Chapter 17

Sora frowned as she listened to Raset's report.

This report, which had been ongoing since morning with occasional breaks, was about the current state of the children and the development of the abandoned seaside village.

From the window, smoke rose into the crimson sky, indicating that the residents of the town were likely preparing dinner.

It had been a year since the Wooddora Chamber of Commerce's lottery scandal.

Due to the lottery's unpopularity, wood was sold properly as firewood and building materials, and a small amount of ogalite was also circulating.

The Wooddora Chamber of Commerce, which had complicated matters, had tidied up its affairs in about two months and closed the store. There were rumors that they had fled inland.

Sora had moved the children to the abandoned seaside village in the spring and had them set up an ice plant cultivation and a simple ogalite production factory. She also had the fisherman, Zess, teach them fishing.

Sora heard about the abandoned village from Zess and the others, who regularly came to the town to sell ogalite and replenish funds and materials.

This is how the past year had been spent.

Each time Sora heard about the failures, she felt frustrated, but since the project was being carried out in secret, she couldn't go there herself, which is why she was frowning.

"That concludes the report. Zess and the others will return to the village tomorrow."

"Is that so?"

Sora sighed after giving a short reply.

She organized the key points in her head and then spoke.

"First, stop the raft fishing immediately. Although you chose a relatively calm area, there's no guarantee they won't drift away."

Sora muttered, "What is Zess thinking?"

"They say they are working on repairing the boats. They mentioned it's a bitter strategy because they can't secure enough for everyone."

"Shortage of boats, huh? They'll just have to bear with it... The boats are expensive, and buying a large amount of materials would draw attention, making it difficult to gather enough."

"It's good that we've managed to stabilize the production of ogalite, but the ice plants are still difficult, right?"

After a year of continuous effort, cultivation on the sea has not been successful.

Sora wanted to use this village's revival as a model case to bring vitality back to the coastal villages, but it was still a challenging task.

– If we could solve the food shortage, the situation would improve significantly...

Currently, the only places producing vegetables within the territory are the upper reaches of rivers where seawater doesn't reach and a few areas inland. As a result, the supply to the coastal areas is extremely limited.

With a limited supply, prices are high, and people who can't afford them end up malnourished.

The ice plants were meant to improve this situation, but without a clear production plan, they can't be widely distributed.

"Are the children not sick or anything?"

"Actually, they've put on a bit of weight. It's enviable that they have the luxury to gain weight."

"Sora was about to say Raset had also gained a bit of weight – but never mind."

Seeing Raset, who is usually laid-back, suddenly become serious, Sora immediately closed her mouth. She felt relieved when Raset's familiar droopy eyes returned and tried to change the subject.

"Your father will be back in as little as three days. Make sure the children are back in the village by then."

Six months ago, they managed to get through it, but that time it was only for two days. This time, it's four days.

They needed to ensure the children wouldn't be found during his stay.

Ogalite is currently exclusively sold by the former street children Sora leads. They keep the production method secret, but to avoid resentment, they limit the supply to maintain the traditional price of firewood.

However, if the greedy old man found out how to produce ogalite, he would gather all the sawdust in town and start production.

Ogalite is a lifeline for Sora and her group, providing them with funds. If it were taken away, their activities would be impossible.

"Really, the thought of this commotion every time your father comes back is depressing."

Sora grumbled, looking like a student facing a mountain of homework.

Raset, having finished the report, relaxed and leaned back in her chair.

"By the way, Raset, you'll be staying with us during your father's stay."

When Sora said this as if it were nothing, Raset jumped up.

"But you said the maid leader was giving time off to servants who might be punished!"

Raset, who is the least motivated, was the first candidate for a break. She had been looking forward to it.

In fact, Sora had already used the maid leader's weakness to give breaks to new and frequently failing maids.

"Without Raset, our options in emergencies would be limited. Don't worry, I'll protect you, Raset."

"Nice words won't fool me. Ah, my disappearing vacation! Ah, my increasing fatigue!"

Despite her lament, Raset slumped back into her chair, apparently deciding to conserve her energy while complaining.

"Still, you're looking forward to the special allowance, aren't you?"

"…In the end, it's a big deal, isn't it?"

Originally, Sora had planned to add a color to the servants' salaries as a danger allowance. It was also a strategy to win over the servants to her side.

While she was willing to accept it as a necessary expense, it was somewhat unsettling to be expected.