While receiving a brief report in my office, I gathered the main vassals and Jakob from the Golden Sheep Trading Company.
I spread out a map in front of them, with a circle drawn on a specific spot.
“Here, a hot spring has been discovered.”
The members fidgeted at the mention of a hot spring. The knights, including Werner and the old man, smiled, seemingly excited, while Jakob, on the other hand, was smirking as if calculating how much money this could make.
Well, if a small town were to be built around the hot spring, it would require a vast amount of materials and manpower, so Jakob was likely focused on that.
Though, I’m not planning on building something that large yet.
“For now, this will be designated as a military-exclusive rest area. Later, we plan to renovate and expand it.”
Upon hearing this, the vassals were pleased, but Jakob seemed a bit disappointed.
If it were just the two of us, he might have asked if we should build a town, but unfortunately, there are many knights here, and ultimately, what happens to the territory depends on the noble’s orders.
Jakob remained silent, not voicing any opposition.
“Ah, I’m looking forward to it. My back’s been aching again lately…”
Herbert, while rubbing his back, grinned broadly.
“Old man, take care of yourself.”
I replied with a wry smile, and Herbert put on a confused expression.
“Oh? Isn’t it strange… that you’re the one worrying about me, the cause of your busy schedule?”
At Herbert’s remark, all the knights laughed.
Well, it can’t be helped. We still have a lot to do with training bureaucrats, and we’re short on manpower.
Of course, Herbert’s been a long-time acquaintance, and I’d like to let him rest soon. I’ve been thinking about a plan for that.
“Someday.”
“Yeah, I hope to rest in a grave before that.”
I could only give a wry smile at Herbert’s dark humor, but most of the knights were laughing.
“Well then, I apologize for the delay, Jakob.”
I shifted my gaze to Jakob, and he bowed respectfully.
“I’d like to request materials for the development of the hot spring.”
Jakob slightly lifted his head and looked at me carefully.
“Is it okay if we don’t gather manpower?”
“Ah, that… I plan to leave that to the workshop workers.”
Jakob seemed puzzled, wondering what this meant.
“Ah, the injured soldiers, right?”
I nodded at the knight’s words.
They are looking for a place to contribute, so I figured we could have them help with the hot spring’s maintenance, and when they get tired, they could relax in the hot springs for healing.
Jakob seemed confused about the connection between the workshop and the injured soldiers.
Sorry, there’s a lot of confidential material in the workshop, and I can’t reveal it just yet.
“Anyway, there’s no need to worry about manpower. Just keep that in mind.”
“…Understood.”
Jakob, sensing that there might be something potentially profitable but not wanting to dig too deep, quietly backed off.
“I’ll make preparations right away.”
“Ah, thanks.”
Jakob bowed again and left the office.
Only the knights and I were left in the office, and Erich spoke up.
“By the way, what about the architect?”
“Ah…”
I realized then that I hadn’t thought about that.
“Don’t give me those looks like ‘Didn’t you consider this?’”
“I was thinking of the carpenter in the territory…”
I tried to suggest something, but Erich sighed.
“Building a house and setting up a hot spring facility are different tasks, you know?”
Ugh… He’s right.
But who else could I ask? My mind was racing, and only one person came to mind.
“How about asking the workshop foreman?”
“Ah…”
Everyone had an expression that seemed to say “We’re not so sure about that.”
The foreman from the workshop, though he’s my responsibility, has experience and knowledge in many areas. However, it seems construction isn’t his specialty, so it’s understandable that everyone is hesitant.
“Wouldn’t it be fine if we adapted on-site and made improvements or repairs as needed?”
It even seemed like a two-birds-one-stone situation.
“But, there are many tasks that the foreman is already handling, right?”
Ugh.
I rely on him a lot.
Improvements to guns, designing siege weapons…
“Well… we’ll have to make him put those things on hold.”
Erich sighed but seemed to accept it.
“Can’t be helped.”
So, it was decided that we would ask the workshop foreman to handle the design. It might be too much work for him… sorry about that.
I silently offered a prayer in my heart.
