The Greatest Estate Designer - Chapter 49: The Perfect Completion Ceremony (1)

“What’s the deal with you?!”

Whoot.

Viscount Lacona fiercely swung his arm. His muscular fingers and wrist tore through the air, and the onion in his hand was thrown with all of his might.

Thud!

In the process of throwing the onion away, a friction was formed between his fingers and the onion. Thus, a part of the onion’s skin was caught between the tips of his index and middle fingers.

Because his pitching technique resembled that of a two-seam fastball, the onion spun. It flew very fast through the trajectory formed by the pitching technique, moving across the office until it collided with a wall.

Crunch!

The onion was crushed.

This was the moment when Sir Javier Asrahan’s blood, sweat, and tears in growing the onion were ingrained as an avant-garde pattern on the Barony’s neighboring lord’s office wall.

Obviously, Viscount Lacona didn’t even bat an eye at that. He cast an angry glance at the innocent administrator instead. “Can you repeat what you said before once more?”

“Ah, yes, My Lord….”

The administrator shrugged and unfolded the paper again. It was a leaflet produced and distributed by the Barony of Frontera.

“As I have previously informed My Lord, the Frontera Barony has distributed leaflets outlining their policy to encourage migration to the reclaimed Maritz Wetlands. But the contents of the leaflet….”

“Haa, continue.”

“Ah, yes, My Lord. The contents of the migration policy that had been published are as follows,” the administrator continued to read the leaflet out loud, “Residents who choose to migrate to the newly reclaimed land can enjoy various protection benefits for 3 years. Residents will receive seeds that will be sown free of charge and will be completely exempt from paying taxes. Furthermore, in the event of a poor harvest, one meal a day will be provided per household.”

The administrator, who had been reading the leaflet, narrowed his eyes.

“Additionally, residents who migrated to Maritz will be obliged to permanently reside there for the next 5 years, as migration to other areas will be restricted. Umm, this part is written very small at the bottom.”

“Ugh.”

Deep wrinkles formed between the Viscount’s eyebrows. The first time he heard this, it made his blood pressure rise. When he heard it once more, it still made his blood pressure rise. He had no choice but to feel so.

‘These crazy bastards.’

They had determinedly set their sights on encouraging migration.

Did he speculate so because of this set of policies that simply gave away a lot of benefits? No, he didn’t.

The most important part was the last sentence, the one that was written in small letters at the bottom part of the leaflet.

‘If someone decides to migrate there, they’ll be obliged to settle there for five years.’

They could freely migrate there, but not when they wanted to move out.

For at least 5 years, they would have to remain at the reclaimed land.

What about the Barony that seemed to be giving out too many benefits?

‘The benefits will only be received for the first 3 years of migration, that’s the important part.’

The protection benefits were only for 3 years, but the mandatory residence period was 5 years. What about the remaining 2 years, when they no longer receive the benefits anymore?

‘They have to survive without any outside support. What if they continuously have poor harvest? They’ll have no choice but to starve to death.’

This point was what was scary about the migration policy published by the Barony of Frontera; this same point was also the one Viscount Lacone was most nervous about.

Was he concerned for the peasants who’d migrate to the reclaimed land?

Of course not.

He was afraid of their predictable response to this policy.

‘In the first place, they’ll only register the huge protection benefits they can get for the next three years in their mind. What about the remaining two years of obligation to settle there, when they aren’t given any benefits any longer? They’ll purposefully ignore that fact even if they know about it. No, they think it’ll all be okay. In their mind, if they work hard for the first three years of migration, it’ll be sufficient and possible for them to push through the remaining 2 years.’

That was how the human mind works.

Even if they saw others fail, they’d still think they were an exception. Even when faced with a good number of statistics that stated otherwise, they’d still think it’d go differently for them.

Dismissing objective stance with ease while facilitating self-assurance. Shaking off the dissuasion from the people around them only to get screwed in the end. Not to mention losing their fortune after trying their hands on these kinds of investments in the process.

All because of their belief that immediate benefits could offset the burden they’d bear in the near future.

‘They took advantage of this fact very cleverly.’

At first glance, the policy seemed full of great benefits. However, if scrutinized properly, the policy was actually terrifying.

At first, people would happily migrate to the reclaimed land. As time passed, they’d realize it wasn’t as easy as they thought.

The peasants who had migrated there would inevitably risk their lives to cultivate the reclaimed land from then on.

‘This is their purpose from the very start.’

Hiding the pressure of those two years of obligation they’d bestow upon the migrants behind various benefits where said pressure would then force the migrants to give their all in doing the laborious work.

And what would happen after 5 years had passed? Maritz would be reborn as a perfect fertile land.

Thinking of this made the Viscount’s stomach twisted with jealousy and envy that sprouted inside. Even more so when he remembered that the southern half of the reclaimed land had once belonged to the Viscount.

‘I can’t give up just like this.’

