Konbini Ossan Volume 4 Chapter 2 — Location Conditions
When I mentioned the land, the two of them looked dumbfounded. The first to voice her doubts was Marceline.
“Why would Otsugi-dono want such land? With this much orichalcum, you could buy property in the noble district.
…
And if it’s outside the city walls, there’s no guarantee of safety. Isn’t it far too inconvenient for anything?”
“Yes, ordinarily that would be the case. But if you work backward from the reason I want land, the area beyond the walls is actually more suitable.”
I then laid out my reasoning.
First, a factory requires a large plot of land. Inside the capital, every space is already occupied with buildings.
There may be small vacant lots, but they would be unsuitable for a factory.
Building inside the city would mean negotiating evictions and compensations — a waste of effort.
Then there are the issues of noise, waste, and water supply. A newly built factory echoing with noise day and night would be unbearable for nearby residents.
Industrial waste poses its own challenges, and while being outside the walls doesn’t solve everything, building inside would only invite pollution problems.
And if you go a bit beyond the walls near the slums, there’s a small river flowing there.
Drawing water from it would solve the problem of industrial water supply.
For all these reasons, I asked for land in that area. There’s simply no better location near the capital.
“I see. That makes sense.”
Marceline nodded.
“If it’s land outside the capital, then it won’t cost us much to grant it. I’d be glad to proceed with this deal.”
She extended her hand — the handshake to seal the negotiation. I clasped it firmly in return.
“I’ll put in a request with the higher-ups as well. If both Marumaru and I push for it, it will almost certainly go through. You can consider the land yours already.”
“Oh, that’s a relief. As for the exact area, could I ask that it include the riverside, if possible?”
“Of course. I was planning to make that clear in the request.”
“Thank you very much.”
Shuri and I then began working through the finer details of the transaction.
Then, all of a sudden, Marceline let out a quiet chuckle.
“Something the matter?”
“No, I was simply impressed.”
Impressed? I couldn’t think of a reason. I looked at her, urging her to explain.
“When I first met you, Otsugi-dono, I thought you a curious man. And I felt that you were not someone who belonged at the side of the heroes, but rather someone our knight order was meant to protect.”
Thinking back, I suppose I had been treated that way at the start.
“But before I knew it, you’d left the castle and were standing on your own. From one we should protect, you became a citizen supporting the very foundation of the knights.
…
And now, here you are, bringing me an equal negotiation. In so many ways, Otsugi-dono, you have become to me a true friend and equal.
…
Your circumstances change so quickly, yet you continue to progress steadily. I simply found myself admiring you.”
Marceline’s words carried a deep emotion. Indeed, it would have been hard to imagine today’s situation from our first meeting.
Looking back, I too have changed quite a bit.
“Thank you, Marceline.”
“Fufu. And why thank me here? That odd habit of yours, to give thanks in strange places, seems alive and well.”
I had simply spoken what came to mind, but she laughed with amusement. It wasn’t particularly funny, but that was fine.
I’d like to maintain this good relationship for as long as possible.
“From here on as well, I’ll be counting on you, Otsugi-dono.”
“Yes. I’ll be in your care.”
Once more, Marceline and I shook hands.
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