Episode 202: Bring Your Friends Over. (1)
Thanks to the addition of Mages, the construction speed has increased significantly, but there’s still a severe shortage of capable personnel.
The lack of Stewards to handle the administrative tasks was proving to be problematic.
As the Territory and population grew, the corresponding administrative work skyrocketed.
At first, Penris’s Stewards dove in with zeal, but the overwhelming workload began to pile up.
It’s tough to find people in this era who can learn to read and handle administrative tasks.
“Hmm, it feels like things are getting stuck.”
In a meeting with his Retainers, Ghislaine mumbled while staring at the towering stack of reports.
Claude, whose eyes had turned dark from lack of sleep, sighed heavily.
“Yes, at this rate, construction will be delayed again. The daily wage calculations for Laborers, resource procurement, and handling Accidents aren’t running smoothly. There aren’t enough personnel to verify and manage all of it. Even with Divine Power, I’m working non-stop and it’s still like this.”
“Is it surprising, considering Piote is working hard to resurrect everyone?”
“Mental Fatigue is substantial. Divine Power doesn’t restore mental strength either.”
Claude has fainted and been resurrected multiple times, so he grumbled. His body was fine, but his mental state was so depleted he was on the brink of a breakdown.
To handle the suddenly increased workload, they needed far more Stewards than they currently had.
“Are the People still being scouted?”
“Yes, but it’s not easy. They come in droves when we say we’ll distribute Food, but they all remain unverified and it’s hard to trust them. We can’t assign important jobs to people we haven’t verified, especially with other Nobles potentially placing Spies.”
“Well, that can’t be helped. We have to start lifting the blockade of the Territory slowly. For now, let’s assign simple tasks to those who haven’t been verified.”
They couldn’t keep the Territory blocked forever.
They needed to recruit new people and sell Food and Iron Ore to secure other resources in bulk.
Given the expanded Territory, it was an unavoidable issue.
As they expanded their influence, such things would continue to happen. They had to prepare for this going forward.
After pondering for a moment, Ghislaine brought up an idea he had been thinking about.
“Let’s start by creating educational institutions across the Territory. Places to teach basic academics and urgent medical knowledge.”
“Educational institutions?”
“Yeah. Among the Territory Residents, there should be some sharp individuals. A little education could help them handle simple tasks. What do you think?”
“That’s not a bad idea. We’ll need to do it eventually anyway. But it will take time to set them up and to teach; we won’t immediately fill the management gaps.”
“That issue will have to be tackled separately. For now, let’s quickly set up the educational institutions and recruit people who are eager to study. The education will be free.”
“Hey.”
“But… do you think people will actually want to learn? Most of them probably think, ‘What’s the point of learning something that won’t even get me bread? I’d rather not waste my time.’”
Claude’s words were true. In the minds of ordinary people, studying wasn’t for everyone.
It was something only those who could afford it, like well-off peasants or nobles, could indulge in.
Many believed that instead of wasting time on pointless studies, it was better to work and earn money.
But Ghislaine had a neat solution to that problem.
“Tell them if they study, they’ll get bread.”
“Huh?”
“Do you think we’ll give out handouts for studying? It’s all an investment for our territory. We’ll provide for those who show potential in tests so they can focus solely on studying.”
“Um… okay. That sounds good.”
Claude, who came from an academic background, didn’t oppose it. It was essential to cultivate talented individuals for the territory’s future.
He also understood that a stable environment was crucial for studying.
It would cost a lot, but it was undoubtedly a good policy.
The other retainers were educated enough not to oppose it either.
After a brief moment to organize his thoughts, Ghislaine continued.
“Once the situation stabilizes a bit more, I plan to establish educational institutions to teach swordsmanship and magic to the residents. I’ll draft new laws for that in advance.”
The sudden announcement left all the retainers looking puzzled.
Not that Ghislaine cared, he just blurted out his thoughts.
“First, all child labor is prohibited. In our territory, no one can work until they reach adulthood.”
“What?!”
The retainers were taken aback. There were no territories in the Ruthania Kingdom with such laws.
No matter how young children were, it was common sense to have them work once they were big enough.
Thus, one could often see children brought to the fields and construction sites by their parents.
Even doing menial tasks could earn them some pocket money.
