Chapter 140

The end of winter is within sight.

By passing the 40th day and heading into the 56th, we’ve got about two weeks left to prove it.

Round and round we go, back to spring again.

Though it feels like we’ve experienced countless events, they’re all just from this first year.

Next year will mark our first full year.

And here I am, still in my rookie phase, dealing with so much already.

It’s almost surreal how new everything feels.

When I reflect on things occasionally, so much has changed.

Too much has changed in such a short time that it feels like we’ve been racing nonstop.

Of course, I worked tirelessly from day one, so it’s no surprise.

The village’s development is going smoothly.

Especially the residents’ enthusiasm is incredible.

That mining rescue story spread around somehow, and now I’m regarded as some noble who genuinely cares for the common folk, creating a good environment for everyone.

A true noble. An honorable noble… something along those lines.

I didn’t do any of it intentionally, but seeing it turn out so well makes me feel a bit awkward.

All the praise and attention are making me uncomfortable. Too much flattery leaves me at a loss.

But since there’s nothing wrong with it for me, I decided to just enjoy the villagers’ improved perception.

Besides, there’s no misunderstanding to clear up, so why not?

Winter, Day 46.

The young man named Rio, who said he’d establish a merchant guild, returned.

When asked about his achievements, he said they were already in the village.

At that moment, something clicked in my mind.

Now it made sense why people from neighboring villages kept joining ours.

Rio chuckled and explained that he went door-to-door recruiting because the village was short on manpower.

It wasn’t easy persuading people to leave their old homes, but his ability to identify the village’s needs impressed me.

This guy truly deserved the title of talent.

Given how desperate we were for help, I trusted him and granted permission to establish the guild.

The Melon Guild, named after me—cute name, but having my backing gives them significant advantages.

With a noble supporting them, they won’t get into unnecessary trouble.

Their emblem? A melon with a sword behind it.

Maybe a bit simple, but it symbolizes me perfectly.

I provided some manpower and resources, and Rio promised to work hard.

Let’s see if he can deliver.

On Day 46, the post office and school were completed.

Without wasting construction workers, we started building new roads, and the post office required a lot of labor.

I reworked the magic system to connect it to a vast network, which launched right on time with the opening.

This could attract curious mages, especially since repairs might be needed.

Thankfully, the trial operation of the post office received great reviews.

Praise for the convenience of deliveries spread throughout the village, boosting my reputation even further.

Winter, Day 49.

Rumors travel faster than expected.

Knights started visiting more frequently.

Beckettauer, the first knight to arrive, settled down in the village, praising its comfort and rapid development.

Some knights left for training after witnessing my skills.

Others stayed inspired by the village or my abilities.

Including Beckettauer, four knights joined my ranks, plus three others who simply reside here, totaling seven knights.

With fewer issues arising, the knights naturally improved security.

If any trouble occurs, I can always send them packing, making them free peacekeepers.

As the population grew, housing areas began reaching capacity.

Building houses was never difficult, though, so construction sites remained busy.

My gold may be melting away, but the steady influx every two weeks eases my worries.

Winter, Day 50.

Visitors from nearby cities have started appearing.

Even nobles visit subtly, handled by Anne and Evangelin instead of me.

They greet guests politely despite minor shortcomings, proving themselves reliable.

Some nobles complained about providing too much for commoners, while others admired facilities like the post office, abbey, and laundry services.

The post office and bicycles drew particular interest.

Thinking of mass-producing bikes, I plan to build a factory once demand grows.

Currently, they’re being handmade in a small warehouse, but dividing tasks will improve efficiency when scaling up.

Winter, Day 52.

With administrative staff in place, things run smoother.

Rossu became my secretary, managing overall affairs until I find a replacement.

Four administrators were hired:

Military – Beckettauer.

Personnel – Bisco.

Taxes/Finance – Young.

Construction/Equipment – Jjarbel.

Things are running decently without constant intervention from me.

Leadership involves less doing and more delegating.

Choosing the right people and placing them effectively is key, something I’m learning.

Only three days remain in winter.

Spring approaches as the weather warms.

“Abba! Selling glass fruit!”

Our house sees frequent bike visits since our goods, like Anne’s clothes and Evangelin’s cooking, are popular.

Watching his mom, Yul started selling greenhouse crops via bicycle delivery.

His efforts are adorable, so I let him continue.

“How was your day? What did you sell?”

“Fruits!”

“Good job.”

Petting his head, I feel his little horn.

He grins happily, enjoying the touch.

“Mornin’.”

Evangelin’s cooking delights every time, catering to kids’ tastes and receiving zero complaints.

She’s amazing.

“Getting warmer, wanna try this?”

Anne hands me a garment.

While not fashion-forward, it’s warm and filled with love.

After trying on her sweater, she looks satisfied.

Anne’s designs are trending among orphans.

Kids and fairies love them, showing a certain purity adults miss.

Wearing Anne’s creation, I step outside as Yul, Jack, and spirits rush out.

Chatty fairies enter, annoyed by Anne’s focus on kid’s clothes.

She sternly tells them to quiet down, and surprisingly, they obey.

Activating the warp device after finishing village tasks.

Reports will suffice; personal time awaits.

Fishing, mining, logging, and cooking had been neglected.

Though practicing magic and combat occasionally, growth slowed.

Today, I’ll visit the mine.

Exploring the desert ruins called “Petra” is long overdue.

I fold Anne’s gift into my bag.

Equipping handmade gear, I hear comforting metallic clanks.

Remembering daily battles against monsters, I smile.

Entering the ancient ruins through the pre-placed warp device.

Its grandeur overwhelms.

High ceilings echo footsteps, and its size defies comprehension.

On the ground floor, various carvings adorn the walls.

Hidden spaces concealed by magical illusions reveal themselves as my senses sharpen.

Curiosity peaks.

Approaching the crack on the far right, I channel magic following a triangular pattern.

A hidden door opens, revealing a massive chamber filled with rusted tools, armor, and weapons.

Recycling these would be useful.

Further exploration leads to pentagonal patterns forming star shapes.

Opening another room filled with elegant shelves and boxes.

Despite decay, their craftsmanship remains impressive.

Opening the nearest box reveals “Mummy Wraps,” typical monster loot used in alchemy or magic research.

These rare materials could attract mages or alchemists as sponsors.

Finally, the most complex pattern unlocks a humble wooden chest.

Expectations soar.

Inside lies an old map.

What secrets does it hold?

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