Feasting Lord in Another World

Chapter 16

#When it's hot, food goes bad, doesn't it? (1)

Dominic had envisioned a postpartum care center.

This very facility quickly gained popularity, eliciting enthusiastic responses from not just new mothers in 21st-century South Korea but also in Japan, China, the United States, and elsewhere!

While some criticized the entrance fee exceeding 3 million won within two weeks, commenting on the abundance of money, the demand for the care center remained overwhelming.

'I've heard that even the Korean-style care centers in the United States charge over $1,400 per day, and there's fierce competition to secure a spot.'

Dominic, who had personally witnessed the stress that women experienced during their postpartum recovery, understood. Regardless of the cost, there was undoubtedly significant demand here, with everyone hoping for a speedy recovery.

"The challenge will be financing."

After hearing Dominic's plans, some clever villagers made serious comments while glancing back at the building sketches.

"Money? We've already made a lot! They said next month we'll earn even more, right?"

"Dominic, do you have a plan?"

Ignoring Calron's question, the village's thought leaders were engrossed in conversation with Dominic.

"Yes. With the funds we have, it's impossible to construct grand mansions like those of the nobility. The cost of each building material is exorbitant."

"That's a valid point. But if we don't invest enough, the ladies might not stay."

Behind Dominic, the timing was perfect as the soothing sound of waves reverberated. He turned to face the sea, capturing everyone's attention.

"The depth of this beach is shallow, and its structure extends inward, so the waves don't get very high."

"Indeed. That's why we can't launch large boats here, making it more of a playground for local children. It's almost as useless as barren land."

"And the turtles don't come this way, right?"

"Of course not. It's too shallow here."

"The white sand is beautifully spread."

"What are you getting at, Dominic?"

Although this spot was beautiful, where children played in the sand, it had no value for fishing or as a port.

"Sometimes, beauty has value simply for being beautiful. Hehehe!"

Dominic chuckled with confidence.

"We will emphasize nature and relaxation."

"Nature and relaxation?"

"We will construct all the buildings as single-story detached houses, spaced out a bit. Large bedroom windows will provide views of this coastline. There's no need for expensive marble walls; wood will suffice. We'll coat the exteriors with white clay and top the roofs with orange terracotta tiles."

Dominic spoke rapidly.

Some villagers, initially puzzled by his ideas, quickly tried to remember his words. Their imaginations ran wild, envisioning the completed structures.

"Expensive paintings? Where would we find the money for that? Instead, we'll hang macram crafted by the most skilled women in the village and replace imported carpets with bamboo mats. Oh! But when we do spend, it must be on comfortable, high-quality bedding!"

Excitement began to appear on people's faces.

But Dominic wasn't finished.

"Exterior decoration is crucial too. We don't have the time or money for statues. Instead, we'll transplant various trees, shrubs, and flowers to create a forest-like atmosphere. The garden floor will be paved with flat stones and wood."

His detailed plans continued, from interior design to building layouts, furniture colors, the training required for the staff, how to bring in therapists or priests, and so on.

While the villagers were accustomed to Dominic's innovative ideas, this was another fascinating proposal. However, Ian was different.

'He's certainly a unique individual. Why is he playing the role of a village chief in this countryside?'

Misunderstandings arose, especially since Dominic was discussing architectural styles that Ian had never heard of.

Perhaps it was natural for Ian and the villagers to find Dominic's explanations unfamiliar.

'I'm trying to create a resort.'

In a world barely acquainted with the concept of hotels, let alone resorts, Dominic was confident that the architectural style he mentioned would surely captivate the noblewomen.

The historical beginning of Evergreen Fishing Village's transformation was underway.

***

"Ugh, it's so frustrating."

Watching Dominic half-draped over the donkey, Ian clicked his tongue.

"That's not something a village chief should say."

"Why is this darn meeting coming up so soon... I'm already swamped; I feel like I'm going to keel over."

Dominic was begrudgingly making his way to the village chief meeting, which seemed to have arrived all too quickly.

When he initially took on the role, he thought he'd have to attend once a month, but now it felt like a month came around way too often.

"At least Lord Anton gifted you a donkey. You should be thankful."

"Yes, but if he was going to buy one, why not a horse instead of a donkey, right?"

"If he gave you a horse, could you even ride it?"

"I considered hitching it to a cart, why?"

A horse was much larger than a donkey, and Dominic had never learned to ride.

'Seeing things like this, he's clearly not a nobleman concealing his status and traveling the world.'

Ian quickly dismissed one theory about Dominic.

"Those gentlemen will probably just chatter about pointless things again... Oh, I really don't want to go. It's so hot."

