Chapter 146 - Chapter 17: Harvest Festival Report Meeting
Since flying through the sky in a giant bowl carrying Goblins during the day would be... problematic, it was decided to go to the nest on the shore of Nakanohara Lake all at once after nightfall.
Until then, we left them in the care of the Elder and the scout unit, and we participated in the Jaeger unit's drinking party held in a corner of the residential area.
"Thanks to everyone's hard work, we all returned safely. We also rescued the Goblins. You really did well. Due to the nature of the Jaeger unit's duties, we cannot make this public, but I will definitely convey your efforts to the current Majesty."
The pre-toast speech was given by Henry-sama.
"Ah, Captain Lewis. Regarding the report for this matter, you may write about the Jaeger unit's activities with a bit of exaggeration. Both Eleanor and I will say it's all true."
A grand round of applause erupted.
"In exchange, could you also write that we were somewhat active? That way, His Majesty might stop making a sour face every time we go on a long trip."
The bandits are laughing loudly.
Either way, he has a lot of nerve saying that when he sneaks out anyway.
When I went to the Royal Capital, the current Majesty, who was drunk, complained to me endlessly.
"Also, we are indebted to the people of the Marcelo Company. I offer my thanks to the Company President."
Marcelo-san bowed with a smile. This time, as the main body of the rescue team, they successfully rescued the Goblin pack. He is, so to speak, the primary contributor to the operation.
"Mayor Adolf also did well. If you hadn't laid the groundwork until now, we couldn't have expected this operation or future prospects. I thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Come to think of it, it was Mayor Adolf who realized Robinson-san's—shall we say, selfishness—of wanting to live with Goblins in the form of the pack's migration. In other words, he created the catalyst for everything. Moreover, it seems it was reported to the Royal Capital after the fact.
That Mayor Adolf bowed politely and then looked toward us. For some reason, Beatrix is making a victory pose.
"Now, Lewis. It's the moment we've been waiting for. I'm counting on you."
At Captain Lewis's lead, a grand toast was made.
After eating and drinking for a while, we went to the Goblins' place.
Flora had prepared food and drink, and the children who had eaten Highway Cookies were already asleep.
"It seems it's over. Good work."
"Sorry, Flora. We're late."
"It's fine. The new Goblins needed time to talk with the Elder without humans around, too."
The Goblins seem wary of us, who suddenly barged in. There are four or five adult males and seven or eight mothers. Each mother is holding a sleeping child.
They probably haven't been able to eat properly. They are all uniformly thin. The adult males are covered in bruises, perhaps from being beaten by Orcs.
When Robinson-san went toward the Elder, the Elder clung to him while shedding tears.
Unlike other spirits, Goblins live in packs. It's because they are weak.
Basically, they look up to the strong as leaders and live together under their protection. That's what the Elder said.
If they get caught by types like the Orcs, they are used like tools until they are crushed and discarded. In that regard, Robinson-san always cares for the Goblins and is concerned about improving their lives.
They have been blessed with a good leader.
"Did it go well?"
When Beatrix asked Flora, she got a "yes" in return.
"According to the scout unit, they'll need some life training for a while, but it should be fine."
"Life training?"
"Things related to daily life, like using the toilet in a designated place or not eating bugs carelessly."
I see. Manners lessons.
"The Elder is going to use the northern nest for life training. If we put new ones in the southern part and they happen to go down to the town, it would be a disaster."
"Then, will Robinson-san move to the north too?"
"That's how it'll be. It's also good for scouting duties. That said, since the Company President is going to install a Teleportation Circle, it won't change that much."
The policy for their new life is steadily being decided.
The next day, we participated in the Harvest Festival stalls from the morning. Since only Matilda could participate on Saturday, the place was filled with children who had been waiting for the Fuwafuwa and the bowl.
This time, food-related stalls, including the mothers from the lunch service, were also able to open, allowing people to spend a long time there. We dug a small icehouse using Angelica-san's magic and prepared well-chilled beer and cider.
"Quite a good turnout."
Owen-san is in charge of drinks, including beer. Until now, the food and drink businesses had been waiting for customers at their shops, but they started providing drinks as backup for the lunch service.
Since they also act as clerks, the mothers can take turns enjoying the festival.
"As expected, the turnout is different when there's the Fuwafuwa and the bowl."
I was also told this by fellow stall-holders who are tailors.
"I'm sorry about yesterday. I had some unavoidable business."
"No, it's fine. You were doing monster extermination in the new development area, right? Be careful."
"Thank you very much."
"Speaking of which, I heard the Marcelo Company is going to participate in the development."
"Yes. It seems so. Are you all not going to participate?"
Everyone crossed their arms and looked at each other.
"We haven't decided yet. We don't have enough manpower to open a shop, and it's not like a large number of people from Nakanohara are participating in the development, so the work here won't decrease."
