Published: January 13, 2026
Leaving the excited Dwarves to their own devices, I turned to Bell and Rango to ask about the town building.
“Since the newly built inn looks like that, is it alright if I handle building the shops this time?”
When I asked, Bell and Rango both nodded enthusiastically.
“Is that really okay?”
“We don’t have enough carpenters yet, so if Lord Van can build them, that would be a big help!”
I laughed at their words and then checked the empty spaces along the street.
“Alright then, basically, I’ll make them three stories tall with a basement. I want to match the appearance and size to that inn over there to keep a unified look.”
When I said that, Bell’s eyes widened as she glanced back at Kusala’s inn. After staring at it intently for a while, she turned to face me with movements like a robot running out of oil.
“…Having a shop this size is every merchant’s dream, but how many platinum coins is one building worth...?”
Bell said with an anxious voice. I shook my hand from side to side to reassure her.
“It’s fifty gold coins.”
“F-f-fifty gold coins!? Really!? If that’s the case, I’d like to have this building built in Seato Village too...!”
“No way. You need to gather carpenters and keep building more buildings one after another. You have to create jobs and keep the economy moving.”
When I answered, Bell visibly slumped her shoulders.
“Oh, the town’s appearance is important too. Please make it similar to the buildings we’ve made so far. Colors are important too, I guess.”
“That might be pretty difficult…”
Seeing Bell troubled made me feel a little sorry, but thinking about the future, it couldn’t be helped. It was essential to train various craftsmen.
Otherwise, the day when I no longer have to do odd jobs will never come.
“F-for now, as Bell Rango Trading Company, the most important thing is a place that’s easiest for new customers to use.”
“Then, maybe the first shop you see from the entrance? Just one building?”
“Three buildings, please...”
“F-four buildings, please!”
While Rango was responding, Bell rushed in with a desperate look. Rango also tilted his head in confusion.
“Materials trading, daily necessities, weapons and armor... wasn’t three buildings enough?”
When Rango asked, Bell shook her head vigorously.
“That was the plan at first, but this might be the last chance for Lord Van to build buildings for us. We can never have too many materials, so let’s have him build more.”
When Bell said that, Rango’s expression hardened.
“I see. Then four buildings are certainly better... Alright! I’ll hurry and recruit new merchant apprentices!”
Then, without another word, Rango ran off toward Seato Village.
Bell watched his retreating back with her eyes and let out a quiet sigh.
“Just when I thought things were finally settling down... and we haven’t even decided the building structure yet.”
“Well, I think Bell figured she could handle the buildings, so it’s probably fine, right?”
“Whether she’s really thought that far is another question.”
We laughed over that exchange as I checked the street again.
“If there are enough materials, I’ll start building right away. What do you think?”
“We’ll prepare immediately. It’s precious that Lord Van is taking time for this.”
“Am I sounding like a tyrant?”
“...Hey! Bring as many wooden blocks as you can!”
Ignoring my protest, Bell headed to her subordinates. She sure has a lot of nerve.
While Bell Rango Trading Company was preparing, I quickly talked with the people Kamushin and his group had brought. I conducted a survey, asking what kind of business they wanted to do.
“I’ve been making furniture, so if possible, I’d like to process wood and build large items.”
“I worked in a clothing store. I want to make cute clothes that even I’d want to wear.”
“I love baking bread... I don’t have many types yet, but I’ll do my best!”
I listened to the diverse visions for the future and assigned roles on the spot. Some were skilled at crafting, others at customer service as salespeople. There were also logistics staff good at inventory management and procurement.