AWDC Chapter 46

Salomé, when I first saw her at the Mulan Inn, had a strong image of a strong-willed woman who could easily handle rough men.

I don’t know how she and Krim got together, but it seemed like Salomé was leading Krim. At the inn, there were scenes where Salomé acted proactively and Krim responded obediently.

Even if Salomé placed a dish in front of Krim without even asking for his order, he would eat it silently and deliciously.

“Krim is completely head over heels for Salomé.”

Before they got married, Jim and I would often share our impressions after watching them. However, after the marriage, Salomé transformed into a devoted wife.

Her husband’s thoughts were her top priority. The previous tomboyish figure had completely disappeared.

Krim is still the director of the papermaking workshop, and he also runs the clinic as the village doctor.

When the village population was small, there were no sick people, so it could be said that the workshop was his main job. The clinic was practically closed. However, as the population increased, patients started coming to the clinic every day, and he couldn’t neglect it.

Salomé worked as a receptionist, listening to the patients’ symptoms and conveying them to her husband. She was also trying hard to learn to read and write.

“Women can really change. I never thought that Salomé would become such a chaste wife.”

I don’t know if you can call it “marriage resignation” in this case, but Salomé, who quit the Mulan Inn, was working hard to support Krim.

When Krim got married, Sulke followed suit and got married as well. His partner was a girl from the neighboring village, and he apparently fell in love with her while delivering paper and made a move.

“He’s definitely going to be henpecked by his wife,” Jim declared.

That was his impression when we went to Sulke’s house after he got married. Sulke was shy and not good at talking to people, but he seemed to have become proactive when he met his wife.

He apparently confessed his love unilaterally, and perhaps because of that, he was completely under his wife’s thumb even when we went to his house to tease him.

“I’m disappointed to see him so lovey-dovey,” Jim said, feeling a little frustrated that Sulke had gotten married before him.

Krim was busy as a doctor and couldn’t keep a close eye on the papermaking workshop, but Sulke and Kent became the de facto leaders and managed it.

It was natural that the paperwork would gather on these two who could read and write, even though they were younger.

Because of that, we in the bachelor alliance felt left behind when even Sulke got married.

Anyway, the bachelor group suddenly dwindled to just three people. So, we scouted Ricardo and Peck.

Ricardo, needless to say, is the next lord and the young master. However, he had just come of age and still had a childish side. So, to teach him about the adult world, we invited the young master to the group and brought him to the Mulan Inn.

The reason why the lord made this boy his successor, instead of his eldest son who was in the capital, has not been revealed. But whatever the reason, Jim and I had confirmed that it was our role as elders to teach him the attitude of an adult, even if he was the young master.

The other one, Peck, is the second son of a farmer who joined the papermaking workshop this year at the age of 13. The lord’s policy was to employ people from the village, as much as possible, as papermakers or blacksmiths so that they could live in the village, and even accepted children.

This Peck was small, agile, and clever. He quickly learned to read and write, and was able to write the letters used in his work and the names of himself and those close to him. I thought he would be useful in the office in the future.

“This sake is only sold here. Come on, drink.”

Jim forcibly made the two of them drink beer. In my previous world, it was not allowed to give alcohol to children, but here, no one cared.

“Hiee, this is Nige!” “This is terribly bitter.”

The two of them said the same thing.

The beer here has a much stronger unique taste than Japanese beer, and those who drink it for the first time are surprised by the bitterness. But once you get used to it, it becomes addictive.

John and the others in the capital treated Jim and me to this sake, and we became completely captivated. So, when the Mulan Inn was built in this village, we were very happy to be able to drink that beer again that we had tasted in the capital.

“How is it, isn’t it good?” Kent even forced the two of them to drink sake. The two newcomers were already blushing.

Kent had also started acting like an older brother. He was older than me, but in terms of position, he was the lowest of the three. He was also pleased that young people had joined.

When everyone had finished quenching their thirst with beer, Jim suddenly started talking.

“Okay, anyone can join this group regardless of their status, but there is a clear distinction between seniors and juniors.

With that in mind, let’s have a great time.”

Jim had been supervising the laborers in the desert development project for the past few years. He was young, but he already had the capacity as a supervisor, and his words had weight.

“But, marriage is up to each of you, but don’t do it before me.”

Perhaps because he had been preempted by Krim and Sulke, he added such a thing.

“Excuse me, everyone, while you’re talking, I’m sorry to interrupt, but I have a small request.”

So saying, someone stood up from the next table and came over here.

“Um, my name is Roda, and I work at Labos’ place. I happened to be listening to your conversation next door, and I was wondering if I could join your group.”

Roda was born in Milona Town and has been working at Labos’ store in this village for half a year.

“I’ll accept you for now. But if there’s anything suspicious about you, I’ll expel you and beat you up,” Jim said solemnly, after exchanging glances with me.

“Yes, I won’t cause any trouble to you.”

Anyway, it was a night when the number of drinking buddies, no, the members of the bachelor alliance, increased.

When the new year started, George brought eight people from the capital who worked in the government office. They were all over 30 and had families.

Prince Tzukira had started prioritizing people with bribes, and these were people who had no money or connections and had been removed from the promotion track. They had gained experience as government officials, but they had given up on their future and pinned their hopes on the recruitment of government officials in Toriholi Village.

“We are starting new businesses here, and we need as many talented people as possible.

We don’t care about your previous position or experience. We will evaluate you based on your performance.

Your salary and position will depend on your ability,” the lord declared.

It must have been a considerable decision to come all the way to this remote village. Moreover, they had brought their families with them. They could no longer return to the capital.

Everyone had a serious look on their faces in front of the lord.

Since the government office was established, I had been working hard to create the organization of the government office. I sometimes went to see the settlement site in the desert, and I hadn’t been to the lord’s mansion for more than a month, even though I used to spend all my time there.

At such times, I was summoned to the mansion by the lord.

The lord also often worked in the government office, and meetings were held there. The lord said the following to me, who was looking suspicious.

“It’s about time for you to get married. Make Margarita your wife!”