Volume 5 Chapter 8 Gardy's Worries II
"Is this about the street lighting project?"
Gardy tilted his head, clearly confused by Cain's idea.
"Yeah. Mother Lydia started a street lighting project in Sanroze Territory, but there are some problems," Cain explained to everyone.
"I thought that adding streetlights would brighten the town and make it look nicer, so I took it on as a project from the lord."
"There were lots of streetlights in Margrave Shield Territory. It looked really beautiful," Lala said softly, remembering her time there.
"But won't the magic tools for lighting cost a lot?" Barvish asked, worry showing on his face.
"If we used lamp magic tools, like Barvish said, they would be expensive. That's why I made a special light magic tool myself to use instead. Shops and houses facing the street bought the same kind of lamp, and we set them up to light automatically under an annual contract."
"If they all use the same lamp, the street would look neat and uniform," Lala murmured.
"Exactly. Mother Lydia is amazing."
"Cain, how does this street lighting project connect to the orphanage issue?" Gardy asked, a bit nervous.
"Well, my light magic tool takes a little time to activate. At first, the town guards did the lighting, but they had problems during work hours. Sometimes the lighting was interrupted or forgotten. So, I thought about hiring someone just for lighting, but it's a short job that only takes a few hours. It's hard for anyone to make a living doing only that."
Barvish and the others nodded, listening carefully.
"If it's orphans, they could handle the work even if it's just a few hours. Since there are many kids, they could cover several spots at once," Gardy said happily.
"Great, let's move fast. I'll talk to Mother Lydia right now!" Cain said and rushed out, with Lala following a little behind.
"Cain is amazing. Why was I wasting time worrying?" Gardy muttered.
"Gardy, our lord isn't ordinary. Thinking for yourself is good, but sometimes it's better to ask or report earlier," Barvish said seriously.
Gardy nodded, "True."
Cain went to find Lydia. A maid told him where she was, waiting in the living room for dinner. Cain knocked and waited for her voice.
"Please come in."
Lydia was relaxing on the sofa. Cain sat beside her and started.
"Mother Lydia, can I talk to you?"
"What is it, Cain? Dinner will be ready soon, isn't it? Or something else?" Lydia asked.
"I want to discuss an idea. I think the orphans can help with the street lighting project," Cain said.
"Thank you, Cain. I didn't realize things were like this at the orphanage. We can't support them forever, but your idea sounds good. Lighting the streets will always be needed, so it's useful," Lydia said with a smile.
"But, can we really trust the children with the magic tools? If we add guards, the benefit is lost," Lydia wondered aloud.
She thought a moment and said, "What if the children wear noticeable uniforms with a simple family crest on their backs? People will know they work for the lord and won't harm them. Since they're visible, the townsfolk and shop owners will watch over them too."
"That's a smart idea. Let's tell Luke tomorrow and figure out the details," Lydia said happily, patting Cain's head.
Notes:
• Lydia - Cain's Stepmother.
• Margrave Shield - Cain's grandfather. An elderly man, robust, with white hair.
• Lala - Cain's companion, likely a servant or minder, cautious and protective.
• Barvish - A slave dwarf with a muscular, compact physique, intended as Cain's retainer/bodyguard, brought via magical contract.
• Luke - Cain's father.
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