Count Ariente personally oversaw the construction by Ariente Construction, which was rapidly completing the road work.
The paving and slope anchor work were quickly finished.
If we had tried to handle it ourselves, it would have taken over a month.
Indeed, experts should handle such work.
“I really appreciate your help with this, Lord Vermont! How could I possibly repay you for this kindness…?”
“Just make sure to repay the loan with interest.”
“Hahaha! As expected, you’re straightforward! Feel free to think of me as your older brother!”
“Haha. I really don’t want to.”
And my relationship with Ariente improved quite a bit.
We planned to develop beyond just subcontracting the construction work.
We signed an additional contract for Ariente Construction to handle any future road maintenance.
We also subcontracted them to build a training center on the newly acquired estate.
“A training center? Are you perhaps planning to train soldiers? Although the kingdom’s situation is uncertain, the Vermont territory is on the opposite side, so there’s no need for conflict, right?”
“It’s not for military purposes. I’m planning to establish a small-scale security service.”
“A security service?”
I had no intention of creating an army.
In this country, where absolute imperial power is established, training soldiers might give the impression of challenging the Imperial family.
If luck was not on my side, I might end up losing the army without any proper compensation.
Moreover, Vermont territory does not border any monster-infested dungeons or hostile lands, so there’s no major security threat.
There is the occasional issue of Irene attacking periodically, but that’s more of a natural disaster.
An army wouldn’t be able to stop that anyway.
“Yes. It’s a type of mercenary business, but mercenaries tend to have a rough and barbaric image. We plan to provide a security service that nobles can employ without hesitation.”
“Luxury mercenaries, huh… While nobles do hire mercenaries for escort during travel, it’s burdensome to entrust them with close protection. There is definitely demand for that.”
“So, we plan to build the training center here and recruit employees from the residents of Ariente territory as well.”
“You’re saying you’ll hire our commoners? Is that true?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Well, damn…! Not only did you save us from destruction, but you’re also continuously giving us work and now even creating jobs…! I’m so grateful that I can’t stop crying!”
“…Please, get up.”
While we would prioritize recruiting staff from the Vermont territory, we planned to supplement with additional hires from Ariente territory if necessary.
This would prevent any stigma of being a private military disguised as a security company.
It was a preemptive measure to avoid any potential issues.
“If you ever need anything else, don’t hesitate to come to me! No, better yet, call me over! With the new road, I can quickly come to you, my brother!”
“Ah. Yes.”
It was overwhelming.
Very much so.
After exchanging some polite greetings, I left Ariente territory.
The carriage smoothly sped along the newly paved road.
Though the safety inspection was yet to be completed, the ride was so stable that a filled teacup didn’t spill.
Charging a bit more for tolls might be acceptable.
I could already hear the sound of money coming in.
“Jacob. Is the forge almost finished?”
“Yes. It should be completed by next week. The equipment is all set up, so we can start work immediately.”
Upon arriving in Vermont territory, I headed straight to the blacksmith shop.
Most of the major equipment had been brought in.
Only the interior finishing remained.
“Ah, hello, young master.”
There were many other blacksmiths in the forge.
They were all from the neighboring area. At first, they complained about how they would survive with a large forge right next door.
But their complaints disappeared once I offered to employ them all.
“Kuhahaha. Everyone seems focused on learning mana forging from Jacob. Keep up the good work. It’s for the only forge in Vermont territory.”
“Yes!”
[The Evil God, ‘Kali’, admires you for quickly absorbing an entire forge!]
Yes. Admire me more.
I monopolized all the blacksmiths in Vermont territory.
I’ll train you all to produce high-quality mana-powered goods.
“Then, I’ll place an order.”
“Yes. Just tell us. Since it’s the first order, we won’t charge you!”
“Then, make 100 one-handed swords, 30 two-handed swords, 100 spears, 200 pikes, and 200 daggers.”
“…Excuse me?”
“I’ll supply all the materials. The deadline is…let’s say, by next month. If needed, I’ll kidnap—no, employ some carpenters as well.”
“…”
Since the training center construction had begun, I decided to start weapon production in advance.
Buying appropriate weapons would be quicker and easier, but we had Jacob in Vermont territory.
I had expanded and built the forge for moments like this.
“Uhm, uh…”
Jacob seemed to be moved by his first work and froze for a moment, unable to say anything.
He soon smiled with tears streaming down his face.
The other blacksmiths also froze with emotion.
You idiots.
“We’ll work hard!!!”
“Yes, keep me updated on your progress.”
Energetic.
I was really relieved to have Jacob on my side.
