Chapter 33

It was through the combination of the Dragon's Breath and the Golem Heavy Machinery, which are considered unfair techniques, that the artificial lake was completed in less than a month. Since it has only been a week since its completion, it is more of a puddle than a lake. However, it has at least taken shape, so I decided to show it to Grandpa.

"Who would have thought that we'd get the dragons to help with the construction... But it has turned out to be a large lake."

Thanks to the enthusiasm of the dragons, the artificial lake became quite large. It was supposed to be the size of a pond, but it is so wide that the opposite shore cannot be seen. Incidentally, we used a large amount of concrete and went significantly over budget.

"There's still a lot to do. We need to create waterways and install barriers to prevent falls. But if it's this big, we might be able to release fish into it."

While it might be difficult to introduce ayu, I think rainbow trout and char could settle here. Then, we'll use charcoal to grill them. If we can market them well, it should have a multiplier effect on charcoal sales. For now, we plan to collect rainwater in the artificial lake and then connect it to the Scale River. If we connect a large lake directly, the river might dry up.

"By the way, it seems that the Night Beans Moss has been granted a business license."

After investigating, it turned out that the Night Beans Moss is a high-end brothel. Its main customers are nobles, major merchants, and knights of at least the rank of a legion commander. In other words, the 3,000 stones toll is nothing to them. Apparently, you can't use the brothel unless someone introduces you... I wonder if it's not embarrassing to have a friend introduce you to a brothel?

"I didn't want to oppose the royal family, so I granted the license with conditions. The brothel will be built near the capital's border. Instead of just a gate, it will be a multi-purpose commercial building with jewelry stores and flower shops inside. The prostitutes can give gifts, and it can also be used to make amends to one's wife."

A gate will be built in one corner of the commercial building, where a special entry fee will be charged. This way, it won't be a lie to say that you went to Boubel's Showkan. An underground passage will be built to the brothel, allowing easy access to the town. The pawnshop at the end of the passage has no ulterior motive.

"This fall, Hort's fiancée will come to Orizon, and this summer, her relatives will come to inspect. Please be careful to avoid any international issues."

It seems that Hort has a favorite prostitute at the Night Beans Moss. However, with the engagement, it has become difficult for him to visit the brothel. Hort, a pure-blooded playboy, can't imagine giving up his playtime. So, he thought it would be better to have a brothel in a place where he wouldn't be caught. He thought it would be a good idea to build a second branch in Boubel, which has been a topic of recent rumors... He's just a fool.

"I'll take every precaution. I'll hire former members of the Assassin Guild as security guards. If there's any tailing or suspicious activity, I'll have the staff report it."

It's a secret service, and I've told them that it's okay to forget to report if the customer's attitude or payment is bad. There will be times when work overlaps and they can't report, and there might be times when carriages happen to be next to each other.

"Got it. I'll head back. I'll use the cafeteria today."

"Ah, I think Mom is waiting with dinner. It's a meal full of love and care, so why don't you join us, Grandpa... Odette is supervising, so there's no need to worry."

It might be a bit misshapen, but it's the second time I've tasted my mother's cooking.

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It was May, and fortunately, the rainy season had arrived in Boubel, and the artificial lake was filling up smoothly. I plan to open the waterways once it's a bit fuller.

"Mr. George, is that all for lunch?"

It's natural for Donga to be curious. What I brought is a small wisteria basket. For an office worker's lunch, it seems a bit small.

By May, the class groups had become fixed. In my case, I often hung out with the George Party... In other words, I was often with four guys. Today, it's lunchtime with the four of us.

"That's all. Recently, my mom has started to take an interest in housework."

My mother, who was raised as a pure-blooded lady, is surprisingly a light eater. It's a bit unsatisfying, but when she was busy, she often skipped lunch, so it's not unbearable.

"I never thought I'd be eating with the legitimate heir of a baronial family."

When there's no magic item involved, Hewbo is just a normal boy.

"Even if I'm from a baronial family, I'm just a beginner lord of a small fief. I'm a young lord who relies on the support of others to get by."

I'm running around doing my job as a lord myself. Today, there are documents waiting for approval at my home office.

(Well, what did Mom make?... The taste is more important than the appearance, right?)

