Volume 20 Chapter 7 Report And Proposal
Three days after defeating the Mage of the Marquis Prentis family, Al visited the Margrave's castle again with his brother Gustave to see the Margrave's third daughter, Serena.
Upon being shown into the room, they found a smiling man sitting there alongside Serena.
He appeared to be a noble, not a retainer, based on his attire.
As the two entered, the man stood up from his chair and approached Gustave.
"You've done well. I heard from Lady Serena that you accepted the request for extermination. I also hear you've already defeated the infiltrating Mage. Prince Theodore is certainly deserving of his praise. I'm proud of you."
The man said this while reaching out for a handshake with Gustave.
Gustave seemed to know the man, taking his hand with a tense expression.
"And you must be Alfred, Gustave's brother. I'm Olaf. I've heard you're a remarkable magic user. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Thank you very much."
Olaf...
He seemed to be a Baron or Viscount based on his attire.
Al knelt and bowed politely.
"Your Excellency Viscount Olaf, the two of them are feeling quite nervous. Please, everyone, have a seat."
Serena lightly smiled and encouraged them to sit.
So, His Excellency Viscount Olaf...
Being here likely means he is involved in the development of the iron mine.
Gustave and Al took their seats as prompted.
"I'm sure Gustave know him, but since this is Al's first time meeting you, let me introduce him. This is Your Excellency Viscount Olaf. He has my father's strong trust and is in charge of the Margrave family's finances. He also manages various mines within the Margrave territory, so we will be seeking his guidance regarding the establishment and management of the iron mine. That's why we invited him today."
"That's the case. Nice to meet you."
Viscount Olaf smiled pleasantly once again.
"Pleased to meet you. Knight Channing, I am here as a representative of my father, Nelson."
"I see, so your father will serve as the local magistrate. I was wondering what would become of Lady Serena. From your demeanor, it seems you have discussed various matters? If you have any thoughts, I would like to hear them now."
Gustave nodded.
"Yes, then let me propose..."
The plan created by Gustave, Nelson, and Jasper involved establishing a base on the opposite bank of the Muriel River, closest to the mining site from Channing Village.
* * *
The mining area was still an undeveloped region with plenty of Barbarians roaming about, so instead of setting up a base there, they intended to place a lookout as a guard against the Barbarians, along with minimal facilities like a shed for tools and horses.
The miners would head to the mine every morning from the riverside base with escorts, and in the evening, they would return to the base with a wagon loaded with their haul.
Gustave suggested that being by the river would make it easier to transport construction materials from Marlow's town, as well as to ship the mined goods.
Viscount Olaf wore a serious expression but nodded lightly.
"What is it that you seek from the Margrave family?"
"As initial investments, we require funding for the construction of the road from the mining site to the base, as well as for the base itself and the mining site. We also need to dispatch mining engineers for the operation, wagons to connect the site to the base, and boats to link the new base with Marlow's town and Channing Village. Additionally, we would like to request the dispatch of a knight squad to deal with nearby Barbarians and magic beasts during the construction period. The scale of the facilities will be related to the mining volume, so I believe it would be prudent to consult with the mining engineers and others to determine a reasonable estimate before making a definitive proposal."
Al listened, thinking how amazing it was that Gustave could answer so smoothly.
"How far is the mining site from the base?"
"Ah, I believe it's about 6 kilometers (3.72miles)."
Yeah, this is accurate since I measured possible routes for laying the road while discussing it with Glee, as Gustave asked them yesterday.
If they took the route through the mountain that his brother and he first opened, it would be about half that distance, but the elevation changes would make it difficult to create a road for carts loaded with iron ore.
"How many personnel do you think will be needed to operate the mine?"
"After consulting with the mining engineers regarding miners, their caretakers, and those involved in transportation such as drivers and sailors, similar to the scale of the facilities, I would like to estimate it afterward. Additionally, we may need one managing squire, 4 attendants, and around ten hired mercenaries or adventurers for security."
If there are security personnel stationed across the river from Channing Village, the damage from Barbarians in Channing Village and nearby villages would significantly decrease.
Olaf Viscount lightly nodded at Gustave's words.
"Sounds good. It's well thought out. We can do the mining site construction last, and the transportation route along the river to the base can be established alongside the construction of the base for safety. I think it's a reasonable approach. However, I want to leave the management of the boats connecting the base and Marlow's town to Baron Marlow. You can proceed in that direction. Have the contractors for the actual construction provide estimates. We will adjust for the mining engineers as soon as possible."
"Yes, understood."
It seems they should manage the mining of iron ore as a magistrate.
Since they don't actually decide the price or quantity of iron ore, it's a relief as long as it can be transported to the riverside base.
Someone to undertake the construction...
It might be good to consult his brother or perhaps the head of the Levy merchant guild if the situation allows.
"Your/His Excellency, I have one request."
Gustave hesitated briefly, then looked up.
"What is it?"
"I have a close colleague who is in a difficult position to return to the knight order. May I reach out to him?"
Olaf fixed his gaze on Gustave's face, then slowly smiled.
"I see, you were part of the second team, eighth squad of the delegation the other time. You want to take them as attendants... That should be possible with the work of managing the mine, of course, that's fine."
"Thank you. Then I will proceed with the discussion."
Gustave smiled happily.
Now that Al thinks about it, there was a report of an attendant who seemed to have lingering issues after being attacked by the 'Magic Tornado' spell.
Perhaps he thought it could be said that he had snatched away an active attendant depending on the perspective.
Most attendants of the knight order probably received education to become knights in middle school or similar.
It would be wonderful if he could become an attendant here.
"Good luck. When will you hunt the Lamia? You've already defeated the Mage of the Marquis Prentis family, right?"
Lord Emanuel's matter had already been reported through Lord Duran.
The body of the lord and the restrained Cyril have also been handed over to the knight order.
Previously, they had inquired the Marquis Prentis family about the Mage Fletcher and Melville, who were restrained near the border city of Parker, but they did not acknowledge their involvement, and they were ultimately escorted to the royal capital as unidentified operatives.
It seems they expect the same will happen with Lord Emanuel.
"Ah, probably within a week."
Gustave answered that and bowed.
Al followed suit.
The main concern, the Mage of the Marquis Prentis family, is gone.
From the observation using the 'Floating Eye' spell, the opponents are only Lamias, Goblins, and Hobgoblins.
He can't be certain, but it seems there are openings in the Lamia too, and they are not entirely unbeatable.
With a bit of ingenuity, Gustave, Al, and the retainers should be fine.
And if they manage to defeat them safely, a formal report on the completion of the subjugation will be made with his father and Gustave regarding the iron mine detection, and as a reward, they would likely be appointed magistrate.
"I depend on you. I'll instruct the mining engineers to align with that."
Al and Gustave once again bowed to Viscount Olaf and left the castle.
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