Volume 6 Chapter 20 Unexpected Connections
"I'll dispose of it tonight."
"Yeah. Please do."
Abel, showing a thumbs-up at Randy's words, effortlessly lifted one of the burlap sacks.
Though he seemed small, he was truly a man of Victor.
He had an air of someone who was accustomed to manual labor, directing his subordinates while carrying the burlap sack on his shoulder.
In Abel's place, Randy approached the two men who remained unconscious.
They were clearly under some form of brainwashing.
What Randy recalled was the strange state of the two men.
Their unfocused gazes and hazy demeanor were evident even to someone experiencing them for the first time, like Randy.
Their odd behavior was a clear sign they had been brainwashed──or something similar.
For that reason, he hadn't killed them this time, but given how blatant it was, even if they regained their senses, it was questionable whether the information they provided would be truthful.
However, what disturbed Randy even more was...
"Are even ordinary people brainwashed?"
Randy murmured as he observed them.
"I would have preferred if they were ordinary people posing as professionals..."
Keith, yearning, suggested this possibility, but unfortunately, Randy shook his head at that notion.
"These guys' hands..."
Randy spread one man's palm open.
"It's clearly that of someone who is used to wielding a sword."
"Indeed. And for many years."
Observing the sword callus, Keith murmured, but Randy shook his head vigorously, saying, "Stop that."
"Enough, enough. At this point, all of this is just speculation. It's a waste of time."
As Randy let out a grand sigh, Abel returned, having likely entrusted the burlap sack to his subordinates.
"I'll throw these guys in the dungeon. When they wake up, we'll──"
"Ah. Let Keith know. I might be away."
Abel tilted his head, asking, "A date?"
"Well, something like that. It's more important than dealing with these idiots."
Smirking, Randy noted that Abel also nodded, saying, "That sounds good."
Despite still appearing expressionless, Abel looked like he was glowing with joy to Randy.
In front of his cheerful childhood friend, Randy clapped his hands, saying, "That's right."
"In a few days, personnel dispatched by the Church will arrive, including retired Knights and former adventurers."
While looking over the roster, Randy said, "Um..." as he searched for a particular individual to show Abel.
"I'm assigning these people to you, so please make good use of them as instructors for the new recruits."
"Okay."
Leaving the task to Abel, who made an OK sign with his finger, Randy departed the training ground with Keith.
If Abel, Keith, and the other squad leader, Gerhart, were in charge, then there would be no problem with any intruders entering the territory.
Thus, Randy could focus on building the town, securing a place where the upcoming people would be able to smile.
"Keith, their hideout is──"
"It has already been destroyed."
Indeed, it was fine to leave the cleanup for a while, as Randy shifted his thoughts back to Clarice's design workshop.
* * *
Once back at the magistrate's residence, Randy spread out a plot map in front of Keith.
"I'm thinking of building a workshop here and in this area."
"Two locations, is it?"
To the surprised Keith, Randy summarized the conversation he had with Liz earlier that morning.
Clarice's age.
The school life that would likely follow.
Strategies to gain popularity.
Measures to ensure Clarice's privacy even if she becomes popular.
Though it was a brief explanation, Keith looked somewhat satisfied upon hearing it.
"As expected, my lord is wonderful."
Blushing at Keith's unrestrained praise, Randy, who shyly turned his gaze away, said, "Oh, stop it."
"It's all because you guys are here."
To Randy, who expressed his gratitude while still averting his face, Keith replied cheerfully, "Everyone will be happy to hear that."
Indeed, it was true; because there were those who believed in Randy and followed him thus far, he was able to formulate such plans.
He had gained power and could now bring his visions to life.
Yet ultimately, that alone would not have allowed him to achieve all that he had to this point.
Undoubtedly, it is thanks to the cooperation of those around them.
A territory that was initially poor and had nothing, accepting something new and challenging is something that is not easily accomplished.
Yet, trusting in Randy, they began with the improvement of the carriage, rapidly succeeded in launching businesses like beauty serum and cameras, and now they are expanding into heat-retaining innerwear and kotatsu.
Moreover, led by Clarice, they are entering the clothing industry of this world and setting trends.
All of this is a gift of the entire territory's cooperation.
And such a relationship was undoubtedly made possible by the efforts of the adults, starting with Father Alan, who maintains close ties with the villagers.
"If the old man's *work* could finally bear fruit, that would be perfect."
No matter how many businesses he starts and how much foreign currency he earns, Alan is still dedicated to improving the food situation for the entire territory.
Not only relying on purchases from elsewhere, he is investing funds in crop breeding and soil improvement to raise the income of the farmers who make up much of the territory.
It is precisely because of Alan that even the conservative tenant farmers are willing to help by transferring important labor to the businesses during fallow periods.
"Unfortunately, agriculture is far too specialized for me. So all I can do, as always, is *devise surprising ideas*."
Randy, laughing self-deprecatingly, received a smile from Keith who said, "You're too modest."
"And I'm even trying to drag my little sister, who is still a child, into the business. What a money-hungry brother I am."
Randy shrugged, and Keith smiled kindly at him.
"Considering all the measures for Lady Clarice, it's too much to call you money-hungry."
Randy pouted and said, "Shut up. It's fine." as he took a sip of his coffee.
"By the way, about the key designer for the measures... what are you planning to do about that?"
"Ah, Liz should be sending a confirmation letter right now."
Setting down his cup, Randy mentioned that the other party seems to be in the Marquis Braubelg territory.
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