Chapter 31: The Great Western Albion Continent is Peaceful Today As Well! (6)
by Afuhfuihgs[Unexpected Commotion, Culprit is the Governor’s Daughter? Reason Revealed: ‘Wanted Pocket Money.’]
[Governor Edwin takes his youngest daughter on a stroll through Lunden. Citizens feel unexpected closeness.]
[Major Boost to Lunden’s Urban Economy. All Thanks to the ‘Daughter of Lunden’?]
“Fufu, you’ve been quite popular with the citizens lately, Father.”
“……”
Lately, Edwin, the Grand Governor, has seen a rise in popularity and familiarity among the general public.
It all started when he forcefully dragged Lin out of the library and took her on a stroll through the streets of Runden.
“By the way, I was quite surprised back then. I didn’t know you knew how to eat commoners’ food, Father.”
Typically, nobles are the kind of people who, when putting food in their mouths, always follow rigid etiquette.
For them, eating with their hands or using simple substitutes like toothpicks was considered uncouth.
However, unlike most noble ladies, Lin had no qualms about such things.
Even though no one had taught her, she naturally grabbed and bit into various foods with her hands, just like the commoners.
Humans are simpler creatures than one might think.
Whether draped in fine silk or wearing worn rags, when someone behaves in a familiar way, it naturally fosters a sense of closeness.
Especially when someone of such high birth, someone seemingly out of reach, respects their way of life, it brings an indescribable sense of satisfaction to common people.
However, children and adults are fundamentally different.
No matter how noble a lady may be, if she has a kind heart, people might dismiss it as the innocence of youth.
But what if that noble is an adult?
What if that noble happens to be Edwin, the Grand Governor, notorious for his ruthless and cold-hearted demeanor?
As expected, the citizens of Lunden were stunned, rushing to buy newspapers to verify the truth.
The newspaper boys on the streets barely had to move, just counting the coins as people lined up to buy the latest issue.
Indeed, when someone who is usually kind shouts loudly once, people tend to think their true nature has been revealed, criticizing them.
But when someone known to be cruel shows a bit of kindness—like giving an umbrella to a wet dog—people naturally think,
“Maybe they have a warm heart after all…”
This is a common psychological phenomenon.
Thanks to his beloved youngest daughter, Lin, becoming universally adored, Edwin’s favourability inadvertently began to rise as well.
This change carried more significance than one might think.
When Lin, the official daughter of Rosegarden, went out, Lunden citizens no longer feared her but welcomed her warmly.
No matter how much the citizens liked Lin, if they still feared her father, Edwin, they would always be wary.
In other words, after Lin became the “Daughter of Lunden” beloved by the citizens,
it unexpectedly made the streets safer for her since there were now countless watchful eyes everywhere she went.
“Where’s Lin?”
“She’s out on the streets, receiving plenty of love from the citizens again today.”
“I see.”
After throwing the metaphorical bomb, Lin almost became a recluse, holed up in the library.
However, the moment her father took her out and she took a bite of the street food she had almost forgotten, her outdoor activities returned to normal.
Naturally, she did not neglect her studies of magic and alchemy, and at the same time, she continued to boost the citizens’ affection on behalf of her father, Edwin.
Truly, a filial daughter.
Though the process of getting there was quite grueling for Edwin.
“Seeing how much Lin enjoys it, I’m curious about the taste myself.”
“……How is the construction site?”
“As usual, everything is proceeding smoothly. Oh, by the way, they wanted you to attend the blasting ceremony.”
“Hmm.”
Leonard, who had visited the site of the Cheyenne Railway Company’s construction, reported the progress to his father, Edwin, and mentioned the blasting ceremony.
“I’ll attend.”
A blasting ceremony is a kind of ritual performed before setting off explosives to carve a tunnel through a mountain, praying that there will be no major accidents or casualties.
Regardless of the ceremonial aspect, creating a tunnel is an extremely important project and event, so Edwin thought it would be best to witness it personally.
“The central railway construction is still a long way from completion. From next time, why don’t you make an appearance yourself?”
“Well, once this is done, the next project is the Transcontinental Railway… Thinking about the significance, it would indeed be more impactful. I’ll save myself for that.”
Edwin suggested that Leonard take his place at future blasting ceremonies, but Leonard indirectly refused.
When Edwin slightly turned his gaze, his eldest son was standing there with a sly smile.
Edwin briefly wondered if children were born just to rebel against their parents.
“Oh, how about taking Lin along as well?”
“Hmm.”
Leonard subtly tried to push his younger sister into the situation.
When he mentioned the connection between the Cheyenne Railway Company and Lin, Edwin hesitated.
Due to the nature of railway construction, it was undoubtedly a hazardous environment for a child.
However, considering that Edwin himself would be with his daughter this time, the situation seemed more manageable.
“Besides, she seemed to get along well with them. Wouldn’t it be fine?”
“…That’s true.”
As a father, Edwin wanted to show his daughter the result of her own efforts.
“I want to go! I really want to see it!”
The next day, after finishing the conversation with his eldest son,
Edwin approached Lin, who was sitting in the sunlit garden, reading an alchemical material compendium.
When he asked her directly, as expected, Lin nodded vigorously.
Seeing his daughter’s adorable and predictable reaction, Edwin couldn’t help but smile warmly.
“Bombs are the best! Bombs are the best!”
“Be quiet, Dinavel. The master and the great master are having a conversation.”
“Hey, hey, master! When are you going to blow something up again? Huh? Dinavel wants to throw bombs again.”
