Chapter 32

I've started to get used to the climate in this region, and my condition has improved considerably.

I feel that 5 to 6 hours of sleep is just right.

I've become so accustomed to the crazy work schedule at the company that my body can't even handle 8 hours of sleep.

Of course, things were different when I was wandering in the wilderness.

Since the main mode of transportation here is walking, I feel like my muscles are growing day by day.

Still, I might even lose to a young girl like Narnia... but then again, 12 years old isn't exactly a little girl. If she heard me say that, she'd probably kick me.

Anyway, now that my sleep has returned to its normal pace, I have a lot more time to myself at night. I spent the whole night thinking about Cherina.

Yes, if you were imagining a romantic scenario, I'm sorry, but that's not the case at all.

What I was thinking about was the attitude of the Creepy Baron. At first, I thought it was just an extension of the business negotiations, but it seems to be more personal. It appears that the Creepy Baron has a crush on Cherina.

What I don't understand is why he brought me along to the dinner. If he just wanted a deterrent, Melvin, one of the chamber's close associates, would have been sufficient. There's no real reason for him to bring an unknown and suspicious person like me.

If we consider the situation, it would be beneficial for the chamber if Cherina could marry a baron who seems to be a prominent figure in this country. However, with that face, I doubt many women would willingly agree to it.

...I feel sorry for her...

Thinking about it, the chamber's leaders want to push this forward, while Cherina wants to call it off. So they used me as a deterrent.

It all makes sense.

One thing I don't understand is why a woman like Cherina thought I could break off the negotiations. Maybe it was just a process of elimination, and I was the only one available.

The Pig King was clearly planning to use his authority to look down on people and take Cherina by force. That's why I decided to help her. But the Creepy Baron, after talking to him, doesn't seem like a bad guy.

Sure, he's creepy, but that's not a reason to interfere with his advances.

If she asks me for help, I'm willing to lend a hand. But I'm not good at reading the room, so I can't act unless she's clear about it.

So, I should just ask her.

I'll conclude the first issue with that. There's no point in overthinking it; it's the same as sleeping.

Next.

The country's export goods.

I suggested paper as an idea, but I feel it's a bit weak on its own. Of course, if we can mass-produce it, it could become a major industry. The Veriello Chamber, which deals in maritime trade, could transport large quantities.

However, there's a slight concern about transporting moisture-sensitive paper with the sailboats in this world, but that's not my problem. I have no knowledge of sailboats, and they might have a good waterproofing method.

If this country, which lacks resources, is to export something, it will have to compete with technology. The paper I mentioned earlier is aimed at that.

With the strong backing of the Veriello Chamber, I want one more export item to seal the deal, preferably something that can be produced in the short term.

Paper... and there's plenty of wood... There's clay... No food... There's fish and salt...

Wood... hmm?

What about charcoal?

From what I saw in the kitchen of the Lizard's Tail Inn, they seem to use firewood. Smoke rises heavily, and the part that the chimney can't handle leaks into the dining room.

In the evening, the whole town is filled with smoke rising from chimneys, either for dinner preparation or heating.

It might just be that charcoal is expensive, but there seems to be a demand.

Even if it doesn't sell, it could be used as a moisture absorber when exporting paper.

A charcoal kiln can be built quickly if I can provide the instructions. The people in this world seem to be good with fire, so I'll propose it right away.

The second issue is settled with this.

Now, the last issue.

This one might be more of an unnecessary concern rather than a business matter.

I spent the whole night refining my ideas.