Chapter 42

As soon as I arrived home, a person rushed out of the house.

It was my father, Toral Heran, running towards me with tears in his eyes, saying, "Kururi~."

I immediately understood.

Ah, those aren't tears of joy at our long-awaited reunion.

They are the tears of someone who couldn't handle a problem and is now turning to me for help.

It's like coming home from school, and I'm the big-headed blue tanuki, Doraemon.

Hey! Who's a second-rate character!?

"It's been a while, Father."

"Kururi, I'm so glad you're back. I'm so happy!"

He immediately hugged me, which was a bit annoying, but I endured it. I gently pulled him closer and patted his back. Hey, don't wipe your nose on me; I can see it.

I let him be until he was satisfied, then introduced the two of them.

"This is Vain and Aries. They are my classmates from the academy. I plan to have them spend the summer vacation in the Heran territory."

"Oh, you're welcome," Father said, opening his arms to go to them. He's generally a welcoming person, so I was sure he would accept them, and it seems he did.

He approached them with a "hehe," but then quietly looked away when he saw Vain.

He must have been intimidated by Vain's imposing presence. Father has a slightly chubby Doraemon-like build, which probably makes Vain look even bigger.

He turned his face and went to Aries.

"Hey, hey, welcome. You're quite beautiful. Could you be Kururi's...?" He smirked and raised his little finger.

What's with this father? He hasn't shown a proper side since we met.

Aries also chuckled and said, "No, no."

Before he could give a worse impression, I pulled him aside and whispered in his ear.

"That child might become the future queen, so be respectful."

"Huh?"

"By the way, the bigger one is the son of the kingdom's chief knight."

"Huh?"

Upon hearing this, Father looked at Vain and then looked away, then looked at Aries and looked away again.

He held his stomach and eventually sat down.

"Are you okay, Father?"

"Kururi, I might be done for. I've been stressed out lately, and my stomach has been hurting. If I have to handle more, I might die."

"That's an exaggeration. I'm back, and if there's work, I'll help."

"I was counting on you saying that. I have a lot on my plate. I'm at my limit. I want to leave everything to Kururi."

"Everything...?"

"Everything... but I've already taken care of most of it. ...Really, I have."

That's when everything clicked.

I understood the reason for the overwhelming welcome from the citizens and Father's tears.

It seems that the Heran territory, which I had been away from for a while, has accumulated some problems.

Before I left, I had done a lot of development.

From the look of the town's vibrancy, it seems the efforts have paid off, but it also seems that problems have arisen.

Father, who couldn't solve these problems, and the citizens who understand the situation.

It seems both Father and the citizens are eager for me to take on the work.

I understood this clearly.

"Got it. Father, take your time in the hot springs. Leave the rest to me."

"Kururi, I'll go to the summer resort then. Feel free to use the mansion."

Despite saying his stomach hurt just a moment ago, he quickly packed and left in a carriage for the summer resort that opened this summer.

What a quick escape. What a light-footed move.

Work harder!

Well, there's no helping it. I sowed the seeds.

The Heran territory was originally a quiet place. There was a gradual depopulation problem, but the lord didn't need to do anything. It was probably a heavy burden for my inexperienced father.

I feel the same, but with a clear sense of future uncertainty, I intend to work harder than Father.

With that decided, I'll tackle the mountain of problems that have piled up.

"I'm thinking of having Aries work part-time, but I haven't decided what she'll do yet. I'll let you know once it's decided, so feel free to use the guest room."

"Okay."

I led Aries to the guest room and had her organize her belongings.

"What about Vain?"

"Right. Since we're staying, I'll have him work. He can handle any physical labor."

"That would be a big help."

We quickly secured some workers, which is a huge relief.

I decided to ask the household staff about the current problems.

It seems that requests from the citizens are sent daily in letters, and I was advised to read them.

It seems to be a system that has been in place for a while, but Father never mentioned it, and it seems to have only started functioning recently.

I chose the letters with the oldest dates and read them.

There are many things written, but the main points are as follows:

- The population of the citizens has been increasing due to the recent economic boom.

- There aren't enough houses for the large number of people. Even rental houses are full.

- Most of the new residents don't have much money and can't afford to build houses.

- These residents are settling at the edge of the town, causing security issues.

It seems that the problems are due to the population increase.

Indeed, these are the seeds I sowed.

The development of the territory is something to be celebrated. It will lead to a stable future. So, I have to act.

I read a few more letters, and it seems that the lack of housing is the most significant issue.

Fortunately, it seems that the people who have moved in have jobs. Skilled workers are employed, and the service industry is particularly short of staff, so any help is welcome.

Farmers are also doing well, and more people are helping them.

Each of them needs a house. For that, money is needed, and of course, land must be allocated.

Construction will also require labor. There are many things to consider.

But there's no time to worry. Action is the only way.

I immediately opened the mansion's safe and looked inside.

Thanks to the prosperity of the territory, the safe was also well-stocked.

Since everything has been entrusted to me, I have the right to use the funds.

There's no choice; the citizens are in trouble.

I convinced myself and silently apologized to Father, then reached into the safe.

"Kururi, there's a visitor."

While I was organizing the contents of the safe, Vain returned and stood there with a visitor.

"It's been a while. Kururi-sama."

"Rotsun-san!!"

I was pleasantly surprised by the unexpected visitor and ran over.

He was as familiar and as dignified as ever.

"I heard you were back, so I came to see you."

"Sure, it's great to see you. Thanks for coming."

