Feasting Lord in Another World

#Monster Extermination and Field Restaurant (1)

"What is this? It doesn't resemble a letter."

"I'm considering opening a few restaurants. I thought we might require some promotional materials, so I created some. What's your opinion?"

Dominic had recently launched the resort and Ian couldn't comprehend why he was already plotting another business endeavor.

"I never knew you were so ambitious."

"Don't be sarcastic. I have my reasons."

"Isn't the resort alone sufficient for making money?"

"For now, yes."

"For now?"

Ian tilted his head, as if he didn't grasp it.

"Currently, the amenities and activities we provide within the resort are enough to maintain customer satisfaction. And it's challenging to find a beach as beautiful as this one anywhere."

"But?"

"But, besides the natural landscape, other aspects like facilities or services can be easily replicated by competitors who invest money and time. That's the issue."

"That might be true."

Ian, who wasn't particularly interested in business, felt Dominic had a point.

"But even opening restaurants can be replicated easily, can't it?"

"You're right. If someone wants to emulate us, they could do it relatively easily."

"So, when that time comes, you'll create something else? It seems never-ending."

"No. Look, we have a resort, unique restaurants, a beautiful sea, and a marketplace offering unique goods. All of these are interconnected in a small town. Do you think it's easy to duplicate this?"

"What are you getting at?"

"Basically, I'm talking about sustainable management for a tourism business."

"Sustainable management? Tourism business?"

This had been Dominic's primary concern from the very beginning, whether he was planning the resort or postnatal care centers.

'It's too easy to replicate.'

Certainly, as the first mover, people would prefer the 'original,' Evergreen.

But relying solely on that without preparing for anything else didn't align with Dominic's approach.

"Some people will undoubtedly grasp and execute the concept of tourism correctly. But fewer people see the bigger picture; they're too fixated on individual details. Because it's the easier route."

Dominic subtly sought Ian's reaction and paused, but Ian patiently awaited. After all, he was the one with the curiosity.

"So, listen. I'm going to turn our town into a symbol of relaxation and rejuvenation."

"Symbol?"

"Yes. While external elements can be replicated, it's not simple to mimic the values they represent. A beautiful beachside town named Evergreen, brimming with serenity and tranquility! A haven for women and a retreat for contemplatives! A place where laughter never ceases, and ty is always at hand! What are your thoughts?"

"If it turns out as you describe, it could be a place worth visiting at least once."

"Ha, we're making progress. So, our town will be overflowing with wealth, and even the neighborhood dogs will prance around with coins in their mouths. People will praise and honor me for creating such a town. They will hold me in high regard, perhaps even build shrines..."

"That's not amusing. Stop it."

"Sometimes, you should go along with it; why so serious?"

"Because you lack a sense of boundaries."

"Anyway, back to the restaurant. We need to conduct some taste tests, so please go outside and bring in some people. Preferably an equal mix of men and women."

"Alright."

Unbeknownst to himself, Ian had turned into Dominic's secretary.

Squeak-.

As Ian stepped outside to find people, his expression gradually became more solemn.

'What is this guy thinking...'

Though he didn't show it, Dominic's words had a considerable impact on him.

He spoke of regional revitalization in a way Ian had never contemplated before.

Typically, for town or regional development, people bring in artisans to create workshops to attract more merchants, or they relocate barracks or ports to facilitate the flow of goods.

However, the village head of a small fishing village was talking about creating a region exclusively filled with consumer facilities, devoid of any production facilities, to encourage outsiders to visit and spend money willingly.

'He's quite convincing.'

His tone exuded confidence, as if he didn't even entertain the possibility of failure.

But it didn't come across as arrogance because he already had a meticulously thought-out plan in his mind.

'If this guy's plan succeeds... if that happens...'

Ian's thoughts became intricate.

Perhaps this impolite and opportunistic individual could address his own concerns. That notion had crossed his mind.

'No, expectations often lead to disappointment.'

However, life hadn't been generous enough to allow Ian to place his hopes on such a small glimmer of possibility.

***

Situated within Sinclair Manor, the training tower.

For several months now, its entrance had remained sealed, with only meals and a few essentials delivered at the same time each day.

At first glance, it appeared to be a confinement for someone who had committed a grave offense. However, judging by the courteous demeanor of the knights guarding it, one could easily deduce the identity of the occupant.

"Hahaha! This fellow's antics are truly extraordinary!"

The tower's proprietor and the figure who commanded unwavering loyalty from the Sinclair family's knights was Lord Theodore Sinclair.

Despite his white hair and beard, his bulging muscles could intimidate knights in their twenties.

He chuckled heartily while perusing a letter that accompanied his meal.

