Chapter 25

"It's magnificent, Matilda."

"Yes, it's wonderful, Lord Noein."

The construction of Noein's mansion, which had been progressing at an incredible pace, was completed by mid-September.

Although it was relatively small for a noble's residence, it was more than sufficient considering the size of the territory Noein governed. Moreover, there was room for further expansion through renovations.

This was because Noein had anticipated the future development of the Alquvist territory and wanted to have a residence befitting a lord.

It was a two-story building, rectangular in shape when viewed from above, equipped with a living room, dining room, bedrooms, guest rooms, and all the necessary facilities such as a kitchen and bathroom.

Furthermore, the living areas were concentrated on one side of the mansion, while the other side housed Noein's office, a spacious office for his retainers, a reception room for visitors, and a few private rooms for live-in servants.

The design prioritized practicality and ease of living and working over luxury. Noein was greatly satisfied with the completed mansion, feeling that it truly reflected his personality.

"The walls are thick and sturdy, too. You can shout as loud as you want at night without worrying about the outside, Matilda. Isn't that great?"

"...Yes."

When Noein teased her, Matilda blushed and nodded.

However, Noein's words were not just a light joke.

Worrying about the sound leaking out meant that the tent walls were thin. Even though they were made of thick fabric and waterproofed, they were still just fabric.

Until now, they hadn't been troubled by the cold in spring or summer, but the rainy season had been quite challenging. Although they had set up the tents on a raised area to prevent flooding, the constant rain had still dampened their spirits.

But from now on, they would live in a mansion with sturdy walls and a roof. They wouldn't have to worry about the rainy season or winter. This was a significant improvement.

With the cultural living environment in place and the symbolic completion of the "lord's mansion," it could be said that the history of the Alquvist territory was finally about to begin in earnest.

...

After the completion of Noein's mansion, the construction of the residents' homes proceeded rapidly.

Unlike the lord's mansion, which used a lot of bricks and other materials, these were simple wooden houses. However, they were far more comfortable than the tents they had been living in.

The first to be completed was Yurii's house, the head retainer. Due to his position, it was slightly larger than the others.

Recently, he had been spending a lot of time at the camp in the Restio Mountains, overseeing the lapis lazuli mining, but now that his house was completed, he had returned to the settlement.

"...It's overwhelming. I finally have a house of my own."

After leaving his family home, he had continued a nomadic life as a mercenary and had even fallen to the level of a thief. Now, he owned farmland, held the position of head retainer for a noble, and had a house.

He couldn't have asked for a better environment.

Mai, Yurii's woman and soon-to-be official wife, stood beside him, leaning into his arm and happily looking at their new home.

"I'll make you happy... No, I'll definitely make you happy, Mai."

"Yes, you will."

As they exchanged words and looked forward to a bright future,

"Whew, it's hot even in the daytime. Outdoors, too."

Noein walked up, interrupting them.

"Shut up."

"Oh, you don't have to look so scary. The farmland and the house are gifts from me, after all."

Noein said this with his usual grin, to which Yurii, who had instinctively scowled, responded.

Indeed, Noein was right, and Yurii's current happiness was largely due to Noein. However, it would be nice if Noein could show some consideration when Yurii was feeling sentimental about his new home.

"Are you satisfied with the house?"

"...Yes, of course. I have no complaints. I genuinely thank you as my lord, and I swear my unwavering loyalty to you."

Yurii answered, slightly embarrassed.

"That's good. At this rate, I don't have to worry about being killed, do I?"

Noein's casual words made Yurii momentarily confused, but he soon chuckled.

"I remember that conversation."

"Huh? Did you forget? I was quite serious about it and worked hard."

When Noein first met Yurii and invited him to his territory, he had said that if Yurii didn't become a good lord, he could be killed. Yurii had nodded in agreement.

At the time, he had meant it, but once the lid was lifted, Noein turned out to be a good lord who cared deeply for his people.

While he sometimes showed a fiercely evil face when it came to his father or people outside his territory, he was undoubtedly a lord to be respected by his people.

"That promise is null and void. I no longer doubt your character. If you ever stray from the path of a good lord, I will advise you as your head retainer."

"That's good. I'm glad I don't have to worry about being killed, but I don't want to be lectured either. I'll continue to do my best as a lord."

With a playful expression, Noein left the scene, apparently considering that he had intruded enough on Yurii and Mai's moment of reflection.

...

With the completion of Yurii's house, the residents' homes were built one by one.

The construction of the commoners' houses was much simpler compared to Noein's mansion. Additionally, there was a large stockpile of wood in the settlement, so the construction pace was as fast as Noein's mansion.

Families moved into their new homes as soon as they were completed, and the settlement quickly took on the appearance of a village.

Moreover, Noein's long-held wish to purchase horses was finally realized. Not warhorses, but pack horses, which meant that Noein wouldn't have to personally control a horse-type golem to go shopping in Retvik. This task could now be entrusted to one of his retainers.

A few chickens were also being raised in the settlement, and stables and chicken coops were built.

The development was proceeding smoothly, but because of this smooth progress, a significant problem was also arising.

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