"Yes, the summer resort project has started, so I brought the management report. It includes financial documents, visitor statistics, various opinions, requests, and employee reports."

"You're as capable as ever! I'm impressed. I'll read everything, so bring the documents inside."

"Understood."

I was in awe of the capable Rotsun-san and decided to consult him.

"Rotsun-san, this way."

Rotsun-san brought the documents inside and came over.

I pointed to the safe and spoke to Rotsun-san.

"I'm planning to use my personal funds to build houses for those who don't have them. I think immediate action is necessary, so I'm planning to build simple houses. As you can see, there's plenty of money, and I can gather workers. I want to proceed with this, but I'd like to hear your opinion."

"I'm very grateful for your immediate action as a citizen. Your generous policy using personal funds shows your great capacity. However, if the houses are built for free, it might cause jealousy and dissatisfaction among the citizens who already have houses."

"That's true. It's natural for the current citizens to want money spent on them too."

"Therefore, the houses should be sold at a price lower than the cost. The repayment can be in installments. This way, the buyers won't be burdened, and the current citizens won't be dissatisfied. However, the lord will incur a loss, which is... I'm sorry."

"That's fine. I'm the lord for the citizens. Let's proceed with this plan. Let's get started. First, we need to gather workers."

"I'll take care of gathering workers."

"But Rotsun-san, you have to manage the summer resort, right?"

"I apologize, but I think I can leave the management to my younger brothers. They are well-trained and won't make mistakes. Please rest assured."

"Your brothers sound reliable. Then, Rotsun-san, can you help me with this? I'll gather workers, and I'll prepare the cost calculations and repayment plans."

"Understood, I'll get started right away."

Rotsun-san moved quickly and left the way he came.

It's reassuring to watch him.

"So, what should we do?"

I realized Aries was standing next to me. She had heard the conversation, so I didn't need to explain the situation.

"Vain will work with me on physical labor. Thanks in advance."

"Sure."

I plan to go to the site, so I'll ask Vain to help there.

Since Aries is a woman, I'll ask her to help with other tasks.

"Can you help with document preparation and contract work?"

"For the people buying houses?"

"Yes. This will be a large-scale project, and it will be complicated. I think I can trust you, Aries."

"Got it. I'll do it." She rolled up her sleeves, looking very motivated.

We started the implementation the next day.

Over 100 workers gathered, including many skilled workers.

I should pay a bonus to Rotsun-san for his efforts.

The news had spread among the citizens, and by the time we arrived at the construction site, many citizens had gathered.

Some had even left their work to watch.

As soon as Aries started the registration, many citizens crowded around.

Thanks to the extremely low prices, we received construction requests from almost all the new resident households.

We allocated land to each household and issued rights and contracts.

Aries's administrative skills were impressive. Rotsun-san also helped, and it seems there were no issues.

The actual construction work began with the 100+ workers, Vain, and me.

Many citizens volunteered to help after their work, knowing that they were building their own homes. It was a lively and soul-burning summer.

The summer vacation lasted two months, but we spent a whole month solving this problem.

It was a fulfilling but exhausting summer.

It would later be called the "Miracle of Aline."

Aline is the name of the land, and the citizens praised and called it that because it solved many of their problems. What a gratifying story.

Rotsun-san, Aries, and Vain worked exceptionally well and were a great help.

With this, we can say that the immediate issues have been resolved.

We can now enjoy a real summer vacation.

"Rotsun-san, in addition to the reward, please take this as a special bonus."

I handed him a slightly larger bonus.

"I don't deserve it."

He said, but he took it firmly. He's a reliable person. It seems he has a large family, so the money will be a big help.

"Kururi-sama, as long as you're here, the territory will be safe. I hope to be of use in the future."

"Sure, I'm counting on you."

"Then, I'll take my leave."

Rotsun-san left quietly. His back was cool and composed.

"Wait a moment." Aries called out to Rotsun-san as he was leaving.

Her eyes were moist.

She bit her trembling lips and spoke as if squeezing out the words.

"Rotsun-san, can we meet again?"

What!? What's going on!? I can't stop sweating.

"Yes, if it's a request from Kururi-sama's friend, anytime."

"That's not it... No, never mind. See you next time."

"See you next time."

Rotsun-san left quietly. Aries watched him go.

A romantic scene unfolded before my eyes.

What!? What's going on!?!

"Here, Aries. This is your reward. I added a little extra."

"Thank you."

I thought she would jump with joy, but she took it without much interest.

She didn't even check the contents and just stared at the path Rotsun-san had taken.

"Here, this is Vain's."

"No, I don't need it."

"Okay." I see. No, that's not important right now!!

No, thank you for working so hard, Vain. You were a great help.

"Take it. Vain worked hard, so you deserve it." I said and forced it on him.

"Hey, what about Aries's behavior... Could it be that she...?"

"I don't know." Vain gave me a look, indicating I should ask Aries.

"Excuse me." I hesitantly called out to Aries, who was looking far away.

"Yes." Aries answered without moving her face or eyes.

"What's wrong?"

"I've never felt this way before."

"What!?"

What!? What!? What the heck!?

"What kind of feeling is that?"

"My heart is pounding. I've never met someone so capable and considerate."

It sounds like she's in love. Indeed, Rotsun-san is a good person. But, but...

Aries covered her heart with both hands. Her face was flushed.

Ah, yes, that's love!

Could she be in love with Rotsun-san?

He doesn't even appear in the original story! He's a bigger side character than me! Is it okay!?

Is it okay, Aries? Is it okay, my life!?