Chapter 16

The pioneer village rapidly developed.

There were several reasons for this, but the biggest reason was undoubtedly the Adventurer's Guild.

This land was originally one where monsters frequently appeared.

It was an ideal hunting ground for parties of adventurers with a bit of skill.

The reason it had been left untouched until now was that there was no base, and it was too dangerous for long-term stays.

However, with the completion of a village of considerable size, protected by defensive fences, the problem was solved.

That was not all.

"Seira! I need a stamina potion!"

"Me too!"

"Can you sell me a healing potion?"

"Huh! Here you go!"

Seira's charming widow's shop was booming as usual.

She only stocked and sold various potions and weapons produced by the production guild, but they sold like hotcakes.

"I'll take some sharpening oil!"

"Sorry! The sharpening oil is sold out!"

"Ugh! You guys are buying too much!"

"I'm only buying what I need!"

"Damn! I want a hardened sword as soon as possible!"

"I'm going hydra hunting today. Do you want to join my party?"

"I'll join if you can share some sharpening oil."

"It's a deal."

This scene was a daily occurrence recently.

Moreover, the occupancy rate of the inns exceeded 150%.

It was common for three people to stay in a two-person room, and new adventurer parties would surely arrive in the village, having heard the rumors.

The village was currently expanding the inns at a rapid pace.

The expansion was being handled by the new carpenters who had moved to the village.

The number of loggers and hunters had also increased, and the village now had shops that not only provided for basic living needs but also offered entertainment and delicious food, such as skewer shops.

Of course, the number of traveling merchants had also increased.

Not only essential items but also luxury goods like alcohol were being traded, and the population was rapidly growing.

The current problem was the shortage of housing.

For now, they were managing by lending out the tents used during the initial development phase.

However, with the increase in carpenters, the issue would be resolved soon.

To put it simply, all the pioneers were being paid, albeit a small amount.

In addition to this, their food and housing were guaranteed for a while.

Furthermore, they were given various tax exemptions for business and hunting.

Therefore, they did not need to earn immediate cash, but on the other hand, they needed to establish a solid foundation for their lives during this preparation period.

From this situation, the initial settlers' jobs were gradually determined, and the current situation was roughly resolved.

My recent work was mainly related to the commercial guild, to which I had delegated authority.

By the way, I had received a considerable amount of money initially.

It was the cost for the transfer to the production guild and the dispatch to the pioneer village, which was the last request from the Adventurer's Guild.

Furthermore, I had been receiving a portion of the money from the potions sold to the production guild, in addition to my salary from the production guild.

However, I had no place to spend it, so it was just accumulating.

"Mr. Craft, can I talk to you for a moment?"

Kail, who had been busy and hadn't talked much recently, came to me.

"What is it?"

I made tea for Kail, Myne, and Persia. Alphard was probably patrolling the village.

"Yes. Actually, I've been asked to name the village."

"…You didn't have a name until now?"

"Yes…"

Seriously?

Indeed, we had only been calling it a village or a pioneer village, but I hadn't realized it lacked an official name.

"Every attempt to settle in this land had failed until now, so my father said that if it succeeded, I could name it."

"Ah, I see."

If it had failed repeatedly, it would have been a hassle to come up with a new name each time.

"So, I came to ask if you have any good ideas for a name."

"How about Kail Village?"

"Please don't say the same thing as Alphard and Persia."

"I think it's clear as a recognition of your achievements, and everyone is grateful to you, so they would be happy, I think."

Persia nodded vigorously at my words.

"This village was built by everyone. No, more people will come, and it will be built by all of them, so my name is not appropriate."

"I don't think it's inappropriate, but if you don't like it, let's think of another name."

"Please do."

"Still, I'm a former adventurer, so I have no sense for this. Does Persia have any ideas?"

"I have no opinion other than Kail Village."

"…I see."

Well, this stiff guy is no help.

"Hey, Myne, do you have any ideas?"

When I asked Kail's twin sister Myne, she looked down shyly and muttered softly.

"Craft… Village"

"Oh! That's a good idea!"

"Rejected, rejected."

Why my name?

At least make it something like Guild Master Reifan Village.

When I rejected it, Myne puffed out her cheeks slightly and turned away.

What do you want me to do?

"It seems that using people's names might not be a good idea."

"Yes… I agree."

As I ran out of ideas and held my head, Reifan came into the room.

"Ah, welcome, Kail. What's up, Craft?"

"Nothing, just thinking of a name for the village."

I explained the situation so far.

"Hmm. How about Dusk Village?"

"Dusk? Does it mean twilight?"

"Yep."

"It sounds like a declining village. Is there a reason?"

"Sort of."

Reifan glanced at me… no, at the emblem floating on my left hand.

"You see, that emblem glows golden, and you're called the Alchemist of Twilight, right? Since the development of this village was largely due to the power of that emblem, how about twilight, meaning dusk?"

"Oh! I see!"

"Hmm. That's a blind spot."

"No! Wait, wait! That doesn't make sense!"

"True, it's not bad, but the word 'twilight' still feels a bit off."

"Right!?"

"Then, how about Dawn, meaning the beginning of the day?"

"That has the meaning of a new beginning. I think it fits the pioneer village perfectly!"

"Indeed, Kail!"

Since it was a word association game from the Twilight Emblem, I was about to object at first, but the idea of dawn and a new beginning wasn't bad.

"Dawn Village…"

"I'll agree if you choose something other than Kail Village."

"You're consistent, aren't you?"

You're still pushing for Kail Village. Personally, I agree, but Kail won't accept it.

"I like it! Dawn Village! I think it's good!"

"…Hmm."

"So, Myne likes it too?"

Kail patted Myne's head. Myne, looking embarrassed, let him do it.

"Then it's decided. The name of this village is Golden Dawn Village!!"

"Oh!"

"Huh?"

"That's good! I think!"

Hey, wait a minute, where did 'Golden' come from?

"It has a bright and shining feel, fitting for Kail!"

"No, no, wait, wait!"

"Kail has a good sense of naming!"

"Hmm."

"I feel flattered when praised so much."

"Indeed!"

"Hey, who's going to point out where 'Golden' came from?"

"Then, shall we announce this name?"

"Sure, let's do it."

"You're ignoring me, aren't you!?"

"I'll prepare the official documents!"

"Sure, thank you!"

And so, I was completely ignored, and the name Golden Dawn Village was decided.

"Because… I wanted a name that represents Mr. Craft."

"Did you say something?"

"Nothing at all!"

"You're so straightforward."

What's going on?

I feel like I'm being unfairly criticized by Reifan…

"You're right."

Persia! You too!

Anyway, the name Golden Dawn Village quickly spread to the nearby towns and villages.