Chapter 86

It's a joy that we were able to procure soy sauce and miso, but there are other things we need to get as well.

While they are regular items, things like salt and pepper are also important when it comes to food.

With mostly women... or rather, with me being the only man even if you count Kururu and Lucy, our family of six (plus two) consumes a fair amount, especially since we use salt for preservation.

Most importantly, we can't forget charcoal and iron ore, which, while not directly necessary for living, are indirectly lifelines. Without them, we can't make weapons, which are our source of income, and we'll eventually run dry.

After finishing that discussion, Camillo gave instructions to the head clerk who had just returned to the room.

"I'm sorry to send you out right after you've just come back."

When I said that, the head clerk smiled and replied,

"It's my job, so don't worry about it."

He said and left. Just like Marius, when handsome guys smile like that, it suits them. Camillo and I can't pull it off like that.

"So, anyway,"

Camillo started as soon as the head clerk closed the door.

Since he's okay with our family hearing it, it's probably not a secret, but there must be something to it.

I braced myself a little and urged him to continue.

"I have something I want you to make."

"What is it? If it's not too complicated, it's no trouble."

"It's not that difficult."

"Then, is it a large quantity?"

Camillo shrugged at my words. That's probably it.

"I'm sorry, but it's not a weapon. I want you to make a large number of shovels."

"Shovels, huh."

Shovels aren't difficult to make. I've made them before, the ones I tried to sell when we first came to this town.

Back then, they didn't sell, but it's nice to be asked to make them as merchandise now.

Feeling a bit sentimental, I tried not to show it on my face and looked at Rike.

Rike, who met my gaze, nodded. I think it's possible to mass-produce them, depending on the quantity. We have more people now...

"Alright, I'll do it."

"Thanks. I appreciate it."

"So, how many do you need?"

When you say a large quantity, I think I could make about fifty swords with ease, but a hundred might be difficult.

No, can I do it now? It might be good to know the limits of our production capacity at some point.

"It would be a problem if it's too few, but the more the better."

"That's pretty vague."

"This time, we can sell as many as we have."

"Is that so?"

Camillo nodded at my words.

"Remember the territory we took from the empire? Even though it was imperial territory, it was practically abandoned. We need to start by reclaiming the land. It's quite extensive, and a considerable number of people will be heading there. They'll need shovels."

"I see."

I think the main people going will be tenant farmers, but tenant farmers around here often borrow tools from landlords, meaning they don't have their own.

This time, it's probably being advertised that they can become independent farmers if they go to that land. It's like the Konden Einen Shizai Law. It seems that the way of thinking doesn't change much, even in a different world.

If they become independent farmers, they'll need their own tools. Whether the government provides them or the farmers buy them themselves, they'll need those tools.

My workshop has only been asked to make shovels, but they'll need sickles and other tools too. They probably have other blacksmiths handling those.

If the land is abandoned and the soil is hard, our shovels might save them some labor.

Also, if we took on all the farming tools, it might run afoul of antitrust laws. Well, whether such laws exist or not, I don't want to be envied.

"Alright, I'll aim for more than fifty and do my best. Is next week okay?"

"...Yeah, I'll count on you."

Camillo's eyes widened for a moment at my words, but he quickly returned to his usual expression and said so.

"By the way, I have something to ask you. Can you pass a message to Marius?"

"Sure, what is it?"

I told him that I would be going to the capital on a day trip the day after tomorrow and asked him to tell Marius that I wanted him to take care of Kururu and Lucy at the Eymour family's house during that time.

I can't just wander around the capital with Kururu, and it would be cruel to leave her out, so I decided to leave Lucy as well, with a heavy heart.

Since it's a one-sided request, it might not be possible. If it's not, I'll have to pay and leave them at a decent inn.

"Got it. I'll pass the message."

Camillo and I finished our discussion, shook hands, and everyone started getting ready to leave.