‘The town is getting quite lively.’
I realized a bit late.
The market scene had completely changed since I first arrived.
All the shops were open, and the streets were bustling with people.
Perhaps it was the anticipation of increased traffic now that Vermont territory was connected to the capital.
The town was becoming more vibrant.
It would be nice if it became a tourist spot, but Vermont territory didn’t have any notable tourist attractions, so that seemed unlikely.
“Oh? Is that Young Master Aslan?”
“Really? Where?”
Then someone recognized me, and a crowd started to gather.
What’s this? Didn’t they used to pretend not to know me before?
Sylvia, startled by the sudden crowd, prepared to draw her sword.
“Young master, step back…!”
“Calm down.”
I grabbed Sylvia’s wrist to stop her.
There wasn’t a trace of malice from them.
On the contrary.
“Thank you so much, Young Master Aslan! My shop was on the brink of collapse, but thanks to the grant, I was able to recover!”
“Same here! Honestly, I thought things would go back to how they were after the grant ended, but the new road has made the business district so lively!”
“My son is about to have an interview with Vermont Security! He had been idle without work… Thank you so much!”
“…”
The crowd took turns expressing their gratitude.
I hadn’t given much thought to the grants or the road construction at the time.
But receiving such heartfelt thanks now made me feel incredibly awkward.
That support money was actually taken from you by Leon.
The road was also built with money taken from you.
If this continued, I wouldn’t be able to endure the awkwardness, so I hurriedly left the scene.
“I guess I can’t walk around town anymore.” ”
Your popularity has soared recently. There’s even a project in the village to build a statue of you.”
“…Stop that immediately.”
“Isn’t that proof of how much people trust you, young master? They’re even willing to forgive your past misdeeds.”
“…”
Then you.
Have you forgiven me?
…I couldn’t bring myself to ask.
Once a genius magic swordsman who was in the spotlight as a hero candidate.
It was Vermont who crippled her and reduced her to a status akin to sl*very.
She probably hasn’t forgiven me yet.
‘Will that day ever come?’
Although Sylvia declared she wouldn’t kill me and would wait, it didn’t mean she had forgiven me or trusted me as a person.
Would there come a day when I would earn Sylvia’s genuine trust?
“Why are you staring at me like that?”
“Nothing. Let’s return to the mansion. It’s almost mealtime. The children must be waiting.”
“…The way you say that, it sounds like we’re a couple out for a stroll while leaving the kids behind.”
“Don’t make me imagine that.”
I wonder how the Great Spirit of Earth is doing.
Wouldn’t the mansion be destroyed when I get back?
Considering Julia’s command works well on it, there shouldn’t be any big issues.
Even if it causes a ruckus, Charlotte is there, so it should be fine.
“What is this now?”
[Hello. I am Charlotte’s loyal doll.]
“…?”
As soon as I arrived at the mansion, I was greeted by the Great Spirit of Earth standing still like a doll.
Wasn’t it resisting with all its might earlier?
Why is it so docile now? Just as I wondered.
“Mister, you’re back? Isn’t Dirt-Dirt cute?”
“Dirt-Dirt…?”
“That’s the name I gave it! The Great Spirit of Earth is too long and hard to pronounce!”
I think Dirt-Dirt is harder to pronounce.
“But how did you manage to tame it?”
“I don’t know? We were playing, and it just naturally calmed down. It must be inherently good! Shall we play some more, Dirt-Dirt?”
[Kyah! You promised not to torment me anymore today if I stayed calm! This is a breach of our agreement!]
“Torment? We’re just playing…!”
[Kyah!!!]
Charlotte hugged the struggling Dirt-Dirt and ran off somewhere.
Tossing it up a few times while playing, Dirt-Dirt’s face turned pale.
…I think I have a rough idea why it became docile.
‘There’s nothing to worry about now.’
It’s great that the road construction was successful.
Charlotte got a new toy to play with.
As for Dirt-Dirt… uh… well… it’s fine.
It’s a win-win situation for everyone.
“A letter arrived while you were out. Here.”
Julia handed me a letter as I entered the mansion.
I opened it nonchalantly and took out the letter inside.
The first line read.
-To Mr. Black
-I’m struggling. I’m being bullied at school, and my grades are not good. It’s all because you didn’t reply to my letters. If this continues, I’ll be expelled. I’m telling you clearly. If you ignore this letter too, I’ll stop accepting your support and be expelled.
“Why do you look like that? What kind of letter is it? …Huh?”
Cold sweat trickled down, and I felt suffocated.
The sentences were enough to make my heart sink.
