Volume 6 Chapter 31 The Little Fish, Delicious In The River
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
The spring sun warmed the land with a gentle touch, but the river water still held onto winter’s chill. That didn’t stop the Raia-Raia kids from laughing and splashing through the shallows, chasing tiny fish with joyful squeals.
Each time the little fish darted away, they ended up caught in the woven baskets placed along the shore. The kids thought they were just playing, but it was actually a big help.
This stream was one of many that flowed from the marshlands into the canals. The current was gentle and the water shallow—too shallow to swim, but just right for splashing around. At first, I’d been worried about water accidents, but folks in this world didn’t seem too concerned. Apparently, even if someone drowned, there was a high chance they’d come back to life through some kind of resurrection system. Though that kind of miracle didn’t happen often, it seemed like kids here were way tougher than the average modern Japanese child.
Originally, I’d thought about filling in the smaller streams—they seemed like a hassle. But once I found out they were perfect breeding grounds for small fish, I couldn’t bring myself to destroy them. On Earth, it’s said that countless species go extinct each year due to reckless development before we even discover them. I remember watching a documentary and getting all fired up about it.
Now that I’m the one doing the developing, I get it. It’s complicated. This world even has gods watching from above, so I probably shouldn’t do anything too reckless. Still… when I look at that wall barley, I can’t help but feel like it’s a top-tier biohazard. Useful, sure—but also terrifying.
I’d planned to have the villagers from Toyata move once the wall barley harvest was ready. But thanks to the dwarves helping out with full strength, we managed to finish the land prep way ahead of schedule. In the end, everyone moved in all at once.
We named the new settlement “Original Toyata Village”—a bit on the nose, maybe, but it became the core of the Original Toyata Viscountcy. There had been talk of building a grand modern city, but the residents wanted to keep things simple. We reused their old homes and kept the rural charm intact. Turns out, there are all kinds of ways to define happiness. They didn’t want dramatic change—they preferred gradual progress.
Many of them were skilled workers. Not everyone was super hardworking, but they all feared losing the trades and techniques they’d spent their lives mastering.
With wall barley providing enough food to survive without jobs, it would’ve been easy to stop working. But the craftsmen didn’t think that counted as living well. Maybe it was pride in their family’s work, or maybe just that “high-consciousness” vibe.
Before I got involved, the villagers had been slowly saving up small amounts of money, occasionally splurging on meat or tailoring a wedding dress. Just little luxuries. Looking back, I wonder if all I did was wreck their values and break apart their community. Designing the new village as a rustic countryside town instead of a forest of high-rises… maybe that was my way of trying to make up for it.
Of course, it only looks rural. We built proper infrastructure—roads, aqueducts, all made from solid concrete. Even the capital used to have good plumbing a few generations ago, so surprisingly, no one thought it was out of place.
Without skyscrapers, the area had a calm, pastoral vibe. Land wasn’t an issue, so single-story homes were just fine. For some reason, even the priests were thrilled. Apparently, living in low houses was seen as more pious—go figure.
When I relocated everyone’s houses overnight, the central temple made a huge fuss, calling it a miracle of the gods. And yeah, people were definitely shocked. A brand-new temple to the god Keras appeared on the hill overnight.
We’d built it ahead of time in the dwarves’ concrete workshop. After finishing it block by block, we disassembled it and secretly reassembled it here. The dwarves had a blast—like naughty kids playing with giant toy bricks.
Temples usually take decades to complete. Even without the central temple hyping it up, this would’ve caused a stir. Crowds gathered. They toured the temple. Lord Donovan, newly appointed as viscount, was all over the place, trying to keep up.
God Keras had always been a major deity, though he’d fallen a bit out of fashion lately. But after such an obvious miracle, followers came flocking back. As long as it doesn’t trouble Keras himself, I say let Donovan handle it.
With the new roads laid out, traffic in the territory boomed. The route cut travel time in half, and thanks to smooth concrete panels, wagons could move easily. Finally, all those times I got lost paid off. Accurate maps and surveying tech are OP, honestly. Turns out, a lot of old roads were twisty just because people didn’t understand the terrain. Some oddly perfect paths were actually restored from ancient ruins. Not surprising, given this world’s ancient civilizations.
The trade and warehouse zones in the Sabroa Dukedom were hidden behind fences so they wouldn’t spoil the view from Original Toyata. I kept the buildings single-story to preserve that aesthetic. With all this extra land, it was a luxury we could afford.
When I added trolley lines and planned for a logistics hub, the dwarves snatched up the prime plots immediately. The merchant guild’s execs saw that and rushed in, bidding high for what was left.
Funny thing—I meant to sell the land cheap, but they competed so hard it all sold at premium prices. Some execs even requested “personal gifts,” so yeah… it ended up being kind of a cashback situation.
Bribery’s an art. Done right, it brings crazy returns. Done wrong, you’re better off not doing it at all. And honestly, I’m terrible at it. I leave it to the experts.
Miss Floria, my right hand, is buried in work. Donovan’s swamped too. Apparently, the more competent you are, the busier you get. Even the cardinal is always tied up—and yeah, trusting him with the money is mildly terrifying.
In the end, unexpected help came from Ms. Fieme, the beastkin I’d freed before. Technically, the beast god was her sister, Mia. Fieme herself was out of a job.
I don’t fully get how god stuff works, but Fieme had a huge blessing from Teruru, the Goddess of Commerce. Apparently, their connection goes way back, even before Teruru became a commerce god.
When I asked Donovan, he said Teruru used to be the goddess of the world’s light. I guess gods change roles as the times change.
They say just having Teruru’s blessing brings good business fortune. I couldn’t ask for a better person to help grease the wheels with the seasoned merchants. And if things ever get dicey, we’ll just rely on divine intervention.
Notes:
• Raia-Raia – Energetic kid, tailor’s daughter. Calls protagonist ‘Chicken Ham Hero.’
• Keras – God of Purification in this world. While not directly involved in the narrative, Keras is referenced through the High Slime, a noble being that serves as a servant of the god. The High Slime is summoned by the protagonist due to their connection with the earth spirits and their status as a spirit vessel. A figure who purified the cursed old Toyata Village, making it a viable relocation site.
• Donovan – Head Priest of the Great Temple. He has a newfound respect for the MC, referring to them as a ‘Saint.’ His actions suggest he is highly organized and influential within his organization.
• Miss Floria – Elegant, silver-haired noblewoman in her 40s, referred to as an ‘older sister’. Judge of the Supreme Court and Baroness. Former tutor of Princess Auroora. Initially stern but warms up, showing a playful side. Close with Ms. Nina (Princess Auroora’s doll copy), treating her like a sister. Trustworthy and explains legal matters clearly.
• Fieme – The ‘Beast God’ who was abducted by Schulz long ago. She is a member of a clan with no fixed lifespan, making it possible for her to reunite with her family. She is described as a fox-like beastkin with kemomimi (animal ears) and a tail, and is a captive in Saburou’s magical bag.
• Mia – She is Fieme’s younger sister and initially unsure how to treat the narrator, but her attitude changes after he is recognized as a benefactor.
• Teruru – The Goddess of Commerce, originally governed the light of the world. Her appearance is not described in detail. Her relationship with the narrator is through her blessing.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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