Chapter 2 - 02 The Fourth Year's Summer
The next morning, I rode north on horseback along the eastern river.
It took quite a long time to reach the northern mountains, but I was searching for something. Sweet potatoes! When I appraised the land, it was quite strongly acidic. I thought this was the only thing that could grow in land with so little fertilizer and water. And besides, I could make shochu!
(Hm? What's this...?)
When I appraised it, the name was different, but as far as I could see with Clairvoyance, it was a sweet potato look-alike. I dug it up immediately, and there was no mistake.
"Ah! Patata!"
"Is that what it's called?"
Anyway, I decided to cultivate it on a large scale from this natural colony.
I took a little back with me, and headed home in high spirits, thinking about making sweet potatoes with the honey I got from old man Roro's place yesterday.
When I made the sweet potatoes, my mother Leen and Emilia praised them highly. Though they were unpopular with the three old men, who prefer alcohol to sweets.
"Tch! Young master, if you keep making nothing but sweet treats like this, you'll just make the young lady and the missus fat!"
The two of them, looking annoyed, tried to argue back, but I stopped them.
"Is that so? And here I could make a delicious distilled spirit from these potatoes. What a shame."
"What! You should have said so sooner!"
They looked ready to dash out that very moment, so I showed them a map of the natural colony and explained that we had to start by making seed potatoes in early spring. Their faces fell with disappointment.
"But still, being able to reuse that cursed land that's been abandoned for about 10 years is huge, isn't it! Don't you think so, Boss!"
"Yeah! The dream is expanding! Thank you, Shivans! What should we do next?"
Butler asked, so I requested that he have a traveling merchant buy cotton and soybean seeds.
"Why cotton and soybeans?"
"That's a good question, Father. Cotton not only provides cotton, but also an edible oil called cottonseed oil, which enriches our diet! Soybeans are rich in protein and are not only the raw material for soy sauce and miso, but also become edamame, a delicious snack to go with alcohol, and kinako, an important ingredient for sweets!"
I got a knuckle rap on the head for lecturing from above.
"I didn't understand even half of your explanation, but it seems we can gain more than killing two birds with one stone! Let's try it!"
Everyone was motivated, but when it came to agriculture, there wasn't much I could do. It's a bit odd to say in exchange, but there were plenty of things I had to do.
First, sake brewing.
I polished the rice and washed it. After soaking it in water, I steamed it. Yeast still remained in the sake barrels, and I used Alchemy for fermentation and aging. I couldn't drink it, as my body was still a child's.
Next, I started making glass.
It was possible with Earth Magic and Alchemy, but I also needed to teach the manufacturing method to train artisans. I had the desire to make things like glasses, but it was also because I wanted to make soap at the same time. I somehow gathered the materials and steadily built it up. The first glass I made was warped, but Leen was overjoyed.
When I transferred the scent of flowers to the soap, it was a huge hit with the women, but poorly received by the men, so I left it unscented.
And finally, making gunpowder.
It was easy to make because there was quite a bit of saltpeter in the desert and dungeons. After that, I just had to increase the purity and refine it. After a few experiments, it went well, but I want to avoid using this as much as possible. If it was ever completed, I planned to report it only to my father, Butler.
Then, as we entered my second year in this world, I struck a hot spring. Of course, I found it by making full use of Appraisal to explore underground. The location was the midpoint between the desert and the volcanic ash. I dug a hole there, and hot water gushed forth.
I used Earth Magic to make brick-like blocks and build a house. The glass I made was tremendously useful for letting in light. When I applied slaked lime to the walls, it turned out quite well.
(It's become a splendid hot spring inn!)
While I was praising myself, Leen and Emilia came almost every day and soaked in the hot spring.
"Hey, Shivans-chan! Couldn't we just live here? Mother has taken a liking to this place!"
In the end, we ended up building a magnificent Lord's Manor next to it. Based on the points of reflection from last time, when a luxurious-looking three-story building was completed, everyone moved in.
(Now, I want some kind of tourist attraction!)
Thinking that, I made a sandboard, not a snowboard. In spring, summer, and autumn, people could enjoy boarding and sledding on the sand. Naturally, there were no lifts, but I thought that by making stairs with sand hardened by Earth Magic and having them climb up, they could also strengthen their physical strength.
