Chapter 119
As more time passed, thanks to the residents from the Royal Capital’s Slums and the people who came seeking work, the Nipas Territory’s enterprises stabilized and it was bustling with activity.
“Claude-sama. Although the amount invested is still larger, the enterprises have gotten on track, haven’t they?”
“That’s a relief. However, I don’t want to let up now. I’ve been thinking about this for some time, but let’s build a trade city on the border.”
“A trade city, you say? That will cost a lot of money again, you know.”
“Expenditures are inherent to the development of the territory. Actually, I’ve already finished the designs and such in my spare time.”
He took out the blueprints from his Item Box.
“Allow me to see.”
Smiling broadly, Claude waited for a reaction.
“This is less a trade city and more of a fortress city, isn’t it? It wouldn’t be surprising if the Sylphid Empire had something to say about this.”
“It will handle trade, but it’s also a border city. Even if the Sylphid Empire says something, I’ll brush it off as interference in our internal affairs.”
“That’s a bold stance.”
“Actually, while I was gathering materials for equipment, I was also collecting building materials, so all that’s left is to gather manpower.”
“To think you’ve already arranged for the building materials as well… I always think this, but Claude-sama, you’re truly beyond the norm.”
“You won’t get anything by praising me.”
“I wasn’t exactly praising you… Oh well. Let’s make a grand announcement and begin construction.”
Word of building a new city on the border spread even beyond Nipas Territory, and many people gathered, seeking to work away from home.
“Everyone. I am Claude, the lord of this territory. Thank you all for gathering today for the construction of our new city.”
“Lord-sama. That’s all well and good, but we don’t see any building materials around.”
Murmurs of question arose from the gathered crowd.
“I’ll bring them out now.”
Claude began taking out building materials one after another from his Item Box.
In the blink of an eye, a mountain of building materials was formed.
“Whoa! Amazing! The Lord-sama has an Item Box!”
“While we are taking thorough security precautions, there’s a possibility of interference from the Sylphid Empire. So please, work quickly.”
Just in case, the recently trained knightly order and infantry units were also assigned to the construction work; they were to engage in defensive combat should any interference occur.
The gathered people were assigned to their respective tasks, and Claude also worked alongside the specialists.
“Lord-sama! For you to work alongside us yourself, we’re deeply moved!”
“We must use any help we can get. If my working helps it get completed faster, I’ll gladly lend a hand as much as needed.”
He was currently helping with the construction of the castle walls.
Claude, thanks to his overwhelming Stats, was advancing the work much faster than anyone else.
The gathered people, not wanting to be outdone, also dedicated themselves to their tasks.