Isn't it exciting when you're preparing for a surprise?

Making a tube and sending steam and compressed air through it—would that make it usable like a flamethrower? No, maybe too roundabout. The impact of boiling water is just too strong; I can’t think about anything else.

Pulling out the armlet wrapped in a clean scrap of cloth from my chest to protect it from getting damaged. It’s not made of pure metal, right? If it were pure, even rubbing it against an ordinary stone would cause damage. The armlet I was shown had small scratches but wasn’t worn out that much. So, the gold content must be quite low. I think 18-carat is about 75%, but maybe even lower. At that rate, 20,000 might be too high. It felt like an engagement ring, but in the end, it’s meant to become a wedding ring. Maybe it’s not so bad after all.

For now, I achieved my goal and walked toward the village center with a sense of emptiness. Just handing it over would be too plain. Smirking a bit, I headed to the inn I had scouted earlier.

“Welcome.”

The old man from before greeted me.

“Do you have any double rooms available today?”

“Yes. What about dinner?”

“I’d like to discuss that.”

So, I asked if they could prepare a more elaborate meal. They said they could prepare some appetizers, meat dishes, soup, and bread. I also asked for fine wine.

“What’s the occasion?”

He looked suspicious as he asked.

“It’s not a celebration. I just thought of giving my fiancée her engagement armlet.”

After that, his expression became even more suspicious. It seems engagements aren’t considered that important in this world. To put it simply, during the time they save up for their wedding, they just spit on it. Since the wedding is held at a village scale, quite a lot of money is needed. Even though there are congratulatory gifts, considering family circumstances, it’s still not enough.

By the way, the house is more like a shared asset within the territory. A new house is built under the approval and financial aid of the lord, with the village taking responsibility. However, to prevent people from running away, they have to pay a significant down payment, and their annual taxes are increased. That’s how difficult it is to start a new family in the village. Once paid, it becomes an inherited property. Basically, the eldest son inherits everything. Therefore, younger sons have to scramble for funds desperately. Marriage is no easy task. By the way, parents are obligated to help younger sons financially.

Also, regarding the wood used in houses—there were logs that had been processed to some extent on a vacant lot of terrifying size before reaching the northern forest. I was amazed by the scale, which could have fit several baseball fields. Depending on the material, drying takes at least half a year and up to more than a year. Even combining it with the town and surrounding villages, the scale was enormous. They were neatly arranged in order of processing, and once dried, they were used as building materials or firewood. This wasn’t just about collecting firewood from the nearby forest.

When I worked in logistics before, I laughed at how many types and quantities there were, but seeing it firsthand left me speechless. Honestly, I felt the concept of logistics. Even with just over a thousand people living here, this much cost is incurred? The woodcutters cut down trees every day, processed them, managed, and transported them—just barely getting by.

There’s also a Woodcutter Guild. If they tried to manage such a large-scale logistics system under one lord, it would collapse for sure. There are still too few people. If you talk about environmental destruction, you’d be destroyed by the environment. The woodcutters were working hard every day cutting down trees and managing lumber. Humans are amazing.

Also, if children play pranks around there, they get a severe punishment. Of course, since it’s a matter of life and death.

“Is that really necessary for just an engagement? Alright, how about 12,000 for the room and meal?”

Normally, a double room with breakfast and lunch was 7,000. Considering the cost of boiling water again after extinguishing the fire and candles, it’s reasonable.

“That’s fine.”

I paid 12,000 Waruru and received the key. It had been some time since Riza returned, so I asked to reserve it for later.

Hurrying back to Ast's house, I told Teisha that I’d be staying at the inn tonight with Riza.

“I won’t do anything. This is just to thank her for taking care of me and to strengthen our relationship in the future.”

“It’s good since you’re engaged, but it’s a bit wasteful.”

After briefly explaining, she encouraged me with her usual smile. She was still playful as ever.

Next, I went to the clothing store to buy shoes.

“Welcome. What kind of clothes are you looking for today?”

A young male clerk greeted me. The store had a decent selection of men’s and women’s clothing. It seemed like they were selling goods from town stores, so their inventory was quite good compared to the population.

“I’m looking for boots.”

An older man came from the back and explained. I chose knee-high leather boots. When I asked about the price, he said 40,000. It was quite expensive, but I decided to buy two pairs. I tried bargaining but gave up at including maintenance tools and a clean scrap of cloth. It would take two or three days for adjustments. The older man seemed to be both a clerk and a craftsman.

I handed over 80,000 Waruru and received the exchange parchment.

Next was the spear. I also wanted to check on the pump’s progress, so I hurried to the blacksmith.

“Hey, Akihito. I heard you had quite an ordeal. Are you okay?”

Ness ran up worriedly.

“Yes. Thank you for your concern. I’m fine. I came to pick up my spear.”

I took the spear and paid 70,000 Waruru.

“Wow, gold coins. Did you make a lot from this incident?”

“No, it’s all thanks to being alive.”

“That’s true. By the way, regarding that earlier matter… ”

Regarding the hand pump, they were planning to assemble a wooden mockup first. After verifying its operation with a wooden model and creating a bronze mockup, they would proceed to casting.

“The design drawings I received are very precise, so it wasn’t too difficult. The actual product should be ready soon. Please confirm it then.”

That’s good. No issues with the approach.

“How about the Guild?”

“I contacted them while Akihito was sleeping. They’re sending researchers. It’ll be a joint development starting from verifying the wooden model. I’ve informed the higher-ups as well.”

“The higher-ups? Can we trust them?”

“They’re field experts, so there shouldn’t be any issues. By the way, they grilled me quite a bit about the designer. I told them he was bedridden.”

I might need to talk to someone somewhere.

“Understood. Let’s set up a meeting. Let’s have a chat once.”

The conversation ended. After exchanging greetings, I headed back to Ast's house.

Alright, time for the surprise.