Chapter 22

"Eri, I'm sorry, but I need you to guard me today."

"I am delighted to do so!"

I was taken aback by her enthusiastic response. Eri, who usually exuded the composed demeanor of a maid, now had her cheeks flushed and her eyes shining like a child in front of delicious food.

If Alru had done this, I wouldn't have been so surprised. I might have even felt a warm, approving smile. I wonder if I overthought it. Both Eri and Alru would have remained silent and obedient if I hadn't given them instructions.

That's why I made sure to say, "I need you to guard me," beforehand...

I cleared my throat dramatically, and Eri blushed deeply, as if steam was rising from her, and she placed her hand on her forehead, looking as if she was about to faint.

"Alright. I will move as appropriate. First, I will go outside the mansion with Rumburg and Alru."

"Understood."

Rumburg nodded, and I raised my right hand in acknowledgment. The meeting was dismissed.

◇◇◇

Outside the mansion, the estate was overflowing with residents waiting for instructions. I wanted to ask, "Is there anyone here who can dry wood?" in a light-hearted manner, but unfortunately, my position didn't allow for such casual jokes.

So, I reluctantly climbed up to the podium that the perfectly prepared man, Rumburg, had set up.

Indeed, the front of the mansion was once again enveloped in a tremendous amount of enthusiasm, despite the cheers just a moment ago.

When I slowly opened my hands, the surroundings fell silent.

"Is there anyone among you who can dry wood? If so, please step forward."

Amidst the murmurs, four residents raised their hands.

"Residents, thanks to your hard work, we have been able to prepare such a large amount of wood in such a short time. I am deeply grateful."

"Master Joshua!"

"What a considerate master..."

Despite my simple words of gratitude, some people knelt and shed tears, while others, for some reason, clasped their hands and began to pray to me.

I need to be careful with my words... If I say something flippant, it could lead to serious consequences. Even when giving thanks or praise, I need to be cautious. If I have to reprimand someone, I need to be extremely careful to avoid any major issues.

On the surface, I maintained a composed demeanor, but inside, I took a deep breath to calm myself down.

"I want to prepare your homes as soon as possible, but unfortunately, it takes time for the wood to dry. That's why I asked for those who can dry wood. Please follow Rumburg's instructions for the next steps. If there are any issues with agricultural work, Alru will be the point of contact. I count on you, dear residents."

A loud cheer erupted, and I raised my right hand in acknowledgment before descending from the podium.

"Rumburg, I have one more request."

"Ha! Please tell me what it is."

He knelt on one knee, looking up at me, his eyes brimming with tears...

I can't let this get to me. No, I need to take it in stride.

It's important to treat it as a regular occurrence.

"Do you remember our discussion about the road's planned route?"

"Yes, I have it firmly in mind."

"Without any rope, can we at least mark the route with crushed lime?"

"That is possible."

"Can you draw a white line from the mansion to the central square? I don't want people to think we're always outside the mansion."

"Understood. As you wish."

Once the wood is dry, we will start building houses one after another.

At the same time, we need to secure the space for the road, but it feels a bit awkward with the crowd in front of the houses.

Alright, this seems to be in order. I turned my gaze to Eri, who was standing by.

"Eri, please get the horse ready."

"Understood."

Eri placed her hands on her stomach and bowed. Of course, she wouldn't leave me to get the horse. Since her primary duty is to guard me, she will guide me to where the horse is when I move.

Hmm. Just as I was about to move, Alru started fidgeting, her cat ears twitching.

"What's wrong?"

"Y-You were so cool! Giving the speech, Master Joshua. Always."

"R-Right. Hahaha. I count on you, Alru."

"Yes!"

With her tail wagging happily, Alru disappeared into the crowd.

◇◇◇

Next, I headed to the banks of the Rubicon River.

When I arrived at the water wheel, Garam and the others were already hard at work.

Still... isn't the work progressing too quickly?

The original water wheel is still disassembled, but the connecting part that Tore was responsible for is already complete.

I couldn't see Tore, who had finished his work, but knowing him, he must be working on something else.

The blacksmith's house was also complete in appearance. It was a simple, one-story house made of wood and plaster, but it looked sufficient.

On the other hand, Garam, who was working on another important part, seemed to be nearing completion.

He was making a wooden box about two meters wide, 80 centimeters deep, and 60 centimeters high, along with its contents.

I would like to reinforce the wooden box, but without a forge, we can't use iron. The wooden box should last for a while, and we can reinforce it later.

I spotted a fox-eared girl who seemed to be free and called out to her, but she didn't respond. She had her arms crossed and was intently watching Garam's work, muttering to herself, seemingly unaware of my voice.

When this happens, the mischievous side of human nature kicks in.

I crouched down and pinched her cheek from behind.

But she still didn't react.

Hehe. The cheek isn't the main target. My real target is here.

Mofun.

I touched her fox ears.

Oh, they feel so good. They remind me of Pochi, the Shiba Inu I used to have at home.

"Pochi. Good, good."

"What are you doing... You?"

"Pochi is talking!"

"Who's Pochi!"

Sequoia turned to face me and started patting my chest with both hands.

"No, no, I'm just joking. How's it going?"

"Are you really joking?"

"I said I'm joking. Pochi."

"...Fine. It's almost complete. All that's left is to connect everything."

"Isn't it a bit too fast...? It's only the second day."

"Yes, I'm surprised too. These guys must be really skilled."

I see...

The result of skilled craftsmen working on a project that piques their interest, pouring their desire and effort into it, is this work speed.

I thought, if they could apply this level of dedication to building houses, but the blacksmith's work can only be done by them.

I realized that everyone has their place and role.

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