Chapter 248 - Chapter 15: The Dried Meat Processing Plant
After Finis comes Regnentes.
It's now mid-September, and the number of clover flowers that look brownish has increased, so quite a lot of seeds have been gathered. We are filling bags with the plucked flowers and sowing them one after another in the planned field areas made by burning the cut weeds.
Since everyone is working hard at boar hunting, the production of dried meat is also going smoothly.
Dried meat can be used for bear hunting, so the food situation in the village is also improving.
However, for a village with no crops to be ruined, boar hunting is just beginning in earnest. Boar meat that has grown large from eating many acorns, dried in the middle of winter, is the most delicious.
Humans also eat acorns. Centered around the landowner Beatrix, the ten farming households will join forces with the Bishop to gather many autumn harvests and challenge their first wintering.
Lyudmila and Flora's plans are also progressing smoothly. In the twenty plots of fields, the plowing in of clover has finished successfully, and we are just waiting to sow the wheat seeds and turnip seeds.
Around that time, the heroes' reporting tour ended, and Harrison-san moved in.
The welcome party was held quietly, according to his own wishes, and the only official guest was the Lord. However, the incognito group came as usual.
Henry-sama, who had become a group of four, and Military Minister Harold-sama of Regnentes. Harold-sama brought along the captain of the Regnentes scout unit this time.
"What is this, you people? Have you come again? I'm sure it's another illegal entry. What on earth do you think a border is?"
"I do not wish to be lectured by someone who neglects their duties in the Royal Capital and is idling away in a place like this."
Eleanor-sama was talking back to Harold-sama, but someone skipping work is probably better than a criminal.
I wish they wouldn't make such a flashy fuss. The villagers are intimidated.
"Perhaps it would have been better if I had been the one to move in."
Even Harrison-san, the person of interest, was becoming hesitant.
"I don't really get it, but they come once in a while. Think of them as the life of the party, so don't worry about it."
Beatrix. I don't think it's quite like that.
After a spirited greeting from the Lord, whose influence had grown somewhat due to the profits from trade with Finis and who had become well-regarded among the influential people of the Regnentes Royal Palace, everyone had a banquet.
Timing it right, the Lord, the landowner, and the manager stood up.
"When winter comes, this land will be closed off by snow. All the villagers must join forces to prepare for winter. It's autumn, and the boars are increasing. Harrison-san has also moved in. The dried meat made in this village is a specialty unique to this village, so I want everyone to work hard at boar hunting. Therefore, the landowner Beatrix has a proposal."
First, Beatrix stepped forward. Finally, it was the announcement of how the money Harrison-san had donated would be used.
"I'm thinking of building a boar meat processing plant. We'll hunt many boars in the autumn and make them into dried meat in the winter. They'll sell for a high price in the spring, and we have to make sure we don't struggle for food during the winter. So, I consulted with the Lord."
When Beatrix looked over, the Lord stepped forward.
"By the proposal of the Military Minister, it has been decided that training for the Regnentes Kingdom Army will be conducted within my territory. It seems the training items include magic beast hunting conducted together with hunters as a practical session. A certain amount of the boars caught there will be sent to this land via [Teleport] scrolls. The villagers will all work together to make them into dried meat during the winter."
They will buy boars through the Class of 175, process them in the village, and have the Lord buy them back as dried meat. The difference will be income for the village. It's a system for the hunters and villagers to earn cash income. Naturally, the Lord plans to start selling them in the Royal Capital when spring comes and also intends to pitch them to Finis. At that time, the added portion will be the Lord's profit. Of course, since it's a small number of people, there's a limit to the amount they can process, but it should be fine up to the point where the processing plant is full.
"The dried beef and cheese encouraged in the Lord's territory have a good reputation, and we've become able to export a considerable amount to foreign countries. Since the basin is busy with the cattle, the processing of boar meat will be undertaken here. Since you can only do things like grazing during the winter, please work hard at making dried meat."
The wives were patting their husbands' shoulders. It probably meant, "Work hard and catch boars."
"How is it?"
Harold-sama was smirking at Henry-sama and Eleanor-sama.
