Territorial Management Policy

After returning to the Town Head’s house, Kent and the others visited the Town Head’s room in order to confirm the information they had obtained during their earlier inspection.

“I’m sorry to interrupt your work. May we have a little of your time?”

“Kent-sama. There is no need to be considerate of me. Please tell me anything you require.”

Kent and Caro entered the office and spoke to the Town Head, who had been doing paperwork. Incidentally, Al seemed tired and had returned to their room to rest.

“We looked around the town earlier, and I heard that there is a considerable surplus of flour. I would like to confirm what the situation is…”

“I believe you are aware that the previous lord switched all the fields to wheat cultivation. By the time the current lord… that would be Caro-sama’s father, took over, wheat cultivation was already underway, and the harvest was near. Thanks to your efforts as well, Kent-sama, we were able to secure the planned harvest, but originally it was supposed to be wholesaled to Tior’s Bakers’ Guild. However, it seems the Bakers’ Guild decided to continue doing business with its existing suppliers. As a result, after excluding the portion delivered to the Lord as tax and subtracting what each farming household would consume, a substantial amount of flour ended up as surplus.”

Kent listened to the Town Head’s explanation, but there was one thing he wondered about, so he asked Caro.

“By the way, what happened to the portion delivered as tax?”

“I do not know the details either, but it seems Father sold it somewhere. Apparently, it sold for a decent amount, and I am holding all of those proceeds as your war chest for territorial management, Kent-san.”

“I see.”

Although Baron Frederick had spoken as if he were testing him, Kent learned that the baron had enough expectations of him to hand over all the tax revenue to him, and he was made to realize once again the weight of the duty placed upon him.

“How do the farmers cook the flour?”

Kent asked the Town Head about how flour was used.

“Basically, they dissolve it in water, spread it thinly over an iron plate heated over a fire, and bake it to eat. It seems some households wrap other ingredients in it according to preference.”

“I feel like that would not have much flavor…”

“It certainly does not have much flavor, but for households that did not even have enough food until now, simply being able to eat until they are full is a happy thing.”

Kent did not know how to respond to the Town Head’s words. It seemed the farmers had borne a heavy burden due to the previous lord’s policies. Compared to that, having food alone might be better, but Kent could not accept it.

“By the way, how much flour is in stock?”

“Let me see… I will bring the ledger now, so please wait a moment.”

Kent asked about the amount of flour in stock. The Town Head checked the ledger and reported the stock amount to Kent.

“There is a considerable amount in stock. It would be a waste to leave this idle. I will think of a good way to make use of it.”

“It would help us greatly if you did.”

“Also, there is one more thing I must report…”

The Town Head began speaking apologetically.

“What is it?”

Kent asked back.

“Actually, the people engaged in agriculture have finished milling the wheat and reached a pause in their work, so everyone… especially the men, are making plans to go to Tior to work away from home until next year’s farmwork begins. Until now, because of the entry tax, if they left town, it was difficult to return, but since that is gone now, they say they are able to go.”

“It is true that if they want to increase their income even a little, it is understandable that they would think that way. However, if we lose labor now, it will interfere with our future plans, so I will exercise my authority as Acting Lord.”

“What are you considering?”

Since Kent had mentioned the authority of the Acting Lord, which sounded somewhat ominous, the Town Head braced himself and asked.

“I think that rather than going far away to work and earning a small amount of money, if they stay in this town and work as I instruct them, it may be possible for them to earn even more. Of course, they also would not need to be separated from their families, so I think it would be a good condition for the farmers.”

“Is there such a method?”

The Town Head asked anxiously.

“The period given to me is until the end of next month. Since it is roughly one month, if I want to produce results, I thought it would be better to concentrate on improving one specific field rather than implementing policies broadly across everything. So this time, I intend to focus on agriculture. That is why workers are necessary.”

“Understood. Then I will immediately inform everyone of the Acting Lord’s intentions. If I do not hurry, the faster ones seemed ready to depart within the next few days, so I will go now.”

“I’m sorry for making you hurry.”

“No, if I am moving for the sake of the town, this much is nothing at all.”

The Town Head hurriedly prepared to go out, then left the room to speak with them.

“Kent-san, I hope it goes well.”

“Yeah. I had actually thought of several patterns, but thanks to Al, who happened to come along, the direction has been decided.”

“If Al-chan is going to work hard, supplying her with magical power will be important too. I will do my best tonight as well.”

Caro seemed very motivated. Kent thought that he probably would not be able to sleep easily tonight.

When dinner time came, the family, including the Town Head and Verna, along with Kent, Caro, and Al, sat at the table and began eating. In line with that, the Town Head brought the matter up to his family.

“Regarding the matter of the Acting Lord not appearing yesterday…”

“Father, did you receive word?”

Verna immediately took the bait. It seemed she had been considerably concerned about it.

“Ugh, well, yes. Actually, the Acting Lord has already come to this town. However, out of consideration for the Lord, he apparently declined to use the facilities. And now, he is staying somewhere else.”

“Then where is he staying?”

Verna immediately asked back. The Town Head glanced toward Kent, then spoke.

“Actually, for various reasons, I cannot tell you that location. Unlike here, there would be security issues. I was told not to reveal it carelessly, even if you are my daughter. Can you understand?”

“I see. I wanted to meet him, but if it would cause problems with security, then it cannot be helped.”

They were surprised that Verna backed down so easily, but apparently she had accepted it. After that, no particularly major topic came up, dinner ended, and Kent and the others returned to their hut.

“Tomorrow is Monday. I wonder if Marie-san and Rachel will be okay.”

“You really are worried about them, aren’t you?”

“Of course. Especially my younger sister’s shop, since it has only just opened. There are some things I’m a little worried about.”

Kent had stopped calling Rachel by Akane, the name from her previous world. Since she would live in this world, he thought it would be better to call her by her name here. However, her position as his younger sister remained the same, so he had not stopped calling her his younger sister.

“I’m sure they will be fine. Come to think of it, did you check the orders?”

“Ah, I forgot.”

After Caro told him that, Kent hurriedly looked at his device. There were several purchase approvals from Emily. Kent checked the contents and pressed the approval button.

“Rachel is requesting purchases of personal items again.”

“I told her to restrain herself, but I am receiving money for it, so I cannot reject it either.”

“You really are soft on your younger sister.”

“I don’t think so?”

“Big brother, pleeease.”

Suddenly, Caro moved close to Kent and said that while looking up at him. She was so cute that Kent ended up hugging her.

“Master, are you going to do it already?”

“Ah, my body moved without thinking.”

After Al said that, Kent came back to his senses. However, Caro’s body in his arms was soft and pleasant. The faintly sweet scent coming from her also stirred Kent’s feelings.

“I do not mind if we do it like this, though?”

“Caro-san… Then it is a little early, but…”

“Master, I will prepare now, so please do not start yet.”

Al hurriedly changed into something like a mat on top of the bed and prepared to receive Kent and Caro.