Merchant Noble is out (2/3 chapters for today)
Third Town (4)
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One week had passed since the decision was made to transform the third town into an industrial hub. Arc’s work was nearing its climax. The remaining tasks were to establish communication with the second town as the lord and to coordinate with the Warden Household and the guild.
First, the second town.
“Yulia.” (Arc)
“Yes?” (Yulia)
“I need you to take a few adventurers as guards and go to the second town to buy a large quantity of plump agricultural products.” (Arc)
“Understood.” (Yulia)
From that day, Ragonne and the district representatives had begun explaining to the residents that their way of life was about to change drastically. To assist them in these explanations, Arc had conducted taste tests in various locations to show the difference in quality between local and imported produce. Thus, acquiring a large amount of grain from the second town was crucial.
Explaining that the short lifespan of the people in this region was due to the poor soil helped to allay some fears and gained understanding for the shift from agriculture to industry. The transformation efforts were proceeding smoothly.
Next, Arc needed to contact the guild.
“Yuna.” (Arc)
“Yes?” (Yuna)
“Get in touch with the guild and connect us with the Warden Association headquarters. Remember? Hangue-Warden from Baron Kreitz’s territory, my cousin.” (Arc)
“Yes, I remember.” (Yuna)
“We need a large number of skilled ironworkers. Whether we find them through weapon merchants’ networks or hold an ironworker contest, don’t worry about the means or money. Just bring as many skilled craftsmen as possible.” (Arc)
“Understood. It will take about a week to go back to the first town to contact the Order, so a round trip will be a week.” (Yuna)
“One week is fine. Thank you.” (Arc)
In the first town, where Minerva and Tyr were stationed, several Order members were also waiting. Yuna would pass the task of contacting Hangue in Baron Kreitz’s territory to those Order members.
With this, Arc’s work was temporarily complete. Currently, sis job was to issue instructions to his subordinates and wait for them to return with results. Unlike the Tadont couple, who tirelessly worked every day and returned exhausted each night, Arc only needed to wait.
“Now, what to do?” (Arc)
In contrast to the bustling activity around him, Arc felt bored after giving out instructions. While helping with the tasks around him as a player might be an option, he thought it might be better to find something more fitting for his role as a lord. At that moment, he remembered the original purpose of his visit and decided he needed to learn more about the Mikanda region as a lord.
He promptly went to see Yanna, who was working in the town hall.
“Nee-san, were there really only two other towns in this region?” (Arc)
“That’s right. I’ve confirmed with the people of this town and the second town, so there’s no mistake.” (Yanna)
“Then, let’s go on an exploration together.” (Arc)
“This region? It’s over five times the size of the previous territory. We’d get lost if we just went exploring.” (Yanna)
Looking up from the pile of documents, Yanna spoke with a look of annoyance. Given her abilities, she could handle the mountain of paperwork in an instant, but it seemed she wasn’t interested in exploring.
“But as a lord, I think it’s important to see not just the towns but the entire region.” (Arc)
As Arc struggled to convince his sister, the door suddenly burst open with a loud bang. The noise made Yanna give a small shriek. A girl with large round glasses leaped in.
“Hmph! Did I hear the word ‘exploration’ just now?” (??)
“Ah, you startled me. Don’t just burst in like that.” (Yanna)
“And you are…?” (Arc)
When Arc asked, the girl adjusted her glasses and answered briskly.
“Yes! I am Mia, a third-class adventurer. I was eagerly anticipating being able to leave this town as a bodyguard for Yulia-sama on her trip to the second town, but I was unfortunately not selected in the lottery and thus could not accompany her.” (Mia)
After this long-winded introduction, Mia took a deep breath and continued.
“I was wandering around in front of the government office, hoping to find some other work. Then, I saw a girl come out, mount her horse, and vanish like the wind! I was certain there must be another task available, which is why I came here.” (Mia)
Her introduction was unexpectedly lengthy but given that she was an adventurer with exploration experience, she might be just what they needed. Arc decided to ask her a bit about the region.
“I see. So, Mia, is it true that there are only three towns in this region?”
“Yes, that is true! Whenever I have free time, I explore various parts of this region. After all, I am an ‘adventurer’!” (Mia)
Mia then continued.
“However, what about other adventurers? Every single day—every single day! Gathering herbs, hunting beasts, competing for the job of guarding merchants who come every six months, and then partying at the tavern in the evening. How is any of this ‘adventure’? It’s nothing more than casual labor.” (Mia)
Arc wasn’t particularly fond of people who went on and on about themselves when he only wanted specific answers. While Mia’s extended self-introduction was wearing on him, he knew he had to handle such matters well as both a merchant and a lord. He sighed inwardly but remained patient.
“I understand that you take great pride in being an adventurer.” (Yanna)
“Yes! Exactly! I became an adventurer because I wanted to go on adventures. I am a true adventurer through and through.” (Mia)
Mia seemed thrilled to be praised by Yanna, puffing out her chest with delight. She then walked over to the window, took off her glasses, and wiped the lenses clean. Arc gave a wry smile, thinking it was quite bold of her to do so in the lord’s office.
As Mia put her glasses back on, she turned back to Arc.
“Anyway, are you planning to go on an exploration, Milord?” (Mia)
“Hmm? Oh, yes. I want to get to know the Mikanda region better.” (Arc)
With a loud clap of her hands, Mia startled Yanna once again.
“That sounds splendid! Let me offer myself as your guide. Is there anyone more suited to this role in this region than me? No! There is not!” (Mia)
Her eyes sparkled as she eagerly approached Arc. Despite her seemingly small eyes behind the glasses, Arc found it hard to refuse her enthusiasm. Even if her personality might not match perfectly, she certainly seemed to be a fitting candidate.
“Well, since we have the time, I suppose I’ll take you up on that offer.” (Arc)
“Splendid! I shall return home immediately to prepare.” (Mia)
Mia was overjoyed and dashed out of the room, raising her arms in excitement.
“Alright, while I go on the exploration, please handle any issues that arise as the acting lord, sister. Yulia and Yuna haven’t returned yet, and Ragonne and the others are still convincing the residents.” (Arc)
Deciding to leave the lordly duties to Yanna, Arc began preparing for the trip. As he packed supplies like food and sleeping bags, he heard a commotion outside the building. The noise made it clear. Mia was shouting for Arc.
“Milord! Let’s set off now!!” (Mia)
Her voice was so loud that it was likely disturbing the neighbors. Arc hurried outside.
“You’re already here? That was fast. And by the way, my name is Arc Warden.” (Arc)
“Arc Warden. What a fine name. Well then, Arc-sama! Let us go!” (Mia)
Mia cheerfully said, mounting her horse and pointing toward the vast land stretching beyond the town.
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