Chapter 7: The Ones Who Appeared from the Sea of Trees

(Third-person POV until marked)

“Phew, we finally got out of the sea of trees.”

“Ah, this area seems peaceful.” A strange group appeared at the outer edge of the Great Western Forest, known as the sea of trees, which borders the western edge of the Fairchild Margraviate.

They collapsed onto the ground in exhaustion after exiting onto the flatlands. They had short, stocky builds, and all the adult males wore magnificent beards. “Are we all here?”

“Aye, somehow we seem to be safe. Though the Chief and his wife, who were covering the rear, are missing.”

“Ah, we worry for the Chief and his wife. But we are glad the rest are safe.”

“Will we be able to rest safely if we go to a town?”

“We’ll see. Let’s head there first.” After taking a breather, the strange group walked toward the nearby town.

Eventually, a report reached the Fairchild Margrave that a strange group had emerged from the sea of trees and appeared in a nearby town. Since people usually never emerge from the sea of trees, the report seems to have been made in haste.

“Ho, a group of some kind has emerged from the sea of trees and appeared in a nearby town.”

“Yes. Their appearance is rather unique; even the adults are short and stocky. All the men wore magnificent beards.”

Smith, the butler who was present, was surprised by the messenger from the town. “What! That is likely a clan of Dwarves, Your Excellency. I have heard that Demihumans reside beyond the sea of trees.”

“A Dwarf clan, you say? That is an unusual visitor. And were you able to hear why they have come to this land?”

“Yes. Apparently, a horde of monsters appeared in their homeland mountain, so they fled all the way here.”

“So that was the situation. I hear that Dwarves are a race that loves their land. To leave their familiar home must mean it was something serious.”

(First-person POV from here)

As we were having breakfast as a family, as usual, the topic of the Dwarves who appeared in the territory came up. “Father, I hear that Dwarves have appeared from the sea of trees. I hear Dwarves are excellent craftsmen in blacksmithing and finework. Wouldn’t accepting them here contribute to the development of our territory?”

“That’s right, Eddie. However, there are about a hundred of them. We cannot suddenly build houses, and Northernford doesn’t have the capacity to accommodate that many people.”

“A hundred people? That is a large number.” Northernford is the domain capital of the Fairchild Margraviate.

The population is around three thousand, so accepting an immigration of a hundred people would indeed be difficult. In my previous life, three thousand was a small town, but thinking of the population in the Middle Ages, perhaps it counts as a major city. If I recall correctly, Northernford was supposed to be one of the leading cities in the Kingdom of Albion.

“The Dwarves seem to have brought gem carvings and other items, so we plan to buy them with a premium. I hope they can use that money to purchase food and prepare for their journey.”

“Is that all we can do?” My brother, Edward, looked disappointed.

We apparently offered to accept about twenty to thirty people if any wished to remain here, but the Dwarves fled as a whole clan and replied that they did not want to be separated. The Dwarves who couldn’t fit into the inn seem to have started sleeping outdoors. They will likely leave this place after buying food and travel supplies. The autumn is deepening soon, and the cold will become severe, so it will surely be a difficult journey.

What should I do? With my Production Skill, I could probably build houses quickly. However, doing so would make me stand out. I want to live a quiet life in the Frontier. But if I don’t help the people I can help, won’t I regret it forever?

After much thought, I made up my mind. “In that case, I will build houses for the Dwarves.”

“You, Will? For a hundred people?”

“No matter how good you are at the Production Skill, wouldn’t it be impossible to quickly build houses for a hundred people?”

Both Father and Brother Edward seemed to think it was impossible. But I think I can manage somehow.

“Since I was able to build the warehouse in a short time, I don’t think building houses will take much time. Just like with the warehouse, if a carpenter draws the blueprints and I understand the internal structure, I think I can build them with the Production Skill. The only remaining question is whether I have enough magic power to build many houses, but according to Teacher Erica, my magic power is more than that of the Chief Court Magician in the Royal Capital.”

Hearing “more than the Chief Court Magician,” both Father and Brother Edward looked surprised. “Considering the decrease in magic power when I built the warehouse, I think I can build about five houses a day. So, I think I can somehow build houses for a hundred people in about a week.” Father pondered for a while and then nodded. “I see. Very well. I will procure the materials, so go ahead and try.”

Since Father agreed, I visited the carpenter who drew the blueprints when I built the warehouse. “Hello, Mister Craft.” “Oh, hello, Lord William.” Mister Craft is a skilled carpenter frequently commissioned by the Margrave family.

“Thank you for drawing the blueprints for the warehouse the other day.”

“No, no, it’s amazing that you could build such a huge object with the Production Skill just by looking at the blueprints.” Mister Craft spoke with a smile. He is a gentle and reliable old man. “Actually, I came to ask for another favor.”

“Ho, what are you planning to build this time?”

“Well, about a hundred Dwarves fled from the sea of trees, and I want to build houses for them. This is a job that should be entrusted to the carpenters, but they don’t have a place to live, and the cold will soon become severe, so we need to build quickly. That’s why I plan to build them with the Production Skill this time.”

“I see, indeed, if we were to build houses for a hundred people, it would take us several months. But the Dwarves need homes immediately. Understood, I shall cooperate.” “Thank you very much. That helps me immensely.”

I am grateful that the carpenters are cooperating, even though my building the houses will take away their work. I must do my best to build good houses for their sake too.

“So, what kind of houses shall we make?”

“Yes, I was hoping to make houses that feel warm with the natural wood. I want to make houses where the Dwarves, who barely escaped the sea of trees with their lives, can feel relieved.”

“I see, that is a good idea.”

I explained the log house to Mister Craft. In my previous life, I thought a log house villa would be nice. Of course, I couldn’t afford it, so I had no connection to it. “Ho-ho, using logs for the walls, you say? It feels like a lumberjack‘s cabin, but it sounds interesting. Well then, I will draw the blueprints and deliver them to the mansion.”

“Thank you, please do.” Mister Craft, a veteran carpenter, drew the blueprints, which showed the internal structure of the log house, by the next day. Notes on things like ensuring a proper foundation for increased durability and safety were also included, which was very helpful. I should report to Father and make sure he is properly compensated.