The Sinclair Count's region boasted warm and mild weather year-round. However, as summer approached, the once-warm sunlight became scorching, and the gentle breeze now felt like the blast from an air conditioner.

Thankfully, it was bearable in the shade, but on a donkey ride, one couldn't always choose shaded paths.

"Still, I can see the castle gate. We're almost there."

"Hello, soldier!"

As Ian waved, Dominic, recognizing him, greeted the soldier guarding the entrance to the lord's castle. It was the same soldier who had once come to arrest him.

"It's been a while, chief! Here for the meeting?"

"Yes, well..."

"You've got a tough job."

"It's harder for you, standing guard in this heat. But does the senior guard also take shifts?"

"No, today the new recruits are out on field training. They needed help in their makeshift kitchen."

"In this weather? Make sure you take salt. You'll pass out."

"I know. Open the gate!"

After a friendly exchange, Dominic shook his head.

"Do they really eat outside in this?"

"It seems they're preparing for a wartime scenario. In case of an emergency, you can't dine leisurely in a restaurant."

Dominic's expression turned sour.

"Oh, don't remind me, don't remind me. That was a past life! I won't join the military in this life, never. Ugh."

He shivered slightly at the memories of training he had undergone in his previous life.

"But... do they train like this even in such heat? Sleeping and eating outside? In the summer?"

"If they're training for wartime scenarios, what does the season matter?"

"But..."

If they're not careful with heatstroke training, won't some die?

He had his doubts but decided to keep his thoughts to himself, as a civilian unrelated to the military.

"I'm off to see the lord."

"Yes, yes. I'm off to the meeting."

After parting with Ian, the village chief meeting Dominic attended was still filled with trivial matters.

"We will prepare the green clothes in our village!"

"Then, we'll handle the blue ones?"

"No, we said we'd handle the blue earlier, didn't we, sir!"

Today, they were deciding which color clothes to give as a gift to the newly born young master of the Count's family.

"Just draw lots or something. Good grief."

While sitting at the very back and yawning, there was a knock on the conference room door by a child servant.

"Village chiefs, after delivering a speech at the soldier training camp outside the castle, the Lord expressed his desire to have lunch with the soldiers."

"Oh! Then we should go too!"

"Of course! Lead the way, where is it?"

"It's considered lucky to see the Lord's face today, isn't it?"

"Indeed, indeed!"

Another burdensome task had been added.

'Why is seeing the Lord's face considered good luck?'

Dominic couldn't comprehend it. But there was no way he wouldn't become part of the applause squad when the Lord himself was going to motivate the hardworking soldiers.

'I suppose this month's meeting will end with applause.'

Outside, it was even hotter than before. The sun was gradually reaching its peak, as expected.

"Chief Dominic! Come this way!"

"Over here, here!"

Perhaps because he had become somewhat known for various reasons, several village chiefs wore friendly smiles, beckoning him over.

He didn't intend to decline their hospitality, but as he was about to join them, something caught Dominic's eye.

"Ughh!"

He witnessed a soldier vomiting behind a tent set up for training.

"It seems the training was tough. Tsk, tsk."

"Come on, is the training these days even considered training? It's a time of peace without wars! In our day, we used to run around for four hours a day in full armor!"

"Again with the old tales."

While the village chiefs engaged in idle chatter, Dominic tilted his head.

'Projectile vomiting?'

It was uncommon for a grown adult to vomit like a fountain. It could have been more than just strenuous training that caused the soldier to throw up his breakfast.

"Hey."

"Ughh... Yes? Me?"

"When did you start feeling like this?"

"Excuse me?"

"Do you have other symptoms like chills, diarrhea, fever, along with the nausea?"

"Ah... I started feeling nauseous just now, and I'm getting chills. My stomach hurts too..."

Since the morning?

Dominic, sensing something from the soldier's words, patted his shoulder and immediately headed to the makeshift kitchen set up on one side.

"Are you here? I thought you might come since it's the village chief's meeting day. Are you here to greet?"

"More importantly, chef."

Seeing Dominic, the chef showed recognition.

'That's fortunate. Someone I know.'

They had crossed paths several times since the tripe incident and had collaborated on various tasks. Dominic believed they had a certain level of trust. In fact, instead of scolding Dominic for entering his kitchen without permission, the chef even asked, "I'm so busy, can you help?"

"May I take a look around the kitchen?"

"Huh? No problem, but there's nothing special here. Are you looking for something specific?"

Without answering, Dominic's eyes darted around.

And soon, he spotted something.

"I found it."

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