Published: January 12, 2026
New residents are coming. Along with livestock. What’s this? A dungeon has been discovered? Damn it, at a time like this when I’m so busy!
That’s the kind of vibe I’m getting as I, Van-kun, an eight-year-old single carpenter, build houses. I’m almost nine, and yet I’m the one working the hardest.
It’s Araten, right? Or is it Arazero? Since “Ara” is short for “Around,” Araten makes more sense.
Well, whatever. For now, I built fifty single-story 3K houses—just the right size for four people to live in. Then I built fifty single-story 2K houses, perfect for two people. That’s enough homes for three hundred people.
I also reserved empty lots along the main street so shops like the adventurers’ guild or inns can come later.
“Maybe I should build some annexes too, just in case a lot of adventurers show up.”
“Annexes?”
“A small town for adventurers. It’s fine if they settle down, but for folks who’ll stay only temporarily for the dungeon, they can stay there. You know, while Ort and the others are fine, there might be some troublesome adventurers.”
“So, you’re building a town?”
Til looked surprised, tilting her head.
“I know it’ll be tough, but we have to. It’ll be a small town, should be done in about a month.”
“…A town can be built in a month…?”
Til looked genuinely puzzled, but I just laughed and began town planning.
“The town should be about 300 to 400 people. Think of a lodging town for travelers and adventurers. We’ll make the buildings taller, with walls about five meters high. For defense, fifteen ballistas set on the three directions outside the village, ground-mounted and locked so no one can misuse them.”
“How big will the buildings be? How many people can live in each?”
“Three stories. We’ll make a broad street crossing like a plus sign and build along those roads. If ten people can sleep on each floor, that’s thirty per building. Ten buildings, five for shops, and maybe two or three inns.”
“Since a branch of the adventurers’ guild will be there, we should prepare a spot for it. If I may be so bold, you should decide whether to charge rent for the shops and inns or have Lord Van manage them.”
Espada said, looking over at me.
“Managing them myself would be more profitable and flexible, but it’s a hassle.”
“If so, I recommend appointing a magistrate for the new town. Lord Van will stay in the village, but the town needs someone to manage it.”
“If I run the shops, do we still need a magistrate? Ah, I see. You mean the shop and inn managers will act as the town’s managers? That makes sense—more eyes on things and no waste.”
I nodded as I answered, and Espada nodded deeply.
“Exactly. Alternatively, you could establish a knight order. Fortunately, Dee is here, so we can handle everything from establishment to operation.”
Espada explained.
So, they aren’t after profits from the new town; their priority is deciding how to keep order and surveillance.
Surveillance, huh? Indeed, some people might appear with ambitions or desires to steal things.
A police-type organization like a knight order seems suitable, but that won’t be easy.
Luckily, we have the budget.
“Let’s do it all. I’ll put shop management on hold for now and entrust Bell and Rango with it. We’ll scout adventurers or mercenaries for the knight order. Espada, you can handle the magistrate.”
Espada paused briefly, then nodded.
“Understood. I’ll find someone to be the town manager. One knight order in the village and one in the town, correct?”
“Right. Dee and the others will be the Seato knight order in Seato village. The new town will have the Espada knight order.”
“…Is this revenge?”
“What do you mean? I’m only eight, so I don’t get it.”
Espada gave me a deadpan look, and I burst out laughing. It was delightfully amusing.
While surveying and preparing the new town, within just three weeks, people from the neighboring village arrived.
“Thank you for accepting us. I am Sperv, the village chief of Fabia village.”