#1079 Looming Development

Hey there, it’s me again.

One day when I thought everything was just peachy...some guests dropped by.

And not just any guests.

Zedan, Arowana, and Ritheseus.

That’s the Demon King, the Mermaid King, and the Human President.

The big three leaders of our world all showing up together.

What’s the occasion for this star-studded gathering?

Did something monumental happen?

Is a world war about to break out?

As I stand there, shocked and confused, the Demon King steps forward to speak on their behalf.

“We’re thinking of pushing forward with a land development project.”

A land development project?

That’s a nostalgic term.

Why, you ask? Well, I built this very farm through land development myself.

This place was originally just empty fields.

But when I arrived, I cleared the weeds and trees, tilled the soil, built up the ridges, erected fences, constructed a house, dug irrigation channels, introduced various farming techniques, developed all sorts of crops and foods, turning it into the farm it is today.

Those tough yet rewarding days come flooding back whenever I close my eyes.

...Oops, I went on a nostalgia trip already. That’s an old man’s bad habit.

I gotta watch out for my inner reminiscing nerd sneaking up on me.

“So, what’s up with this development project?”

Wait a minute...

Are they here to ask me, the trailblazer who built this splendid farm, for advice or consultation?

Well, color me flattered!

Who would’ve thought the day would come when they’d seek my knowledge and experience?

If even someone like me can be of use to the world, I’d be more than happy to help!!!

“Um, no, that’s not it.”

Huh?

It’s not?

Oh man, I almost turned into that annoying old guy who butts in uninvited and brags about his achievements!

That was a close call...

I need to keep my humility in check...!

“Recently, there was a simultaneous baby boom across the entire world, causing a significant global population increase. While it’s generally a cause for celebration, it’s also true that there are some adverse effects...!” stresses the Demon King. “The biggest issue is the various increased demands due to the population growth, and the insufficient supply. People need food and shelter to live. However, the towns and villages built for the previous population size can’t accommodate the sudden increase...”

Ah, I see. That’s why they want to develop new lands.

It all clicked for me.

If there’s not enough space for the growing population, just expand the territory!

Hence the land development.

Fortunately, this world is at a medieval cultural level, so urban development hasn’t progressed much, and there’s plenty of untouched land.

More like 10% developed, 90% undeveloped.

We’ve got plenty of room to welcome more folks.

There’s no need to build space colonies and start interstellar migration!!!

...Just as I was thinking that, a light bulb went off in my head about something else.

That’s what Velesares mentioned the other day.

He had that ‘I know something you don’t’ look.

Back then, he and Athena had a heated debate about how to handle the sudden population spike.

It’s the very issue the Demon King brought up today.

Athena had spouted the outrageous idea of ‘If there are too many people, just reduce them through war,’ but the ever-sensible Velesares consistently opposed her and seemed to have an alternative plan.

He was so calm as if he saw everything coming... I see now—he knew this would happen.

He believed that earthly problems could be overcome by the people on Earth.

As expected of Veleesares.

While I was nodding to myself, the Demon King and the others continued.

“But we can’t just blindly develop land. There are places suitable for people to live and places that aren’t.”

He’s absolutely right.

For people to live somewhere, the environment needs to be comfortable and safe.

First and foremost: food.

Humans can’t live without eating, so it’s crucial that the land can provide stable food and water.

Especially drinking water. That’s why it’s essential to have nearby rivers or abundant groundwater.

Furthermore, we’ll need to create fields to secure food.

Hunting and fishing are options, but agriculture is the most stable.

So having large open plains for fields is important, and securing water sources is a must.

Once food is sorted, the next necessity is housing.

To protect against rain, wind, and temperature changes, proper homes are indispensable.

We can’t hope for reinforced concrete in this world, so the easiest way to build houses is with wood.

It’s ideal to be where building materials are readily available.

Like having lush forests nearby, for example.

It’d be even better if there were abundant straight-trunked trees like cedars.

Also, it’s better if the climate is mild and comfortable, and natural disasters like floods and storms are rare.

If I’m being greedy, a place close to the station, near a convenience store, on the second floor or higher with good sunlight, a corner room with air conditioning and a fridge included, and where you won’t get scolded for taking out the trash at night would be perfect.

I’m sure the Demon King and the others have picked several excellent locations that meet such conditions and compared them to find the best one.

So, did you find a good piece of land?

“Yes... well...!”

The Demon King seems hesitant.

He’s mumbling as if he has something stuck between his teeth.

Arowana is the same, and seeing this, Ritheseus steps up.

“Um, the top candidate for development is... your farm!!!”

Huh?

“To be precise, the land surrounding your farm...!!!”

...

Say whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?!

I was shocked, but at the same time, it made sense.

They’ve explained thoroughly that they’re looking for excellent sites for development.

The land where my farm is meets all those conditions—it’s an extremely prime location.

It’s understandable they’d have high expectations for it as a development site since my farm is already established here.

There’s even a proven track record.

But... we already live here on this farm.

Don’t tell me they’re asking us to pack up and leave?

“Absolutely not! We’d never say such a thing to you, our great benefactor!”

“All of us here have been greatly helped by you! We’d never forget that and try to take your land!”

“Not only would we be branded as ungrateful, but unjustly invading someone else’s land is outright invasion! Now that the world has finally become peaceful, doing such a thing would cause chaos again!”

All three leaders stumble over their words, trying to explain.

Seeing them like that, I can tell they’re sincere, and I feel relieved that this might not turn into a problem.

“...Even though we say ‘your land,’ the area around it is vast. Outside the developed farm, there are still fertile lands with lush greenery and rivers flowing here and there.”

“Such a warm and humid land stretches between your farm and human settlements. The area is as large as an entire country.”

Indeed.

I recall something from long ago.

When I was summoned to this world, the royals who brought me here thought I didn’t have any useful skills and were about to toss me aside.

So, I used my negotiation skills to successfully purchase this land where the farm now stands.

‘Let’s buy land in another world and build a farm,’ you know!!!

Well, from the Human Kingdom’s perspective, it was an undeveloped wasteland worth next to nothing.

After arriving, I wanted to avoid any royal meddling, so I ventured deeper and deeper into the land.

I pressed on, tirelessly moving forward...

I think it took me several months to reach this place where I could see the sea and build the farm.

Being able to keep going like that means the land was just that vast and deep.

Moreover, that vast land is fertile.

During my solo journey, I could stave off hunger with wild grasses and nuts, and quench my thirst with water from nearby rivers.

Without any cultivation, it’s a land rich enough to easily sustain a certain number of lives.

I see what the Demon King and the others are getting at.

They want to develop that vast and fertile land between the farm and the human settlements.

However, those undeveloped lands act like a wall separating the farm from human settlements.

Currently, my farm is like a sanctuary, basically isolated from the eyes of the world.

But if they develop the land that’s acting as a wall, that ‘wall’ will thin, increasing the likelihood of the farm coming into contact with the outside world.

The Demon King, Arowana, and Ritheseus are probably worried about that and came to consult with me.

Now, how should I respond to this little dilemma...?