Chapter 91

Rising with the morning sun, after finishing breakfast at the inn, I headed to a clothing store to buy a cloak. The recommended store was to be guided by Rott.

The store was as large as a suburban clothing shop. It was two stories, but the upper floor seemed to be an office and warehouse.

I immediately entered the store and was overwhelmed. This was the first time I had seen so many clothes since coming to this world. It made me realize that things do exist in abundance.

As expected for adventurers, the clothes had leather protection on the shoulders and vital points. This would be fine before buying armor, and even with armor, it would be helpful to cover the exposed joints at a minimum.

The store was large, with the sales floor divided into new and used sections.

In this world, clothes are basically custom-made, which makes them expensive, so people usually look for used ones. However, in the case of adventurers, they tend to get dirty from blood and other things, so opinions vary.

Personally, I used to buy used clothes in Japan too, and as long as they are properly washed, I don't mind used clothes.

However, the cheaper items were quite worn out, with some parts repaired or frayed.

Since today's purpose was different, I decided to look for a cloak. The materials and processing varied, from cloth to leather.

In games and manga, I thought of them as fashionable equipment, but when I tried on a thick cloth cloak, it was warmer than expected. It felt like wearing a coat.

The store was large, with new and used sections. In this world, clothes are basically custom-made, which makes them expensive, so people usually look for used ones. However, in the case of adventurers, they tend to get dirty from blood and other things, so opinions vary.

Personally, I used to buy used clothes in Japan too, and as long as they are properly washed, I don't mind used clothes.

However, the cheaper items were quite worn out, with some parts repaired or frayed.

Since today's purpose was different, I decided to look for a cloak. The materials and processing varied, from cloth to leather.

In games and manga, I thought of them as fashionable equipment, but when I tried on a thick cloth cloak, it was warmer than expected. It felt like wearing a coat.

The store was large, with new and used sections. In this world, clothes are basically custom-made, which makes them expensive, so people usually look for used ones. However, in the case of adventurers, they tend to get dirty from blood and other things, so opinions vary.

Personally, I used to buy used clothes in Japan too, and as long as they are properly washed, I don't mind used clothes.

However, the cheaper items were quite worn out, with some parts repaired or frayed.

Since today's purpose was different, I decided to look for a cloak. The materials and processing varied, from cloth to leather.

In games and manga, I thought of them as fashionable equipment, but when I tried on a thick cloth cloak, it was warmer than expected. It felt like wearing a coat.

The quality of used items was not very good, so I decided to look for new ones. If it doesn't repel water, a cloak is meaningless.

I instructed everyone to choose a dull color, considering battles with monsters in forests and plains.

I chose a cloak made of waxed canvas, with buttons on the lining that could be attached with a cotton insert for cold weather. Since it was getting colder, I decided to buy the insert as well.

Rott chose a thin leather cloak. His previous one was quite worn out, so he decided to buy a new one this time.

Scouts often run around in the forest, so their equipment wears out quickly. I wondered if this should be considered in the party's budget.

Incidentally, the lining had large buttons, pockets, and hanging belts, making it possible to store throwing knives, maps, and small items. Yes, it was very scout-like.

The women were squealing about the colors and patterns. It was annoying. If they were this excited about cloaks, I was afraid of what they would do with clothes.

The patterns were decorative, following the seams.

My cloak had a tribal-like pattern in black on a beige-like fabric. Beige is not too noticeable in the forest. It stands out a bit at night, but we always keep a fire going, so it doesn't matter.

Rott's had a design with straight lines and polygons.

In the end, Liz chose a waxed canvas cloak with a bird motif in a corner, in a deep blue color.

Fia chose the same material as Liz, with a boar motif in a corner, in a deep green color.

Both of them also bought the cotton inserts.

Since we were buying waxed canvas, the price was around 50,000 wyr. Considering the difference in currency value, it was reasonable, as a good coat in Japan would cost more.

Rott's leather cloak was more expensive, around 100,000 wyr. It was a bit of a concern. Scouts have many expenses.

After negotiating, the price didn't go down, but we got a jar of wax and a spatula for Rott's cloak. It was another thing to add to our luggage.

The women took a long time to choose, and it was already early afternoon.

Rott led us to a restaurant near the lord's mansion.

The main menu was meat dishes, salads, soups, and bread, but it was cheaper than expected.

Despite being close to the commercial district and administrative facilities, I wondered if they were making a profit. According to Rott, they operated on a thin margin with high volume during the day. Impressive, he knew a good place.

