The Abandoned Duchess Seems to Want a Peaceful Life - Chapter 114

Chapter 114: Water Transport Survey

In the afternoon, Anna announced a visitor. She was just about finished with the documents she was working on, and she wanted to complete them up to a good stopping point, but this visit had been scheduled by them. With a reluctant sigh, Melfina put down her pen.

“It looks like your work is being pushed back again.”

“There’s just too much to do right now, so it’s unavoidable.”

The sound of construction had been echoing from outside the office window from morning till night, but it had started to bother her less. Looking out from the hallway window, the water moat—currently dry because it’s not filled with water—was clearly progressing more since she last saw it.

“Earth magic is really amazing. Every time I see it, the moat seems to be getting bigger.”

“Since there are fewer jobs available right now, it seems that a few people are working energetically in shifts. Ricardo mentioned he wanted to discuss the design of the main gate when he has some free time.”

Once the moat is completed, a bridge will be built, and the main gate will be constructed. It could be just a plain door, but it would be more elegant if it had a design fitting of its purpose.

“We can’t use our family crest, and using the duke’s crest without permission is also problematic. We need to decide on that quickly.”

“It would be possible to create a local emblem for the Enkar region, but in that case, we would need to invite an emblem officer to ensure it doesn’t overlap with other regional emblems.”

“There’s never enough time to do anything…”

As she spoke with Marie and headed to the reception room, Governor Günter was already waiting in front of the room. He was holding documents in both hands, appearing fully prepared.

“Günter, am I a bit late?”

“No, I just arrived myself. Good work, Lady Melfina.”

“You could have waited inside.”

“Part of the job of a governor is to look like a troublesome presence behind the lord.”

The imposing Helmut had a presence that was intimidating, but Günter, who smiled amiably, did not seem to give off the troublesome impression that his words suggested. However, when it came to handling situations in the field, Günter could easily project a “troublesome” demeanor with his eloquence and irritable attitude. This was the mark of a true political expert.

“Does a governor also need acting skills, I wonder?”

“They say that the competition among peers is as fierce as pulling the eyes out of a living horse. It might be that a certain level of dexterity is required to succeed.”

After a brief conversation, Günter closed his mouth and opened the door. The two men who had made an appointment stood up hastily. The two young men, dressed in leather armor and in their mid-to-late twenties, bowed almost simultaneously.

“We are from the Adventurers’ Guild, dispatched here. I am Kirk!”

“And I am Johan.”

Nodding, Melfina took a seat across from them. Her secretary, Marie, sat next to her, while Günter took a seat diagonally opposite. Cedric stood behind Melfina.

“I am Melfina von Oldrand, the lord of the Enkar region. Please call me Melfina. Please, both of you, take a seat.”

The two adventurers, dispatched from Soarasonne, sat down with an air of humility.

“Johan, you were the one who helped with the surveying last year, weren’t you?”

“I’m honored that you remember. I am grateful for your support at that time.”

“You provided detailed reports on the geological survey, land uplift, and vegetation, which was very helpful. Thank you for your meticulous work. I feel confident that we can rely on you for this job as well, which is very reassuring.”

“No, I will do my best again this year.”

Helmut’s advice had been that making an impression on the lord could directly motivate adventurers, as it might lead to promotion to a specialized surveying role. Indeed, the adventurers’ surveying team had done a good job when clearing the cornfield last year.

Adventurers, unlike pure combat mercenaries, are a group skilled in various abilities and capable of handling large-scale and specialized tasks. They may engage in treasure hunting, exploring ruins, and discovering new mines, or specialize in combat roles, defeating monsters and collecting magic stones.

Due to their proactive nature and knowledge, it is not uncommon for adventurers to be commissioned by rulers for excavation or somewhat hazardous specialized tasks.

“What I would like you to do this time is to load cargo onto a boat at the Orlay River, travel to the Lacray Canal, unload the cargo at the final destination of Elvan, and then return with new cargo.”

The Orlay River is a tributary of Lake Moltre and is a river with considerable width and water volume. It merges with the large Lacray Canal downstream, which is already in use for water transport. Once you reach the Lacray Canal, traveling to and from there should have a well-established procedure.

“This is a survey of water transport from the Enkar region to Elvan.”