"Ah, I should venture out of the tower soon, just to get a glimpse of this village."

As he released his meditation pose and swung his cherished sword, it emitted a burst of light.

"I never expected to make a breakthrough at this age. Haha. I ought to bestow a gift. What would be suitable?"

With another light swing of his wrist, the sword, which had been glowing, dimmed as if it had never shone at all.

Despite achieving a new level after surmounting a decades-long plateau, Lord Theodore remained within the tower for the time being, as he considered himself a warrior, not a politician.

'I prefer not to create a commotion by going public. Dealing with trivial matters in my later years doesn't appeal to me.'

Even though he had achieved something that could potentially disrupt the empire, he concentrated on stabilizing his newfound power and refrained from leaving the tower.

However, his curiosity regarding the resort created by the village head of Evergreen couldn't be suppressed.

"First, I'll step out and see my grandson."

Kuwoong-.

Finally, the tower opened, and another Swordmaster was born in the empire.

***

"Sir Knight."

"Go on."

"I have a serious proposition to make."

"If it's futile, spare me."

"This is genuinely important, so listen attentively."

"...What is it?"

"Would you contemplate relocating your base to our village?"

Ian had his suspicions, and they were confirmed.

Dominic, sitting in the carriage, was indulging in his usual nonsensical banter. He must have been bored.

"It's not a jest! Look, if you move your stronghold to our village, I'll grant you the position of village chief!"

"......"

"Our village is no longer a place to be underestimated. You've witnessed it. What do you think? Are you interested?"

"I'd prefer a more discreet approach."

"Well, it's not like it's a disadvantage for the knight either, right? Can't you be both a village chief and a knight? There's no law against it. The village chief doesn't have any, what was it? Ah, yes! No moonlighting clause!"

"Tsk."

Dominic made an exasperated sound because that day had come again.

"Curse these village chief meetings. Always so lengthy and full of pointless chatter."

"Mind your language!"

"No, really. Once a quarter would suffice."

"How can someone who's a village chief say that about village chief meetings?"

"We consistently send out well-structured reports about the village's changes and new developments. Do we truly need face-to-face meetings? When we do meet, it's all trivialities."

"You should contribute from time to time. You appear to know everything, but then it seems like you know nothing."

"Why are you insulting me?"

"You're astute."

The tense atmosphere momentarily lightened.

Thanks to that, Ian felt at ease in continuing.

"As you mentioned, all the essential information is conveyed through letters. However, you see, letters can be easily forged, both in their reception and dispatch, by anyone."

"...Ah."

"So, it's crucial for us to verify in person that the information has been accurately conveyed and that nothing is amiss."

It was a straightforward matter.

This place lacked registered mail or email.

'I keep forgetting the most fundamental things.'

Dominic, once again rendered speechless, heard Ian add.

"Furthermore, at times, the lord sends directives to the village chiefs."

Dominic, who had only experienced situations such as being abducted in broad daylight or forcibly taken away by soldiers among high-ranking officials, couldn't comprehend.

"Why is this all so humane and gentlemanly..."

"Hmm, hmm."

Ian had no response to Dominic's muttered words.

In the ensuing silence, the only sound was the occasional jingling of the bell attached to the donkey's neck.

***

The village chiefs gathered at the lord's castle were all paying attention to Dominic, and everyone was acting amicably without a care.

"I had no idea you were such a savvy businessman. So, if there's something worth collaborating on with our village, don't hesitate to bring it up. How about it? I'd like to treat you to dinner tonight."

"Hey, buddy! If you're looking to do business, you should consider our village, right? We've got high-quality iron mines and a solid income! We even have a joint fund saved up. Do you enjoy liquor?"

"Why is everyone making it tough for Chief Evergreen! ... But, can you also help with a resort reservation? My daughter-in-law is about to give birth."

People discussing business, requesting resort reservations, and others just seeking to network all approached him in a haphazard manner.

Thanks to this, Dominic couldn't simply sit idly.

'This is more exhausting, isn't it?'

Knock, knock.

At that moment, an attendant poked his head into the meeting room where the village chief meeting was taking place.

"Chiefs, there's one more item added to the agenda."

"Now you tell us?"

"You should have informed us beforehand! We were nearly finished."

"Apologies, but the meeting with the lord and his advisors only just concluded."

"Hmm. Well, nothing can be done now... So, what's the additional agenda?"

A village chief who had been about to complain significantly straightened up upon learning it was the outcome of the lord's meeting with advisors.

"Before the fall arrives, we intend to eradicate monsters, so each village should make preparations."

Finally, a genuine agenda item was placed on the village chief meeting's agenda.