It was a good time, so I headed to the lord's mansion. Rott's expression, like a cow being led to slaughter, was memorable. Well, he wasn't being sold. Fia wanted him to be in a good mood.

When we arrived at the lord's mansion, we went through the usual process of being guided from the gate guards to the butler and then to the office.

After knocking and getting a response, the butler opened the door, and I entered the office. Norwe was reading documents at his desk.

"Good morning, Lord Norwe."

"An urgent document came in. I apologize, but I need to finish reading it. Please wait a moment."

He sat on the opposite sofa with an apologetic look.

"Yesterday, I mentioned the mountain of lobbying and petitions. They all bring Father's cases to me. Even though I am his son, politically, we are strangers. It's meaningless."

He sighed deeply.

"I can't do it without a change of pace. Still, I'm looking forward to the new barony. I would like to hear your opinion."

He said, and the butler handed over a few documents.

The content was a general 'Beginner Baron Set' with budget estimates for each item.

"The budget increase is confirmed, but the amount is not. Let's start with a general budget as a basis."

I skimmed through it, and it was well done. Without experience, I couldn't say for sure, but it seemed reasonable for building a village in ten years and generating tax revenue from wheat harvests.

The initial budget included about 100 farmers and their families, their houses, the cost and transportation of firewood, initial food supplies and their transportation, water supply from rivers, and other infrastructure.

The guilds had their own budgets.

There was another village, but it was much smaller.

"The proportion of settlers is quite high, isn't it?"

Indeed, the most noticeable expenditure was the number of initial settlers and their houses.

"It's a new settlement. Manpower is essential."

In this world, settlement is basically done by human hands. Livestock is only recognized as a food source.

"What is the price of a cow?"

"Cows...? Well, they are slaughtered every winter, so the meat efficiency is poor..."

In the budget, it was explained that two houses could be demolished to buy eight cows, reducing the population by about ten people.

"I want to build a barn to keep them through the winter. Can that be covered by the additional budget?"

"That can be easily covered. Father also said that once he decides, he is serious about it."

Hmm, that's helpful. I want to develop a plow as soon as possible to move away from manual labor.

"By the way, how is Lord Rosty?"

"I have to talk about that in detail. Well, that's him. By last night, he had already sent the items you gave him to his territory by fast horse. The mass production system should be in place soon."

I had included notes on the design and future mass production, but his reaction was impressively quick. One of the qualities of a good politician is quick decision-making, but this was too fast.

"Father talked about you late into the night. Such enthusiasm is rare. He must have really liked it. He is also lenient with people he trusts, overlooking minor mistakes, but he does not tolerate betrayal."

It seemed I had received a higher evaluation than expected.

"The iron mine issue has been officially postponed. However, securing a clear source of income is important due to the attention of other nobles."

If money is seen to flow from an unknown source, it will attract attention.

"I believe in your words about the potential of expanding to the sea."

He signaled the butler to bring a detailed map centered on the new barony. It seemed they had been considering settlement in this area, as the information was quite detailed.

Looking at it, it would take seven days by carriage to reach the sea, bypassing a large forest, but if you just skirted the forest, it would take about five days or less.

"What is your assessment of the threat level of this southern forest?"

"No monsters appear. However, it's a difficult forest to use, even for firewood."

Hmm? That's an interesting story.

"What kind of forest is it?"

"The trees are sparse, weak, and bend easily. They can't be used for construction or firewood, as they explode and are dangerous."

"Are the trees green, with knots, and long and thin?"

"Yes, that's right. Do you know about them?"

Bamboo or bamboo-like plants!! Finally found them. I didn't expect them to be here. Indeed, they are not suitable for living creatures.

More importantly, I had been considering a tidal or beach salt field, but with bamboo or bamboo-like plants, I could go all the way to a flowing salt field.

Additionally, the access to the sea was much better than expected. This was significant.

The conversation then moved to the details of the coastal area.

If you go south in the shortest distance, you will reach a sea with a long sandy beach. A bit to the east or west, the water becomes deep quickly, making it suitable for a port.

For someone who knows the future, it was a dream location.

The new barony's territory, including this area, was quite long and vast. The scale was still ambiguous, but it was on the scale of several prefectures in Japan.

"Well, I've talked too much. Let's take a break and have some sweets."

He signaled the butler, and tea and pastries were prepared.

After cooling down, it was time for the final details.