Chapter 26
After breakfast, after we rook our meal which Cecile cooked for us, a [Seasoned Roasted Vegetable Salad], [Steam Sausage], and [Mikan Juice], we then headed towards the [Town's Hall], as per request I made for the town's development, which was quite early than planned, thanks to the money we collected from those pests we took care off.
Cecile then opened the hall's door, after we got off form the carriage we ride on. All the murmurs and whispers were then cut off, went on silence as we walked forward, towards the hall's center stage. I was wearing a light soft, almost-off white dress that reach till my worst - unlike the first dress I wore that was loosen from the my ebow till my wrist, this one isn't - and a gray pants that was tight from my buttocks, to highlight my pumps, and a quite loosen from my knee till my ankle, and a black, 2 and half inches heels.
The hall was filled with eccentric bunch, from young ones to quite on age townsfolk workers, and some of them were my men. They were the employed workers that Cecile requested of, from those who still manage the construction itself, to those who will assist those who will construct
I then turned around after I climb the center stage, and looked at them and spoke
"It's much unexpected that we will begin the construction quite early that we expected, but also an opportunity for us to do so. I need capable men and women, as gender isn't an issue during the development, to lend me their aid for the town's development. As per order - by me - 15 big silver coins will be the daily commission for those who will volunteer in the construction, no overtime needed"
As I said so, all the people then started whispering, nodding, and looking at each other, so I then added
"Of course, your safety will be guaranteed during the development, but accidents are still inevitable during the process. So I ask you to be careful, and always take your safety to be your top most priority. Meals will be given free of charge, every lunch only, so you are to work an hour after the first chime of the clock (Note: 7 am) and end before the 3rd chime rang (Note: 5 pm) "
I then sat down and waved my hand, as I ordered Cecile to place the contract they needed to sign, along with the table that some of the new servants of mine brought, and place just a distance from the center stage left side. Men after men, women after women, then took and started signing the contract, after Cecile read it out loud the context of it - it's just a summary of the speech I made - and filled it with their name. After everything was done, which almost took us an hour to finished, as there were quite many who signed in, I then ordered some of the maid to guide few of the divided group.
I divided the 500 individuals into 7 groups. 1st group will handle the materials, tools, equipments, and processing those said materials. 2nd group will handle the main construction in the north and east side of the town - building the wall, expanding the territory, designing, and constructing new buildings along the way. 3rd group will be the sub unit of the 2nd group, they are their assistants to be precise, while the 4th group will manage the plowing, cleaning, and flattening the area - they are the one who will wreck some of the old walls, clean some wreckage, and making sure there will be no other substances obstructing the construction. The 5th group will handle the construction of the town's south and west side, along with 6th group, and whereas the 7th group will handle, or manage other excessive workload and other jobs during the construction, sometimes they will also assist other groups in the process.
With that done, I then went toward the north side of the town, facing the north gate with Cecile and Aile-la - who were just accompanying us to play - stand beside me. I then took a scroll from my [Storage Ring], and started planning the innovation of the town, as I tackled it with each group representatives.
"My lady, may I ask?"
Cecile questioned, after we are done discussing about the construction
"Hmmm, what is it?"
"You did send me a document, 2 to be precise, about some areas and places good for tourist attractions, or as one of the town's economic foundation, are you still trying to use them?"
"Well at first I was hesitant to do so, especially the first 2 that Lord Tibalt suggested, where mostly on his gain side"
"You mean?"
"[Mitsuha no Supuringukyarion], and [Mitsuba no Mizumi] are both area near Lord Tibalt's territory. Thought we already seize their territory, I'm still reluctant on using these two"
"Why?"
"Well, those two are mostly only good in a short term revenue"
"...?"
Baffled to my words, Cecile silently waiting to my words, trying to erase the clouded thought she has
"It was during the time when I was still 8, after mother and father gave me the rights to own this town. Father took the liberty to guide me towards each town's spot, some known areas, and some places yet to be explored. To which he then advices me, as he taught me to know which area are good for the town's development, and to which is not. I was quite still young that time, so father didn't told me any complicated remark"
I then sat down near a tree shade, after Cecile brought a chair with her, and as I watched the whole construction going
"Then at 11, just a year before I meet darling, I then voluntarily asked father all about the management of a territory, especially for the town I'm about to take over, when we go back here. So with that said, those two suggested area were only good when it comes to short live fortune, than to the areas I've sent to you"
"Why is that, big sis?"
