Chapter 119: Winter's Arrival

Recently, it has become noticeably colder. Autumn is about to end soon. Feeling the cold on my skin, I remember the winter when I lived in the slums. In the slums of this world, keeping warm is difficult. Firewood is hard to come by. Unlike Earth, only those who can defeat beasts or magic beasts in the forest can gather firewood. So, inevitably, firewood becomes expensive. Nobles never lack firewood to buy, and there are even heating magic tools. However, people living in the slums can only warm themselves with meager firewood or just wear clothes to keep warm. The old pharmacist lady who raised me had some money, so we managed to buy firewood. Even so, we didn’t use it during the day, only on cold nights. I’ve seen people freeze to death from cold several times. That’s how harsh winter is in this world. Estelle‘s Euphonium territory intends to sell down jackets for commoners, but probably won’t reach slum people… In a few years, might circulate as second-hand clothes, but probably thin ones with less down inside. Still might be somewhat better though. Even in the glittering Royal Capital, there are slums. Accurately speaking, outside the Royal Capital’s castle walls. Place where wandering people, those expelled from towns or villages, or drifters from foreign countries settled. According to what I learned in history class, apparently long ago there was a big fire in a nearby town and the town itself disappeared. As a temporary evacuation site, living near the Royal Capital’s castle walls was permitted, then people who stayed put remained, and people with circumstances flowing in one after another created the slums… that’s how it is. Saying ‘get out forcibly’ is same as saying ‘die’, so the higher-ups are troubled too apparently. Since they don’t pay taxes either, the country has no reason to help. Stance is ‘Country turns a blind eye to living there, but won’t know whatever happens, and if you cause trouble here, will make you leave then?’. When winter comes, as expected, not a small number of deaths occur in slums apparently. There are forests near Royal Capital too, but takes about three hours on foot, and not like magic beasts or monsters don’t appear at all. Dangerous animals like wolves and bears exist too. Slum people going to gather firewood risk their lives too.

“If my shop sold firewood… If could summon Home Center or such… No, ripoff prices though… That would be around 700-800 yen? Meaning 7000-8000 yen. That amount for one night, impossible right…”

Can’t I do something for slum people… Is this what they call ‘Noblesse Oblige’? Let’s ask about things I don’t know. Decided to ask Old Stram who is my tutor.

“I see. For slum people… is it. Churches and such do soup kitchens but…” “Ah, soup kitchen. Is it okay for nobles to do that?” “Well, no problem. However, costs quite a money, you know?”

Yup, if money, think can manage with what I earned from my shop. Alright, then let’s treat them to delicious minestrone using plenty of vegetables from Greengrocer ‘Yaokuma’! …I was rejoicing bravely, but while nobles planning soup kitchen is no problem, the Ducal daughter herself going out to do it is apparently socially awkward. Such things are normally left entirely to servants to do. If the noble themselves do it, it’s taken as showing off without money, doing it without wanting to do it. Nobles have twisted viewpoints, seriously… Can’t lower Ducal House reputation, so reluctantly decided to ask Nanane Clan for the soup kitchen. While at it, ask to gather information in slums.

“Regarding Royal Capital’s slums, as expected this winter seems quite severe. This soup kitchen seemed to please them, but Ducal House can’t do it forever alone.”

Few days later, hearing reports from Nanane Clan via Ritsu, seems slum people are suffering as expected. Want to help somehow, but this is difficult for me, a child… Besides, just giving charity might not solve anything. Heard stories in Japan too that welfare recipients struggle to get out of it. As expected, economic independence is necessary. Getting a job, paying taxes properly, becoming accepted as Royal Capital citizen… Job, huh… Ah, come to think of it, what happened to the talk Prime Minister was advancing about reclaiming land to cultivate tomatoes? Did it go back to blank slate due to that curse disease uproar? Still continuing? If sending slum people to pioneer village and they can produce enough to live… Will ask Prime Minister next time. Reclaiming village isn’t that bad thing. Depends on how much backup the Lord can provide though. How is le Philharmonie territory regarding that? Must study territory more… I was thinking such things while looking out the window where wintry wind started blowing.

