Chapter 531

Starting the Tourism Project
It’s been a few weeks since the Parfe carriages began running.
They’re still wildly popular, with fully booked reservations every day and no signs of people getting tired of them.
Naturally, the ranch is popular too.
Since the ranch is off-limits to the general public on all days except the Dark Day, that only increases the number of applications.
But there’s a limit to how many Parfes we have, so we’ve had to cap the number of visitors, and now the waiting list is insane.
I’m sorry about that, but if we started accepting visitors even on weekdays, there’d be no end to it.
The Parfes need proper rest too.

“So, what did you want to talk about, Marquis Vardmoi?”

I’d just started working on making my furisode after getting the Parfe-related businesses under control when I was summoned by Marquis Vardmoi.
Honestly, this time I had no clue what the topic could be.

“Right. First, it’s a request from the citizens—would you consider opening the ranch on days other than the Dark Day?”

“That would be difficult. And besides, wouldn’t it be hard for the parents to take time off too?”

“Indeed. But I couldn’t ignore the request since it was submitted. Forget that matter. The next one is the main topic.”

Hmm, so the ranch thing was just a side note.
What’s the real issue?

“I want to add a new sightseeing spot along the Parfe carriage route. When we do that, can we increase the number of stops?”

“That’s no problem. But you’re expanding sightseeing spots?”

“I’ve been worried that Vardmoi’s growth has plateaued. It’s doing fine as a commercial city, but if that’s all we rely on, other cities may eventually catch up. I need to explore other avenues.”

“You’re playing the long game, huh? But sightseeing trips aren’t very common around here. How do you plan to deal with that?”

“I intend to target merchants and nobles who come to Vardmoi for business. We’ll prepare spots that appeal to wealthy nobles and merchants, as well as places where average merchants can relax.”

That actually doesn’t sound bad.
Still, the Parfe carriage is already booked solid.
How’s he planning to deal with that?
When I asked, the answer was surprisingly simple:
If there aren’t enough seats—just add more.

“The Parfe carriages only run on days other than the Dark Day, yes? That means there should still be idle Parfes. I’ll fund the production of several new carriages. I know you’re already expanding the fleet with your own funds, but I want my guests to get priority boarding on the ones I finance.”

“Um… In that case, we’ll need a clear way to tell them apart, right?”

“Your carriages will bear your crest, and mine will bear mine. If people see my crest, they’ll have no reason to complain.”

Fair enough.
Besides, I’m already pushing for more carriages, so we might be able to manage the reservations.
Honestly, I’d like people besides those with reservations to be able to ride eventually too, so this might work out.

“Understood. But… will the kids be able to tell the difference?”

“My carriages won’t be fully transparent like yours. They’ll have windows, so it’ll be clear they’re different. Plus, I’m planning to change the boarding locations.”

That makes sense.
If you’re targeting merchants and nobles, then setting the boarding point in the middle of a residential area—like I do—wouldn’t make sense.
They’d need something closer to hotel or noble districts.
If the appearance is different enough, and the ones pulling them are… wait a second.

“Then is there any point in borrowing Parfes?”

“I want the carriage bodies themselves to be designed for comfort. May I use your technology?”

“I suppose that much is fine. But that means you will need Parfes. The extra weight of the design makes it necessary, mechanically.”

“Exactly. Still, the sightseeing spots will take years to develop. This is all long-term planning.”

“Got it.”

So Vardmoi’s getting into the tourism business now.
Things are changing a lot lately.
I’ve changed too, and change itself isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Looks like the grand opening will be in the summer, so I’d better have my furisode ready by then.
Things have calmed down with the Parfe business, so I can actually take my time now.

What do you think about this chapter?