In mid-November, the season was gradually shifting toward winter, and it was becoming difficult to go outside without wearing a coat.
When winter truly arrives, many people in this world stop outdoor activities, and travel between towns, villages, and territories nearly halts. Though it’s still possible to travel to and from Retvik, which is half a day’s walk from the settlement, it won’t be as easy as it has been.
Thus, preparations for winter were progressing in the Earlkvist territory.
Since it was the first year of development, and they weren’t yet self-sufficient in food, they were buying supplies such as wheat, dried meat, pickled vegetables, and salt from Retvik. With provisions for around 50 people to last through the winter, Eliza’s shop alone couldn’t handle it, so they also relied on Benedict from the Miles Trading Company.
The residents found time to venture into the forests around the settlement to gather firewood for the winter. Noein, too, stored wood scraps left from the house construction in the mansion’s warehouse, both for his own use and to distribute to residents who might run out of firewood during winter.
It wasn’t just the residents preparing for winter; the craftsmen invited from Retvik were also preparing to return home before the cold set in.
The first to leave were the carpenters, led by foreman Dmitry. They had finished building all the houses they had been contracted to construct, and with winter approaching, they were heading back.
Noein had been placing additional orders with them right up until the last moment, trying to prepare as many houses as possible for the immigrants that would continue to arrive, but it was finally time to wrap things up.
“Dmitry, and everyone, thank you so much for staying for several months and building the houses.”
“Oh, it’s our job after all. It was rewarding to see the houses we built lining up in the previously unexplored Bezel Great Forest, and it gave the young lads good experience. Plus, we made a nice profit. It’s a win-win, I’d say.”
Dmitry laughed heartily, and his subordinates laughed along with him.
“Haha, I’m glad to hear you say that. After winter, I’ll be placing more orders with your company, so I hope to work with you again then.”
“Well, about that… after winter, would it be possible for me and a few of my apprentices to move here? I’d like to start a new construction company here.”
Noein’s eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected offer.
“Are you sure? You’ve worked your way up to an executive position in a large construction company, haven’t you?”
“Yes, that’s true… but I’m a beastman.”
Dmitry smiled, but there was a hint of resignation in his expression.
“As a beastman, there’s no room for further promotion in a large company. Also, in Retvik, there are times when clients refuse to let a beastman foreman build their house. Rather than end my career as a middling foreman in such a place, I’d rather start my own company in new territory. Some of my apprentices are willing to follow me too.”
Several of his apprentices, who appeared to be his subordinates, nodded vigorously.
“I see… no, I understand. Thank you for deciding to settle here. It would be a huge help to have a carpenter based in my territory. I welcome you.”
In the Earlkvist territory, which was likely to continue developing, the demand for housing would surely grow. Having a carpenter in the territory was a stroke of luck.
“Thank you very much. I’ll settle things with my current company over the winter and make sure to retire peacefully and move here.”
“Alright. I’ll be waiting.”
With a smile, Noein saw Dmitry and his group off.
…
A few days later, Victor, the mining engineer hired to oversee the extraction of lapis lazuli, also returned to Retvik.
During the past few months, Yuri, who had been supervising the mining operations, learned the basics of tunnel digging, and the residents had become accustomed to the work. With that, Victor’s job of “teaching how to mine veins” was complete.
“Victor, thank you for looking after my people.”
“No, it was my first time mining a lapis lazuli vein as well, so I gained valuable experience.”
Despite his rugged appearance, Victor spoke politely, just as he had when they first met.
“Our territory is still small, so we can’t handle further mine development at the moment, but I believe there are still resources in the Restio Mountain Range. When we’re ready to expand development, I’ll call on you again.”
Victor, known for his seriousness and courtesy, as reflected in his polite tone toward Noein, had also built good relationships with the residents. Yuri had praised him for these qualities as well. Noein hoped Victor would return to work here in the future.
As if reading his thoughts, Victor made an unexpected proposal.
“Lord Earlkvist… when the population of your territory increases and mining development begins in earnest, may I move here as well?”
“Eh?”
“Is it not possible?”
“No, not at all… in fact, it would be a great honor. I’m just surprised because a carpenter who built houses here also expressed a desire to move, so this is quite a string of surprises.”
Startled by Victor’s dejected expression, Noein hastily replied.
“I see. That carpenter must be a highly ambitious craftsman. It’s difficult for tradesmen to become independent around here.”
Noein nodded at Victor’s words.
The northwest of the Lordberg Kingdom, hemmed in by the Bezel Great Forest to the west and the Restio Mountain Range to the north, was stable for better or worse. There hadn’t been any major wars or disasters in a long time, but established trading companies dominated their territories, leading to economic stagnation.
It was said that for independent-minded people, breaking into new markets here was extremely difficult. Victor, it seemed, had been struggling with that reality. Dmitry, the carpenter, also harbored dreams of overcoming the handicap of being a beastman and becoming the head of his own company in this rigid northwestern region.
For craftsmen like them, Noein’s slow but steady development of the long-neglected Earlkvist territory, turning it into a new village, represented a great opportunity.
“I will continue to develop this land, and eventually, we will expand mining in the Restio Mountain Range. When that time comes, please move here. I’ll make sure there’s a place where you can thrive, Victor.”
“Oh… it’s every craftsman’s dream to hear such words. I’ll be preparing for the move, ready whenever the time comes.”
With a refreshed and hopeful expression, Victor left for Retvik.
