The cocoa bean appeal at the stall immediately had an impact everywhere.
First, as usual, merchants visited the mansion.
Of course, they wanted to make a deal, but in the current situation, it was nearly impossible, so Ryu declined.
Next, the village chiefs from each village approached them, expressing their desire to produce in their fields, but Ryu explained that it was environmentally impossible.
When Ryu explained what could be done in the Demon Forest,
“The villagers cannot be sent to such a dangerous place.”
The village chief refused.
Besides, the village chief wouldn’t be pleased with a decrease in his villagers, and he wouldn’t recruit immigrants.
Next appeared the village chief located at the edge of the former Baron Elanza territory.
Currently, it is Landmark territory, but due to the merger, it has become the farthest village from the territory capital, so the village atmosphere is not good now.
So, they were discussing whether to produce coffee beans in their village, but since they were late compared to other villages and the aid money that had been temporarily provided had stopped as production stabilized, they had to endure until they could produce in a few years, but the village didn’t have that kind of stamina.
Though they could manage by cultivating the fields as usual, compared to other villages growing cocoa beans, they would undoubtedly be poor, and the village chief felt a sense of crisis as it would gradually decline.
Therefore, they were shocked by the mention of “Choco Banana” at the Harvest Festival.
They heard that no one had yet ventured into this cultivation.
If they start now, assistance will be available, and if that’s the case, Ryu passionately argued that they should convince the villagers and be prepared to relocate.
“Are you ready to abandon your current land?”
“At this rate, the village will decline regardless. Therefore, as the village chief, I prioritize the happiness of the villagers!”
“…Understood. Fortunately, there are quite a few cocoa trees growing in the prepared land, so the production volume can be considerable. However, be prepared as it will take over five years from scratch. Of course, we will support you responsibly until then.”
“Understood… Thank you!”
The village chief bowed to Ryu.
Farza had already received permission to recruit settlers to the outskirts of the Demon Forest, so it was okay, but he probably didn’t expect the entire village to relocate.
In the study of Landmark Mansion.
As expected, Farza was surprised when Ryu reported.
“Is the village chief okay with that?”
“Yes, it was their idea.”
“…I see. I had been thinking about what to do with that village, but to make such a decision. Alright, let them know that we won’t hesitate to provide maximum support.”
Saying so, Farza took out a leather bag containing money from the drawer and further.
“This is a reserve fund for relocation and future expenses. Please hand it over to the village chief.”
And entrusted Ryu with a large sum of money.
The villagers at the edge of the village had been feeling a sense of crisis or perhaps they trusted the village chief, as most of them agreed to relocate.
Some wanted to be merged with the neighboring village, so arrangements were made accordingly.
When they actually moved, inside the settlement, separated by the forest of demons and the walls, there was a village, and the houses were splendid.
There was also a fort nearby, so evacuation seemed easy in case of any situation.
Moreover, unlike the previous village, the roads were paved with stones, and it wasn’t inconvenient as it was only a few hours away from the capital.
They could even move to the cocoa bean fields via a dedicated road. The fields were covered by the walls and isolated from the Demon Forest, so it seemed safer than expected.
The villagers who had moved were satisfied with the positive environmental changes.
Regarding the cultivation of cocoa from scratch, discussions between the villagers and Ryu continued directly in front of the cocoa trees.
Because of the unique environment of the Demon Forest, the villagers were perplexed about this new experience of plant cultivation. However, they were assured by Ryu that even with the harvest from existing ones, a stable income could be obtained, as it could be harvested twice a year.
Some villagers expressed fear of hearing the voices of demons occasionally from outside the walls, but after being explained by the guards, and that they could escape to the fortress via the dedicated road if necessary, they seemed a bit relieved, but they would have to get used to it.
Perhaps occasional evacuation drills might be necessary.
Ryu remembered that in his previous life, his relatives (members of his gang) were training to simulate a raid (house search) by the police.