Aile-la asked, as she took a bite of her [Steam Sweet Potato] on her hand
Munch
"...."
Chew Chew Chew
"What?"
".... I asked father about it when we got back to the estate, to which I remembered that there were some few places that could be used for the sustaintment of the town, to which I then knew the reason why father declined most of the offer of some nobles, of making those areas connected to the town. Firstly, it was near the border of each noble's domain, and lastly, it doesn't give much attraction even how many times we will renovate them. It will not sell out enough to compensate the money we use to develop it, so he declined"
I then looked at Cecile and smile, as I point my finger on Aile-la's sweet snack. She then bow and took her leave
"Why is it bad if it's near the noble's territory? Isn't it enough that someone will take care of it, and manage it, than us doing it? I think the compensation of them handling those area will greatly benefit u-ohhh!"
I then smile on her realization
"Yes, it will be good if someone will handle it for us, than us doing so, but doing such is like giving them the golden goose itself. As the nobles who manage those area take over them, all the money that will circulate will mostly flood unto them, than to us, especially some of them are greedy bugs to begin with. Remember, we can't tell whether the amount of money they gather were the specific amount they collected, so they can easily write it off as 350 gold coins weekly, than the exact 500 gold coins weekly. We can't even point our finger on them, if we have no strong evidence holding us"
She then gulped down the [Sweet Steam Potato] she just chewed, and asked
"Then, how about the last part?"
"Well, mostly, those places where near the areas that are not suited for normal folks to dwell in, and some were quite not good to stay in. As for the two, [Mitsuhi no Supuringukyarion], and [Mitsuba no Mizuki], the former is place near a rocky border, and sloppy terrain. It's has a [Hot Spring] that the east region proud of, it's good for relaxation but not in view, while the latter is a cursed lake"
'Well, we can renovate some part of the canyon, or place some other charm on it, but as it mostly steep and full of rocks, only those who likes adventure will visit that canyon. If their's at least 10 people who knew about this place, surely there will be 8 or 9 who will be interested, but only a handful of 3 or 4 who will comeback'
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"Cursed?"
"Yes. It was said that whoever step on that lake will never be seen again. I don't usually believe in such things without truly experiencing, neither seeing one, and it just not me, as most people didn't even nag an eye on such rumors. So [Mitsuba no Mizumi] is still good attraction, but as the rumor still stand today, it will not last long enough for it be a great attraction, as gossip runs down faster than a wild fire itself"
"But does the curse-"
"Exist?"
Aile-la and I then turn our head, and saw Cecile holding a paper bag of some [Sweet Steam Potato]
"It's a folklore once told in that village, that once stood there"
"A folk... Lore?"
"It's like a women's gossip. Folklore is mostly a fiction analog of tales of once forgotten time, or seemingly a song of a heroic demise, even a legend of unknown. A certain village that was built decades ago on that lake, once spoke about a vengeful spirit that took a form of a beautiful woman, the Empress Mitsuba herself. It was said that she was raped and killed in that lake that was given by her husband, the Emperor himself. So her spirit that seek justice reside on that very lake, and will never dare to reach enlightenment, not until the last drop of the one who took her life, even its own generation"
Cecile uttered, as she handed me a [Sweet Steam Potato] with a paper cloth on it, while Aile-la took another bite of hers, and was enjoying it.
Foooo~
Nom
I then took a piece, after I blow it up to cool it down.
"Well, whether that story is true or not, if some folks will hear it, some will certainly rather find a place without such ominous rumor surrounding it. So that's why I didn't hesitate on not using those 2. Lord Tibalt only suggested those as it will be good for him than us. It might just be short live fortune, but it still gives you a dime or two, especially when he was planning on overthrowing me. So using that as backing to boost his power and wealth, before using me and throwing those off"
Munch
After taking a bite I then stood up, and was about to head to where the 1st and 2nd division was, until
Ting!
