Chapter 136

800 million gold mod. The effect of being specialized in magic was truly excellent. It was so good that it made my worries about whether it would be worth the money seem foolish. It widened and deepened the variety of choices, enhancing knowledge across all fields—a truly great experience.

“Kyaa!”

Currently, I’m using telekinesis very delicately to make Yul fly like an airplane…

“It’s fun!”

If Yul likes it, then it’s fine. Magic is like a nose ring or an earring—it depends on where you put it. Explaining just how much finesse goes into this telekinetic magic would be such a trivial matter. It’s enough to know that it’s a spell that safely makes Yul “fly.”

Today was no different from any other morning. After enjoying the breakfast prepared by Evangelin, I headed toward Rossu’s house while adjusting my collar to check on the construction progress.

“Are you Baron Meolone?”

On my way, a scruffy young man quietly stepped aside and asked me with utmost respect. His unfamiliar appearance sparked my curiosity since I’d never seen him around the village before.

“What is it?”

“I am Rio! I’ve finally come to meet you!”

With a face full of excitement, he bowed deeply before me. His sudden action naturally stopped me in my tracks—who could just walk past someone bowing so earnestly?

“So, Rio, what brings you here?”

“I’ve come seeking permission to establish a merchant guild exclusively for your territory!”

“My own exclusive merchant guild?”

“Yes. Do you already have one?”

“No.”

This was intriguing. I had just started feeling the need for a merchant guild, so this was quite timely and convenient.

“Then please give me a chance!”

His enthusiasm was commendable. Of course, trust and ability are separate matters.

It seemed this man had earned himself at least one opportunity. His attempt came at the perfect time when I needed it most—an almost too-good-to-be-true situation.

“I can’t blindly trust you, so we’ll need some verification first.”

“I’ll do anything!”

“Travel as a merchant and secure transactions. You can sell goods or bring items needed by our village. Take on deals directly.”

“Will I judge what the village needs myself?”

“Yes, it’s entirely up to your judgment. When you’re done, come back to me with the results.”

“Thank you! I won’t let your trust go to waste!”

And with that, he dashed off like the wind.

It was a strange but not unpleasant feeling. On the contrary, it gave me hope. I wished for a positive outcome so we could establish a good partnership.

Arriving at Rossu’s house with anticipation, I found warm tea waiting for me. As Rossu stroked his beard and greeted me warmly, I returned the favor.

“How’s the construction coming along?”

“The laundry shop should be completed by today. Next, you requested a school… right?”

“Yes.”

“May I ask what purpose this building will serve?”

Is there no concept of schools in this world? Or perhaps the term simply isn’t widely known yet?

“A place to educate people.”

“Educate… you mean teaching?”

“Yes. I plan to invite priests from the monastery to act as teachers.”

“Oh… the villagers will love this.”

“Yes. Education will be completely free, so anyone who wishes to learn can come whenever they want.”

“All education is free?”

“Yes. However, I intend to enact a law requiring those educated here to stay in the village for a certain period.”

“We don’t want talent draining away. That’s a good idea.”

After saying this, Rossu fell silent in thought. Since there wasn’t anything urgent, I patiently waited until he brought up a new topic.

“Have you hired managers for the laundry shop and bathhouse?”

“Yes, I’ve arranged for people to work in shifts 24/7.”

“Good. Please manage them well.”

“Understood.”

Building a school might not yield immediate benefits, but it’s an investment in the distant future. And since we have a Great Abbey nearby, I figured we could use their help. There are many children connected to the monastery, and I wanted to leave a good impression on them, hoping they’d grow up to become valuable members of society.

After parting ways with Rossu, I decided to visit Cluny Abbey after a long while. Even from afar, its grandeur was palpable. The effects of the abbey—promoting health and amplifying clerical abilities—were evident. Thanks to it, there were hardly any sick people in the village despite the high costs of materials during construction. Reflecting on it now, I feel proud of creating such a meaningful structure.

“You’ve arrived.”

“Have you been well?”

“We’ve been doing wonderfully, thanks to you. The monks, priests, caretakers, and bishops living here are all content. The nuns and children cherish this atmosphere.”

“That’s good to hear.”

“We are always grateful.”

