Cave King – 254

Chapter 254 – Busy Days!

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After the decisive battle with the Vader king, the Langs Kingdom was established.

Remlik was the king of Langs now, and he implemented various policies within the first month.

First, he reduced taxes to half the previous amount. Additionally, the way in which taxes were used was to be made public, and the majority would go towards maintenance of roads and facilities, as well as for food.

Next, there was the trade with the Sylpheum. Not only would Sylpheum sell them produce from the forest, but they would in exchange, offer them support in developing farm lands.
Eventually, they would also trade with Amolis and the surrounding countries.

As for the Vader people living in his territory, there was an investigation over who owned slaves. And then the demihumans were all set free.

Like this, policies that favored the demihumans were revealed…
Many of the Vader people did not agree with Remlik, and so they left Langs.

However, the population had risen if anything.
Because more demihumans came from other lands.

With more people, the development of Langs advanced.

…However, the food shortage was a serious problem.

I had thought that Remlik had overcome the biggest obstacle already. But if anything, this part was the true struggle.
And even though he had a non-aggression treaty with Vader, he could not lower his guard when it came to them.

Amidst all of this, I…continued to dig through the rocks of the Leorl underground.

Whether it was maintaining the roads or building new houses, we needed a lot of rock materials.

Furthermore, I also wanted to make an underground passage that would connect Leorl and Langs.
You would be able to transport things safely, without worry of rain or monster attacks. Eventually, it could connect to other towns and villages as well, creating an expansive, underground network.

Fule and Taran also helped me. Others in Sheorl helped dig clay in order to make bricks.

In fact, many of the demihumans took an interest in digging as well.
Hundreds of them wanted to learn how to mine, and so they came to Leorl with their families, and stayed there.

The Sheorl people also supported the Langs Kingdom in various ways.

Mappa and his apprentices were busily making tools.
Baris and the others would send food from the sea. In any case, we were all very busy.
There was no time to think back on the fight, or rest leisurely.

It was while I was digging one day, that a voice rang from behind me.

“Mr. Heal.”
“Huh? Oh, Shia.”

I turned around to see a beast girl.
She was the demihumans we had helped before.

A basket was hanging on Shia’s arm.
And there was an appetizing smell coming from it.

She smiled and offered me the basket.

“I brought you some food. Ms. Rienna was busy with the fields, and so she asked me to make it.”
“Oh. Sorry for the trouble.”
“No. I was on my way back from school anyway.”

Remlik had made schools, so that the demihumans could learn how to read and write.
Many children were already attending the school.

“She said that Mr. Heal always forgets the time while digging, and so he won’t eat unless you bring it to him… Is that true?”
“Embarrassingly, yes. I thought it was still morning. It’s a good thing you came. Thank you for the food.”

I said, and then dug a hole to the surface.

When I was out, I found a nice rock to sit on.

In front of me, was a vast, now peaceful field.
I could see demihumans busily carrying things or building houses.

After I ate, I would have to return to working hard. That’s how I felt as I watched.

Shia then took out some food that was wrapped in leaves.

Inside, there was a crispy pie.
It was still steaming and smelled wonderful.

“Oh, that looks delicious!”
“It’s made with Sheorl whitefish and Sylpheum herbs! Please eat it while it’s still hot.”

Shia cut the pie with a knife and handed it to me.

It was about the size of my hand and very heavy.
This was sure to be filling.

“Thank you…! …It’s delicious!!”

The pie crust was crisp and the fish was soft and fluffy inside. The juices and intricate herbs spread through my mouth.

I couldn’t help but take another bite. And before I knew it, the pie was completely gone.

Shia smiled and handed me another one.

“There’s still more.”
“Th-thank you. You should eat to.”
“I will.”

And so Shia ate the pies with me.

“Still, they really are good… Did your mother teach you how to make them?”
“Yes. It’s a dish from her homeland. Though, she made it with smaller fish and less herbs. But it was still delicious. She was so proud of it.”
“Her homeland, huh…”

Many of the demihumans were already showing an interest in fishing. And so they helped at Sheorl. I intended to build more houses for the ones who wanted to stay in Sheorl permanently.

Shia nodded.

“Yes. I hardly have any memories of it. Just that you could see the ocean, and that there was a forest close by.”
“It must have been a beautiful place.”
“According to my mother, the Vader people burned it all down.”
“…Sorry for ruining your lunch with such talk.”
“It’s fine. It’s not just her. The others all have similar stories.”

Shia said as she looked at the other demihumans.

They continued to work while carrying heavy loads.
However, they were also talking and smiling.

“Since you came, since Prince Remlik became king, everyone is able to smile again. No one is being struck down by the Vader people. Before now, eating a pie like this would be a once in a lifetime experience.”

As Shia said, the atmosphere seemed so different now.

“People are more cheerful, because they know that their lives will improve.”

They were able to have hope now.

Shia continued.

“Of course, perhaps the Vader people will return. There will surely be trouble in the future… But we are all going to do our best.”

I nodded at this.

“And we will always be your allies. And we will continue to help you.”
“Thank you, Mr. Heal.”

When she smiled, it was difficult to imagine that this was the same somber Shia we had first met.

After I finished eating, I had a renewed sense of purpose. And so I finished the tunnel to Langs in no time.

The next week passed swiftly, and the food troubles eased. Repairs in villages and towns finished, and things were going smoothly with the roads and public facilities.

After Remlik saw that the chaos had died down, he decided to hold a meeting with us and the Sylpheum people, so that we could discuss our future.

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