To open a stall, you have to build a shack and assign people. Naturally, it costs money. It's only natural that people who already have shops are hesitant.
When I looked at Beatrix, she nodded and came over. It's a business opportunity.
"Actually, the Class of 175 decided to buy some land."
"Is that so? That must cost quite a bit of money. You did well to have that much."
"We've been going all over the place for monster extermination. Some of us even became nobles."
She glances at me.
That was one word too many.
"If you're going to develop, are you going to buy a forest?"
"We don't have that much money, so just a bit of wasteland."
"Wasteland? What are you going to do?"
Everyone has a suspicious look on their face. That's only natural. When people talk about development, it's usually for the purpose of creating farmland. No one would go out of their way to buy wasteland where the soil is poor.
"Since we have Lyudmila, we're thinking of doing ranching while also experimenting with farmland."
Everyone is tilting their heads. Some are saying it might be better to stop.
However, that's not the main point this time.
"We're going to build a shack there. It'll be for the Marcelo Company's contact point. We'll also open a Class of 175 shop there, but our products are only for young women, right? I was thinking it would be better if we had a bit more variety in our stock."
The old guys gathered around. They seem to have noticed our aim.
"In the development area, you'd need plain clothes more than accessories, right?"
She takes a suggestive attitude.
"Then, for example, would it be possible to place products from other shops?"
They bit.
As expected of Beatrix. Instead of bringing it up ourselves, she made the other party say it.
"Mayor Adolf said he doesn't care where the stock comes from. For example, he said there's no problem with stocking products from shops in Nakanohara and selling them at our shop in the development area."
It's impressive that Mayor Adolf's name comes up instead of a town hall official.
"But wouldn't the price be higher because of that?"
"It won't. It'll be the same price as in Nakanohara."
"Then you won't make a profit."
"We're not thinking about making a profit from other shops' products. We want to sell them at the wholesale price."
This is the point. There's no way we're letting the old guys who finally bit get away.
"Hypothetically, if we were to put our products up for sale, what would happen to the profit?"
"We're practically just holding onto them. We'll hand over the sales as they are. But it might be better if you make them just a little bit cheaper."
In other words, just by selling them slightly cheaper, they can sell their own shop's products in the development area without actually opening a shop there.
"We want to attract customers. For that, it's better to have various clothes for sale, right? The development area will be inconvenient, so even leftovers might sell."
The old guys put their heads together and began to consult. If they have no intention of opening a shop, it shouldn't be a bad deal.
Beatrix, who was watching the circle of old guys, looks at me.
It seems to be the right time.
"We still have time. I think it's better to think it over carefully."
"Yeah, we'll do that."
Development will start in two years at the earliest. Until then, we're just doing monster hunting and trial mining of silica, so there are no settlers. It's still a long way off.
For now, we're just planting clover and oats in between monster exterminations. For the time being, we should just focus on selling marble-dyed items and accessories for women at the Ghost Mansion shop.
Leaving the discussion with the old guys at that, I have to return to customer service at the shop. Marble dyeing is gradually gaining popularity and has now become half made-to-order. Beatrix and Mary decide on the design and draw the picture while consulting with the customer, and if they like it, they start the dyeing.
Since we have Dune as the best model, ready-made clothes also sell well. Since we use wool for the material, the price is also good.
"What happened to the rankings?"
A mage who asks unnecessary things is pestering Owen-san.
"I can't talk about it here. That is something sublime. We announce it according to tradition."
"Does it have to be at the Bird's Head Tavern?"
"That's right. Because my grandfather started it."
There really are grandfathers who do unnecessary things.
"Was that, by any chance, a strategy to increase sales?"
"It was at first. But apparently, everyone became earnest from around the fifth time. Various regulations were made, and now we're doing it without profit. It's just good enough that we don't go into the red."
"Regulations? What kind?"
"Things like the price of the membership fee or the method of voting and counting ballots."
"Are people paying money to vote?"
What are they thinking?
How much do they like it?
Even if you vote, it won't bring you a single cent of profit.
Apparently, most of the membership fee disappears into the cost of drinks during the ballot counting. Since those drinks are also provided at cost, there's no profit at all.
"That's why it's sublime. It's not about romance or profit and loss. It's a hobby for the town's old guys, but in short, it's an expression of respect for the women who are working hard."
I don't know if it's an expression or what, but I wish they'd consider the position of those of us who are chosen. We're even being used as a topic by the former King and Queen.
"The results should be out soon. If you go to my shop, they'll tell you."
"Aren't you going, Owen-san?"
"I'm off the voting management committee this year, so I don't have to go. I voted first thing in the morning anyway."
Is it really something worth creating a committee for?
Lyudmila pulls my sleeve.
I'm not going!
The event ended safely, and we returned to the Ghost Mansion to hold a wrap-up report meeting. This time too, Henry-sama and the others are present, so Mel is in her designated seat on Wilson-san's lap.