"It's impressive. You do good work. It was worth teaching you the way to make low-cost scrolls and magic circles."
Harold-sama was wryly smiling at Eleanor-sama's words.
Though, the low-cost way Eleanor-sama mentioned was actually devised by Marcelo-san and Paul-san, but I suppose one shouldn't say that.
When Beatrix explained the scale of the processing plant, cries of surprise rose from the villagers.
It was too large. It would be about the same size as the village.
"What I just said is the final size. For the time being, we'll do it in a space about the same size as this meeting hall. Eventually, it will be a place for making dried meat not just for this village, but for the entire basin. People will come from the basin too. We'll keep it on ice in the icehouse while it's warm, and everyone will do it during the agricultural off-season in winter."
The land is, of course, the Lord's, but it will be a joint project with the country, so to speak. Naturally, manpower is needed, but in addition to the soldiers the Lord provides, the Kingdom Army's Magic Corps will, at Harold-sama's call, transport materials using multiple Bowls under the guise of training.
They will take on the dried meat processing for the territory all at once, and when finished, hand it over to the Lord. Until now, they had collected what each tenant had made as taxes, but that was inefficient. They will gather the materials and manpower in one place to process and store them.
They will purchase a large amount of cattle fattened by the Class of 175 by autumn and gather villagers who wish to participate in dried meat making. They can commute using the low-cost [Teleport] magic circles on cowhide. They can use the donated money for the magic circle fees. They will have people come with their own lunches and pay them by the hour. Of course, they can also pay the wages as taxes.
The finished dried meat will be bought by the Lord and sold in the Royal Capital or used as export items. As for buyers, the continent will also be in sight if they use sea routes.
Creating an industry that benefits the people of the territory. This is the result of everyone thinking about how to maximize the conditions Harrison-san set upon his donation. Something that can be done in winter. Something that provides cash income for serfs. And thirdly, that the Lord also makes a profit. This third point is surprisingly important; if it goes well, there's a possibility it will spread throughout Regnentes.
"The location is west of this village. We found a suitable open space in the forest. We're going to build it there."
Although there is an open space, why build it in such a place?
The woodcutter and the villagers had puzzled faces, but they were relieved to see the former heroes listening with smiles. They nodded as if to convince themselves.
After being seen off by the villagers, we immediately went to check the site.
Since we went by Bowl, it was over in an instant.
The west of the village is slightly higher in elevation and connects directly to the mountainous area in the northern part of the basin. North of the mountains is Sertoria. It would be the southern part of the Western Plains.
The target site is an open space in front of a cliff. The cliff is to the northwest of the open space, and the east side of the open space is a forest with a gentle slope.
Fresh water is also welling up here and there, so there's no trouble with water.
We landed in the open space overgrown with weeds.
When Beatrix cut the surrounding grass with [Wind Cutter] and secured a landing spot for Eleanor-sama and the others' Bowl, the Bowl carrying the incognito group, the Lord, Harrison-san, and even the Bishop descended.
"Is this the planned site for the processing plant?"
"That's right. There's water, and we can shelter from the north wind. It's a good place, isn't it?"
Beatrix was answering Harrison-san's question.
They will build living quarters and warehouses under the cliff and make the well-ventilated area away from the cliff the place for drying. Not just drying, but exposing it to the north wind in winter makes the taste better, which we heard in Finis. Since the Owen brand doesn't go that far, if it goes well, it might sell for a price one step higher.
"It seems a bit narrow, though."
The open space was about the size of the meeting hall. It was nowhere near the size of a village.
"We're going to expand it from now on."
"By felling trees?"
"No. By moving them."
"Moving them?"
When Beatrix looked at Harold-sama, he nodded.
The talk had already been settled.
When the cowhide magic circle was spread and a letter was sent with a small magic circle, Alex, Serena, and Little Serena appeared.
It is illegal for people or things to cross the border by [Teleport]. However, there are exceptions to everything. The one who proposed building the processing plant in this land this time was actually Harold-sama's intention.
"Yo. So it's here. The practice place for the little one."