"!!!"
I then suddenly halted, and swiftly turn to my left, and walked with great strive. I then gradually increase my phase, and handed my [Sweet Steam Potato] to the confused Aile-la, while passing the concern Cecile
"M-my lady, is something the matter?"
"Big sis, what's wrong?"
Both anxiously asked, but I turn a blind eye and a deaf ear, as I just increased my phase again
"Cecile!"
"Y-yes!?"
"You will be in-charge of the construction while I'm gone! Further instructions will be given after I come back! If you need to ask, just use the [Com] to communicate with me!"
I spoke in hurried tone without looking back, Cecile and Aile-la where still standing dazed, as they stare at me
"M-my lady!? W-what's going on?"
Cecile they broke from her daze, as she anxiously asked me
"All division head will listen to Cecile and Aile-la! They will replace me in the time being!"
I yelled, as I give orders to the workers who seem to be confused and baffled to the situation, but I got no time to explain what's happening
"Guards will be on look out and be on guard! Report to Cecile first and foremost! Any disobedience and offense will be punished!"
I spoke as I rushingly step forward. Cecile and Aile-la then followed me with haste, as they were worried about me
"Just ask these two for further instructions and questions!"
"My lady! Please wait up!"
"Bis sis!"
Cecile and Aile-la yell, as they dash towards me, hurriedly trying to halt my movements, but before they could, I then took a scroll from my [Storage Ring], and opened it
"My lady!? What's going on!?"
Cecile asked, just a distance from me
"Darling is in danger!"
"What!?"
This time, Aile-la yelled. I then invoked the magic store in the [Magic Scroll]
"Send me! [Teleport]!"
A bluish light then covered me in a circular form, enveloping me with its warm light
"My lady!?!"
Was the last word I heard, before I was then transported to a room, a rich, light brown room with 3 beds place in the left side of the said room. I then narrowed my vision and saw two figure, one was kneeling to the floor, next to the person who were lying down
'Darling!'
As I hurriedly went over where he is, I then noticed some black marking almost covering his face
'!'
"Stand back!"
I yelled, making Natsumi to be surprised to my aburpt visit
"..... I-Isabelle.....?"
She shockingly asked, but I didn't turn my gaze on her, as I hurriedly kneeled down near darling. I then took a [Potion Bottle] from my [Storage Ring], one of the few high potions I have stored during my adventuring years. I then gulp down the whole bottle, as seeing darling can't drink its on his own, and placed both my hands on his cheeks, and kissed him. A few minutes came, after I made darling drank the whole potion through a kiss
"Phew~!"
"Thank goodness"
Both of us then breathed in relief, as the tattoo markings on darling's face were now gone, slowly vanishing from its neck
"That was a cursed"
"What!?"
She exclaimed, as she questioned the word I have uttered
"That black tattoo thingy is a [Cursed Mark]. Thankfully, I still have a reserve of a high potion of [Potion of Dispel], that I got during my last quest"
I spoke
"Then if-"
"There is nothing worry, that curse wasn't lethal, yet. But it's much better to cure it before it gets worse.... So then"
I then turned my gaze on her
"What happen?"
And asked as I frowned, and furiously gazing at her, as rage and fury were boiling and steaming down on me
(Natsumi's POV)
Gulp
Gulping down the saliva from my throat, I then stared at the furious Isabelle, as those eyes were screaming of murder. I know Isabelle is 2 ranks higher than us, so I know in a battle that I won't last even a half an hour against her. But it will tarnish my pride, if I bow down on her without fighting
I then calmed myself down and tried explaining to her. I skip the part where we traveled from the port to here, and even what we went through during our voyage, as I directly disclose, only what happened on us after we entered the kingdom, and how we got in this situation, until to what we encountered inside the forest, about that mysterious [Mist], and that unknown enemy we faced.
