My castle is big.
Too big.
If I didn't have [Photographic Memory], then I would've gotten lost already...
Let's see what we have here.
1 wide bath which can fit 20 people for who knows what reason which is located underground
4 more mini-baths (2 for boys and 2 for girls), though I say mini it was still bigger than the one I have in [Earth].
Around 20 small rooms for the employees or free rooms
2 ballrooms for events
4 guest rooms
1 cylinder shaped library that goes up to the second floor
1 cylinder shaped room for storage that also goes up to the second floor and yes, the castle was 2 storeys high.
1 armory
1 art gallery
1 huge kitchen
1 surveillance room
1 master bedroom.
And oh, a dungeon...
Maybe I should install an entertainment or a theater room in one of the empty rooms later.
My bedroom, the master bedroom occupied the size of five small rooms for some reason and also has a bed that can fit 10 or so people...again for some reason that I do not want to think about...
Also, the bedroom was filled with numerous decorations and expensive looking paintings, statues, furniture, and stuffs. I can't believe all of this is now mine...
The castle was designed such that upon entering through the front gate outside, you will be greeted with a garden path then a wide living room(?) upon entering the castle itself.
I'm not sure if it can even be called a living room since it's too big to be one...maybe calling it an entrance hall would be better?
From the top view, the castle is shaped like the letter 'H' with the two front ends on each side being cylinder shapes. Right side is the library and the left one is the storage.
On the front yard of the castle is garden path, I say that because it is really a path of numerous gardens on each sides of the path towards the castle from the front gate.
Behind is a training field for soldiers which looked interesting so I decided to join when I'm free. There was also a building separated from the castle which looks like a barracks of sorts.
The art gallery was also amazing since they seemed to have been bought from all over the world from different artists. There were texture paintings which I will be using as a reference later on when I get the hidden job. There are also sculptures that seemed so real that it could move at any time.
The effects they give were also no joke. To the point where my previous works seemed trash.
What's more, forget [Fine Arts] or [Master Arts], these ones displayed far surpasses that. Some were even [Legendary]...just what the hell is in the previous owner's mind that he bought all this expensive stuffs...ah, I forgot he was corrupt...maybe the wide bath was actually...no, let's not go there...
Haah...just seeing all these expensive things makes me wonder...did the previous Lord even properly run his city or did he waste all of the country's money here.
In fact, though the royal palace is even greater than this castle which I haven't fully explored yet, still, the size and expense of this castle is no joke. I'm new to this noble thing but a castle this big...is it really normal?
I looked inside the armory and saw uniform armors, some stacked up, some in mannequins, and some in shelves. They were a bit better than an average armor but later on, I'm going to bless them all with a skill so they will be even better.
As for the kitchen, since they have numerous ingredients from the storage, I decided to also play with it a little when I have free time. Maybe even create dishes from our world!
Ahhh, the number of things I can do in this place...I now know why shut-ins want to remain shut-ins...but as this is a different world, I don't want to hole up even here...
Well then, time to see my city...I hope it isn't as I feared...
While walking down the garden path, I notice an empty spot.
"Can I plant something there?" (Lucas)
"Hm? Well, if milord wishes for it. But I must warn you, the reason why that spot is empty is because the soil there isn't very good so growing something from there was deemed impossible." (Jacob)
Huh? Why just that spot?
I examined the soil with [Ore Appraisal] to see.
And yes, soil can also be considered as an ore for some reason...
Name Cursed Soil Rank D
Description A child was once buried alive at this very spot. Beneath, the child was said to repeatedly curse the soil on top of her that prevented her from going out which then caused any plant to die within a 5 meter radius.
Ah, so that's why the space was unusually big...
But man...to be buried alive, I think I have an idea who did it but...well, we can just ask the dead...I hope this works though. If it doesn't...well damn.
I placed the [Seed of Life] a few centimeters beneath the soil and waited.
"May I ask? What kind of plant did you place milord?" (Alfan)
"The [Seed of Life]." (Lucas)
I see Freya and the rest open their eyes wide in surprise but I ignored them and waited.
...Looks like it won't grow immediately. Well, it can wait till later. For now, let's see my city.
Before going outside the gate, I received a summary of the city's description and state from Jacob.
[Watervilet] is a city with three layers stacked like a wedding cake. The topmost being where I am now, the so called [Lord Layer] where, of course, the lord of the city lives. The second layer, [Noble Layer] is as its names suggests, an area designed for nobles and nobles only. And lastly, the third layer, [Common Layer], where commoners live.
It seems that because of the previous lord, the discrimination of nobles and commoners is pretty big.
