Chapter 289: The Land of Beginnings
With the defeat of the Crazy Ape, we had secured a location that would serve as our base. Once the flames had died down, we began to investigate the site of the Crazy Ape’s nest, where we discovered multiple human bones that were unlike those of the ape.
“These must be the remains of adventurers caught and devoured by the apes… It’s truly horrific,” I remarked.
The bones, discarded like trash, were blackened with soot, devoid of any remnants of flesh or skin. It seemed they hadn’t merely been burned; rather, they had been gnawed upon until nothing but bare bones remained.
“There’s hardly anything to eat on a human… They really have no sense of restraint,” I continued, my sympathy for the Crazy Apes evaporating as I gazed upon the countless bones. It appeared that exterminating them had indeed been the right choice. Had we acted half-heartedly, the surviving Crazy Apes would have fled elsewhere, only to return and prey upon more victims.
Though I felt a pang of cruelty for what we had done, it seemed necessary.
“These bones… There’s nothing here to identify who they belonged to, making it impossible to ascertain their identities. Perhaps we should build a temple here in the future and erect a memorial,” I suggested.
“Yes… I believe they would find peace that way,” Primula, who had been frowning beside me, nodded in agreement.
Using Life Search, I scanned the surroundings, confirming that there were no remnants of the Crazy Apes left. It seemed we had managed to eliminate every last one.
“Rest, I checked the area, and it really does seem like this place is suitable for establishing a base,” Yuri chimed in.
“The space is ample. There’s a water source nearby, and the soil is fertile. We could definitely build a large town here,” I replied.
Viola and Yuri joined us after surveying the area. Without the presence of the Crazy Apes, this land was perfect for development. The size of the land was sufficient, and its convenience was excellent. Being close to the Rosemary Marquisate, we could easily create a flow of people and goods by improving the roads.
“We should set up a barrier to ward off monsters, and then develop the land and roads… Ah, but first, we need to conduct a survey of the land. We’ll need a town design, and I believe experts can be arranged from your side?” I asked.
“Of course! The Rosemary Marquis House will provide the finest architects,” Viola declared proudly, her chest puffed out with confidence.
“Though there’s nothing here now… that’s precisely why we can build our ideal base from scratch. That’s the greatest advantage,” she added.
“I agree. The absence of anything can sometimes be a benefit,” I said, echoing Viola’s sentiment.
Had there been a settlement here already, we would have had to consider existing homes and fields while constructing the town. However, the emptiness allowed us the freedom to create the town of our dreams without any constraints.
“What kind of town shall we build? For starters… let’s place the lord’s mansion at that relatively high spot,” I suggested.
“If we build a temple here, the market should be on the other side… No, considering the irrigation, it would be better to have the town center over there,” Primula said thoughtfully.
“We’ll need a training ground for the soldiers as well. It might be best if it’s close to the lord’s mansion,” Viola added.
The three of them began to voice their opinions, each contributing to the vision of the town that they would eventually call home. I wanted to incorporate as many of their ideas as possible.
“Rest, do you have any wishes or ideas?” Viola asked.
“Well… I do have something I’ve been considering,” I replied.
“Oh? Do share it with us,” Primula encouraged.
“Let me see… I’m not sure if it’s feasible, but here’s what I’ve been thinking…”
I began to share my vision for the town with the three of them. Surrounded by the scent of soot and smoke from the charred remains of the monster’s nest, we spoke of our hopes for the future, determined to dispel the dark atmosphere that lingered around us.