Isabelle then went on silence after she heard me
"An emerald rank ha"
"We don't know yet if it was really an emerald rank, or maybe even higher. All we know was that monster was quite powerful, and stronger than us three combine. Darling only exchanges 2 blows against that freak, and almost died. We do all know that there were a lot of dissappearance of platinum rank adventurers in the forest, and even some Knights, but that is all, and nothing more"
I said. Isabelle then turned her gaze back at darling, and wryly smile as she sweep the hair from darling's forehead
"You are so reckless"
"Tsk! We are still weak"
"Certainly"
"Hmph!"
I just snorted out her reply, in-rage to the truth that was lying before me. I then tried calming my mind, trying not make my emotion clouded my judgment
"Let us carry darling first to the bed, and wait until Sheryl comes back"
"Now that you mention it, where is that petite Assassin anyway?"
"She was chasing someone that was silently listening to us behind the walls. It was injured by Sheryl's dagger"
"I see"
She spoke. Isabelle then carefully carried darling in a princess carry, and place her on the bed. While doing so, I then opened the window and tried lightening the place a bit, and let some fresh air in. As the room was fortified with soundproof wall, so loudly yelling will not be heard on the other rooms, except if you place your mouth near the door to speak, and your ears to listen. Knowing so, during the night, we didn't need to hold back our moans during our nightly activity. So as I opened the window, trying to fell the breeze comfort
"AHHHHHHH!!"
"HELP ME!"
"SAVE ME!"
"AHHHHHHHH!!!"
"Momma! Poppa!"
"UWAAAHHHHHH!!!"
"We need reinforcement!"
"Call the Knights!"
"Hurry! This way!"
"Protect the women, elderly and children first! All the civilians must head towards the safe zone!"
"But where!? The monster are surrounding us in every direction!"
"J-just away from the stampede!"
"NO-nooooooOOOOOOOO!! Ahhhh!!
" Fuck! "
" Now go! Protect as many as you can! "
" Dammit! Move your ass! "
Yell of agony and scream of fear, could be heard down the floor we are in. Not just in our area, even a distance from us, as shout of terror and yelp of death, were been blown by the wind that carried it
".... W-what's going on?"
I dumbfoundedly asked, as I saw monster after monster, chewing, ripping, slaughtering, and rampaging near us, and further than us. Some guards were cut in half, spilling it's blood like a broken dam. Some citizens were being crashed, hammered like a squashed potato they were. Some men were being devoured, being ravished by monsters after monsters. Some women were being bitten, and some children were being swallowed. A scene that left me in dazed. I then snapped myself back, and hastently look at Isabelle and yelled
"The kingdom in under attack!"
"What!?"
Bang
But before she could further ask, a loud bang then heard from the room's door. It then opened and revealed our Assassin loli, full of sweat and few blood stains on her clothes
"No time to explain, carry darling and lets get out of here!"
She yelled. With no further question asked, Isabelle then hurriedly carried darling while I prepared myself. Thankfully, I didn't yet canceled my blessing, so I only put my guard up. Sheryl took the front while I guard the back, as Isabelle carried darling at the center, after she took all our belongings to her ring
Isabelle and I, and also that flat-loli, seems to have a lot of question to be asked, full of thoughts of query and clouded mind. But we rather guarantee our safety first than to be a curious cat, especially in this turmoil. With such thought in mind, the 3 of us then rush forward.
As we went down from the stair, silence deluges the whole Inn, from the floor we were in until the ground floor. The busy Inn that was pact with customers and keepers were now gone, leaving behind the quiet building ground. But as we reached the entrance, wrecked and damage walls, broken windows and stained floor of blood were seen, showcasing the horror that once took place
'What the hell is happening anyway?'
I thoughtly asked
"Sheryl, direction"
Isabelle spoke as she stared at the broken wall, as we stood just a distance from the once entrance door.
"Both the south and also east were being threaten by rampaging monsters right now, the west is also not safe"
"So north it is"
"No"
Sheryl denied
"Why?"
I asked
"North may seem peaceful, but thats why I'm worried about, because it's too peaceful. Right now, I rather rush towards the south than go there"
"....."
With such words, the three of us gone quiet
"... So where to then?"
Isabelle asked, as she hold darling tightly on her arms
"... My best guess is, east"
She replied
Sigh
"Let's just go"
The three of us then went ahead, as we dash forward, and face whatever we might face