Chapter 303: Murcia's Misfortune

Brother Murcia is troubled by the increase in residents. Wishing to do something for such a brother, the beautiful boy Van-kun—brilliant, the embodiment of intelligence, yet innocent and deeply caring for his sibling—was doing his best.

Yes. Anticipating a rapid population increase, it is necessary to install new housing and facilities. Normally, remodeling not just the surface but also the underground of an already completed fortress city would require a tremendous amount of time, labor, and budget.

However, the genius boy Van-kun, who wants to be called a Great Sage or a Prodigy, can make it possible. It is exactly the Van Construction Corporation, offering a four-piece set: not just fast, cheap, and skillful, but amazing as well.

Humming while thinking about such things, I completed part of the public facilities, including drainage equipment and a large public bathhouse, as well as five apartment complexes, in just three days. Murcia was overjoyed at this. Emira and the others were also happy that they could finally concentrate on the city management taught by Esparda.

There, there. Now, I guess I’ll finish up in the remaining days so they can accept people immediately.

I had thought that, but the situation changed the next morning due to an unexpected visitor.

“Lord Van! A guest for you!”

Till came running noisily to call me.

“A guest for me at Fortress City Murcia? Who could it be?”

“It is someone from the Merchant Guild!”

“Apollo-san? Huh? I met him the other day, and I feel like he said he was going to the Royal Capital…”

Saying such things, I had Till help me change clothes and hurriedly headed toward the castle gate. Panamera and Murcia were already there.

“Oh, you’re late.”

“Van, you’re up?”

Panamera and Murcia spoke with different atmospheres. Panamera had a face as if expecting something interesting, while Murcia had a slightly anxious expression.

“Good morning. I heard someone from the Merchant Guild came…”

When I went near the two saying that, Panamera nodded, directing her gaze just in front of the castle gate.

“I wanted to ask their business, but they nominated the Boy. I had no choice but to wait here.”

Smiling wryly at Panamera’s words, I looked in the direction of her gaze. There stood a woman wearing a robe. Behind her were men who looked like adventurers. The woman looked to be in her mid-twenties. She was a slightly tall woman with pale light-blue hair. She had an atmosphere somewhat like an athlete.

“Are you Lord Van Nei Fertio?”

Asked by the woman, I nodded in response.

“Yes. I am Van Nei Fertio. I heard it was someone from the Merchant Guild, so I thought it was Apollo-san, but…”

When I asked back, the woman pulled her chin back with her eyebrows slanted downwards.

“Ah, my apologies. Apollo has circumstances and didn’t seem likely to be able to come immediately… As a proxy, I, Arrow, have come. Like Apollo, I am in charge of the central part of the Central Continent for the Merchant Guild. I look forward to working with you.”

“Ah, thank you for your politeness… Wait, Apollo-san is in charge of the central part of this continent? Isn’t that a tremendously wide range?”

“That is true. There are ten people in charge of the central part, so we manage somehow… Rather, the people in charge of the southern and western parts have it tougher…”

Hearing the Merchant Guild’s terrifying area coverage, I suspected that it might actually be a black company. In contrast, Arrow, for whom this was normal, followed up with a wry smile. I might have to talk to the person responsible for the Merchant Guild.

While I was thinking that, Arrow made a startled face and opened her mouth.

“Ah, that’s right! I have been entrusted with a letter from Apollo! I haven’t heard the details of the content, but he said it was urgent business!”

Saying that, Arrow took out a letter with a wax seal and held it out to me. Oh, is this Apollo’s seal? Thinking that, I broke the red wax seal and opened the letter.

“Umm…”

As I was reading the text of the letter, Panamera spoke, looking itching to know.

“What is it? What is written?”

Truly, she is a person like a child. Smiling wryly at Panamera’s behavior, I quickly confirmed the contents of the letter. And then, I was astonished by the content.

“…Panamera-san. Are there ships in the Kingdom of Scuderia that cross the ocean?”

When I asked that, Panamera furrowed her brows and groaned.

“What? Cross the ocean, you say? I understand rivers and lakes… No, I heard there are boats to cross to small islands on the south side…”

Panamera looked up diagonally and pulled out information about ships from the drawers of her memory. I nodded at that and looked at the text of the letter.

“That’s right. Even boats to cross to small islands travel less than one kilometer in distance… Because there are giant magical beasts in the deep sea.”

If you are lucky, you might be able to cross the sea without encountering magical beasts, but it’s hit or miss. The merit of sending out a ship risking such danger every time is thin.

Murcia, who was listening to my conversation with Panamera, spoke with a difficult face.

“…Van. Could it be that a ship crossing the ocean has appeared?”

When Murcia said that, Panamera also blinked and turned her face toward me. Receiving their gazes, I nodded strongly.

“It seems a ship has arrived at the coastal area of the Kingdom of Scuderia from the southern region of the Central Continent.”

While answering, I couldn’t hide my smile.

Sorry, Brother Murcia. I want to go see the ship right now.