Ever since the explosion incident at the outer wall, Dinavel had awakened a strong penchant for bombs.
Since that day, Dinavel frequently pestered her master, Lin, asking when the next explosion would be.
Although Lin occasionally set off explosive potions to check her alchemical progress…
“I-I’m not going to do it… anymore…”
Unfortunately, Edwin was right in front of her.
Lin twisted her fingers nervously, keeping an eye on her father’s reaction.
Seeing his daughter genuinely reflecting on her mistake despite her previous recklessness, Edwin gently patted her head.
At that, Lin’s face lit up, and she smiled like a puppy, enjoying the affectionate touch.
It was a rather greedy reaction, fitting for the villainous young lady, as she soaked up her father’s paternal affection to the fullest.
“Then everyone! We’re off!”
Soon after, Lin set off with her father, riding a large carriage out the main gate.
She energetically waved out the window at the maids and butler who had come to see them off,
then settled into the soft seat and watched the streets of Runden go by.
Upon arriving at the train platform, the father and daughter boarded Rosegarden’s private magical train.
Unlike ordinary citizens, they didn’t have to worry about the train’s departure time and traveled directly to the site without any delay.
“Does the black tea suit your taste, young lady?”
“Fufu, it has a lovely fragrance and taste.”
The comfort of the private magical train was entirely different from standard ones.
It felt more like having tea time in the mansion, giving Lin a sense of stability that made her very pleased.
Though the journey didn’t take too long, it wasn’t exactly brief either.
“This place, Lin, is the completed section of the Cheyenne Railway Company that you brought in.”
“This is…”
As they arrived at the newly constructed terminus, Lin looked around.
Under the neatly laid rails, the wooden sleepers were spaced at precise intervals, as if measured by a ruler.
Even the gravel bed supporting them was meticulously arranged, leaving Lin, who had no knowledge of railway construction, genuinely impressed by the cleanliness.
“Sir Edwin. The carriage is ready.”
Although the track extended further, the area beyond was still an active construction site,
so they couldn’t continue the journey by train.
Thus, they had to use the carriage that had been loaded in the train’s freight compartment.
“Oh, welcome, Governor! And young lady, welcome.”
“It’s been a while.”
Noticing the carriage bearing the Rosegarden family crest approaching, “Standing on Hind Legs” immediately rushed out to greet Edwin and Lin with a respectful bow.
The site was filled with various native tribes.
Among them, three major races were the most prominent.
The first was the Inrang tribe—werewolves—like “Standing on Hind Legs,” who was both the great chieftain of the Cheyenne tribal alliance and the president of the railway company.
The second was the Tau tribe—minotaur-like beings with massive bodies and thick horns.
Lastly, there were the Sumyo tribe—otter people—who, despite being adults, had small statures comparable to Lin’s.
The construction site was bustling with males who had more animal-like appearances rather than human-like ones, creating a scene reminiscent of a fantasy zoo.
“They mainly handle moving heavy materials. And these small-statured ones, though not strong, are incredibly dexterous and crucial for delicate tasks.”
“I see…”
Standing on Hind Legs briefly explained to Lin how the site operated.
Whenever the kind-hearted villainous young lady, who had provided them with a means of livelihood, approached, the workers would cheer with gratitude and enthusiasm.
“Chief—no, President! The preparations for the blasting ceremony are complete!”
“Understood. Shall we go?”
“Indeed.”
“I’m quite looking forward to it!”
Just as they were about to watch the moment the wind hole was created at a safe spot on the mountain…
“Um… President.”
“What’s the matter?”
“Well, the thing is…”
A subordinate arrived to report that the bomb they brought had malfunctioned and could not be detonated.
“…What did you say?”
“Is something wrong?”
Lin tilted her head in confusion.
Hesitating for a moment, Standing on Hind Legs honestly explained the situation.
“As with most magical devices, it happens from time to time…”
“Hmm.”
In fact, magical device malfunctions were not uncommon on-site.
The problem was the timing.
It was embarrassing to have such an incident occur right when they had invited the very people who had provided financial support and offered a great opportunity.
“So… the bomb broke, and you need a replacement, right?”
“Yes? Th-That’s right… But we will repair it soon, so please wait a moment…”
“Here.”
“…?”
In a critical moment, Lin pulled out a set of explosive potions and handed them over.
For a moment, Standing on Hind Legs froze, staring at the potions with a bewildered expression.
It wasn’t until Lin explained further that he realized they were liquid bombs.
“When did you bring that?”
“Huh? I always carry them in my inner pocket.”
Edwin, too, was caught off guard, staring at his daughter as if he couldn’t believe it.
However, Lin just tilted her head, as if not understanding what the problem was.
BOOOOM—!!!
In any case, thanks to Lin, the blasting ceremony proceeded without any mishap.
The tunnel excavation went off without a hitch, without accidents or errors, and the workers embraced each other in joy.
“Thank you, young lady. Thanks to you, we successfully completed the blasting ceremony and were able to drill the tunnel.”
“Do those magical devices often break down?”
“Not always… But they are less stable than expected.”
After the blasting ceremony, Lin’s curiosity about the explosive magical devices used at the site grew.
Upon hearing the details, she learned that the device was developed by commoners working in the mines rather than by nobles naturally endowed with magic.
Due to this, the device had stability issues and minor defects, but there was no viable alternative at present.
“So… if there were a powerful and stable bomb…”
“If such a thing existed, it would be a huge help to us.”
“Hmm…”
Lin grinned slyly, seemingly having come up with a good idea.
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