Alex looked around and grumbled that it was full of weeds. Since he's short, he might only be able to see weeds.
"Jeanne, it's been a while!"
Little Serena came jumping at me. I crouched down and hugged her.
"It's been a while. Have you been a good girl?"
"Yeah. You know what? I was practicing extending tree branches long."
"Did you do it well?"
"About half, I think."
"You could do half! That's amazing!"
When I stroked her head, she innocently laughed and held out her hand, so I gave her a high-five.
"It seems there are people I'm seeing for the first time?"
On the other hand, Serena did not let down her guard. As usual, she had a listless air and a thin expression. Of course, we had spoken to her in advance.
"This is Harold, the Military Minister of Regnentes, who joined me and Henry in subjugating the Demon Lord, and his subordinates. Since they are scouts, they do not lack respect for the forest."
At Eleanor-sama's introduction, Harold-sama and the scout captain dropped to one knee and gave a knight's salute.
"I am called Harold. This is my subordinate. Dryad-sama. Thank you for appearing before us. We are grateful for your daily protection of the forest and for allowing us to enjoy its blessings."
His usual foul-mouthedness was nowhere to be found.
I heard later that there are several Dryad's Forests in Regnentes as well, and by the strict orders of the Church, humans who approach are severely punished. Hunters and scouts are said to also undertake that monitoring mission.
"Serena is fine. It's what Jeanne and the others... my friends gave me."
The eyes that glanced this way were slightly shy. She must not be used to saying it.
When she accepted the wine barrel the scout captain offered, saying, "Please accept this," her expression softened slightly.
"And Bishop Harrison. A hero who subjugated the Demon Lord this time. This is the Bishop who is the manager of the village where Beatrix is the landowner. Finally, the Lord, as a human of this forest."
While Harrison-san and the Bishop gave calm greetings, the Lord offered a barrel of mead made in the village by the Bishop while his legs were shaking.
"Are you the Lord?"
"Y-Yes. That is correct."
Since she was staring at him intently, the Lord was intimidated.
"Do not fell too many trees."
"Currently, there are no plans for land clearing. We will only till the existing farmland. We also keep the use of charcoal to a minimum."
"That is for the best."
In reality, they probably have their hands full because the population is small, but I suppose one shouldn't say that.
They do sell charcoal, but they don't use it that much because they have magic. I hear that on the continent where magic cannot be used, they are making charcoal at a rate that would make forests disappear, but on this island, only priests or former priests make it. Like mead, it's semi-monopolized by the Church.
Valuing the forest is the teaching of the Goddess. In that sense, countries where the Church has a say in politics value the forest.
"So you are moving the trees of this land."
"That is correct, Serena-sama. We will create an open space here to make a dried meat processing plant, and the remains will be used as a base for digging holes in a distant place, mixing soil and straw to collect niter."
Harold-sama remained with one knee down and his eyes lowered.
Collecting niter using excrement and carcasses. Sertoria had shared the secret of the making method heard from Flora only with Medioland and Regnentes. They had been conducting research in secret while coordinating, and from Flora's words, they had devised a method of using animal carcasses other than soil from toilets. Though, according to Eleanor-sama, in a few more years, countries including those on the continent might notice. However, that gap of a few years is apparently large.
They will dig holes, bury the carcasses after taking the meat, and also gather and process the excrement of the people working at the processing plant there. On the surface, it's a consideration for hygiene, but the reality is it's a place for niter production. This was the biggest reason the Regnentes Kingdom Army was helping. Of course, it's a top-secret matter.
An explanation about niter was not necessary. It had already been conveyed to Serena. She had said that crushing rocks was fine and using it for war was up to them, but not to destroy the forest.
"And so, you are moving the trees here to the border?"
"Yes. It will be the border with Engrio to the south. A highway runs there, and we plan to cover part of it. It is to avoid war."
"And you say it is better if the trees are black."
"If possible. If not, we will use dye to paint them black, but..."
"You must not use dye; the trees will weaken and die."
Harold-sama apologized with a bow at her stern tone.
