NOVEL NEXT Chapter 74 - Chapter 74: Reconstruction Policy
Chapter 74: Reconstruction Policy
To summarize Azir’s explanation, there are three basic policies for reconstruction.
Firstly, ensuring security in and around the Vaintz Village. There are still terrifying numbers of Black Wolf carcasses scattered around the village, which need to be disposed of promptly. They have already begun to decompose, emitting a terrible stench. Furthermore, monsters are gathering in some areas to scavenge the bodies, making the environment extremely dangerous and inhospitable. The current situation seems to be managed by a mercenary group centered around Hajiramu.
“I went to the village once, and it was quite a sight… Just dealing with the carcasses around the village and its surroundings will keep them busy for a while.”
“Indeed, with that amount… If it weren’t spread out over such a wide area, they could probably just burn them all…”
“Even if they finish disposing of the carcasses around the village, they won’t be able to handle the ones further away. Undoubtedly, monsters from the surroundings will gather.”
“It seems that maintaining security is essential for the time being.”
Secondly, providing financial assistance to the villagers, but this has not been addressed yet. Since the overall extent of the damage is still unknown, Hajiramu plans to arrange this with the acting lord after returning to Savoia.
“However, honestly, it’s unclear who should receive how much… Neither the acting lord nor Hajiramu seem to know. Involving the villagers in the discussion might only lead to more confusion… It’s quite difficult.”
“Well… if we can organize the extent of the damage, perhaps we can provide some advice.”
The third is to secure the minimum living quarters. Once the disposal of carcasses and maintaining security are anticipated, they want to proceed with this, even forcibly if necessary. Even mercenaries find long-term camping uncomfortable. They also seem to want to move refugees from Savoia as soon as possible, as the longer time passes, the more people will consider settling in Savoia. If that happens, rebuilding the village will become even more challenging.
“However, practically, it’s quite difficult. Savoia seems to have some financial leeway, but there’s a complete lack of manpower. It’s impossible to borrow craftsmen from the city for an extended period. Therefore, the lord’s policy is to provide financial assistance to the village and have the villagers handle the actual work as much as possible. However… the village’s only carpenter, Miles, is utterly unreliable… He’s a good guy except for his carpentry skills.”
“Well, if it’s not the usual houses he’s used to building, but something like temporary shelters, it might be unexpectedly challenging. Are materials and food supplies okay?”
“No, that’s the biggest problem going forward—”
It seems that supplies from the neighboring Canossa territory are not coming in as expected. While the usual circulation seems to be maintained, it’s difficult to secure materials for the village’s reconstruction and food for the villagers. They are currently managing with stocks within the territory, but it seems they are already running low.
“Well, someone’s petty motives are probably influencing this. Either way, I don’t really understand, and there’s nothing I can do about it. It’s up to the lord or the acting lord. …Well, generally, the Sturmm Trading Company is probably up to no good.”
“Sturmm Trading Company… I feel like I’ve heard of them before. Hmm… Oh yeah, I think Menas mentioned them in an old story.”
“It’s a major trading company operating mainly in the Canossa territory. It seems to have a significant influence on Savoia’s distribution. The chairman, Camilla, is said to be incredibly beautiful.”
“Oh right, I remember being warned about that Camilla.”
“Since it’s such a big trading company, they’re probably up to something shady. Well, as a mercenary, I have no way of knowing. Hey, Zamza… can you share a bit of that?”
Finally, saying this irresponsibly, I beg Zamza for dessert.
It’s the leftover compote that Mil had for lunch.
When Zamza hesitates, Mil brings a new one.
“Oh, looks delicious~”
“I thought you didn’t like sweets?”
“When I can’t drink alcohol, I crave sweets. Also, Kuro, some coffee, please.”
“Gyaaa~?”
“Sorry, Kuro-san. Please, some coffee.”
“Azir likes to show off unnecessarily, but it’s nice that he has no pride.”
Gisella remarks admiringly.
Azir raises his thumb unnecessarily, full of pride.
Kuro reluctantly prepares coffee for Azir as well.
“Both clumsy mercenaries and proud mercenaries tend to die easily.”
“I’ve never heard that story before.”
Mil, seemingly indifferent, quietly shares her compote with Zamza, who looks unsatisfied while gazing at Azir’s plate. Zamza innocently expresses his joy.
“So, in the end, what should we do to help with the reconstruction?”
“Hmm, first, we need to meet with Hajiramu… He should return to Savoia in about five days. It would be good if you could come to Savoia by then.”
“Five days… understood. We’ll decide to go to Savoia a bit earlier. There shouldn’t be any problem with us going to the city, right?”
“Yeah, Marie handled it well. Your involvement in this matter hasn’t become public knowledge. However, if the villagers stay in Savoia for too long, eventually, rumors about you might spread.”
“I see…”
It’s obvious, but ultimately, early reconstruction benefits everyone. Although they’ve fully enjoyed their vacation, it’s time to switch gears and leave early.
“Well then, I’m counting on you! Make sure to be in Savoia five days from now, no excuses!”
“Yeah, probably…”
“Probably… No, it’s a definite promise, okay!?”
“Azir, I’ll leave you behind.”
In the end, Azir doesn’t stay and heads straight to Vaintz Village to meet up with Hajiramu. Despite his casual demeanor, he’s a man who gets the job done properly. Maybe he’s just afraid of Hajiramu and Marie, but even so, he’s doing well despite being tired. Anyway, I don’t want to have a bad feeling if he dies, so I decide to have Shiro and Elizabeth take him to the Triangle Rock.