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“Empire’s First Imperial Prince’s illness cured?” “Yes. The messenger said they are greatly indebted to [Princess of the Holy Sword]… Wanted to convey gratitude from First Imperial Prince.”

Emperor Windham knit his brows at the story heard from Prime Minister. Seems the irregular niece did something again. Same with son Elliott and Imperial Princess’s engagement, whenever that child is involved, stories expand in unexpected directions. Not going in bad direction, but dealing with it is tough anyway. Emperor wished she would restrain herself a little.

“If First Imperial Prince has no worries regarding health, Second Imperial Prince faction faces a tough battle.” “Only reliance becomes Emperor being pro-Second Imperial Prince.”

Current Emperor is the person who attacked the Kingdom about thirty years ago. For current Emperor Windham, it was before he was born, but never holds good impression. Furthermore, person who neglected Risha who should be his daughter. Windham quite liked this girl who would eventually become his daughter-in-law. Therefore, from parent’s standpoint, couldn’t like him no matter what.

“Emperor is also over fifty. Time to abdicate soon. Will he let the peacefully recovered First Imperial Prince succeed, or forcibly install Second Imperial Prince inheriting his ambition… worth seeing.” “Either way, the one who didn’t take the throne won’t remain silent. Will be turbulent.”

As Prime Minister says, there will be big political change in Empire soon. At that time, Kingdom would be troubled if anything happened to Risha. With Imperial Princess Leticia there, unlikely to happen but… Since First Imperial Prince recovered and Imperial Princess Leticia sided there, for Second Imperial Prince faction, harming Risha now wouldn’t be a decisive blow. Rather, when gaining power, might think they need to buy time to rebuild country by establishing peace with Kingdom using Risha‘s existence. However, remains dangerous.

“Maybe better to make some reason and keep Highness Risha in our country until political change settles…” “Depends on situation over there… shall we consider it.”

Windham leans on office sofa and sighs deeply.

“Having too many children is also something to consider.” “Too few is also troubling though. Our country’s Imperial bloodline is thin, slightly anxious.” “Gumu…”

Sarcasm towards Empire returned as big boomerang to himself. Certainly Symphonia Imperial Kingdom’s royalty is few. Windham has two consorts, but neither has children for now. Not avoiding it though.

“King doesn’t need to be wise, as long as not foolish, anyone can serve. If excellent ones are nearby. If I die tomorrow, as long as you are here, country will run, right?” “Should I rejoice at great trust, or should I scold to not rely only on me and run it yourself more?”

Look at each other and laugh. Good combination after all. The two took a break, took out preserved Kitchen Car hot dogs and stuffed cheeks—mogu mogu. These easily eatable things were perfect to eat between work.

“Come to think of it, there was talk from Lady Sakuraile about reclaiming a village to produce Pomodoro. Using slum people.” “Slums… True, can’t leave them as is. Reclaiming village isn’t bad thing but… any good place?”

Licking ketchup of hot dog, Windham asks Prime Minister. If this sauce can be made in own country, big profit.

“How about former Ragtime Marquis territory which became Imperial demesne.” “I see. That place is close to Royal Capital. Moving won’t be difficult. If tax exempted for ten years and reclaimed land becomes own property, those heading there won’t be few.” “Well, earliest will be after winter ends though.”

Telling to go to reclaimed land in winter is too cruel. First must issue notice recruiting immigrants in slums, and must provide some aid money. Telling to reclaim without farming tools or food is impossible.

“Wonder if Sakuraile can summon a shop selling convenient tools for reclaiming.” “Hahaha! Good idea, with otherworldly tools, village might be built in an instant.”

The two laughing at such joke. Without knowing a girl in Ducal House sneezed loudly at that time.

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Thus season moves to winter. Gears of fate turn without freezing, attracting both good and bad karma. The story turns. Regardless of Villainess’s wish or unwish.