After lunch, everyone involved gathered in the manor’s reception room to discuss what should be done next. By now, everything that could be moved had already been brought out of the orphanage, so there was no longer any need to rush.
Shiro, Fran and Horn were outside playing with the orphanage children in the estate’s garden, with Kent-chan happily joining in. Ao, meanwhile, attended the meeting on the orphanage’s reconstruction.
“As for the church, we can handle the flooring and the restoration of the Goddess’s statue according to a proper schedule. There’s nothing especially urgent there.”
The master carpenter began.
“The real issue is rebuilding the orphanage.”
He is right. It would be better to treat the church repairs and the orphanage reconstruction as two separate projects. The young carpenter would take the lead on planning and overseeing the church restoration.
“I imagine there are parts of the building that hold precious memories. If there’s anything that can be salvaged, I’d appreciate it if we could make use of it.”
“I agree. They may no longer be suitable as construction materials, but perhaps they could be repurposed into decorative pieces or memorials instead.”
It was a thoughtful suggestion.
Even if the orphanage itself had to be torn down, there was no reason its memories had to disappear with it. Some of its old timbers and beams could be given a new purpose, allowing a part of the old orphanage to live on in the new one.
The parish priest and Emilia-sama had both expressed the same wish. If there was anything that could be salvaged, they wanted to preserve it. This was where the carpenters’ craftsmanship would truly be put to the test.
“We’ll start by dismantling the orphanage. Then we’ll sort everything into what can be reused and what can’t.”
“The foundation has to be rebuilt from scratch. But that doesn’t mean we should rush the construction.”
Everyone agreed with the former Margrave’s proposal.
Carefully dismantling the orphanage before rebuilding it was the right approach.
“Let’s begin the demolition tomorrow. With both Ao’s Item Box and mine, we should be able to speed up the work considerably.”
“We should also put in a request with the Adventurers’ Guild. Demolition work is best handled by strong adventurers. It will also give them work after the Harvest Festival.”
The Margrave immediately acted on my suggestion.
He turned to his butler and began issuing instructions. At this rate, the request would probably reach the Adventurers’ Guild before the day was over.
“As for the new foundation, we’ll decide on that once the demolition is complete.”
The master carpenter folded his arms, his expression thoughtful.
“If we’re rebuilding this place, then we need to build an orphanage that’s comfortable to live in—one that will serve its children well for many years to come.”
We nodded in agreement. An orphanage that will last as long as possible is better.
The discussion is over, and the master carpenter and the priest will inform the Mother Superior in the annex of the decision before leaving.
“In any case, we have to go to the church and work tomorrow.”
“That’s right. There’s a lot to do, and it looks like we’ll be busy for a while.”
Sue, and of course Casey-san and Telma-san, are all very enthusiastic. There will probably be injuries during the construction work, so we’ll need medical assistance.
Just then, the butler brought over a draft of the request form.
“Young master, what do you think of this?”
“What’s this? It says that construction experience is a plus. Hmm, it’s not very impactful.”
Uhm… Your Lordship? Why are you trying to make the job posting sound so… eye-catching?
Sue and I could only exchange awkward smiles, but every member of the Margrave’s family was discussing it with complete seriousness.
“You’re right. It’s still missing something that’ll really grab people’s attention.”
Emilia-sama said thoughtfully.
“We need something with more impact.”
The former margrave agreed.
“In that case, how about including meals prepared by Shun-sama?”
“““That’s it!”””
“Let’s add **Meals provided by the Lightning Chef!”
And just like that…
Without the slightest regard for my opinion, it was officially decided that I’d be cooking for everyone on the project.
Even Toria-san had jumped on board with the idea.
The people of the Western Margravate really did love getting swept up in the moment….
Though somehow, I had the distinct feeling I am going to be the one paying the price for all their enthusiasm.
This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeneijiworks.com
Previous ⚜ Table of Contents ⚜ Next
Yume Neiji's Works 