It was arranged so that no one from the lower layer can pass through the stairs leading to the upper layer without proper invitation. On the other hand, if it's going down, then there is no problem.
"Haah...what a troublesome lord that guy is..." (Lucas)
Seriously, creating so much trouble for me to clean up...
I need to remind myself to demolish that system later.
For now, I went down towards the [Noble Layer] and gave greetings to the guards stationed on the stairs leading upwards.
While walking down the road of the second layer, I noticed there are three kinds of nobles here. One that absolutely hates commoners, including me who is their lord. I guess the fact that someone of common birth made it into a Marquis faster than them annoys them. Well, I couldn't care less.
There is also the type that is favorable to commoners which I can call a true noble. Meaning, they actually practice the saying 'Noblesse Oblige' and does not abuse their power. Although they numbered about 20% of the nobles.
The last type, is the ones that simply didn't care which was about 10% of the nobles. They are the ones that simply want to live peacefully and quietly.
To sum it up, I have 70% troublesome nobles to kil- *cough* discipline.
As expected of a noble residence area, the streets are clean and seemed to be in order...well that's because there are rarely any people that actually go out.
I see commoners though, but they're more of a servant than a resident judging from their clothes and atmosphere.
Well, nothing really interesting here, in fact, I don't feel like walking in this place anymore.
Next is the third layer, the [Common Layer].
Like before, I greeted the guards stationed on the stairs downwards and preceded inside the city.
Unlike in the [Noble Layer] this one is actually very welcoming.
"Ah! It's the Lord!"
"Milord, what brings you to this place?"
"Waaa! It's the lord!!!"
"Bunny!"
Townsmen and children flocked around me!
What's with this? What did I do?
*Vii?*
Me and Vil looked at Jacob and the rest with a questioning look as if asking why they were this attached to me.
"Well you see...stories and tales about you have already spread worldwide. It isn't common for a man of common birth to suddenly become a Marquis, own a city, a historic figure, and to top it off, an other-worlder. Perhaps they have liked milord as a hero in the tales." (Jacob)
"I-I see..." (Lucas)
Was I really that popular? Or is this the effect of the [Fame] stat?
Well, there may also be the reason that they wanted to befriend me since the corrupt lord was no more and thought to have connections with me as soon as possible.
Well let's see here...like the second layer, the road here seems to be deeper than the sidewalks...I wonder why?
I didn't take much notice of it before since I thought it was normal for nobles to like high places that lets them stand above the rest but if it was like this here...Is there a different meaning to it?
"Say...why is the road so deep?" (Lucas)
Since I can't take it anymore, I just asked Jacob.
"It has been like this since I was born. I think I was told that it is a tactical strategy in the case where the city is under siege." (Jacob)
Huh? I can't imagine how this is an advantage...do they mean that when the enemy invades, if they're not on the road then chances of getting attack is low? Because they will be out of reach? Or that the line will be more orderly in the case that the citizens were to evacuate?
I don't get it at all.
I circled around the third layer in order to have a better grasp at the city.
At the western part, there is a leveled surface shaped like a circle where stands seemed to form. I think this is the so called market place huh? But why the hell is the road depressed like this!? I have to climb a lot of stairs just to go up then back down again!
I see a lot of goods being sold in the market place which seemed interesting but I held back buying since I feel like I'll take forever just to choose and though I like discounts, I feel like I'm abusing my power if I appeared there and suddenly being told that I have a discount...
Well I probably couldn't care less but since Freya is here, I'll hold back...
I looked around the third layer once more and saw a lot of interesting places which I took note to go if I have free time.
While touring, I can't help but really get annoyed with the deep road and noticed that there seems to be drainage paths below with even intervals...could the depressed road be for flood?
Now that I noticed that, the sea is really nearby huh? Actually, it seems to be touching the eastern wall already.
When I looked earlier, there seems to be a gate that kept the water from pouring but...why was there a gate there?
I mean, if they want to stop a flood from happening, then they shouldn't have built this city so near the sea or just use a solid wall instead of a gate for stopping the water.
It's not like they can open it anyway since that will let the water...in...
...Could it be? Is it like that?
I ran towards the 2nd layer wall to confirm my thought. Sure enough, I think I'm right.
On the north, east, south, west sides of the 2nd layer outer wall was also a gate like the one I just saw. Then since there are no depressed roads on the 1st layer...the outer wall of the 1st layer, meaning the innermost wall, should have holes or something.
I quickly ran back towards the outermost wall in order look at the innermost wall which was the 1st layer.
There, the walls seemed to have rectangular holes on it with even spaces!
Like I thought, this place is...