“Yes, while the survey indicates that travel is feasible, there are likely many things we won’t know until we actually try it.”

“What size is the boat?”

“It’s a small boat that can be handled by two people with sails, with a loading capacity of 400 kilograms. We expect to transport heavy items like barley or ale barrels upstream and return with processed goods such as cloth, food, and small items.”

“We also need to investigate whether horse towing will be necessary on the return trip and if there are any areas with a strong current that would make upstream travel difficult.”

Melfina nodded in agreement with Günter’s addition.

“Since overturning would be disastrous, I’d like to request that you limit the cargo to about 70% of the maximum capacity for the first trip. How does that sound?”

“…Could you inform me about the penalties in case the cargo sinks?”

“This is a survey operation, so both the boat and the cargo are considered the lord’s personal property. Please ensure that nothing is lost.”

“Günter, that’s not the right way to put it. — I apologize, Kirk, Johan. This boat was newly constructed for this test, and it is crucial that you return safely and report your findings, even if the boat does capsize. I promise in the name of the lord that no penalties for failure will be imposed.”

“My lord, since the adventurers are hired through the guild, there should be penalties for failure.”

“If the two of you were dispatched from the Water Transport Guild and were using a boat you’re familiar with, that might be the case. However, this time, we’re simply investigating whether travel is feasible, identifying any problematic areas, and assessing the performance of the new boat. It’s similar to how miners aren’t penalized if they don’t find gold during exploratory digging.”

With a calming tone to Günter, Melfina then turned her attention back to the two adventurers sitting across from her.

“The Enkar region, being at the northern edge of the country, wasn’t designed with export in mind, even though there has been some influx of goods. The roads are narrow and poorly maintained, leading to long queues of cargo carts last year. If we can get to the point where we can transport goods to other regions by boat before the harvest season and import processed goods from other regions, it would be a great help.”

Once the feasibility of water transport is proven, merchants aiming for profits from import and export will quickly get involved.

In a few years, auctioning the water transport rights and imposing taxes on the imports and exports could provide significant revenue for the region.

“Even though there is still some time before the harvest season, this job is quite urgent. The reward is as previously stated, and for the second phase, I plan to have a larger boat and have you, the two of you, lead as the chief surveyors. How does that sound?”

“I am willing to take on the job.”

“I am also eager to accept.”

Smiling at their enthusiastic responses, Melfina nodded.

“Since water-related accidents can be quite dangerous, please conduct the survey calmly and focus solely on returning with your report. If there are delays or if horse towing becomes necessary, the secretary has prepared the paperwork for the budget.”

Marie smoothly presented the estimate on plant paper, and the two adventurers initially touched the paper with curiosity before reviewing the contents.

“The maximum necessary expenses are listed here. If costs exceed this amount, you will need to cover the difference yourself, but any surplus will be added to your reward.”

“There’s no problem with this. As for additional days needed if you encounter rain or other issues requiring mooring—”

“The cargo is sealed in barrels, so it can withstand some rain, but considering the processed goods on the return trip, up to seven days at most. If the water levels rise and disrupt travel, we’ll have to prioritize safety first—”

As Melfina watched the two adventurers and Marie engage in a question-and-answer session, she felt a sense of relief. Then she noticed Günter’s gaze on her.

“Günter, regarding the production of the new boats—”

“We’ve already arranged for the necessary timber to be cut and dried. By the time this test is completed, the second boat should be finished, and a new shipwright will have arrived.”

“It’s a relief to have such a capable official.”

“There are many shipwrights who are stubborn and reluctant to change their traditional methods, so I hope this test run goes well. It’s not an exaggeration to say that it’s a matter of your honor, Lady Melfina.”

“More important than my honor is the future development of the Enkar region. …I truly hope it goes well.”

The two adventurers momentarily held their breath, looked at each other, and nodded firmly.

“There is still time before the rainy season, so we will make sure to succeed.”

“We’re both good swimmers, and if necessary, we’ll pull the boat back by hand!”

Günter nodded with apparent satisfaction at their strong declarations.

“Smooth logistics are the key to commerce. This test is crucial for the fate of the Enkar region. If the second run is successful, and if you both are agreeable, I might recommend you as advisors to the Water Transport Guild for a while.”

Günter’s adept use of both incentives and pressures seemed to further motivate Kirk and Johan.