Chapter 38

It's shorter than usual.

My summer vacation started with a struggle against homework. The difficulty is manageable, but the sheer volume is overwhelming. However, I can't afford to give up. The tax revenue in Bouble has stabilized, and we have more financial leeway. Since it's a long break, I also have plenty of time. I plan to launch a few new businesses during the summer vacation.

Most importantly, my dear, dear Ami is coming to visit Bouble. I'm even developing some tools specifically for Ami. She's coming in a week, and instead of going on a vacation abroad with Alan and the others, she's coming to Bouble.

Brother, I'm so excited. I have to provide Ami with a summer vacation plan that's even better than a trip abroad. I've already arranged for food stalls that Ami likes at the summer festival, and I plan to take her to the beach. Using my lord's authority, I've made the beach off-limits to everyone except us that day. I'll protect Ami's swimsuit look.

As a result, by fully utilizing my computer, the only remaining assignment is the free research project (I plan to report on the results of the new businesses).

The main focus of this business is to improve the food situation. Using my lord's authority, I'll have them make the food I want.

There's a mountain of things I want to make: soy sauce, miso, sugar, pepper, sauce, rice, ponzu, natto, and so on. The problem is my lack of knowledge. For example, I started cultivating sugar beets to make sugar, but I don't know the extraction method. I know that koji mold is needed for soy sauce and miso, but I have no idea how to obtain the mold.

"Miko, you're the one... Stop it, wearing a jumpsuit and an electric mouse is not funny... What's the matter this time?"

"Well, I'm starting to miss the taste of my hometown. Can you install information on how to make seasonings on the computer?"

There might be restrictions on bringing items from Japan, but I think knowledge about food is fine. If possible, I also want information on the tools needed to make seasonings.

"Since the attack incident has been resolved and the domain management is going well, I'll do my best."

"Thank you, Miko. This means I can say goodbye to insect dishes."

After researching, it seems that insect dishes are quite popular in Orizon. In fact, they are more common than fish dishes. Among them, the shrimp hopper that Marina serves is difficult to catch and is often eaten on special occasions. It's like catching and cooking a sea bream in Japan. I can't do the impossible, though.

Thanks to Miko, I learned how to make various seasonings... I never imagined that making sugar would require a centrifuge and a vacuum. However, this will power up the Ami Summer Enjoyment Project.

I plan to order mass production of sugar and create kelp for dashi, tofu, and dried fish. I'll have the fishermen collect kelp and dry it on the beach. I think nigari will be available when making salt. For the dried fish, I want to start with a beach seine during the Ami Summer Enjoyment Project to see what kinds of fish we can catch.

---

The sugar I made was quite strong and not very satisfying to me. However, it was apparently quite shocking to the people born in Orizon, including Grandpa.

"I never thought we could make sugar in Orizon."

Apparently, only a few countries in this world can produce sugar, and the manufacturing process is a closely guarded secret. Naturally, it's very expensive, and only nobles, royalty, and wealthy merchants can afford it. Sugar beets are only used as animal feed.

"I never thought I'd be able to eat sugar in my lifetime."

Incidentally, Mr. Volff deliberately left some of the trial sugar as a souvenir for his lover.

"Mass production should be kept secret. The sugar trade generates enormous wealth. This sugar will also bring in a lot of money."

The price of sugar is apparently set by traders. After all, overseas trade is a life-threatening job because there are monsters in the sea. Only large ships with several high-level mages can navigate. This is why fishing hasn't developed in Orizon. Bouble has some fishermen because there are fewer monsters, but the demand isn't high due to transportation issues.

"If we make the traders our enemies, there's a risk that they'll take away our sugar production. In the worst case, they might even seize the entire domain."

It's understandable that Mr. Sander is worried. The power and wealth of the traders are considerable, and even low-ranking nobles can't stand up to them. It's apparently as easy as asking the royal family to change the lord of Bouble.

The most dangerous person is the current lord of Acora, Alan. Bouble is just one region of Acora, and we can't disobey Alan's orders.

"I'll have the Verde Trading Company help us obscure the source of the sugar. They also sell sugar, so it won't be suspicious. We'll use the revenue to strengthen the knight corps and the military."

Then, at the right time, I'll present the sugar to the royal family through Grandpa. If everything goes well, my dream might come true.

---

The day before Ami's arrival, I was excitedly working when there was a knock on the door.

"Lilir Hammer is here."

I had asked Lilir to urgently make a certain tool in exchange for letting her copy one subject of her summer homework.

"I made it as you asked, but what is this for? I've never heard of a tool to shave ice."

That's right, I had asked Lilir to make an ice shaver. I had her make it for Ami's snack. I originally planned to use honey, but I changed it at the last minute.

"Taste research is necessary... Wait a moment."

There's no guarantee that shaved ice will be well-received in another world. I want to test it with Lilir first and get her opinion.

I used magic to freeze water from the castle well and set it in the ice shaver. I made the syrup using the same method as jam. Incidentally, in Orizon, they use honey to make jam... I might consider beekeeping.

"What is this red liquid? No way, you're putting it on the ice?"

The red liquid is the classic strawberry shaved ice.

"It's diluted strawberry jam... Wow, it's delicious. I should try it with condensed milk and azuki beans. Try it. But be careful, eating it too quickly can give you a headache."

"It's delicious. How did you make this jam?"

From Lilir's reaction, it doesn't seem to be a failure.

"I'll tell you later."

If I say I used a lot of sugar, she might get nervous and not enjoy the taste.

Tomorrow, Ami is finally coming. Brother, I'm so excited.