"The City of Water!" (Lucas)
In [Earth], it was called that way, Venice that is.
This means that this place was originally like that. A fountain city! Haha, this is interesting!
...Now how do I make it work?
Since this is a layered city...then there should be a contraption or something that lets the water rise up in order to fall down again...
Hmmm...let's look at my castle again. Maybe the answer is there.
It was just my wishful thinking. Since the castle was at the center then maybe there is an activation of sorts there.
Going back to my castle, I stood at the entrance and stopped...where am I going to start!?
This place is huge...how the hell am I supposed to find the key to activating the city fountain? Heck, I don't even know what it looks like.
Well, let's try my bedroom first. Since it is located at the 2nd floor and the center of the castle, then it is the most conspicuous place!
But once I got there...now what?
No matter where I look, nothing stands out. I mean, sure there is a table at the middle of the room but I don't think...
The table...at first look, it looks normal. Surround it with couches and it looks even more normal! But...is it?
I sat at the couch and stared at the table.
"U-umm...Lucas, what are you doing? Suddenly running around like that..." (Freya)
"Ah, forgot you guys were here..." (Lucas)
"F-forgot!?" (Freya)
"Don't worry about it Eu-...Freya. I was just a little preoccupied with something." (Lucas)
"W-wait! You just called me with a different name!" (Freya)
"I didn't. Anyway, can you see anything strange about this table?" (Lucas)
I played innocent and ignored her rant since it's too troublesome.
"Strange? No matter how you look like it, it's a normal tea table isn't it?" (Freya)
"I also cannot see anything out of the ordinary milord" (Jacob)
"Fuu, if Lucas says something is strange in this table then I'm sure it isn't normal!" (Arch-bishop)
Since they weren't giving me any concrete answers, I ignored them all. Especially the Arch-bishop.
Hmm...I really feel like there's something off about this table...it's like it was placed here deliberately.
I tried to lift it, push it, pull it and it won't budge.
This is definitely not normal.
But how...ah, I have x-ray vision in my [Dragon Eyes] now right? Why didn't I think of this earlier?...
I focused my eyes on what's inside the table and found something amazing!
There are gears inside! Following it where it made contact to the surface of the table, I noticed that the designs at the sides were actually rotatable!
So this means that the whole table itself is a lock?
Since I can see inside, unlocking it was easy.
After that, came an earthquake...no...looking downwards, I can see gears turning and turning.
"W-what's happening!?" (Freya)
"Aha, so it really wasn't normal!" (Arch-bishop)
Even though the others are panicking, it seems the Arch-bishop is as laid back as ever...
Well, there's nothing to be afraid of anyway since the water will only flow inside...wait...the citizens doesn't know that!
I hurriedly locked the activation on the table again and soon enough, the gears stopped turning as well.
Haah, that was a close one.
I almost drowned every citizen still at the road...
I walked towards the veranda that views the whole city and activated my [Watervilet Ring's] skill, [Watervliet's Lord Projection] and soon, a 3D hologram of my head was seen above the city.
I bet everyone will see such a huge image so they should also be looking up right now.
Even the Arch-bishop and the rest were surprised.
"Ahem. To all citizens of [Watervilet], and to everyone that reaches my voice, I am the new lord of [Watervilet], Lucas." (Lucas)
My voice resounded throughout the entire city.
"There will be changes now that I am the lord. But first of all, I would like anyone who is standing on the depressed roads to please step out. I repeat, please step out." (Lucas)
After that, I ended the skill.
"U-umm, milord. What is it that you wish to do? Actually, what is that image above just now?" (Jacob)
"Hehe, you'll see. I will now show you the true beauty of this city."(Lucas)
Now then, let's activate it once more.
Accompanied by a slight earthquake, the gears began turning again.
Soon, the sound of water flowing can be heard from below.
If they didn't listen to me, it's their fault.
Looking over the city, I see the gates from the second layer and the gate at the east that prevented water from flowing open and the third layer was then filled with water roads.
Then, water appeared from the holes of the first layer's walls which fell and filled the roads of the second layer, before falling again to the third layer.
"T-this is...!?" (Jacob)
"My, my...so this is the true nature of [Watervilet], the city of water huh?" (Arch-bishop)
Notice
You have activated the city's true nature as a fountain city of water.
From now on, people from all over the continent will want to view the scene of a fountain city.
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"W-water is flowing in!"
"Quick, take shelter!"
The townspeople took refuge in their houses expecting a flood to happen soon.
But surprisingly, the water only flowed at the height of the depressed road.
After seeing that there was no harm being done, slowly, they all went out of their houses to view the scene.