That land should’ve been his. It was too valuable for him to do nothing and back away just like that.

He didn’t want to give it up. Before people settled in the reclaimed land, he wanted to snatch it as fast as possible by any means necessary.

The Viscount nibbled on his nails.

Suddenly, an idea popped in his head.

‘That’s right, I can do that.’

The Viscount raised his head and gave an order to the administrator who was still looking at him.

“Summon the dye workshops’ supervisors at once.”

As he gave the order, one corner of the Viscount’s lips was raised. Forming a smirk that showed his confidence in the success of his plan.

♣

Few days had passed.

In the meantime, Lloyd’s plans had been progressing steadily.

The Maritz Wetlands that had been slowly being reclaimed was nearing the end of its construction.

The support policy for the pioneers who’d migrate there also had been widely announced.

There were more applicants than Lloyd had initially thought. However, there were occasionally some applicants who expressed their anxiety. Their concern wasn’t about what would happen after the three-year protection benefits that were guaranteed as a migration incentive ended.

‘What if the water doesn’t drain properly when it rains?’

That was what everyone was most concerned about. It wasn’t an unreasonable concern.

Maritz had been a wetlands for a long time. It was originally a low-lying area where water always flooded in from the river nearby whenever it rained. The land had been filled with swamps strewn across the area since the distant past.

Such a place was transformed by the power of humans. Embankments were built, the water was drained, and the land was transformed into dry land.

Still, they couldn’t help but feel anxious as to how long it’d last.

The peasants here were more familiar with ‘Maritz the wetlands’, not ‘Maritz the reclaimed land’.

The land had been naturally regarded as a swampy terrain since they were young. On top of that, there wasn’t enough time to change their perception.

Of course Lloyd understood their anxieties well. Thus, he made something interesting for everyone to see, which was the completion ceremony.

“Okay, let’s get in line, everybody!” Lloyd shouted.

That day, the construction of 6 screw pumps was completed.

The Baron couple, the Construction Team, and the majority of the territory’s residents gathered on the embankment.

The rain started pouring down just in time, it was as if the sky was helping him.

The land that was previously a wetlands was soaking wet instantaneously.

Rainwater was filling the elaborately designed drain. Then, it gathered into the drainage basin, where the water wheel was waiting.

The water that was brought by the drainage system entered the water wheel. The newly-made waterwheel, which still reeks of wood, began to turn powerfully.

As a result, the screw pumps also spun, transporting the water upwards from the drain. Going against gravity, the water was pushed onto the drainage pipe on the other side.

Shwaaa.

The drainage pipe discharged the water into the river tributaries that were flowing outside the embankment. Consequently, the level of water that had accumulated inside the embankment and in the drainage basin dropped rapidly.

The water wheel showed everyone how well it worked.

And soon, the rain stopped.

Lloyd led the Baron couple and the territory residents on a tour. He took them on a walk and showed them every inch of the reclaimed land.

Needless to say, the land was still barren, its color yellowish-–like ochre.

There was nothing but weeds that grew as far as the eye could see. However, in the eyes of the peasants who were looking at the reclaimed land, the land was something they coveted more than anything.

To fill the empty land full of crops, that was what these peasants wanted most.

“Darling, isn’t this place better than we thought?”

“I agree with you. The rain was pouring down heavily just a moment ago….”

“I don’t even see any puddles, let alone stagnant water pooling around.”

“I see. Is it because there are drainage channels on this side and that side that drains the water?”

“I guess so. However, this is fascinating. If you take a look at the soil here, it’s still moist.”

“It seems that only the water that entered the drain got drained, meanwhile the water that got inside the soil remained.”

“Yes, that’s right. What’s more, look at the soil here.”

“Let me see. Hmm, I don’t think we even need to scatter manure here?”

“Right? I’ve never seen such fertile land. Seems like everything will grow well here, no matter what plant it is.”

“….”

“Darling, we can’t keep on farming on other people’s lands and make a living out of it forever, can we?”

“….”

“Our kids are slowly growing up, too….”

“Our eldest wants to go to school. In order to do so, we need to send them to the city, but the cost….”

“… I understand. I’ll carefully consider it.”

The peasants touched the soil all over the land and watched the drainage system directly.

Just like a spiderweb, drainage channels were built everywhere throughout the reclaimed land; all of which were elaborately positioned according to Lloyd’s calculation. Thanks to these, no matter how heavy the rain was, the reclaimed land wouldn’t be flooded.

Only enough water necessary for farming was left inside the soil. All the excess water was drained through the drainage system.

Additionally, the soil here was perfect for farming.

It had been a swampy terrain for tens of thousands of years.

Over those years, vast amounts of plants and animals had died, sunk, and soaked in the water. In that condition, those carcasses partially decayed, which then kept on piling up until several layers were made. The accumulated organic matter would then turn into soil.

There was no need to use manure, it was literally the best fertile soil ever.