Inside the basket were three small baguette sandwiches with uneven cuts and squished fillings. The fillings were simple: tomato, chicken, and egg.

Just as I was about to take a bite of the egg-filled baguette sandwich, there was a loud bang, and the classroom door was rudely thrown open. Five upperclassmen with bad reputations entered, followed by a few freshmen.

(That's Kane, isn't it? He's hanging out with the wrong crowd again.)

"Freshmen, look over here. This is Bone-ta Onizori of the Shadow Knights. Listen up, you're going to greet him now!!"

Bone-ta and Onizori... The one who came in was a boy dressed all in black, with a perfect head shave.

"The Onizori family is a viscount's family. Bone-ta is the second son. He was in the Futsball club until last year, but after an injury, he started hanging out with the wrong crowd."

The Gilliam Trading Company does business throughout Orizon, so Verde is well-informed about the rumors of the nobility.

"My name is Bone-ta Onizori. If anything happens to you cute underclassmen, we'll protect you. In return, pay us 500 stones a month."

Are junior high schoolers really collecting protection money?! At that age, they often idolize mischief, and they wouldn't give a shadow knight such a lame name. A knight's job is to be recognized for their achievements. If they hide in the shadows, it's just a waste of effort.

I predict here that Bone-ta will deeply regret calling himself a Shadow Knight in the future.

The reason Bone-ta targeted my class is clear. After all, most of the class are beastmen, so their position in school is weak. Moreover, the Onizori family is a viscount's family with considerable power, so the school can't take a strong stance.

"What will happen if we don't pay the money?"

In the midst of everyone's fear, Peter raised his hand and asked with a firm attitude. By the way, we are eating our lunch as usual except for Hewbo. Mom, a baguette sandwich without sauce or butter is hard to eat.

"Ah, well... Maybe you'll be good for rabbit hunting!?"

Bone-ta glared at Peter as he answered. Peter is a handsome boy with a strong sense of justice. In other words, he's the type that Bone-ta and his ilk hate the most.

"Is that a threat!!"

"Whatever, gather up."

At Bone-ta's command, his subordinates started collecting the money. Hewbo and the other classmates are scared, but we are still eating. Verde's family lends money to nobles, so they aren't scared of a viscount's family, and Donga, who is trained by his father, isn't scared of a junior high schooler.

"Hey, stop eating and pay up... What's this dirty baguette sandwich? I'll do this!!"

Senior A took the baguette sandwich from me and threw it on the floor... and was sent flying to the wall at the same time.

"What are you doing!! Apologize to Mr. George immediately."

Donga sent him flying with a perfect right straight.

"This baguette sandwich was made by Mr. George's mother, that is, Lady Catherine, the daughter of the Kocactus Duke... If your son behaves like this, you might need to reconsider your relationship with the Onizori family."

Verde sighed and gave a warning.

"Seniors, it's lame to show off with your parents' money and the clothes they bought you. If you mess with my friends... I'll crush you."

"Are you George Akogi? I'll remember you."

I can't forget even if I want to, thanks to my character memory ability.

"How long are you going to hold my friend? Let her go!!"

I heard Karina's angry shout, and then Senior B collapsed. It seems he was hit directly by Karina's flexible high kick. Later, I heard that Karina is trained in martial arts and is quite skilled.

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It was a day when the rainy season had ended, and the sunlight was gradually getting stronger. I was troubled by a certain incident.

"Again?"

"Yeah, this time a squirrel person was attacked. A message was left at the scene too."

Since the end of spring, there have been incidents of beastmen being attacked in Boubel. A message saying "Beastmen Extermination Group" was left at the scene. Fortunately, there have been no fatalities, but the dissatisfaction of the citizens is growing day by day.

"The Assassin Check should be perfect... which means the culprit is likely a civilian."

"However, the number of people visiting Boubel is increasing day by day. It's impossible to investigate everyone."

But if we don't do something, the dissatisfaction of the citizens will only grow. There might even be a demonstration.

"Is it another ambush this time? There's a limit to increasing security... It would be good if there was some evidence left."

There's no forensic technology, so it's difficult to find clues. Even if the culprit is caught, it could lead to the exclusion of a specific race.

Honestly, I'm in a bind. I wish I had a skill to summon a great detective.