In fact, it became popular, especially among the young adventurers. The gentle slope courses for advanced, intermediate, and beginner levels were also very popular with families. In winter, snow falls on the northern slopes, so snowboarding becomes possible too.
And furthermore, I also prepared a sand bath very close to the hot spring.This was unexpectedly very popular, from the elderly to the young.
In this world without entertainment, these tourist elements grew, and large numbers of tourists began to come from the Imperial Capital as well.
And after three years had passed, a large number of refugees began to flood in. People fleeing heavy taxes and oppressive rule, in addition to natural disasters like cold damage, flood damage, and droughts, came pouring in.
In various places, conspiracies and revolts by nobles and soldiers had begun to occur everywhere.
I, now 11 years old, should have had my voice change and become a bit more grown-up.And I was often surprised by the stories I heard from the people who had fled from elsewhere.
"We were slaves in the Imperial Capital. The treatment was truly terrible. Our food was thrown on the ground, and we were made to eat it on all fours like dogs. Even in public, we were collared and led on a leash, and when we said 'I need to go to the toilet,' we were ordered, 'Then lift your leg and do it like a dog!'"
People said one after another that the serfs and battle slaves here were incredibly fortunate. Emilia was shocked, but Emilia's parents were not.
"It's a shock to you, Emilia, isn't it? But in the Imperial Capital, we lived a similar life."
Emilia's parents had fallen into debt due to poverty, couldn't repay it, and fell into slavery. And they learned that once you fall into slavery, it's not easy to climb back up to being a commoner.
Amidst all this, I was being fawned over by the women who were sex slaves.
"Are you the Lord's son? You have a face as pretty as a girl's, don't you? Hey? Could it be you're still a virgin? We big sisters will make you an a-dult!"
As they were making a noisy fuss, there was a woman appealing to me with her eyes, saying, "If you do that, I'll kill you!" It was Emilia.
"I know."
I answered with a smile too.From then on, she has slept together with me every day. Officially, she is a maid attending to my mother Leen, helping with general housework. Actually, she's been working very hard ever since Gale teased her that I'm better at cooking and cleaning up.
She had started calling her "Auntie Leen" as "Madam," and her figure was becoming more womanly.
When Gale teased her, "Has your first period come yet?" she answered, "I'll absolutely never tell a lolicon bastard like you!" Her chest had swelled a little, and she seemed surprised when her first period came last year, but her real mother taught her various things.
After three years, this territory had changed drastically.And a bright future had come into view for this land, which had been perpetually poor.
The number of shops in town increased, and the crops were doing well.
I had built embankments to prevent the river from flooding, and used Fire Magic and Wind Magic to scatter rain clouds. Conversely, if a drought seemed likely to continue, my mother Leen and I would use Water Magic in rapid succession to ensure there was no shortage of water.
While the surrounding nobles were struggling, it was strange that only our territory was doing well. There were probably nobles around who were suspicious. Thinking it would be troublesome if there was any kind of harassment, I strengthened security.
'Fluorescent Flower'
It was just around this time that I learned about this flower.
It was far brighter than a candle flame, but it required not only soil fertilizer but also magical power. I was taught that if you put in a Magic Stone from a dungeon monster, it would continue to shine for a year.
(What a super convenient flower! Let's cultivate and grow it! Magic Stones? If I don't have any, what happens if I give it my own magical power?)
Thinking that, I experimented by giving magical power to 10 flowers to grow them. Then, they grew excessively before my eyes, becoming more than five times their original size, and their brightness dramatically improved.
So, I built a gate at the entrance to our territory, set up a watchtower, and had them use the Fluorescent Flowers as a substitute for illumination lights.
"If bandits come, ring the fire bell!"
I also made rocks and cliffs on the surrounding mountains to make it difficult to enter our territory. I also prepared a place that was intentionally easy to pass through and made a pitfall. If someone fell into the pitfall, a clapper would sound to let us know, so it should be easy to guard.
It seems I acquired the skills [Trap] and [Trap Disarm] here.
(How convenient. Can you get skills just from something like this?)
I also made lenses from glass, created telescopes and binoculars, and when I gave them to the watchmen, they were greatly pleased.
"This is amazing! Look! You can see all the way to the town in the Count's territory!"
"The surrounding mountains too! It's easy to spot monsters and bandits!"
