Local Production for Local Consumption
After lunch, the Longest family returned to their guest rooms to pack, while the rest of us moved to the living room.
Mr. Abe was also called over, as Father wanted to ask about the cooking.
"Now then... about the dishes made with sweet potatoes earlier, are they something that can be prepared by the general public?"
Father asked Mr. Abe.
"Yes, the cooking methods are not particularly difficult. The young lady’s instructions were clear and easy to follow."
"I see. Joan, do you mind making the recipes public?"
"Of course not. If it contributes to local production for local consumption, then by all means."
"Local production for local consumption?"
Everyone, including Gray and Grandfather, tilted their heads in confusion.
Oh? Do they not use that term in this world?
"Umm, it means consuming products in the same area where they are produced.
For farmers, it helps reduce distribution costs and improve profitability. Direct sales also allow for the sale of processed and prepared foods, as well as irregularly shaped products.
For consumers, it means access to fresh, locally grown produce at a lower cost."
"I see. That certainly benefits both the farmers and the citizens. And this concept applies not only to sweet potatoes but to all goods produced in our domain.”
Grandfather nodded in understanding.
"However, Father, the amount that can be consumed within the domain is limited. Expanding this idea to all our production might be too much..."
Father voiced his concerns.
"Umm, Father, Grandfather, I have a proposal. What if we use our local products to create specialty dishes and make them a signature of our domain?"
"Signature dishes?"
"Yes. By offering unique menus at restaurants, inns, and confectionery shops that feature locally sourced ingredients, we can attract both locals and tourists.
Utilizing local ingredients will also help cut distribution costs."
"Indeed. Since many adventurers pass through our territory, if they enjoy these signature dishes and spread the word, more adventurers might visit just for the food."
Brother Noel said.
"Adventurers stay at inns, so those would benefit as well. And they drink, meaning the taverns would also see increased profits.”
Brother Gene added.
"Yes, and since merchants also frequent our domain, they could purchase these goods and sell them elsewhere, further promoting our land.”
Mother said.
"That applies to seafood as well, not just agricultural products. If we create specialties using seafood, more people might visit just to eat them. And if we process them in some way, they could also be sold elsewhere.”
Grandmother said.
"Yes, if we build our economy around local production and consumption, our domain will surely prosper.”
Grandfather agreed.
"Father, it's impractical to tackle everything at once. Let’s start by discussing this with the sweet potato farmers. Gray, could you arrange a meeting with them? If they are available today, that would be ideal, but if not, have them suggest a convenient date."
"Understood. I will take care of it immediately.”
Gray said before leaving the living room.
"Abe, Joan, I apologize for the sudden request, but could you prepare the same dishes when the farmers arrive? Also, would you mind explaining the dishes to them?"
"Of course."
Mr. Abe and I exchanged glances and nodded in agreement.
"And Joan, if this resolves the concerns of the sweet potato farmers, would you be willing to help develop ideas for other locally produced foods as well?"
Was he offering me a role… a responsibility?
"Yes! I'll do my best!"
Seeing my enthusiastic response, everyone smiled warmly at me.
＊＊＊＊＊
"Well then, Father, Mother, we’ll be taking our leave. Brother, Sister-in-law, thank you for everything. Noel, Gene, see you in the capital. And Little Joan, you must come visit the Longest household in the capital next time, okay? Promise me!"
Aunt Juliette hugged me tightly.
"Y-Yes... Ju-Julie... Sis... I-I understand... so... ca-can't... breathe..."
"Mother, that's too much! Joan is getting crushed!"
Vee shouted.
"Thanks, Vee. Do your best at the academy this spring."
"Yeah, I will. And I’ll be back, so make sure you’ve got some delicious food ready for me."
"Joan, don't neglect your training. Keep up with your core workouts, too.”
Brother Aran said, patting my head.
"Yes, Brother Aran. I'll do my best."
"Alright, Father-in-law, Mother-in-law, Brother-in-law, Sister-in-law, thank you for your hospitality. Noel, Gene, thanks as well. Come visit sometime. See you around."
And with that, the Longest family used our home’s teleportation door—though it only led to the Lampail family's mansion in the capital—to depart. From there, they would head back to their own residence.
Ahh, Brother Aran and Vee have gone home.
I never felt it before since I always lived with my grandchildren, but maybe this is what my bathhouse friend Emi was talking about—how lonely it feels when your grandchildren leave.
Well, Aran and Vee aren’t grandchildren; they’re my cousins.
I wonder when I’ll see them again.
What do you think about this chapter?
