Chapter 211

The Fear of What Comes After
The next day, since it was just a day trip with two carriages, we left the manor early in the morning and headed for the new town.

Truth is, even last night’s dinner had turned into a small uproar.
Dessert was matcha ice cream and a matcha roll cake.

And not just one type—there were two versions: one with matcha sponge and regular cream, and one with plain sponge and matcha cream.
Of course, all of that was decided to be souvenirs too.

When Grandmother asked whether we shouldn’t send some to Alf and the others, I was struck with realization.

I’d have to ask Brother Hubert to take some back to my family in the capital as well.

Worst case, Brother Gerald could go pick them up at the station in the capital… no, wait, that wouldn’t work.
With a Magic Bag, only the one who put something inside can take it back out.
Convenient, sure, but inconvenient in this case.

Still, if we didn’t send them to the capital, I’d be in trouble when everyone came back.
Brother Chris had only just written me a letter saying I should send things like that regularly.
Looks like I’d have no choice but to rely on Brother Hubert.

That meant asking the head chef and the others to make a huge batch more.
Could they manage? Would it mean staying up all night again? … I’m really, really sorry.

The carriages were split between men and women.
The women had their maids with them, after all.

“There aren’t many buildings in the new town yet, so there’s not much to see,” I said, sitting with Atre and Lucas on the side facing the driver, while Raphael and Brother Hubert took the opposite seat.

“No, new towns aren’t built so often. I’d like to see it.”

“Same here. Besides, there’s supposed to be hot springs. I’m curious what kind of town it’ll be.”

“Reinhardt,” Raphael said, “yesterday at the jeweler’s you explained the new town’s concept. A place where the common folk can easily enjoy themselves, with souvenirs and food you can only get there, all at reasonable prices. Is there a deeper meaning behind that?”

“Raphael, in this country, even going to the next town is tough. For families, outings are only during festivals. Once a year, maybe once every two years. I wanted to create a place where people would think, ‘Let’s come back here again. So let’s work hard until then.’”

“Wouldn’t it be more profitable to cater to the wealthy?”

“The wealthy are far fewer than the common folk. Even if each person spends less, the sheer number of people means it adds up to a huge sum. Nobles will come too, sure, but this new town is meant as a tourist spot for the common folk. We’re alive thanks to them—we need to give something back.”

“But won’t it be difficult for them to get there?”

“I plan to run three to five round-trip carriages daily with escorts from both the domain capital and Eminira. If it’s well received, I’ll increase the number. And since our domain has plenty of adventurers, that helps too.”

“So that’s why you placed it right between the two most populous towns?”

Raphael, how do you even know that? Maybe the Duke himself had looked into it.

“I always wondered, back in the capital, why a new town was being built on the direct line between two large cities. If you were building a third major city, you’d usually pick a triangle point instead, wouldn’t you?”

Ah, I see. If it were an equilateral triangle, both the domain capital and Eminira would be the same distance away, boosting the roads and surrounding areas too.
But the new town sits in a straight line, making three large cities in a row—that’s what struck him as strange.

Still, the fact that Westland’s actions were being watched that closely… maybe I needed to pay a lot more attention than I’d thought.

“Reinhardt, true, there are some who complain loudly, but the higher-ups are supportive. It’s not just Westland—many nobles and commoners alike are benefitting. But if other countries learn you’re the central figure, they’ll surely try to use you. You’re also the master of both a Fenrir and a White Dragon.”

“Raphael’s right,” Brother Hubert added. “Many nations already suspect that the dragon scales at this auction came from Westland. Spies are likely increasing, and some may try to approach you. In fact, a number of foreign royals are in our country right now under the pretext of the auction.”

Ughhh, seriously, this was getting exhausting.
I must have made a really sour face, because the two of them chuckled.

(Don’t worry, Hardt. I’ll protect you,) Atre said.

Oh, Atre, how reliable you are. Without thinking, I pulled him into a tight hug.

“Hardt, I’m here too. I’ll wipe out any shady types, so relax,” Lucas said.

“Lucas, your power is still weak—that’s why you’re staying with us. But you’re a target too, so you mustn’t stray from me. Still, thank you. That means a lot.” I ruffled his scales gently.

“Seeing Chris’s Bianca and Gerald’s Ripka, I can’t help but notice… you’re all so close with your partners. Makes me wish I had one too… I’m honestly jealous.”

Brother Hubert… that’s one thing I really can’t help with.
All of this was pure coincidence, after all.

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