Chapter 26 - Naptia

It was his first time seeing outside the main gate of the Mansion since his transmigration into this world.

"God, how big is this place?" he exclaimed as he strolled through the estate.

The entire estate sprawled over acres in all directions and was remarkably well-maintained, despite their supposed financial troubles.

"Well, their idea of a bad financial state seems different," he commented, surveying the estate.

As he continued walking, he passed the entry gate of the estate.

Unsurprisingly, the streets were somewhat empty due to the winter season, as people preferred to stay at home during this time.

Their mansion was located on the southernmost edge of the town, which also happened to be closest to the border.

"Let's head to the centre of the city. It should be lively there, and I'll get a full view of the town," he said.

Naptia was a town built around a hill, with distinct sections representing the monetary status of its residents.

The richest lived on the highest part of the hills, followed by the middle class in the elevated part of town, just below the wealthy. The poverty-stricken resided on the ground level, where land prices were relatively inexpensive.

If we compared the prices between each level, the cost of land on an elevated level was at least 20 to 30 times higher than at ground level.

"Well, it wouldn't be surprising if land prices skyrocket since the mayor is trying to transform this gloomy border town into a tourist destination," he said as he walked towards his destination along the footpath.

The mayor of the town was earnestly working to make significant changes, focusing on infrastructure development, tourism promotion, and the creation of tourist spots.

"I appreciate the fact that the mayor is developing the town instead of exploiting it like politicians back in my country," he said, admiring the work being done.

"The mayor is doing the right thing because this land is a tourist paradise, just like Himachal Pradesh but with more snow. It's beautiful all year round, and you can visit at any time without regrets," he explained.

"Well, I'd like to purchase some roadside property and either rent it out after developing it or open shops to generate income, considering the assured growth in tourism and travel..."

"...But the problem is, I'm broke!" he sighed.

"I mean, we're not exactly broke, but compared to those living in the upper plains, I'm broke," he said.

"Anyway, let's pick up the pace a bit and enjoy the sunrise from the newly constructed park on the hill's peak. It's going to be magnificent up there," he said.

With increased swiftness, he made his way toward the town centre, passing through the various tiers of the hillside.

"Even though there are fewer of us, there are still people like me who stroll in the morning to savour the sunrise," he remarked.

The streets gradually became more populated as he ascended into the middle-class area. People went about their daily routines, shops opened their doors, and the atmosphere began exuding liveliness.

"Well, there has been a significant transformation in both the atmosphere and the area. It feels so different now. It used to be gloomy, but there's a newfound liveliness," he said.

"The mayor's efforts are gradually paying off, even if it's just bit by bit. Good work surely pays off," he added after a brief pause.

He couldn't help but admire the town's metamorphosis under the mayor's relentless efforts.

"It's only a matter of days before crowds of people come flocking to this place to travel," he said.

The improvements in infrastructure and the focus on tourism were evident in the well-kept streets and the emergence of new tourist attractions. The town held immense potential as a tourist destination.

As he entered the middle-class area, the disparity between the two levels became evident. The residents here belonged to the middle class, and the area was far from rundown compared to the ground level. People seemed financially stable.

This part of town housed all the main markets, buildings, and government institutions, making it the most densely populated area.

The changes in this area were self-evident. The entire region had undergone a remarkable transformation, with new infrastructure being built and further developments underway.

"Well, once these trees start blooming in spring, these streets will look amazing," he remarked.

"These Kakru trees will illuminate the town streets, akin to blue cherry blossoms," he added.

As he continued walking further into the town, he entered the affluent area. Numerous villas and mansions adorned the hillside, just below the peak.

"This entire area is dominated by expansive houses and nothing more," he commented.

At this level of the hill, the prominent features were the grand and expensive residences of the wealthy, with little else to see.

Now, he was only a few minutes away from the park situated at the hill's summit. As he walked towards the park, there were no houses, shops, or ongoing constructions, except for the dirt road leading to the park. This deliberate approach by the mayor aimed to maintain the area's natural beauty and prevent encroachment for the sake of tourism.

"The dirt path winding through the woods to the park will be truly wonderful to behold once spring arrives," he envisioned.

After exploring and traversing the town, he finally arrived at the park, eagerly anticipating the sunrise.

It didn't take him long to reach the park, just about fifteen minutes on foot.

As he had anticipated, the park was pleasant, although not particularly extraordinary. However, what truly stood out was the view from this vantage point. It offered a different and unique perspective.

"Mesmerizing," he uttered as he sat on a bench, watching the sunrise unfold before his eyes.

The beauty of the sunrise was enhanced by the surrounding mountain formations. The sun rose between two mountains, and nestled between them was a perfectly curved formation. When the sun ascended, it aligned precisely with that curve, creating the illusion that the sun was fitting snugly onto it.