Chapter 17

"So, what did Ellie think about it?"

"Yes. From what I understand, are you planning to make a large square where all the main streets intersect?"

"That's right! At first, it might just seem like a vast open space, but I want it to be a place for people to rest. Eventually, it could be surrounded by market stalls."

"Yes! What I wanted to propose, or rather petition, is based on the premise of having a square."

"Oh? What kind of thing?"

I'm curious to see what Ellie, who rarely voices her opinions, has in mind.

Putting benches, water fountains, or some kind of public facility along the square would be nice.

"Although the town's name hasn't been announced by Joshua yet, I thought it would be fitting to place a symbol of the town in the most frequented square."

"Oh, that's a good idea. Can I leave it to Ellie and Arle? Garam and Tore can handle the actual construction."

"Really? Such an important task... can we take it on, Ellie and I?"

"Only if it's not too much of a burden..."

"Absolutely! We'll make sure it becomes a symbol of the town that will be talked about for generations. Fortunately, we have Lord Garam and Lord Tore to help us."

She's more enthusiastic than I expected.

Creating a symbol for the town will certainly be a challenging task, but I think it will also be enjoyable.

I asked them to take on this task as a reward for their hard work, and I'm glad they're excited about it.

Arle and Ellie exchanged smiles, and I couldn't help but smile too.

Does Ellie already have an idea in mind? If I were to create it, I'd probably go with a triumphal arch. Garam and Tore are skilled with arches.

While they each have their specialties, they can handle anything related to "creation."

In a world where division of labor is not well-developed, it's thanks to their years of experience that they can do so much.

I've heard that there are also craftsmen who specialize in their fields.

"Arle, I'm counting on you too."

"Yes!"

Arle, with her cat ears twitching and tail standing straight, responded with a bright smile and a vigorous salute.

However, I would come to regret this decision. At the time, I had no idea what would happen.

"That's all from me. I was planning to hear everyone's reports tomorrow, but is there anything urgent to report now?"

"I don't have anything urgent to report."

"I had a few concerns, but nothing that needs immediate attention."

"I have nothing to report."

Lumberg, Bartholomew, and Ellie followed.

Hmm. It seems there haven't been any unexpected incidents, which is a relief.

"Bartholomew, since you're back, can you change your assignment?"

"Sure. What do you need me to do?"

"Give instructions to prevent houses from being built along the main streets. After that, mark the outer perimeter with lime until sunset."

"Got it! I'll make sure I can respond quickly if any unforeseen events occur."

"Of course, Bartholomew. It would be helpful if you could give the citizens whistles or something similar."

"Understood. I'll take care of it."

Ellie will continue to assist the citizens. Lumberg will take up the same vigilance point as yesterday.

As for me, I decided to go after Tore and Garam, who have probably already started working.

After all, I'm the one who came up with the idea, so I need to see it through.

I have no doubts about their skills, but I'm worried they might go overboard.

I'm sure Sequoia is there too... oh no, I have a bad feeling about this.

◇◇◇

I rode the horse with Arle on the back, clop clop, heading to the site.

Oh, I could have gone with Lumberg since we were heading in the same direction.

"Arle, hold on tight."

"But, Lord Joshua..."

Despite riding behind me, Arle wasn't holding onto anything.

"Here."

"Ah."

I let go of the reins with one hand and reached back.

She timidly took my hand, and I guided her to hold onto my shoulder or stomach.

"Is this okay...?"

"Of course. Hold on tight."

"Yes!"

Arle stuck to my back like glue.

Well, it's not necessary to stick that close... but it's better than not holding on at all.

I'm wearing leather armor, so I can't feel her softness at all.

In other words, she doesn't have to worry about it either. Probably.

Alright. This is the second time, so I know the way well. It's mostly a straight path, though.

Eventually, the road will be improved and easier to travel.

Look, the Rubicon River is already in sight.

"Lord Joshua, what's that?"

"You have good eyes. I can only see it faintly, but it's probably a water wheel."

"Spinning."

"Already completed?"

Unlike Japan, there are no machines here. Everything is done by hand, yet they managed to build it in just one day. Garam and Tore are truly impressive.

◇◇◇

"Hey, Joshua. We've been waiting for you."

"Joshua, we're just getting to the good part. Yes, we are."

"Joshua, let me ride behind you too."

Oh. As soon as we arrived, Garam, Tore, and Sequoia all started talking at once.

What was the last line from Sequoia about?

"Sequoia, this is our destination, so I'm getting off the horse."

As I said this, I gracefully dismounted and took Arle's hand... but she nimbly dismounted on her own.

As expected of a cat person, she's incredibly agile.

"Joshua!"

"Wait, wait. First, let me check the situation."

I pushed back Sequoia's forehead with my palm. She pouted and kicked her feet.

First, let's check the personnel.

In addition to Garam and Tore, there are two of their apprentices. The rest are probably helping with the logging team.

I'm relieved they still have their wits about them.

If everyone had been brought here, I would have had to rush to bring half of them back.

It's important to prioritize. We need to secure food, clothing, and shelter before anything else, or long-term living will be difficult.

For now, it's fine. The excitement of starting from scratch is keeping morale high, even with the ongoing outdoor living. But that's only temporary.

Next, let's check the work status.

A water wheel was already installed by the river.

However, two apprentices were trying to dismantle it.

The gears and other parts of the water wheel were scattered along the riverbank.

"Tore, that water wheel is for the forge, right?"

"Yes, we first tested if it functions as a water wheel."

"I see. We need to build the forge first, then."

"The materials are already gathered."

Tore stroked his white beard with one hand and pointed to the right with the other.

Wow. I didn't notice.

Logs are piled up in abundance. Even lime and small stones are ready.

"I wanted to make the water wheel's shaft out of iron or mithril, but we don't have a furnace, so it's made of wood. We'll replace it later."

While I was impressed by the preparation, Garam couldn't wait any longer and spoke up.

"We're going to work together on a crash project. At least the furnace first."

"Sure. Since that's the case, wait a bit, Joshua."

"O-okay."

No, it's not like a little wait will make much of a difference.

But seeing this, I'm relieved they're not going overboard.

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