With this, security should be a little easier.Immediately, I'll teach trusted blacksmiths and artisans and have them make these.
"Young master. If something like this becomes known to the world..."
"It's a military secret. Master Craftsman, please make it only with companions you can trust!"
He said "of course" and thumped his chest.Incidentally, I also made a microscope and a magnifying glass.
One day, Marc, a traveling merchant who had been coming and going from our place for a long time, arrived.
"Boss! Young master! It's been a while!"
He was delighted that the rice he procured from us had recently become very popular, and when we started selling miso, soy sauce, and alcohol, they were traded at high prices. By the way, the currency of this country is G (Gold).
"Every Lord out there wants to know the manufacturing method and is sending in spies."
"Unfortunately, we can't teach it yet."
He nodded at my words and brought up another topic.
"It's hard to do business now. Public order is bad everywhere. This is about the only place with good public order! Even in the Imperial Capital, arson and murder occur frequently. Please be careful."
Many of the bandits were apparently former soldiers or former knights and were quite strong.
"Until now, they haven't come because they fear the 'Crimson Death,' but isn't it about time you're targeted?"
Butler laughed heartily at Marc's words.
"Marc. Be honest. Until now, this was a desolate territory that seemed more likely to be attacked by bandits in reverse. So bandits didn't come, right? Now, it's in the black, and everyone envies it. That's exactly why we're being targeted!"
Now, even tourists have started coming.Marc also knows how things were before. A territory where 3/4 was desolate. He is surprised that the land, the northern half of which he thought was hopeless, has become a land that produces money.
"Hahaha. To be honest, I thought no matter who governed it, this territory would be no good. To think that a land of desert and volcanic ash would come to life in such a form. Honestly, it was a surprise!"
Patata, born from volcanic ash, is a popular specialty product. The desert is a popular attraction that many people enjoy. When he was told that all of this was the idea of the child in front of him, he couldn't believe it at first.
"Right, right! My son is a genius!"
Marc now watched with a smile as Butler praised him with full-on parental doting.
That Night
I told Emilia about Marc's visit.
"The Master is usually strict during swordsmanship and spearmanship training, but he's really kind when he interacts with us!"
"Yeah. But honestly, that full-on parental doting is embarrassing."
I also told her about the countermeasures against bandits.
"What! You've taken measures across this entire vast territory? And you're still uneasy?"
"Well, yeah. There's no such thing as a perfect plan in this world, right?"
She hugged me, kissed me, and spoke reassuringly.
"If that time comes, let's beat them together, you and me! We're going to be adventurers together next year, right? The Master and Madam said it was okay, didn't they?"
"That's true. In the end, that's probably the only way."
She got angry, thinking I wasn't very enthusiastic.
"Don't tell me you're not enthusiastic because you want to offer your virginity to those prostitutes?"
"Where did that come from? That doesn't make any sense at all?"
Until recently, she slept completely naked, but lately, she wears the underwear she got from my mother Leen to bed. When I try to touch her body, she says, "I told you, five years later!" and I get put off.
Suddenly, tears spilled down her cheeks, and she started crying, saying, "All men like sexy older sisters, right? Gale was also leering at them."
"Gale is Gale. I like my cute Emi-nee!"
When I said that and kissed her, she said, "That's only natural! If you didn't, I wouldn't sleep with you anymore!"
For the sake of my honor, I have never once asked her to sleep with me. I want to say that she just comes to my bed on her own and sleeps every day, but if I say that, it'll only turn into a fight.
"So, is 14-year-old Emi-nee better than those sexy older sisters?"
"O-Of course! Who do you think I am! I know you better than anyone! As if I'd lose to women like that!"
When I chuckled and said I was looking forward to it, she said, "Hmph! Good that you're honest! You're already crazy about me!" and hugged me in a good mood and fell asleep.
The next day, I patrolled the territory with Butler and Gale.
"Indeed, the number of unfamiliar people has increased considerably."
My father Butler muttered with a sigh.
"Can't be helped, Boss. It's because we're doing things so flashy. But that weapon the young master made, the crossbow. That thing is brutal!"
The arrows were coated with an extract taken from paralysis mushrooms, so even a graze would definitely immobilize the enemy.
"That's rude, Gale. Please don't say brutal, say strategic."