The polite greetings from the bishops, priests, and monks always felt a bit burdensome. Their heartfelt gratitude, unique to clerics, was somewhat embarrassing and unfamiliar. This was why I quickly moved onto the main topic.

“I have a request.”

“Please speak.”

“When the school is built, could the abbey spare some personnel to act as teachers?”

“Teachers… you mean educators?”

“Yes. Is that possible?”

“Could you elaborate?”

“I’m planning to build an educational facility and believe the people here would make suitable instructors.”

“What exactly would they teach?”

“Reading, basic common sense for life, and theology if you wish.”

“That doesn’t sound difficult.”

“I’ll provide proper compensation. The main target will likely be children. I know you run an orphanage; the children there are welcome to attend the school freely.”

Upon finishing my explanation, the priest paused momentarily before clasping his hands together and bowing deeply in sincere gratitude.

“Thank you. We will do our best to become capable educators.”

“Great. Since the school will operate for free, the more children, the better.”

“My goodness…”

Why does this surprise him so much? He seems more shocked by the free operation than anything else.

Anyway, this institution wasn’t created for profit, and the losses are negligible compared to the benefits, so I don’t mind.

“We will do our best.”

Now the priest spoke with determined solemnity, and I nodded awkwardly. Whatever misunderstanding exists, it seems to be working positively, so I decided not to correct it. Just having this motivation is a good thing.

Thus, I secured teachers who could teach reading, basic life skills, and a bit of theology. While I’d love to create specialized schools for various professions, that would be too challenging due to the lack of manpower. Thankfully, the monastery’s willingness to assist was encouraging. If they hadn’t agreed, I might’ve had to cancel the school project altogether.

“Next…”

Even though I live in medieval times, my mindset remains modern. That’s why my constructions prioritize public convenience and the future over immediate gains. Having lived in a world where such conveniences are commonplace, it’s natural for me to pursue similar advancements.

“I think I’ll build a post office.”

Not a traditional letter-delivery service, but rather a delivery-focused system.

Delivery.

A system where requests written outside homes are sent to the post office, which then dispatches couriers to deliver desired items. Thanks to the magic specialization mod, I believe this can be implemented. If I can create a spell that instantly reflects requests at the post office, the rest can be managed manually.

Food delivery from restaurants. Clothes, blacksmith goods, leather, herbs, water—anything tradable can be delivered. Even transactions between households can be mediated, essentially functioning like a village-wide marketplace but with couriers.

When restaurants need ingredients, the post office delivers them. If someone wants restaurant food at home, the post office arranges it.

Rather than aiming for huge profits, I plan to run the post office at break-even levels, keeping costs minimal. I expect it to cause quite a stir once completed. It could also fill job vacancies as courier and post office management positions.

After finishing my errands in the village, I heard an unusual metallic clanking noise. A knight clad in armor approached with three squires in tow—a simple yet effective formation.

“Are you Baron Meolone, who achieved a draw against the Sword Master?”

“That’s me.”

“May I see your sword then? I am Knight Beckettauer. Hearing about your duel, I couldn’t resist coming here to meet you.”

Word spreads faster than expected. People with such initiative keep arriving.

“Of course.”

He was weak—about Marco’s level.

The duel ended rather anticlimactically. After a few clangs of swords crossing, I pointed mine at his neck, concluding the fight. Beckettauer accepted the result gracefully, relieving my concern that he might cause trouble.

“If it’s not too much trouble, may I stay here for a while to learn?”

“Certainly.”

“Thank you.”

Reflecting on it, gaining fame isn’t entirely bad. Notable individuals keep gathering—this knight and the earlier merchant included. Without my reputation as both a swordsman and someone who fought the Sword Master, this knight wouldn’t have come to this small Valley of Starwind. In that sense, wielding a sword has drawn decent people to this village.

Thus, I unintentionally gained a knight who, though not under my direct command, could benefit the village. Perhaps later, he could help train soldiers. Maintaining a dignified demeanor in front of the knight, I suppressed my rising smile. The knight headed to the monastery, while I returned home.

As always, I was greeted by the warmth of family. Enjoying this daily happiness is the reason for all my efforts outside. Reaffirming my priorities, I reminded myself: family comes first. Those I love are always my top priority.