Chapter 16

"......Really, you're something."

The first to move was Bartholomew.

He scratched the back of his head and plopped down into a chair.

However, he seemed uncomfortable and was tapping his fingers on the desk with his other hand.

The sound made Alru's ears twitch, and she also sat down on the chair next to Bartholomew.

"Because it's a request from Lord Joshua. Ellie."

"Un."

Ellie, who was sitting across the table, nodded solemnly.

Only Rumburgh was left.

He smiled slightly and performed a perfect 45-degree bow.

"Lord Joshua, you always surprise me. Your creativity, unbound by convention, is truly you!"

Rumburgh pulled out a chair with his white-gloved hand and sat down gracefully.

"It seems I've made you go to too much trouble. I apologize, but I wanted you to listen carefully. Since we've all gathered to discuss, I want to make the conversation as easy as possible."

"I understand. As housekeepers, we failed to consider your comfort, and I apologize."

Everyone bowed in unison, looking embarrassed.

N-no... Even if you bow so seriously, I get flustered.

Ah, ah! I can't let it get to me.

Anyway, I hope they will be a bit more relaxed in the future. I'll think positively.

Yeah, being positive is important.

Clunk!

When I tried to stand up, I must have been more shaken than I thought, and I bumped my knee on the desk.

H-huh.

Everyone was already by my side.

"Don't worry. I'm fine."

"I apologize."

That was my fault. I honestly feel bad about it.

I cleared my throat and picked up a white chalk.

"Then, let's start with what I said I wanted to discuss. I'll explain the general idea of the town I'm thinking of."

Turning my body to face the blackboard, I could see the four of them watching intently. They were already all seated.

As always, they move quickly.

"The threat level of the surrounding area is still unknown. So, please listen with the assumption that it might be excessive or insufficient."

After this preface, I continued the explanation.

"I'm thinking of using a concrete wall and a moat for the outer perimeter. The height of the wall is still to be discussed, but even if it's lower than my height, it should still be effective."

"For defense against wild beasts or monsters, a height like Alru's should be sufficient, I think."

Rumburgh gave his opinion.

It depends on the materials and manpower. The town's defenses are necessary, but I want to aim for the minimum required.

"Thank you for your opinion, Rumburgh. I want everyone to speak up freely if they have any thoughts. We'll discuss individual points in detail with experts at another time. Let's continue with the general overview."

"I understand. I will speak freely."

I nodded at Rumburgh, who bowed, and gave him a thumbs up with a smile.

"The town will be centered around the Rubicon River, where the water wheel is being built. We'll build workshops adjacent to the water wheel, especially the blacksmith's forge. However, many facilities require a water source, so it won't be a commercial district or main street. It will be the center of the town's functions. Alru."

"Eh. A. Ano..."

Her head was tilting more and more, so I thought she had something on her mind and called her name.

However, she straightened her neck and ears and her eyes darted around.

"Take your time. You don't have to summarize your thoughts."

Alru is probably not used to giving opinions in such settings. But it's a good opportunity. Giving opinions in meetings will surely be beneficial for her in the future.

"Y-Yes. E-Err. Can't it be near the water?"

"Don't worry about the formality of your words. First, express your opinion. That's what's important."

"Y-Yes!"

If she's already stuttering, worrying about formality will only make it harder for her to speak.

"So, about not being near the water, I think it's a very good point. Indeed, being near the water is preferable."

"Preferable?"

"Un. In my opinion, this land is still 'barren.' There are no crops, no magic stones, and especially no combustion stones, which is tough."

"Water. Combustion stones?"

"Exactly! That's right. We'll transmit the water flow to the water wheel and use this power. You'll see when it's done."

"Y-Yes!"

For heating and cooking, charcoal or coal if we find it will do.

But for blacksmithing, it's a bit more difficult. Blacksmithing in this world uses combustion stones.

I said it was bad that there are no combustion stones in Torre because I was worried about blacksmithing. But using the water wheel, we can easily build a furnace to melt iron... hopefully. We'll use charcoal or coal as fuel.

"Then, let's continue. I said the center would be the river, but the northern end will extend beyond the river to the cliff. The cliff will serve as a natural defensive wall. There's glass and volcanic ash in this area."

I drew a line on the blackboard to indicate the Rubicon River and marked the cliff.

"The town's center will be by the river, but the central part will be further south, near this mansion."

From the northern cliff, the mansion will be in the middle, and the southern end of the town will be on the opposite side.

The east and west will be about the same distance.

"It might be a bit too wide, but we'll include farmland. We don't know if the area outside the outer wall is safe. If it is safe, we can have the farmland outside."

I drew a circle and tapped the central part.

"May I offer one opinion?"

"Un."

I nodded at Ellie, who raised her hand.

"I understand the size of the town you've described, Lord Joshua. I don't think all the commercial, residential, and agricultural areas are in your brilliant mind..."

"I was thinking of gathering the opinions of the villagers to decide the layout. But that might not be possible. We've just gathered the wood."

"The drying of the green wood is being accelerated by the magic of the gnome and dwarf races, but the priority is on logging."

"Thank you. You asked Garam or Torre, right?"

"Lord Torre said that."

With the large number of villagers, the materials are coming together faster than expected. But with more villagers, the required amount also increases.

"Given that, it might be better to roughly decide the layout. Can you gather the villagers' opinions for the details?"

"As you wish."

Rumburgh responded on behalf of everyone.

"What I want to decide is the 'roads.' I want to create wide avenues where carriages can cross in all directions. No, let's add two more. From northeast to southeast and from northwest to southwest."

The main roads need to be secured first. It will be too late if houses are built first.

We can mark the "planned main roads" with ropes or something.

Next, Rumburgh raised his hand smoothly.

"Will the roads be paved?"

"Paving can be done later. Can you secure the locations for me?"

"Understood."

"Paving with bricks might look good. We'll decide based on the materials. Construction will prioritize housing and the outer wall."

Oops. I was supposed to listen to Ellie's opinion, but I ended up talking about the town's layout.

"Ellie. Sorry. I got off track from your opinion."

"No, it's a wonderful idea. Just imagining it, I can picture the town's scenery."

Ellie clasped her hands in front of her chest and blushed.

However, what she said next surprised me.

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