"I almost feel sorry for the bandits who'll get caught. The young master's traps are double and triple layered!"
Today too, the town was overflowing with adventurers and traveling merchants. The bar owner was also constantly crying out in joy from the huge crowds day after day.
"Hey, Shivans? When do you think the bandits will come?"
"What's Father's prediction?"
"Frankly, early autumn. I think they'll come after the harvest is over."
When I nodded, he smiled with satisfaction and said, "Now! I hear you've been slacking off lately! Today, I'll train you thoroughly!" and his face twisted into a devilish grin.
"Father... I'm fine. Please train Emi-nee!"
"What! I'll make sure it doesn't hurt much!"
I thought to myself, don't fall for a phrase like "just the tip," but I was dragged along by force and beaten to a pulp again today.
"Young master! Looks like you're alive!"
"Gale, what do you think of a person who laughs while sounding worried?"
He laughed, "Hahaha, if you can talk back like that, you're in top form! You're the only one around here who can serve as the Boss's opponent, young master!" but I wanted to say that you can do it too.
"I'm already retired! Besides, you're going to be an adventurer next year, right! And my little sister was born! The Boss is energetic too! Ahahaha!"
That's right.In these three years, the economy improved, and as the number of people increased, so did the number of children. That's a happy thing, but I never expected to have a much younger sister. I thought that was also part of the reason they had Emilia do housework.
"I'm sure next year, you'll have another little brother or sister!"
"Gale, aren't you getting married?"
I had thought that everyone in this world could use magic, but it was the opposite. There are almost no commoners or slaves who can use it. I was very surprised that even among nobles, it was a world limited to only a handful. That's precisely why I've heard that Gale had many marriage proposals.
"Me? I don't like being tied down by one woman, and living freely suits my nature better!"
Certainly, I think he's moderately popular with women. Is it because women come to him casually that he's like this? Or perhaps something happened in the past that made him distrust women? But if he says he's fine with it, then it's fine.
That Night
A dejected Emilia came into my bed with a face that looked like she was about to cry.
"I'm just a slave's child, but I act pretty high and mighty, don't I?"
"Hm? Did someone say something to you?"
She shook her head, saying no. With various people entering this territory, various information seems to reach her ears. She seems to have felt the reality of the status-based class society.
"I thought I was glad to be born in this territory. But I was always protected by the Master and Madam. And by you too, of course. So, I got scared thinking that if it were another territory, I might have died."
She's the type to say what's on her mind bluntly, so it seems that now, she's come to understand various things and has become frightened.
"Nobles have it easy, don't they."
"It's not necessarily like that, you know?"
The nobles surrounding us now are probably watching with envy and jealousy. If something happens, and the higher-ranking nobles cry "Lèse-majesté!", this territory will be overrun in an instant. As for His Majesty the Emperor, I told her what I heard from Gale—that while he seems to have considerable authority now, he's still gauging the moods of the Elders. Emilia let out a sigh.
"Even the Emperor!? Nobles don't have it easy either, huh?"
"That's right. You never know where they'll find fault with you."
As I was making a difficult face, she suddenly said, "I love you too, Shivans!" and when I wondered what she was suddenly saying, she smiled and said, "If I don't say it when I can, and I die, all that will be left is regret for not saying it, right?"
"Well, I suppose so, but now?"
Her expression became resolute.
"I know that even as a commoner, I can't become Shivans's wife. So, I want to become your concubine, that's fine! I know even being a concubine is difficult now! But..."
I hugged her tightly and said, "Isn't it okay not to be bound by formalities? Because I love Emi-nee." She nodded repeatedly.
It would be good if I could erase the Slave Marks on Emilia's parents soon, but I haven't learned [Dispel] yet. Even if I learn it, if the mark was placed by a caster of a higher level than me, I won't be able to erase the Slave Mark.
"I'll do my best to erase your parents' Slave Marks someday!"
"Yeah! I believe in you!"
When I hugged her and touched her butt, she slapped my hand, saying, "Hey!"
"I'm enduring it too, you know! So wait."
When she says it with such a sad face, I can't do anything naughty.
"I know. I'm waiting for the day Emi-nee spreads her legs for me."
"You idiot! Don't have delusions like that!"
Her face turned bright red, and she hit me with a pillow.