A reliable drainage system one didn’t have to be worried about in the slightest, and a fertile land that would catch any farmer’s eyes.

The hearts of the residents whose eyes were looking at Maritz, the land that had been reclaimed, was racing right now.

Of course Lloyd wouldn’t miss this golden opportunity.

Before the territory residents who came here to sightsee the reclaimed land knew it, Lloyd greeted them by quickly setting a neat table full of contracts at the very front.

“Now, you can sit here comfortably. Did you have a good time exploring the reclaimed land?” Lloyd asked.

“Ah, yes. I enjoyed it thanks to Young Master….”

“How do you like the land so far? Ah, do you want some water?”

“Tha-thank you.”

“Yeah. The weather is hot out here, isn’t it?”

“Not at all, Young Master. Hmm, how do I say this. It didn’t feel hot when I took a look around the land.”

“How come?”

“Because my mind is full with the variety of crops that I could plant here right away.”

“Hoho, it seems you like the reclaimed land quite well?”

“Yes, Young Master.”

“So, do you have any plans to migrate here, by any chance?”

“Umm, sure I’d love to, but-”

“But?”

“I’m not sure if Young Master knows this, but I’ve been renting Mr Hans’ land to farm.…”

“Aha, the gentleman who has an orchard?”

“Yes, Young Master.”

“Why are you hesitating? Is it because that person won’t let you go?”

“Umm, maybe it is… kind of…?”

“It’s alright, there is a solution. Have you heard of our migration policy?”

“Ah, yes, Young Master.”

“It is officially supported by the territory.” Lloyd grinned as he leaned against the back of his chair.

Meanwhile, the peasant leaned his upper body towards the table. “May I know what being supported officially by the territory means?”

“It means nobody can stop the tenant farmers who want to migrate.”

“But what about the field I’m currently looking after and working on…”

“Well, you’re not going to migrate here right away tomorrow, right?”

“That is true….”

“Then, you can migrate after finishing your work there. Or do you really want to keep on working at other people’s land for the rest of your life? Surely not, right?”

“Ah, yes, Young Master.”

“That’s right, you get it. This is your chance. You.can.have.your.own.land.”

“….”

“Of course, it won’t be easy. You’ll have to work as hard as you can for the next 5 years.”

“I-I already know that.”

“How is it? Are you feeling confident?”

“….”

“If you don’t want to, don’t do it.”

“N-no, that’s not it, Young Master!”

“No? Are you going to do it, then?”

“Yes, Young Master.”

“Are you sure? Don’t be indecisive later, this is your last chance.”

“I will do it.”

“Okay. I can’t help it if you want it that much.” Lloyd reluctantly slipped his hand under the table. With deft fingers, he pulled out a contract.

Lloyd then quickly pointed to the various sections of the contract.

“Then, you can sign here, here, and here. All you have to do is write your name.”

“Excuse me, I can’t write….”

“Then you can use your thumbprint. Give me your hand.”

“Ah, yes.”

“Stamp here. There you go, good job. Next, do it here. That’s right.”

“Th-thank you.”

“Don’t mention it. Starting from next year, you’re going to have to work hard farming a plot of land here.”

“I understand, Young Master.”

“Sure. Be careful on your way back home. Next!”

The peasant stood up and bowed before leaving the contract table. Numerous residents had lined up after him. The majority of them were peasants who didn’t have their own land.

‘It’s done, the migration to the reclaimed land is going smoothly.’

The corners of Lloyd’s mouth sneakily went up. That very day, all contracts for the migration to Maritz were signed in just a single day.

The completion ceremony went without a hitch. Moreover, there were the unexpected gains Lloyd hadn’t expected to come one after another.

Ding dong.

[A monumental achievement in construction has been obtained]

[You’ve reclaimed the land that had been a swampy terrain for so many years in an impressive way. Maritz that once had been a wetlands, is now a reclaimed land that will become a fertile land with promising bountiful harvests amidst the beads of sweat and laughter of its farmers.]

[You’ve left a distinct mark in the history of civil engineering in the Loracian Continent.]

[Your civil engineering achievement will be recorded in the kingdom’s architectural history.]

[A special reward will be given based on the monumental achievement.]

Author’s note:

Tl/n: I’m sorry for updating just now. I’ve just gotten my laptop fixed and then I got covid :’)

Btw guys, do you know? I’ve only known about this today, thus I think this will be the last chapter of GED I posted.
This novel has been translated officially; you can read it for free on Yonder!! Go support the author, guys. It’s easy, you only need to download the yonder app, then you can read one chapter for free per day. They’ve translated this novel until chapter 200-ish!! But unfortunately, they don’t include the illustration per chapter.

Anyway…

It’s time to binge read! Hohoho.

I’m having my eyes on another novel for the time being, but I’m still in the process of reading it to know if it’s good or not. I guess, see you again in a new novel? Hopefully my translating speed and grammar will improve by leaps and bounds by then.