Chapter 29 - Episode 29: Before Winter
Mid-November. The season was gradually shifting toward winter, and the temperature had become such that it was painful to go outside without wearing a cloak.
Once full-blown winter arrived, many people in this world would cease their outdoor activities, and travel between towns, villages, and territories would almost entirely stop. While the distance to settlements half a day's walk away from Retovik was still within a manageable range, it would likely no longer be as effortless as it had been until now.
Therefore, preparations for winter were underway in the Arqvist territory.
Since they had not yet achieved complete food self-sufficiency in their first year of settlement, they bought up wheat, dried meat, pickled vegetables, and salt from Retovik. Because providing winter stores for approximately fifty people was more than Eliza's shop could handle alone, they also came to rely on Benedict of the Miles Trading Company.
Whenever the residents found time, they entered the forests around the settlement to gather branches to serve as firewood for the winter. Noein also collected scrap materials left over from house construction in the manor's warehouse, storing them for their own consumption and to give to any residents who might run out of firewood once winter set in.
The residents were not the only ones acting in anticipation of winter. The craftsmen who had been called from Retovik would also be returning before winter arrived.
The first to leave were the group of carpenters, led by Master Dmitri. Having finished building all the houses that had been ordered for the time being, they were to withdraw before the onset of true winter.
Hoping to provide as many houses as possible for the immigrants who would likely increase in number, Noein had continued to place additional orders with them until the very limit of winter's arrival, but it was finally time to wrap things up.
"Dmitri-san, and everyone else, thank you so much for staying for several months and building the houses."
"Aw, it's just our job. It was rewarding to see the houses we built lining up inside the Bezel Great Forest, which had been an unexplored land until now, and it let the young lads gain some experience. Besides, you let us make a good profit. I'd say we're even."
Dmitri laughed boisterously, and his subordinates followed suit.
"Ahaha, I'm glad to hear you say that. I think I'll be placing more orders with your company again after winter ends, so I look forward to working with you then as well."
"...About that, once winter ends, would it be possible for me and a few of my apprentices to migrate here? And, I'd like to be allowed to start a new construction-related company here."
At the unexpected proposal, Noein's eyes widened slightly.
"Is that alright? You rose to become an executive in a large construction company, didn't you?"
"Yes, I certainly did become an executive... but, I am a beastman."
Though he was smiling, Dmitri's tone carried a hint of resignation.
"As a beastman, I can't hope for any further promotion in a large company. Besides, in Retovik, there are times when clients refuse, saying they'd rather not have a beastman master build their house. Rather than ending my career as a mediocre master in a place like that, I want to have my own company in a new land. A few of my direct apprentices have said they'll follow me."
In synchronization with Dmitri's words, several craftsmen who appeared to be his apprentices nodded vigorously.
"I understand... no, I've got it. Thank you for deciding to migrate. For me as well, being able to have carpenters in my own territory is a huge help. You are welcome."
In the Arqvist territory, which would undoubtedly continue to develop, the demand for housing would certainly keep rising. Being able to welcome carpenters into the territory was a wish come true.
"Thank you very much. During the winter, I'll settle things with my company so that I can retire amicably and migrate."
"Yes. I'll be waiting."
Noein smiled and saw Dmitri and the others off.
.....
A few days later, Victor, the mining engineer who had been brought in to mine raw lapis lazuli, also returned to Retovik.
Over these few months, Yuri, the supervisor of the mining site, had learned the basic knowledge for digging tunnels, and the residents had also become quite accustomed to the work. With this, his job of "teaching how to dig a mineral vein" was complete.
"Victor-san, thank you for taking care of our residents."
"No, it was my first time digging a lapis lazuli vein as well. It was a good experience for me."
Just as when they first exchanged greetings, Victor spoke in a polite tone that contrasted with his wild appearance.
"Our territory still has a small population, so we can't handle any further mine development right now, but I believe there are still other resources in the Lestio Mountains. When we eventually proceed with development, please let me contact you again."
As evidenced by his polite tone toward Noein, Victor seemed to have a very serious and courteous personality. Yuri, who had been involved with him for a long time as a supervisor, had appraised him as such. Since he had also become close with the residents, Noein truly hoped he would come to work here again.
Just as they were thinking this, Victor made an unexpected proposal.
"...Your Excellency Arqvist. Once the population of your territory increases and you begin to proceed with mine development in earnest, would it be alright if I also migrated here?"
"Eh?"
"Is it not allowed, after all?"
"No, it's not that... rather, it's a wish come true for us. It's just that the carpenter who built the houses in this settlement also requested to migrate, so I was a bit surprised by the succession of requests."
Noein hurriedly replied to the now-dejected Victor.
"I see. That carpenter must also be a craftsman with strong ambitions. In this area, it is difficult for a craftsman to move from being an employee to becoming independent."
Hearing Victor's words, Noein understood.
The northwestern part of the Lordberg Kingdom, blocked by the Bezel Great Forest to the west and the Lestio Mountains to the north, was stable, for better or worse. While no major wars or disasters had occurred for a long time, the economy tended to be stagnant because historic large trading companies held sway in their respective territories.
Consequently, they had heard that it was difficult for those with a strong desire for independence to develop new markets. Victor was one of those troubled by this current state of affairs. Dmitri the carpenter also harbored a dream of becoming the head of a company, overcoming the handicap of being a beastman in this rigid northwestern region.
In this region where opportunities were scarce for craftsmen, Noein was gradually developing the Arqvist territory, which had been left alone as a noble territory in name only, and was slowly building a new village. For craftsmen like Victor and Dmitri, this was likely a new land hiding great opportunities.
"...I will proceed with the development of this land, and eventually, I will certainly expand the development of the Lestio Mountains. At that time, please do move to this territory. I will create a place where you can be active, Victor-san."
"Oh... to have you say that is the greatest joy for a craftsman. I will wait while preparing so that I can migrate at any time."
With a bright expression now that the path to future independence had opened, Victor said this and returned to Retovik.