Chapter 557: Peace on This Side
The vegetables are probably sourced from elsewhere through Naruadeid—potatoes, tomatoes from the outlying area, and cucumbers from the island’s fields. As for the meat, it’s entirely imported.
And then there’s the long-arm shrimp I’ve been eagerly waiting for. I simply split it in half, sprinkled some salt, and grilled it. When I squeezed some island lemon over it and took a bite, it was absolutely exquisite. The shells were slightly charred, giving off a fragrant aroma, while the flesh was plump and juicy. Dipping it in a bit of miso was also delightful.
What pairs well with this? Beer or wine? They say seafood goes with white wine, but I still can’t quite judge alcohol.
Feeling surprisingly happy, I left the shop. The island has seen a significant increase in its population.
Both residents and tourists. The inn and theater that were still under construction have now been completed, and most of the houses are occupied. Just as I requested, flowers have been planted around the windows of my house, and the waterways have been cleaned up.
Basically, everything on the island belongs to me as the lord, so the residences are treated as rentals. Well, I did fund the construction of all these houses myself. In some places, the people living there are considered the lord’s property, so being a lord comes with quite a bit of power.
For the homes of the residents, I collect taxes in the form of rent based on size, purpose, and access to the waterways.
There’s also a limit on how many people can live in each house. I know it might be excessive, but having seen how people in this world sometimes cram into spaces as small as four tatami mats, I can’t help but feel concerned…
I mean, there are over ten people crammed in there! It’s bound to become unsanitary, and if one person gets sick, it’s only a matter of time before everyone else does too. Those urban attic rooms are terrifying. And sleeping in a farmer’s straw is questionable too.
Naruadeid is wider than my island, but due to the limited land from the island and reclamation, even the guild heads and accountants are somewhat cramped. Some places even use small closets or cupboards as personal rooms, like four-tiered bunk beds surrounded by boards…
Putting that aside, it seems there are more hopeful applicants than I expected, so I’ve decided to increase the number of schools. Currently, half of the children are required to attend, and I’m also accepting adults from the original fishing community.
The two new schools are essentially the homes of literate residents. An elderly couple is graciously hosting classes during the day. I’ve ensured that there’s enough capacity for both teachers and students, but since compatibility varies, they can choose which school to attend.
I prioritize families of craftsmen and merchants for immigration permits, but it feels a bit odd to have an island without any elderly residents, so it worked out well. The basics taught are reading, writing, and simple arithmetic, with more advanced topics available for those with ambition. Lunch is provided for free.
Since it saves them a meal, everyone is attending earnestly, or rather, they’re being sent off to school. Craftsmen have also started taking on apprentices, and I’m hopeful that the residents will thrive in various ways.
Grandfather Paorul continues to teach magic at the Spirit’s Branch, but here on the island, there are hardly any jobs related to Spirit Dropping or Spirit’s Mischief, so he seems to have plenty of free time. Perhaps too much free time, as the number of security issues has been increasing, which has limited my walking space.
I’ve heard that currently, only castle personnel are dealing with issues related to spirit mischief and healing injuries with magic. Minor injuries are being handled by Pamela, the herbalist. Apparently, she has an overwhelming number of employees. What on earth are they all doing?
Although immigration has been closed, applications from nobles have been pouring in, creating quite a chaotic situation. Don’t they care about their own territories? Meanwhile, the heads of the commercial and maritime guilds in Naruadeid seem to be staying at the inn, paying a hefty sum.
However, it seems there are many days when they can’t return home. They can bring our island’s cuisine and furniture to Naruadeid, you know? I’m hoping to expand our influence. It seems that staying on the island has become established as a status symbol, which is just how it is now.
As I stroll around observing the island, the main street and square are bustling with people, while the alleys have only one or two passersby here and there. This is due to the restrictions on the number of tourists.
On the side closer to the main street, shops line up, and the square features a market, theater, and upscale stores. But the shops in the alleys are quite nice too. I hope people find their way in and discover hidden gems.
The blue cloth is progressing well, the vegetables are thriving, tourism is booming, and the Spirit Lamp is quite overpriced. It feels like the residents’ lives are starting to take shape. The castle is still under construction with the stonemasons working hard, so when it will be completed remains a mystery, but the town seems to be doing well.
Alright, tomorrow I’ll visit the Earth Folk to see how Wanwan’s sleeping area has turned out. I need to prepare food for the banquet. I’ll head to the market in the Northern Lands to buy some strong alcohol as well.
The amount I can prepare is definitely not enough. Most of what’s available is cloudy sake, and it might be nice to make alcohol in a cool, spacious place.
As for locations and people, should I ask Haulon instead of Soleil? It’s warmer here, almost hot.
While I ponder this, I asked Soleil, and he told me about some territories that are up for sale, including one south of Shulm’s territory, which is good for wine but currently has a bit of a sketchy atmosphere.
It’s the country where Lady Rosa is transporting supplies! Isn’t it too obvious that they’re trying to escape in preparation for what’s about to happen? At the very least, Soleil must be aware of it, right? And Shulm too?
There are so many points to question, so for now, I’ll put the discussion about alcohol on hold.