Chapter 41

As you move southwest from the capital city of Noena in the Arkvist estate, you will come across a river.

This river, which has been used as a water source since the early days of development, continues to be a valuable source of clean drinking water even after wells were dug within the village of Noena. Now, the road from Noena to the river is well-maintained, allowing for the transportation of large amounts of water using carts.

One of the first projects Noein undertook after winter ended was the development of the area around this river.

With a river, a water mill could be built to harness its power for grinding wheat. For the Arkvist estate, which began harvesting wheat in the spring, a water mill would be an essential facility.

It would also be convenient to build a blacksmith's workshop by the river. Although there are no blacksmiths in the capital city of Noena yet, advertising a workshop with living accommodations might attract potential residents.

Another benefit of having a plentiful water source is the ability to build a bathhouse. Noein, along with the water mill and blacksmith's workshop, has been promoting the construction of a public bathhouse for the residents.

Due to its simple structure, the bathhouse was completed before other more complex facilities.

"Look at this magnificent bathhouse. It's as spacious as a public bathhouse in a small city. Isn't that right, Matilda?"

"Yes, Lord Noein. It is truly remarkable. It can be a symbol of the civilized nature of the capital city of Noena."

While inspecting the bathhouse, which can accommodate up to about 20 people at once, Noein is excited. Matilda accompanies him and agrees with his enthusiasm.

In the urban areas of this world, public bathhouses are a form of entertainment for the residents. However, in poor and small villages, building a bathhouse is not feasible.

As a result, the presence of a bathhouse has become a symbol of a civilized city. According to this logic, even the capital city of Noena, with a population of around 100, can be considered a civilized city, albeit on a smaller scale.

This investment is possible only because the Arkvist estate has the Lapiz lazuli mine as a source of funds.

"With this, the hygiene and health of the residents will greatly improve. Their happiness will increase, and labor productivity will rise."

"To think of making such a large investment for the happiness of the residents and the economy of the estate, you are truly remarkable, Lord Noein."

During his house arrest in the Kivileft family, Noein remembered reading about the benefits of bathing in various books.

Bathing helps recover from fatigue, keeping the body clean through baths reduces the risk of illness, and the construction of bathhouses in cities has improved the productivity of workers.

From medical books to the memoirs of ancient rulers, all kinds of literature from different eras and regions consistently praised the benefits of bathing.

Noein himself has experienced the effects of bathing countless times in his life. That is why he decided to build a bathhouse so that the residents could also enjoy these benefits.

Following the example of urban public bathhouses, a nominal fee is charged, but it is only 1 lebro per visit. This amount is affordable for everyone to use regularly. Although it currently operates at a loss considering the current user population, Noein believes that the profit from the bathhouse itself is not the primary concern.

......

"......Bathing is really great, it makes you feel alive."

"I understand, it really does feel that way."

Yuri, who had just submerged himself in the water, muttered, and Bart, who had already been soaking, agreed.

Since there are not enough people to manage the bathhouse, for now, men and women can only bathe once a week. Therefore, on the precious days when the bathhouse is operational, everyone visits to bathe.

With 20 people bathing in shifts, the spacious bathhouse becomes quite crowded and lively. On this day, the steam-filled bathhouse was filled with the voices of the men.

"By the way, Bart, I heard you're quite popular with the women in Retvik."

"......Who told you that?"

"The other men in the estate were talking about it enviously."

When men gather in the bathhouse and relax both physically and mentally, the topics of conversation are predictable.

Married men talk about their wives, whether in complaint or admiration, while single men discuss their preferences and targets.

"You've never had trouble with women since your mercenary days. Every time you visited a city, you had lovers who adored you... Now that you serve a noble, you'll be even more popular."

"Haha, well, it's true that many girls are interested in me... But finding a wife isn't easy."

"What, are you giving up on your playboy ways?"

"I'm in my mid-twenties now. Since I've become a vassal and even have my own farmland, I want to settle down soon."

"So, you've reached that age..."

The mercenary group was a community that had aspects of a large family. Bart, who was picked up by the mercenary group as an orphan, was like a younger brother to Yuri.

Hearing that Bart, whom he had known since he was a young boy, is seriously looking for a wife is a touching experience.

"What criteria should I use to choose a wife from among the many girls?"

"That's a luxurious problem. Are you bragging?"

"No, no... On the contrary, I envy the vassal leader who has been faithful to Mai since his mercenary days. They were like a married couple even back then."

"Well, yeah, I guess..."

"Hey? Are you blushing?"

"Shut up, I'll punch you."

Bart, who teasingly jokes with his senior and superior, Yuri, is met with a gruff but friendly response from Yuri.

"But seriously, what criteria should I use to choose a wife?"

"Hmm... First of all, don't choose based on looks alone. And don't choose someone who only likes you for your looks. You're young now, but you'll age, and you might gain weight or go bald."

"True, that's a good point."

"Think about whether you can still love your partner when they become fat and old, and whether they can still love you when you become a tired old man. Choose someone with whom you can imagine a happy life together even in the future."

"...I understand, I'll take that into consideration."

When Yuri said this, Bart nodded seriously.

"Does that mean the vassal leader imagined Mai as a fat, old woman before getting married?"

"Of course. I can happily embrace Mai even if she becomes an orc-like old woman."

"That's... the power of love."

"Yeah, that's what true love is."

The vassals and residents chat with their close friends, and the time in the public bathhouse flows by.