Because They Worked So Hard
“Compensation, huh?”
“Yes. Whenever our family has asked for favors, we’ve always paid for them. This time, it’s the other way around — so you’ve prepared proper compensation, haven’t you?”
“If the exhibition in the royal capital goes well, wouldn’t that help promote Westland’s new district?”
“That won’t be necessary. The purpose of the new district is to be a safe and relaxing tourist spot for our own people — a place for newlyweds, families, and friends to enjoy themselves. It’s not meant to be a playground for nobles or the wealthy.”
A long silence followed. Seeing that the discussion was over, I said, “If that’s all, I’ll excuse myself. There’s still cleanup to oversee at the venue,” and left the conference room.
I caught up with Brother Chris and reported everything to him in Father’s study.
“—And that’s how it went. If Father gets approached about it too, please turn them down.”
“... Hardt, do you realize what you’ve done?”
“Father, the royal family thinks they can just ask and we’ll handle anything. Someone has to draw a line eventually.”
“I agree with Hardt this time. We haven’t done anything wrong — everything’s been transparent. If they want to hold an exhibition in the capital, they should plan it themselves.”
Having finished reporting to my family, I went out to check on the cleanup at the plaza.
Brother Gerald was still taking care of the open-air market side, which was a huge help.
By the time I arrived, the cleanup at the plaza was nearly complete.
I went around to each tent, thanking people with a “Good work” and “Thank you.”
Everyone looked satisfied, smiling with that “we did it” feeling.
Then Logan came up to me.
“Logan, great work today. And congratulations to Lux Village for your award.”
“Thank you! Everyone’s thrilled that both our rainbow fish accessories and coasters were selected.”
“That’s good to hear. I was worried there wouldn’t be much benefit for Elm’s works and the little boxes since those got a direct trade company contract instead of new district sales.”
“The accessories for the new district are being mass-produced at the mold workshop, then finished by hand in the village. As for the coasters, the women are having fun making them however they like.”
“I see. But I take it you came to talk about something else?”
“Yes. I was wondering — could we visit the new district’s hot springs again? Maybe hold a little celebration there?”
“Is that your personal idea, Logan?”
“Well, I’d like a soak myself, but honestly, everyone’s been saying they want to get together one last time. People from different places have been asking for it.”
“So you came to me as their representative?”
“Yes. Back when I was a knight, I used to visit the villages, so I guess people find it easy to ask me.”
That made sense. He used to be a vice-captain, after all — someone who can talk to me directly.
“All right. But I’ll need to confirm with the adventurers handling security first. I’ll give you an answer today.”
“Thank you very much. We’d appreciate it.”
Honestly, with things so awkward between me and the princess right now, this might be the perfect excuse.
Tomorrow, we’ll go to the new district for a proper celebration.
After checking with the Adventurers’ Guild and getting the OK, I went to the plaza and made an announcement using a loudspeaker:
“Tomorrow, we’ll be holding a celebration in the new district! This is for all participants, helpers, guards, and any residents returning to their towns or villages with their adventurer escorts. Meeting time remains the same. Lodging tents will be provided by my household, but please bring your own meals.”
As I repeated the announcement, cheers rose from all around.
Then I hurried to the open-air market and made the same announcement there — more cheers erupted.
Brother Gerald came over, looking exasperated.
“You didn’t tell me about this.”
“It was requested at the plaza.”
“Well… we’ve been working nonstop for five — no, six days. Taking a soak before heading home doesn’t sound bad.”
“Even if they didn’t win or get selected, I’d like everyone to feel glad they took part.”
“Yeah, that’s true.”
“You don’t have to come, Brother Gerald. You should rest.”
“Nah, I’ll go too. I got to know a lot of people at the market.”
As we talked, both vice–guildmasters rushed over.
“We believe we qualify to join the celebration too. Please let us participate!”
“That’s fine — but can you arrange carriages?”
“Of course!”
“Same conditions as everyone else.”
“No problem.”
“Then be at the meeting place tomorrow, and be on time.”
“Thank you!” they said together, and then Gavin, one of the vice–guildmasters, turned around, laced his fingers over his head, and made an “OK” gesture with his arms.
Seeing that, the guild staff behind them burst into cheers — “We did it!” “Yes!” “Yay!” — clapping and pumping their fists.
“We’ve all wanted to try the new district’s hot springs. The participants who went before couldn’t stop saying how great it was and how they wanted to go again.”
Well, everyone’s worked hard — they’ve earned it.
What do you think about this chapter?
