Chapter 57: How to Increase the Work for the Territory's People

When I was summoned to Winchester by the Royal Family, my achievements in developing drought-resistant Wheat and the specific medicine for Tuberculosis were acknowledged. His Majesty also mentioned that I would be granted the rank of Baron when I became an adult. As the second son of the Marquis House, I shouldn’t have been slated to hold territory, but becoming a Baron means I will acquire one. Therefore, since returning from Winchester, Father has been giving me lectures on territorial management.

“Will, today let’s talk about how to enrich the territory’s people.”

“Yes, please do.”

“To enrich the territory’s people, in agriculture, you need to maintain farmland, and develop superior varieties and specialty products. Will‘s development of drought-resistant Wheat not only prevents Famine but also leads to the enrichment of the territory’s people.”

“I would be happy if the farmers become prosperous with the Wheat I created. And it would be good if we could also develop specialty products.”

“That’s right. Normally, product development isn’t easy, but I have a feeling Will might manage to do something.”

“That’s not true.”

If I can utilize my past life knowledge, I might be able to create specialty products. But I want to avoid standing out too much.

“Regarding commerce, for example, if the population within the territory increases, consumption increases, which boosts the income of those doing business.”

“I see, an increase in the territory’s population is a plus for the economy.”

“That’s right. And if the number of travelers from other territories increases, the sales of inns and restaurants will increase.”

“An increase in tourists? It sounds like having tourist attractions would be good for that.”

“Exactly, Will. Could you perhaps produce tourist attractions too?”

“That’s impossible, even for me.”

“Furthermore, to increase the work for the craftsmen, we need to increase the orders placed by the Fairchild House and the jobs requested by the townspeople.”

Work requested by the lord, in my original world’s context, would be like Public Works ordered by the government, I imagine?

“From the perspective of craftsmen’s work, it is wonderful that the Workshop creates new things, but if we’re not careful, it could steal work from the town’s Workshops.”

“I see, that’s why we’ve entrusted the production of Syringes and Soap to the town Workshops.”

“That’s right, Will, you grasp things quickly. That’s why I think the Workshop should specialize in things that can’t be made elsewhere. I feel bad that Will‘s income will decrease by routing jobs to the town’s Workshops, though.”

“Eh, the Workshop‘s work becomes my income?”

“Of course. Just because you are a child, you don’t work for free. Since the Workshop generates significant profit, a portion of it is deposited into your account at the Commercial Guild.”

I didn’t know that.

“We also have the reward money we received from His Majesty the other day. Mabel and Theo consulted me, concerned because Will was trying to use all of it for the new Workshop construction and the craftsmen. So, one-third of the reward money, 100 Platinum Coins, has been deposited into your personal account.”

“Is that so?”

100 Platinum Coins is 100 million yen. I wonder how much money is in the account, combined with a portion of the Workshop‘s profits.

Seeing my reaction, Father shrugged.

“Good grief, you didn’t notice after all. I think you should check the balance of your account once in a while.”

“I apologize.”

“Well, it seems Oliver-kun is managing Will‘s income and expenses these days.”

“Eh, Oliver is? I really don’t know anything, do I?”

“Oliver-kun is excellent. He negotiated the building renovations and road constructions with other territories and secured favorable terms. In addition, he increases employment for the territory’s people, and he is successfully persuading the Dwarves to properly receive their payment.”

“Oh, as expected of Oliver.”

“His appearance is certainly unique, but his work is solid. He voluntarily offered to manage Will‘s finances and is being checked by Smith. Of course, Smith reported that not a single Copper Coin has been embezzled.”

It seems I have been relying on the people around me without even realizing it.

“He seems likely to accompany you to your new territory as well, and I think you should cherish him for when you acquire your territory in the future.”

“Yes. Oliver often surprises me, but I believe he is an excellent and trustworthy person. I will cherish him as a future vassal.”

“Ha ha ha, Will seems to be gaining awareness as a future lord. That is a good thing.”

A future lord, huh. My personal funds will probably be invested in my future territory, so I should keep better track of them from now on.

“Trade is also a way to enrich the territory. Since this is the Frontier, we had to rely on Merchants to bring in what we couldn’t produce ourselves from far away, and we had no choice but to buy it at a somewhat high price.”

“Yes, I’ve heard that.”

That is truly the sadness of the countryside.

“But now, Merchants compete to buy the goods made in Will‘s Workshop and the town’s Workshops. The profit they make from purchasing here allows them to lower the prices of the goods they sell here, so the prices within the territory are falling.”

“That is wonderful.”

“Oops, it’s already time for dinner. We plan to eat together as a family today, so we will be scolded by Mother if we are late. Let’s continue this another time.”

“Yes, I understand.”