Unfortunately, Robinson-san is absent. He's currently busy taking care of the newly arrived Goblins. So far, I haven't called the Goblins, but I hope I'll be able to call them soon.
As an aside, Marcelo-san and Angelica-san are also absent. They are apparently celebrating third place overall and first place in the married category together.
I remained at eighth place again this year and was teased mercilessly.
Fortunately, I didn't have to share my prize. However, the reason for that was "it's fine because she's cursed," which made me feel a bit complicated in its own way.
The report meeting also ended safely, and we ate the excessively luxurious food that Angelica-san had prepared. Fried catfish, which we rarely eat, and grilled beef were piled on large platters.
Since we worked hard yesterday and today, everyone ate heartily.
"That aside, you're coming to the Royal Capital next Sunday, right?"
When Henry-sama says that, Dune and Mel stare at me. They probably want to be called.
That's right. Marble dyeing has officially become a subject for an award. Moreover, because the subject of the award was the proposal for a relief measure for the destitute, I ended up being the only recipient.
"Jeanne will come, but who are the other two you intend to bring?"
Last time it was decided by drawing lots, but this time it was decided smoothly. It's Beowulf and Bonnie, who didn't participate last time. No one objected. However, the reward money, excluding the portion to be shared, will be put toward the purchase of land.
By the way, since I'll be bringing Flora in the form of a flower basket, she will also be participating secretly.
"By the way, you all. I assume you intend to do some sightseeing in the Royal Capital, but is there anyone familiar with the Royal Capital?"
That's the problem. Last time Paul-san was there. We went to the main street and the brothels, but I want to try going somewhere else too.
"Since you're coming all this way, and you've been a great help in various ways, I shall guide you. The banquet is an official event, but once that's over, it's private business. There's no problem with us guiding you."
"No, no, that's far too much for us."
"No, no. Don't be so distant. We had a party with Dune last time, didn't we? That was unexpectedly popular. Everyone is saying they definitely want to do it again this time. Mel and Flora will be there too. If possible, I want to introduce them to the current Majesty as well."
As I thought, that boisterous party back then was special.
Dune pulls my sleeve. Mel and Flora are also staring at me.
"I want the three spirits to see the play about spirits that's being performed in the Royal Capital. I'll prepare upper-level seats for guests of honor, so Jeanne and the others, please come by all means."
I definitely want to see that. Then I'll accept without hesitation, I say.
Mary was quite envious, but if she were to go, it would all be at her own expense, and she can't use Teleport. In the first place, she has no reason to enter the Royal Palace. When she learned she couldn't participate in the banquet, she gave up easily.
When September comes, in addition to the usual monster extermination, there are also preparations for the purchase of the Flatlands.
Things have become quite busy.
Come to think of it, I have to have the Oracle look at me.
Protagonist monster extermination reward: 60 gold coins for 16 months
Chapter 6 End
Chapter 6 has ended.
Thank you very much for reading this far.
Midway through, I encountered a situation where the PV suddenly grew, and in the blink of an eye, I graduated from the bottom tier.
I found out later, but someone introduced this on Sukosoku, didn't they?
Since I'm a complete beginner, I was quite flustered.
I even thought useless things like, what if the bookmarks that increased in a week disappear in a day...
However, thanks to the people who stayed and didn't abandon me, at the stage of writing this afterword, I have reached my personal best record.
I also received evaluations.
I never even thought I'd be introduced in a place like that, so I'm truly happy.
Thank you very much.
As I reported in the afterword midway, I apologize for the discrepancy between Chapters 1 & 2 and Chapter 3 onwards.
And, I probably put in corrections for typos especially in Chapters 1 & 2 (making a mistake with the country name is no good. Especially since it's the first episode, I really messed up), but it resulted in a situation where the PV of the revised parts jumped higher than usual.
I found this out through various research, but apparently, some apps that allow batch downloads send notifications when a revision is made...
Especially since I did it in the middle of the night, and when I checked, there were lots of particle errors and line breaks, I'm truly sorry.
Um, there won't be any major revisions from now on. If I fix anything, it'll be typos and missing words.
Regarding fatal mistakes in settings... country names, place names, whether magic can be used or not, etc., I will always let you know in the activity report or afterword if I correct them.
Since it's probably a nuisance, I'd appreciate it if you could just ignore it if possible.
Now, for the future schedule: three times a week—Monday, Wednesday, Friday.
Posting between 7 AM and 8 AM.
I'll make sure not to break this pace.
So, one side story on Friday.
On Saturday and Sunday, a continuation of typo corrections.
I will start posting Chapter 7 on the following Monday.
In Chapter 7, new characters will appear again.
Please don't think "give me a break."
I'll squeeze in the character introductions somewhere a bit further ahead.
If you liked it, please bookmark and evaluate.
Also, please let me know your thoughts.
Well then, I look forward to your continued support.