Volume 2 Chapter 39 Huh？ Something Really Incredible Happened？
Cain and the others, who had "paved" the main street leading to the West Gate, arrived at the "Market Street," which leads to the market square. This "Market Street" connects the West Gate main street to the market square and continues to the South Gate main street. This market street was one-way and only half the width of the main street. On both sides of the street, small shops lined up, from general stores to clothing stores (second-hand clothing), and food stores. Doughton explained that it was the pride of the merchants here to own a store with the money they earned in the market square.
"Mr. Doughton, what should we do about this Market Street?"
Cain asks Doughton, looking at the Market Street that leads to the market square. The street is made to be 4m wide, but the shops are extended to the very edge to make them a little wider. Because of that, the road width is slightly different, and it looked like it was winding when viewed from the entrance of the street.
"Yes, could you please add a cant towards the center of this Market Street? Also, I'd like you to 'pave' it to the very edge of the road width, is that possible?"
"Hmm, probably, but... If we add a cant towards the center, a puddle will form in the middle of the road when it rains, you know?"
"It's okay. According to prior measurements, there is a slight slope from both the West Gate main street and the South Gate main street towards the market square. If Sir Cain 'paves' it, the water will naturally flow away."
"Then, the market square will be flooded, right?"
"There's a hole connected to the sewer in the market square, so the accumulated water will be drained there."
Cain was impressed, saying "Ohh," and thought again that the sewer was amazing. The remaining concern of Doughton was dealt with by changing the size of the paving stones. They made them smaller than the size of the paving stones on the main street, so that they would fit evenly into the road width. This was also the result of the Maintenance Bureau staff working hard to measure Cain's idea.
The small difference in the size of these cobblestones made merchants along the street feel grateful to the Frontier Count Shield, thinking they specially changed it for themselves, and their enthusiasm for business grew even more.
Of course, the marketplace square also had beautiful cobblestones installed. The Maintenance Bureau staff had designed it beforehand, so they gradually laid the stones while referencing their sketches. When finished, it formed a geometric pattern like wood inlays from the original world. As soon as it was completed, merchants and residents nearby cheered in joy.
"Sir Cain, this will become a famous feature! It's a shame to only use it in the market. We need the General Affairs Department to plan something."
Looks like the new market square touched Doughton's nerves.
"Alright, everyone! On the count of 3! Ready? One... 2... 3! 'Stone'!!" "Stone!!"
When they were transforming the end of the marketplace street leading to the South Gate into cobblestones, about a dozen kids copied Cain and performed a stunt where they touched the ground together. As usual, the road lit up, turning the dirt path into cobblestones, and the kids jumped with joy.
Adults around them cheered and repeatedly thanked Cain with "Thank you very much." Cain was very happy to have helped people. The Maintenance Bureau staff also looked proud, which was very noticeable.
* * *
Guided by his servant, Cain knocked on the door of the Frontier Count Shield's office.
"Sir Frontier Count Shield, I've returned. It's Cain."
A voice responded with "Please come in," and the hefty door opened. The office of Frontier Count Shield was over 20 tatami mats in size, with a desk, sofa, and bookshelf──definitely a 'Count's room.'
Frontier Count Shield was reviewing documents in the office. After seeing Cain entering and adjusting his glasses slightly, he called out to him.
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"Cain, welcome. The Maintenance Bureau chief reported you did great today. I wanted to see it myself, but with this situation, everyone wouldn't let me."
He sighed heavily, looking at the mountains of paperwork with his eyes.
"It'll be over soon, so sit there and wait for me."
"Yes," he replied, and sat on the sofa.
Ten minutes passed, then 20, then 30, and finally, Frontier Count Shield finished his work and sat on the sofa.
"Could you call my wife and Lydia for me?"
"Certainly."
The butler replied and left the room.
"How is our territory? Did you notice any differences from Sanroze town?"
"Yes, there are more people. And I thought the town was beautiful."
Cain's report was met with a kind, grandfatherly smile as he listened, nodding.
"Excuse me, Mrs. Sanroze is here."
"Come in," he replied, his expression becoming serious as he granted entry.
When the door opened, Lydia stood there, gave a small bow, and entered with a smile. Approaching Cain, she whispered in his ear, "Welcome back."
"Alright, let's begin. Call Aisha and the knight captain."
Frontier Count Shield stood up, giving various instructions to the butler, and then put on the sword leaning against the wall. Cain watched blankly, wondering what was happening. Soon, he was asked to move his seat to the wall to make space for the sofa. When enough space was prepared in the center of the room, Aisha and the knight captain entered.
Frontier Count Shield stood in the center of the room, with Aisha and the knight captain standing slightly apart on either side. Cain was led by Lydia to the entrance of the room. As Cain looked around, wondering what was about to happen, the butler began the declaration.
"We will now begin the knighting ceremony for Cain Sanroze. Lord Cain Sanroze, before Frontier Count Shield."
As Cain stood before Frontier Count Shield, confusion flickered across his face. Lydia knelt beside him and whispered something into his ear, prompting him to kneel as well. After a brief pause, the steward gestured for Cain to bow his head. Obediently, Cain did so.
"Cain Sanroze," Frontier Count Shield began, his voice steady and commanding, "for your contributions to road maintenance in our territory, I grant you the rank of knight. Continue to strive diligently."
With a swift motion, Frontier Count Shield drew his sword, tapping the flat of the blade on both of Cain's shoulders before sheathing it once more.
"What a blessing," Cain murmured, his voice steady but tinged with awe.
"I'll dedicate my life to this."
The witnesses erupted in applause, their cheers filling the room.
'Wait, does this mean I have to live apart from my family?'
Cain thought, a flicker of concern crossing his mind.
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