour—not ideal for international visitors. But with over 440 square kilometers, the island had more than enough room for a full-fledged airport.
"$1 billion..." Governor Ōkawa gasped, doing mental math. That's about ¥3.5 billion in local currency.
And the prince had said "I" will invest—not "the kingdom."
He couldn't help but beam with giddy delight. This wasn't just investment. This was a political opportunity.
If the Crown Prince frequently visited to oversee the development, he'd be exposed to the county's leadership—perhaps even recognized for excellence and promoted.
After all, King Shō Kōkei rarely left the palace. But the Crown Prince? He clearly preferred hands-on involvement.
Unlike his father, Shō Unkai understood the grassroots. Perhaps because he had once lived among them. He knew what the common people valued. He knew what they needed.
Only by walking the ground, he believed, could a ruler truly understand the will of the people.
Walking barefoot along the fine, white sand, feeling the crystal-clear water lap against his ankles, Shō Unkai nodded. "The sand's excellent—very fine. And the water's just as clear as I hoped. This place has potential."
He pointed to a nearby island. "What's that one over there?"
"That's Balan Island, Your Highness. Much smaller—about 160 square kilometers. The beaches facing the South Sea are even better than Bangi's, but the waters are too deep for snorkeling. The southern shore is shallower, though the sand's not quite as pristine."
"Good. These two islands are only a few kilometers apart. If Bangi is developed first, we can easily expand across the channel."
Governor Ōkawa nodded eagerly.
"Start preparing," Shō Unkai instructed. "Expand the Lanrei port immediately. Much of the construction material will ship from there to the islands."
"Understood! Lanrei County will fully cooperate."
"Excellent. As for the locals, offer two options—resettlement on the island, or financial compensation. Let the people choose."
While most of the island's land belonged to the royal government, homes were private property. And in Shinhan, private ownership was sacred under the law.
For Shō Unkai, it wasn't worth stirring up conflict over relocation. With enough money, solutions could always be found—peacefully.
He had wealth, but even more important, he had vision.
<><><><><><><><>~# Keep the chapters coming — Support with Power Stones!~# We get our encourage by Every Power Stones you send