Chapter 39

Chapter 39

"But Dominic, do we really need to hold the auction in our village?" Calron, who had just devoured a bowl of jjamppong, inquired.

"Traders passing through the village suggest that it would be better to auction our wyvern scales in the capital."

"That's a valid point. The capital is home to affluent individuals who wouldn't hesitate to splurge on rare items."

Lord Theodore also concurred with this perspective.

Dominic, who had returned to Evergreen, had astounded everyone when he displayed the Centipede's scales. They were exceptional materials; not a single scratch was visible despite enduring severe blade attacks, and they were lighter than an iron shield.

Even though they were fragments haphazardly shattered by wyverns, they were substantial enough to be fashioned into shields or smaller pieces that could serve as arm guards or shin guards. Their potential applications were limitless.

"Even if we're unsure, participating in a renowned auction in the capital could generate enough funds to spur development in a village the size of Evergreen."

"Why bother sending it to the capital? There won't be much left after commissions and taxes."

Dominic appeared resolute in his intention to hold the auction in the village.

Following his business trip, he promptly sent out auction invitations to neighboring nobles and resort guests. He clearly possessed a strong determination to make it happen.

"I understand you're promoting it extensively, but it will still be challenging to realize its true value."

"Don't worry. We'll earn at least double the profit compared to selling it in the capital."

"Twice as much? Confidence is great, but don't lose touch with reality, or the village will suffer."

Lord Theodore offered some advice with a gracious expression, but Dominic remained confident.

"Do you know anyone as pragmatic as me, Lord?"

"So you're genuinely claiming we can make more than twice as much?"

"I mentioned that our profits would exceed twice as much, not that the final bid would be twice as much."

"I must be getting old; young people's wordplay is becoming hard to follow. Heh heh. Don't beat around the bush with an old man."

The robust gentleman, who appeared strong enough to wrestle a cow, chuckled as he stroked his beard.

"But isn't our village quite distant from the major cities?"

"Exactly. It's too inconvenient to reach."

"That's why I'm planning to stay here long-term," Lord Theodore said with a sly grin.

"What if we sell this rare Centipede scale, which even seasoned knights have never seen before, in our remote village? If it were you, when would you arrive?"

"Hmm-. Aha!"

It seemed that Lord Theodore had finally grasped Dominic's plan.

"People would plan an extravagant journey, not knowing what might happen along the way. Naturally, not only the resort but also the buildings in the village, as well as inns in nearby villages and cities, will be fully booked."

According to Dominic, Evergreen's primary business from the outset was tourism.

There was no intention of letting go of customers willing to spend generously.

'I should make a fortune!'

He couldn't help but drool at the prospect.

"Not just accommodations. Consider the amount they would spend on food and other expenses. How many of them might decide to extend their stay?"

"Heh heh. This is why Patrick wanted to appoint you as the administrative officer. What a waste of talent, truly a waste."

"Come on, you don't find it a waste at all."

"You catch on quickly. For an old guy like me in the back room, a guy who can create a retirement haven is a hundred times better than a competent administrative officer."

After passing on the title of lord to his son, the elderly count neatly resolved the situation and completely refrained from meddling in the management of the territory.

"Calron, the new shops in the village are finally getting settled, aren't they?" Dominic asked Calron.New novel chapters are published on

"Yes. The guests coming to the resort are surprisingly easygoing. So these days, everyone is having a good time."

"That newly opened skewer grill is now my regular spot. The secret sauce is absolutely amazing. I'll treat you next time."

"How about some meat and beer?"

"I'd prefer noodles."

"Those sandwiches with grilled meat look delicious!"

"Hmm, okay! Let's each have a meal with what we want, explore the village a bit, and meet back here in an hour."

An hour later, the five mercenaries reconvened, each holding various souvenirs and trinkets.

"Hey, you too?"

"Yeah, me too."

Dominic, who had finally completed the three-story tea house, watched them happily from a table with the best view.

"Would you like to try this new tea?"

"Aren't you busy? The landlord is around here, you know."

"My grandfather taught me that when you open a new shop, you should stay at least a week."

"You've learned well. I was worried we wouldn't finish construction on time."

"You have no idea how many magical tools we used to meet the deadline. But seeing the customers pouring in, I think we'll quickly recover the construction cost."

True to his words, there were only a few empty seats left in the three-story tea house.

The teahouse was a joint investment made by Anton and Dominic.

"We needed a landmark."

From now on, this teahouse would be the focal point for tourists visiting Evergreen.

"Is tomorrow night the eve?"

"Yes, I think the early merchants will start setting up their stalls in the square soon."

"Are you going to oversee all of that?"

"That's the plan for now."

Even if all preparations were complete, money moved in unpredictable ways, and unexpected setbacks often occurred.

It was okay if problems arose.

As long as they were resolved quickly.

"I hope nothing happens, though. Sir, I haven't seen Lord Theodore today?"

"I heard a guest is coming. He must not have left the resort."

Was it just his imagination, or did Ian seem much more relaxed with his master and lord not around?

Dominic also planned to enjoy some leisure for a while.

The festival would start soon, and things would get busy again.

"Ah, this is delicious!"

The tea happened to suit his taste as well.

He hadn't found anything similar to coffee beans yet, but these days, he enjoyed tea because he could get a wide variety of tea leaves.

"It's relaxing. I need to make money quickly and retire to live like this."

Dominic spoke of his modest wish.

"Who owns the land in the square? The early bird catches the worm! Hey, lady! Leave when I ask you nicely, okay? We don't discriminate!"

Then, an unusual commotion emanated from the village square outside the teahouse.

"Is that so? Good for you. We don't discriminate either."

Someone should have intervened.