In a world so tough to survive in, this was simply the way of things.
“Many residents will oppose this. That… child is like a parent’s property… They’ll think their rights and freedoms are being infringed upon.”
“I don’t care. From now on, it’s strictly forbidden. Make it clear that there will be consequences if caught. Instead, we’ll provide a little extra food support to families with children.”
“Ugh, understood.”
The retainers nodded. Once this lord made a decision, he pushed through without hesitation.
There would surely be strong backlash from the residents, but there was no other choice. They could only placate them with a bit more food.
To break the awkward atmosphere, one retainer chuckled and said, “I never knew the lord cared so much for the children. Everyone will praise your warm heart.”
Ghislaine blinked for a moment and then replied.
“What are you talking about? If children work from a young age, they won’t grow up properly. They need to be well-fed and healthy to become great soldiers for the territory later on. So, no work until they’re grown. Once they reach adulthood, they’ll undergo basic military training every year.”
“…….”
Everyone had forgotten what kind of person the lord was. Only then did the retainers realize Ghislaine’s true intention, leaving them speechless.
Ghislaine wasn’t done yet.
“Secondly, all children will receive basic education. Since we’re setting up educational institutions, everyone must go through compulsory education. It’ll be quick since we’re consolidating the residences.”
“Uh… does that include…?”
“Yes, knowing how to read and having basic knowledge is essential for becoming a competent soldier. This way, soldiers will have various operations they can perform, and among them, a great commander might emerge.”
“……”
“Thirdly, the territory will fully cover medical expenses for sick individuals. So, speed up the establishment of medical facilities in each residence. We should also invite as many doctors as possible from everywhere.”
“I’m offering support. So, let’s increase medical facilities in each residence more quickly. Also, make sure to invite doctors from everywhere as much as possible.”
“Um… could that be included too?”
“Yes, if the territory residents are healthy and strong, they can become soldiers who can fight anytime. Everyone will become powerful recruits.”
“……”
“These three laws will be applied to the territory starting today. I hope there are no objections.”
While the intent was a bit strange, in the long run, these laws would have a positive effect on the territory.
Nobody opposed the laws themselves, but there was one problem.
Claude cleared his throat a few times and said, “Ahem, everything is good. Really good, but… we currently lack personnel to manage the territory. Even if doctors double as teachers at the hospital, other fields are a bit… Who will teach and nurture people from educational institutions?”
Then Ghislaine grinned widely.
“That’s easy, we just need to quickly fill those positions. There’s always a way.”
“Teaching someone isn’t easy. It doesn’t just happen because they can read. They need at least minimal knowledge. Where are you going to find such scholars?”
Ghislaine pointed at Claude with his finger.
“Just bring some friends from that academy you attended. There are plenty of people there, right?”
“M… my friends?”
“Yeah, charm as many as you can. Use any means necessary. If they come to Penris, I’ll give them professor positions and roles in the management of the territory.”
Claude’s face turned pale. Who in their right mind would want to take on two jobs like a professor and a manager?
Plus, there was no way he could bring his friends from such a territory.
‘They are my friends, but to be honest, they’re all weaklings. Mentally and physically.’
Claude directly got involved in the rebellion and went through a lot of different experiences to gain a “powerful” mindset.
But the friends who studied with him were scholars who lived aloofly, dedicating themselves solely to academics.
He was sure they would cry and run away within a week of coming here.
“Is there really a need to go all the way to the weak Seiron Kingdom to recruit scholars? Isn’t there plenty of scholars in the Ruthania Kingdom? There are even big academies all over the place.”
“Why would those people come all the way to the barren North? It’s not easy to find them even now, is it?”
“Well, then why would scholars from other kingdoms come here? Leaving home is tough. It’s rough.”
One thing was for sure. He himself was the one who left his hometown and was going through real hardship.
At Claude’s words, Ghislaine chuckled.
“Quit scheming. Your friends are probably all unemployed or holding low-ranking positions. Do you think I wouldn’t know?”
“Ugh…”
Claude took a step back, looking awkward.
Well, if he thought about it a little, he could guess the situation.
What noble would want to hire scholars implicated in a rebellion? They wouldn’t want to take on unnecessary risks, so nobles would have done everything to keep them at bay.
