LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 174
Chapter 174. The Bumpy Family And The Neighborhood Council
As I was about to head to the tailoring guild with Hagg, the muscle-bound dwarf, I ran into Depas, the face of the slums, before moving even a minute.
He was probably here for the morning rations, holding a chipped bowl in his hand.
“Good morning, Depas-san.”
“…Ah, good morning.”
Depas, a gaunt man in his 50s, responded to my greeting. But his wary eyes caught my attention and made me remember something important.
“By the way, Depas-san, I have a favor to ask.”
“…What is it? Need labor again? Or are you looking for women?”
“Are there really that many women in this area?”
I’d think having pretty women in the slums would be dangerous.
“…There are. In fact, the ratio of women to men might even favor the women. Though the turnover here is high, so it’s more of an impression than a fact.”
I see. Looking around as he said that, it does seem like there are a lot of women and children.
I assumed the men were out working, but maybe that’s not the case.
“Hmm… Yeah, I think it’s worth doing.”
“I want no part of your trouble.”
“Don’t say that. Depas-san, I want you to set up a neighborhood council for this slum.”
“A neighborhood council? What’s that?”
“Exactly what it sounds like. Independently establishing rules, separate from the country, to make life a little easier in the slums.”
“Are you stupid? People in the slums hate rules more than anything.”
“That might be true for the eastern slums, but isn’t this western slum different? It hasn’t been a slum for long, and there are already plenty of unspoken rules here, right?”
Depas furrowed his brow deeply and crossed his arms.
“We’ll start codifying those unspoken rules into promises bit by bit.”
“What’s the benefit?”
“With proper self-governance, jobs will inevitably follow… or rather, I’ll bring them.”
“…What did you say?”
“If people are reluctant to join, we can bundle membership with the right to eat at our soup kitchen.”
“That means… if they don’t join…”
“Yeah. They don’t get to eat.”
Depas furrowed his brow even further. If you keep that up, your wrinkles will get stuck, you know?
“Self-governance, huh…”
“I want you to be the president of the council.”
“What!?”
“Things like this need to be handled by someone prominent, like you.”
“You want me to be the scapegoat!?”
“That’s about right.”
“I refuse!”
“Of course, I’m not saying you’ll do it for free.”
“If you think money will move me…”
“This slum might turn into a regular residential area. All depends on your efforts.”
“… …”
“My gut tells me, you’re someone who’s worked hard for others and been betrayed before, aren’t you?”
“Wha–”
“You’re living in the slums, and yet you say money isn’t the issue. The thing you value most must be something else, right?”
“You…”
“This time, I’ll support you. Why not try again, for the sake of the people you care about?”
I wasn’t certain. But now, I can understand a little. When you gain something precious, there’s often something you want to protect more than yourself. And the pain of losing it is unimaginable.
Depas may seem hardened, but he’s someone both Giro and Clari rely on in this slum.
That must stem from the kindness at his core.
And what he treasures most is likely…
“Can you really just leave this slum as it is?”
That was the final nudge.
◆
“So, Akira, was that really okay?”
Hagg glanced at me as we walked.
“It’s fine. What Depas needed was hope. He’ll definitely help us.”
“Hm, is that so?”
“If not, we’ll think of another way. But if we can set up a council, my plans will move forward quickly. I really hope Depas steps up.”
“I don’t understand humans’ subtleties. I’ll leave that to you.”
“Got it. Hagg, I’m counting on the sewing machines.”
“Of course! That’s my specialty. Leave it to me. Just imagining those machines lined up is enough to get me fired up.”
“I’m counting on you.”
Judging by Hagg’s confident expression, he’s ready to mass-produce.
Hopefully, the tailoring guild has smoothed things over with the blacksmith guild.
And so, we arrived at the tailoring guild building.
The area is characterized by narrow but tall buildings clustered together.
While this blocks sunlight, the region is hot, so the abundant shade is actually welcome.
Unlike a heat island effect, the cooled stones from the night make the narrow alleys pleasantly cooler, the breeze drying my sweat.
Upon entering the tailoring guild, a receptionist immediately noticed me and led me to the back. Apparently, I’m a familiar face now.
Just like before, we were shown into the guildmaster’s office, where tea for me, Hagg, and the guildmaster was already set out before the staff left.
“Ah, Akira. I’ve been waiting for you.”
Despite this being an unannounced visit, Felicia greeted me warmly.
“Sorry for dropping in out of the blue.”
“No, no, I was just about to send someone to you. Perfect timing. And this is…”
“Ah, this is Hagg, the inventor making the sewing machines. He’s top-notch.”
“So you’re the one. I’m Felicia Morled. Just call me Felicia.”
“Hmph. Hagg’s the name.”
Felicia extended her hand, which Hagg shook firmly.
“May I call you Hagg? If you’ve come, does that mean…”
Hagg nodded, so Felicia continued.
“Yes, the design for mass production is complete. I’d like an introduction to the blacksmith guild.”
Felicia crossed her arms, emphasizing her chest a little theatrically.
It was clearly meant to draw attention, but it didn’t affect me—or Hagg, for that matter.
“Well, this is perfect timing. I was just about to inform you that we’ve established contact with the blacksmith guild.”
“That’s excellent news.”
I had been a bit worried since they didn’t seem to have a great relationship, but it seemed my concern was unfounded. My visit today was meant to push them along.
“What’s the plan, then?”
“With Hagg here, things should move quickly. I’d like to show them the prototype and have Hagg guide the manufacturing process. For specifics, you can ask them directly.”
“Got it. When should we visit?”
“I’ve prepared an introduction letter. You can go anytime.”
“How about right away?”
“Blacksmiths are impatient folk. They’d probably appreciate that.”
“Understood. We’ll head there immediately.”
“I’ll send someone to guide you to the blacksmith guild.”
“Thanks.”
At Felicia’s direction, a small, freckled young woman—barely in her twenties—came out.
“Nice to meet you. My name is Preliana. I’ve been selected as a member of the sewing machine project. Pleased to work with you.”
She bowed politely.
“Preliana may look young, but her skills are solid, and she’s very discreet. If anything comes up, just let her know.”
“Got it. Shall we go? Preliana, I’ll be counting on you.”
“Yes!”
And so, the pace of my slum revival project accelerated once again.