They saw water falling from the first layer's walls towards the second layer and flowed back towards the third layer.
"A fountain!"
"It's like Venice! A fountain Venice!"
"Ooh! I bet this city will be flooded with players soon! Especially couples!"
Players that were in the city, the Earthlings so to say, understood that this is how the city was supposed to be and most likely began to record the scene.
"Waah! Mommy, let's swim!"
"Careful now, you might slip."
"Ohhh, I wonder if I can now fish here? I don't need to leave in front of my house now!"
Such noises were heard throughout the city, even in the [Noble Layer], it was not an exception.
"Hmm, truly, this is better than going up and down repeatedly."
"Prepare a boat! I want to take a stroll in the city now filled with water."
"Hoh, the feeling of the sea at your doorstep does not seem bad."
Nobles then began to change their opinions about Lucas as the new Lord.
However, it still wasn't enough for all of them to like him
"Hmph! Let's see how that lord deal will with this now. How can we even cross without getting wet?"
"Tch, now it's noisy outside."
"I hate water."
If Lucas were to hear that last one, he will no doubt retort 'Then why are you living in a city so close to the sea!?'
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"Now, we need to start construction of bridges." (Lucas)
"R-right away!" (Jacob)
Snapping back to reality, Jacob took note of my order.
"Also, demolish the layer system. By that, I meant that rule where the lower layers cannot visit the upper layers." (Lucas)
"E-eh!?" (Ellen)
"A-are you sure, milord?" (Jacob)
"Hm? Why?" (Lucas)
Was there something preventing them besides the previous lord?
"Nothing, it's just that...there may be more disputes if that were to happen. Also, that will mean that they can also visit your castle without permission." (Jacob)
"The castle is open to everyone...scratch that, prepare a route from the entrance to the art gallery and prevent anyone from going beyond that." (Lucas)
"If I may ask, why? (Jacob)
"Jacob. I am a painter so I know. Art is meant to be seen, not kept like this. If there is no one that will see an artist's art, then it's useless creating it." (Lucas)
That's right, what's the point of creating an art if no one sees it?
Well, increase in proficiency I guess? But still, that will not make the artist known.
Actually, the names of the ones in the art gallery should be famous but it was still the first time I heard or seen them.
This should also be the same for those who have no knowledge about arts.
I'm merely letting famous artist famous as they should be.
...And it will increase the popularity of this city which means more people which means more money for me!
"Also, how much is the city's budget?" (Lucas)
"Yes, 18 940 Gold 80 Silvers and 79 Coppers. Actually, you can get a better view of the state of the city by saying [Watervilet Status] as you are now the lord." (Jacob)
Ah so there was a command for that huh? Wait...what's with that absurd money!?
"A-as a reference...the money you spoke of just now, is it normal?" (Lucas)
Right after I said that, Jacob and the Arch-bishop revealed bitter expressions.
...Wait, don't tell me it's actually too much!?
"Actually Lucas...it's one third of a city's normal budget." (Arch-bishop)
Ahh I see...like I expected, it's really too much huh?
...Wait what!?
"It's one third!? That absurd amount of money is one third!? Why!?" (Lucas)
"Ah yes. For the soldier's monthly pay, all in all costs around 5 000 Gold already add to that the pay for your employees, its 6 500 Gold solely for you to pay your subordinates. Then, there's also the money for the city's maintenance as well as new buildings which will cost around 20 000 Gold for the materials and man power...also, there's tax that is towards the capital which is 10 000 Gold per month and-" (Jacob)
"STOP! STOP IT! I don't want to hear anything anymore!" (Lucas)
Why the hell is the money for running a city so much!?
Enough! I'd rather spend all my money to my equipments! I don't wanna do this anymore! I wanna go home!
I got down on all fours and began to cry.
Yes, I cried.
"How the hell did that previous lord even run this city?" (Lucas)
"T-that...he spent most of the money to this castle and...well...slaves..." (Jacob)
"WHERE THE HELL IS THAT BASTARD!? I'M GOING TO CHOP HIM TO PIECES AND SELL HIS ORGANS!!!" (Lucas)
I know I promised Denneth to not use [Dragon's Wrath] anymore but just this once...please...I want to use it on that bastard of a lord...
Haah haah...breathe...slowly....phew.
Let's start this over again.
Problem: Lack of money
Now, how to solve this?