Most of them would have lost their positions or been chased out of the territory since the rebellion incident, so they must all be living in poverty.
Before that incident, Claude’s mentor was a respected scholar, leading a faction in the Seiron Kingdom.
So, there must have been quite a few disciples belonging to that faction.
With a click of his tongue, Ghislaine continued, “Tsk tsk, if you’ve succeeded to the point of becoming a chief officer in such a large territory, you should look after your struggling friends a little. Isn’t it too much for you to live comfortably by yourself?”
“Wow… damn.”
Claude, feeling frustrated, slapped his chest.
Successful? Am I living well? I just want to run away from all of this!
There’s a mountain of work, and I can’t even sleep properly. What does living well even mean?
Feeling dazed, Claude finally steadied himself and said, “Honestly, you know it’s awkward to bring them along, don’t you?”
“You’re aware that it’s a bit of an awkward situation, right?”
It’s not Claude’s fault, but the fact remains that he inadvertently provided the justification for the accusations against him.
Out of guilt, he had cut off contact with them. He wanted to send money to help with their living expenses, but being an unpaid slave meant he had no money.
How could he possibly ask them to come here and suffer in these circumstances?
However, Ghislaine casually replied.
“I understand that, but ignoring the problem isn’t the answer, is it? What can a scholar do stuck in a dead-end? It’s better to struggle here and showcase your abilities.”
“…”
That was true. The hardest part for Claude was the helplessness of being able to do nothing and the bleak future that seemed devoid of hope.
If time passed, they would all likely end up living like beggars until they died.
And they wouldn’t even get to show all the abilities and ideals they had built up over the years.
After pondering for a while, Claude hesitantly asked, “…But what if I can’t do it?”
“You know our style, right? We have to push hard with the personnel we’ve got until we fill the ranks. Why are you asking something that you already know?”
“Ugh…”
Claude rubbed his forehead.
In truth, the lord was spot on. That was the only way to recruit many scholars at once.
It would certainly be better than struggling to bring in one or two at a time. There was no need for difficult verification of whether they were spies from other nobles.
Since they were all well-educated friends, handling high-ranking official duties wouldn’t be difficult at all. Plus, their various specialties would allow them to quickly fill in the gaps within the territory.
Seeing Claude deep in thought, Ghislaine said with a relaxed demeanor, “I’ll make sure they receive proper treatment. We might even as well bring their families and let them settle here. I’ll take care of their livelihoods.”
‘Really, even in this situation, he’s trying to boost the population a bit.’
Claude looked at Ghislaine with a dumbfounded expression. When it comes to getting things done, he certainly does it thoroughly.
Still, this situation might actually entice his friends. At least they wouldn’t have to starve here.
After scratching his head a few times, Claude seemed to make up his mind and said, “I’ll bring them. All of them—including their families.”
Even though he had been ignoring his wounds until now, that couldn’t continue. He needed to give them a chance to choose their future.
This was definitely not just about having too much on his plate.
Ghislaine seemed satisfied, smiling. “Good thinking. Convince as many as you can to come.”
“Then I need to spend a bit of money.”
“Why?”
“If I look too shabby, who’s going to come? I need to look like a ‘success,’ right? I’ll need to hand out some cash to my friends too.”
“Hmm, alright… If you need it, spend it. Just make sure to only spend what’s absolutely necessary.”
Ghislaine replied begrudgingly.
He couldn’t help but be reluctant.
He was the type who never held back when it came to spending money where it was needed, but he felt that Claude would demand way too much.
Since he couldn’t follow along to keep an eye on him, this time he would have to loosen the reins a little.
“Ahem, then I’m off!”
With his misappropriation of funds now officially sanctioned, Claude excitedly pulled Wendy along as he headed out.
Once he made a decision, he stuck to his principle of not overthinking it and just enjoying it.
Ghislaine clicked his tongue as he watched Claude’s departing figure for a moment.
“Gillian, take 50 knights and 200 soldiers to escort him. He’ll get robbed by bandits at this rate. Make sure the people return safely too.”
“Understood.”
With strong escorts by his side, Claude had nothing to worry about.
He loaded up wagons filled with supplies and set off towards the Seiron Kingdom.
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