Chapter 44

Creating a tube and sending steam and compressed air through it to use like a flamethrower... No, that's too roundabout.

The impact of boiling water is too great to think of anything else.

From her neckline, she took out the bracelet wrapped in a clean piece of fabric to prevent damage.

It's not pure, right? If it were pure, it should scratch when rubbed against any stone.

The bracelet I saw had some fine scratches, but it wasn't that worn out.

That means it must have a very low gold content. I think 18-karat gold is about 75%, right?

It might be even lower. Thinking about that, 20,000 seems a bit high.

It felt like a wedding ring, but ultimately it will become the basis for a wedding ring. Considering that, maybe it's not that high.

For now, I'll head towards the center of the village, feeling a bit drained after achieving my goal.

Ah, just handing it over would be too boring.

I smirk a little and head towards the inn I scouted out earlier.

"Welcome."

The old man from before greets me.

"Is there a double room available today?"

"Yes. What about your meal?"

"I'd like to discuss that."

So, I ask if they can prepare a special, more luxurious meal.

They can prepare a simple appetizer, a meat dish, soup, and bread.

I also ask them to prepare some high-quality wine.

"Is this for a celebration?"

He asks with a puzzled look.

"No, I'm planning to give her an engagement bracelet."

When I say this, his face becomes even more puzzled. It seems that in this world, engagements aren't that important.

It's more like a way to mark someone as taken while saving up for a wedding.

Weddings are held on a village scale, requiring a significant amount of money. While there are congratulatory gifts, the total cost is still high.

Houses are considered communal assets within the domain, and new houses are built with the lord's approval and financial support under the village's responsibility.

However, to prevent people from running away, a large down payment is required, and the cost is added to the annual tax.

Creating a new household in the village is quite challenging. Once the payments are made, the house can be inherited.

Typically, the eldest son inherits the house, so younger sons must work hard to gather funds. Getting married is a big task.

Incidentally, the head of the household has an obligation to assist younger sons.

Regarding the wood used for houses, there was a vast open space with processed wood lined up before reaching the northern forest.

I was surprised by the scale of the open space, which was the size of several baseball fields. The drying period varies depending on the material, but it can take as little as half a year or as long as over a year.

Even considering the combined needs of the town and surrounding villages, the scale was enormous. The wood was neatly arranged in the order it was cut, with the dried wood used for construction and firewood.

It's not something you can just pick up from the forest.

When I worked in the transportation system, I laughed at the number of moving parts and types, but seeing it in person left me speechless.

Honestly, I had never considered the concept of logistics. Just to sustain a population of a few thousand, this much cost is incurred.

The woodcutters cut, process, and manage the wood daily, barely surviving.

Incidentally, there is a woodcutter guild. If the logistics were managed by the lord alone, it would surely collapse.

There are still fewer people. If we talk about environmental destruction, the environment will destroy us. The woodcutters work hard every day to cut and manage the wood.

I was impressed by the greatness of humans.

Also, if children misbehave, they receive severe punishment. It's natural, as it concerns life and death.

"Are you going to do all this for an engagement...? I understand. How about 12,000 for a special room and meal?"

A regular double room with breakfast and lunch costs 7,000. The price seems reasonable, including the cost of reheating the water and candles.

"That's fine."

I pay 12,000 wahl and receive the key. I request that the room be ready a short time after Liz returns.

I hurry back to Ast's house and tell Teisha that I will be staying at the inn with Liz tonight.

"I won't do anything. This time, I want to show my gratitude for all the care she's given me and deepen our relationship."

"Since you're engaged, that's fine. But it seems a bit wasteful."

After explaining the situation, I was encouraged with her usual smile. She's as mischievous as ever.

Next, I head to the clothing store to buy shoes.

"Welcome. What kind of clothing are you looking for today?"

The young male clerk was there. The store had a decent selection of men's and women's clothing. It seems the town's stores have a good inventory, considering the population.

"I'm looking for shoes."

An older man came from the back and explained. I chose knee-high leather boots.

When I asked the price, it was 40,000. It was quite expensive, but I bought two pairs. I tried to negotiate the price but settled for getting a set of maintenance tools and a clean piece of fabric.

It would take 2-3 days to adjust them. It seems the older man is also a craftsman.

I paid 80,000 wahl and received a sheepskin voucher.

Next, I need a spear. I also wanted to check on the progress of the pump, so I hurried to the blacksmith's.

"Hey, Akihiro. I heard you had a tough time. Are you okay?"

Nes rushes over, looking worried.

"Yes, I'm fine. I came to pick up the spear."

I receive the spear and pay 70,000 wahl.

"Huh, gold coins. Looks like you made a good profit from this job."

"Not really, it's all about being alive."

"True. By the way, about that project..."

They plan to build a mock-up using wood first.

They will verify the operation with a wooden model, then create a mock-up with bronze, and finally process it for casting.

"The design you gave me is detailed, so it wasn't difficult. I can produce a real one soon. I'll need you to verify it when it's ready."

That's good. The approach is sound.

"Great. What about the guild?"

"I managed to contact them while you were sleeping. They're sending researchers. We'll start joint development with the verification of the wooden model. I've also informed the higher-ups about the previous matter."

"The higher-ups. Can they be trusted?"

"They're field veterans. No problem there. They also grilled me about the designer. I told them you were passed out."

We might need to have a talk somewhere.

"Understood. Set up a meeting. Let's talk once."

The conversation is over. I say my goodbyes and head back to Ast's house.

Now, it's time for the surprise.