"Jacob. Everything in this room besides this table. Sell them all. Also, buy me a cheap bed, that's enough for me." (Lucas)
"E-eh!? P-please wait milord. I cannot possibly-" (Jacob)
"Jacob. All this decorations are useless. Sell them all. I understand that the ones outside should be left there since guests will still be coming but I doubt I'll bring any guests that are not my friends to my bedroom so all the decorations in my bedroom are useless. Sell it." (Lucas)
"A-are you sure, milord?" (Jacob)
"S-E-L-L I-T" (Lucas)
"R-right away, milord!" (Jacob)
I see even Freya and the rest surprised of my decision while the Arch-bishop only smiled and nodded like he was expecting it.
Haah, I honestly don't understand how rich people think. I mean, is there even a point to all this expenses?
"Then I shall also sell every decoration in my room." (Jacob)
"Eh? You don't really need to you know? I mean, those stuffs are yours that came out from your own wallet. For me, I'm simply returning what should be the money of others." (Lucas)
After all, this is all because of the previous lord's corruptness after all.
Also, it's not like I'll stay here for long.
I'm going to be adventuring most of the time so there's no use for these decorations.
"No, if it can be used for the city. I do not mind if I have to sell everything." (Jacob)
"I-I as well!" (Ellen)
"So will I." (Alfan)
"Well...suit yourselves." (Lucas)
That should solve the money issue in the meantime. But I would need to find a way to gather more money for the future.
I hope the fountain city gimmick would be effective enough to gather more residents and travelers here.
Next, let's see [Watervilet's] status.
"[Watervilet Status]" (Lucas)
[td3]28 580 Gold 72 Silver 91 Copper[/tds]
Watervilet
Military 105 Economy 350
Culture 492 Budget 18 940 G 80 S 79 C
Religious Influence 130 Technology 220
Local Politic 15 Urban Development 100
Sanitation 126 Security 81%
Population 542 268
Monthly Income from Tax
Influence
Neighboring Vicinity - 70%
Drachedge Empire - 20%
Church - 8%
Specialty
Seafood Dishes
Salt
Water Roads
...
...
I have no idea what these numbers are supposed to tell me but what I do know, is the monthly income from tax...
"The mothly income from tax alone is already higher than the present budget! Why the hell are we so broke!?" (Lucas)
"L-like I just said...the previous lord spent it all on this castle and slaves...and food..." (Jacob)
"Tell me, has the monthly pay to the capital done already for this month?" (Lucas)
"Not yet milord." (Jacob)
Seriously oi!
That guy...does he even do the maintenance and the pay for the soldiers and employees properly!?
"Also, the previous lord does not pay his subordinates properly...well, except for women that he liked..." (Jacob)
I was right!
Damn that previous lord...creating so much trouble for me...
"Jacob, can you also view [Watervilet's] status?" (Lucas)
"I'm afraid not, milord. I can only do so once you grant me to." (Jacob)
"Then I grant you." (Lucas)
Do you wish to grant Jacob Morgan the power to view [Watervilet's] status?
Yes No
What a convenient system...naturally, I chose [Yes].
"As I will be away most of the time, it would be more convenient if you can see it yourself as the acting lord after all." (Lucas)
"Understood." (Jacob)
Also, I'm sure he can understand those numbers better than me anyway.
"Now then, first construct the bridges as I've said earlier as well as demolish that annoying layer system. After that, use the remaining money for the necessary maintenance." (Lucas)
Then, once we have enough money, only then will I start with constructing new buildings.
Thankfully, there already seems to be churches of different religions here as well as guilds for different jobs.
Next, I'll probably make something big to gather more people. I think an arena would be good.
Maybe I should also place sports fields? We will be coexisting from now on anyways...well, the discussion for that is still not made but I'm sure it would lead to that...well, I still have to prepare for that to succeed.
Now, while I wait for my audience with the Prince, I would need to have a better understanding with this world. Basically, I would need to understand this world's [Logic].
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Author's Notes
Finally finished...supposed to post this yesterday but stuffs happen and was unable to...
Anyway, this chapter is all about [Watervilet] and yeah, I deliberately skipped mentioning most of the buildings since it's more convenient for me that way hahaha!
Well, fighting scenes and adventuring won't happen till next volume so I apologize for that.
Next chap is all about world's logic and will probably answer most of the questions in your head.
Also, I decided to make a new series, World Gate Online Crossovers where I basically place all crossover fictions I have in my head with relation to WGO which will not affect whatsoever anything in the story. That includes items or exp gained, people met and so on.
The first one will be a crossover with Insania Online that is written by Warhawx since we already talked about it and the second one will be with Arifureta I think.
Anyway, I am speed typing right now because waaah I'm so late for class. Yes, I am writing this on my break and am late so I will probably add more in the Author's Notes later.
For now, Bye!
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