"Leaves being black only happens to those that have become diseased or have taken on magic power and become like monsters. If you just bury a Magic Stone at the base of a tree, it will only turn black, and if you remove the Magic Stone, it will return to normal."
"Is that so?"
Eleanor-sama bit onto this. If you bury a Magic Stone in the ground, the grass and trees turn black. It's a shocking fact. Harold-sama and Harrison-san also had their mouths hanging open.
"Then, the trees in the Northeastern Forest being black is also...?"
"Yes. Because they are tinged with the influence of magic power."
"Then, if we search the base of a black tree, will there be a Magic Stone?"
"Not necessarily. It depends on what the source of the magic power is. The black trees in the Northeastern Forest have distorted shapes. There is no doubt they are exposed to extremely dense magic power, but the cause is unknown. I do not think a mere Magic Stone would cause that, and it might be the water or the soil. Those who live in the Northeastern Forest would know. Why not try asking them?"
She must mean the elves of the Northeastern Forest. In short, if you want to know, find out for yourself, I suppose.
Eleanor-sama made a sour face but said nothing.
"You do not need that many. Let's see. If you have one the size of a fist, it should be fine for ten paces square in human strides. Considering the width of the highway I heard about and the area to be moved, wouldn't it be about a hundred?"
"Is that so? Then, I shall have them prepared immediately."
Since they are only covering the highway and its surroundings, the width is narrow. If they line up fifty vertically and plant trees for a thousand paces, an army wouldn't be able to pass.
When Harold-sama signaled the scout captain with his eyes, the scout captain replied, "Understood." Regnentes has several mines. There must be dwarves there as well. They should be dealing with them regularly.
"Since the Demon Lord has been subjugated, it's not impossible that they might come attacking, saying the yoke of the curse on that highway has been lifted. In that case, it's no use if we don't protect the basin. If the highway is suddenly covered by a Black Forest that appeared out of nowhere, anyone with normal nerves would avoid it. And we will station the scout unit in that forest. If war breaks out, we'll defend at the checkpoint, and inside that will be the Black Forest. We will repel them with a double defense, both physical and psychological."
Harold-sama explained to us. During the winter, they plan to fly Bowls to send soldiers, dig up the inside of the checkpoint to plant fences and abatis, place rocks, and fill moats with water to make it impassable.
For the Military Minister, it's national defense above all else. Last time, they broke through the northern mountain range and recaptured the occupied basin. However, many casualties occurred. If there is a next time, they must reduce the damage by any means. He is well-disposed toward the development of the village, but of course, that's not all.
Regarding Engrio's movements, Eleanor-sama seemed to have the same thought, and they apparently spoke about it when they met in the village last time. As a result, the conclusion was to abandon trade with Engrio for the time being. The Lord is also in agreement.
In the background is the expansion of trade with other countries, starting with Finis. If they use the free passage rights of the Class of 175, the customs duties of each country become free. It becomes easier to sell the products of the territory, and the village's profit increases accordingly. In that case, the Class of 175 decided to receive a brokerage fee of ten copper coins per wagonload of goods in addition to the freight. Of course, it's far cheaper than customs duties. However, they basically do not handle items that would be part of national policy. They've left those to the long-established major merchants. Otherwise, they would be glared at by business rivals.
The high-speed Bowl pair of Paul-san and Wilson-san departed for the cursed highway with Alex on board. Little Serena is moving trees while being guided by the Bishop.
"Since this cliff is made of hard rock, we might be able to make it into stone material if we quarry it. If possible, I'd also like to make the dug-out caves into evacuation sites or food storage areas. We can hold out even if something happens."
At Eleanor-sama's words, Beatrix nodded, un.
Beatrix is extremely afraid of the village becoming isolated in winter and falling into food shortages.
For now, there are oats provided by the Lord, and hunting is also going well. This winter should be fine. However, there's no guarantee it will last ten or twenty years. For poor serfs, wintering is a challenge.
Eleanor-sama had also considered that and put this deal together. This processing plant will not only provide cash income for many people but also serve as an evacuation site in case of emergency and a food stockpile warehouse in preparation for famine.
She was gently hugging Beatrix, who was offering her thanks.