Chapter 29

Mid-November. The season was gradually turning to winter, and the temperature had become so cold that it was uncomfortable to go outside without a coat.

When winter fully sets in, many people in this world will cease outdoor activities, and travel between towns, villages, and territories will almost completely stop. Even though Retvik and the residential area, which is a half-day’s walk away, are still within a reasonable range for travel, it won’t be as easy as before.

Therefore, preparations for winter were underway in the Arquvist territory.

Since they couldn’t yet produce all their food locally in their first year of settlement, they had to buy wheat, dried meat, pickled vegetables, and salt from Retvik. To stockpile enough food for about 50 people to last through the winter, they had to rely not only on Eliza’s store but also on Benedict from the Miles Trading Company.

The residents would take any opportunity to enter the nearby forest and gather branches for firewood during the winter. Noein also collected leftover materials from the house construction and stored them in the manor’s warehouse, both for his own use and to distribute to residents who might run out of firewood during the winter.

The ones preparing for winter were not just the residents. The craftsmen called from Retvik would also return before winter.

First to leave were the carpenters, led by their master, Dmytri. They had completed all the houses they were commissioned to build and were ready to withdraw before the harsh winter set in.

Noein had continued to place additional orders with them until the last possible moment to prepare as many houses as possible for the expected increase in immigrants. However, it was finally time to wrap things up.

“Thank you very much, Dmytri and everyone, for staying for several months and building houses for us.”

“No problem, it’s our job. It was fulfilling to see the houses we built lined up in what used to be an uncharted forest, and we were able to give our young apprentices some experience. Plus, we made a good profit. It’s a win-win situation.”

Dmytri laughed heartily, and his subordinates followed suit.

“Ahaha, I’m glad to hear that. I plan to place more orders with your company when spring comes, so I hope you can help us then.”

“...Actually, about that, would it be possible for me and a few of my apprentices to move here after winter? And we’d like to start a new construction company here.”

Noein’s eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected proposal.

“Is that okay? You’ve climbed the ranks to become a senior executive in a large construction company, haven’t you?”

“Yes, I did climb the ranks... but I’m a beastman.”

Dmytri’s smile carried a hint of resignation.

“Being a beastman, I can’t expect to advance any further in a large company. Also, sometimes clients in Retvik refuse to have a beastman master build their houses. I’d rather start my own company in a new land than end up as just another master craftsman in such a place. A few of my apprentices have also agreed to follow me.”

A few of Dmytri’s apprentices, who seemed to be his direct disciples, nodded firmly in agreement.

“I understand... No, I get it. Thank you for deciding to move here. It will be a great help to have carpenters in my territory. You are welcome here.”

In the developing Arquvist territory, the demand for houses would undoubtedly increase. Having carpenters in the territory was a blessing.

“Thank you very much. I’ll arrange things with my company during the winter so that we can leave on good terms and move here.”

“Yeah, I’ll be waiting.”

Noein smiled and saw Dmytri and his team off.

...

A few days later, Victor, the mining engineer who had been brought in to help with the extraction of lapis lazuli ore, also returned to Retvik.

Over the past few months, Yuri, the supervisor of the mining site, had learned the basics of tunneling, and the residents had become quite accustomed to the work. With this, Victor’s job of teaching them how to mine the ore was complete.

“Thank you, Victor, for taking care of our residents.”

“No, it was also a new experience for me to mine lapis lazuli. I learned a lot.”

Victor, who had a wild appearance but spoke politely, said this just as he had when they first met.

“Our territory still has a small population, so we can’t expand mining operations further. However, I believe there are still resources in the Ristio Mountains. When we do develop them, I hope you can come back to help.”

From his polite tone, it was clear that Victor was a very serious and courteous person. Yuri, who had worked closely with him as a supervisor, had also spoken highly of him. He had become close to the residents and would be a valuable addition to the team.

Just as Noein was thinking this, Victor made an unexpected proposal.

“...Lord Arquvist, when the population of your territory increases and you start to develop the mines more seriously, would it be possible for me to move here?”

“Huh?”

“Is it not possible?”

“No, that’s not it... On the contrary, it would be a great help. I’m just surprised because the carpenter who built the houses here also expressed a desire to move here.”

Noein quickly reassured the dejected Victor.

“I see. That carpenter must be a very ambitious craftsman. It’s not easy for craftsmen to become independent in this area.”

Hearing Victor’s words, Noein understood.

The northwest of the Roadberg Kingdom, bordered by the Bazel Great Forest to the west and the Ristio Mountains to the north, is stable, both for better and for worse. While there have been no major wars or disasters for a long time, the economy is rigid due to the established large trading companies controlling their respective territories.

As a result, it is difficult for those with a strong desire for independence to open up new markets. Victor was one of those struggling with this situation. Dmytri, the carpenter, also had the dream of becoming the head of a company despite the handicap of being a beastman in this rigid northwest.

In this region, where opportunities for craftsmen are scarce, Noein has been gradually developing the Arquvist territory, which had been left as a nominal noble territory, and slowly building new villages. For craftsmen like Victor and Dmytri, this place must be a new land full of great opportunities.

“...I will continue to develop this land and eventually expand the development of the Ristio Mountains. When that time comes, I hope you will move here. I will create a place where you can excel.”

“Ah... That’s the best news I could hear as a craftsman. I’ll prepare to move here at any time and wait for that day.”

With a bright expression, Victor returned to Retvik, looking forward to the possibility of a new future.