True to its reputation as the largest source of iron ore in the north, Count Cabaldi’s territory boasted more forges and blacksmiths than any other region. However, this was still not enough for Ghislain. He needed even more forges and smithies. Ghislain spread a map of the Cabaldi region across the table, pointing out locations as he spoke. "Build forges and smithies at all these locations. We’ll set up industrial complexes in several spots so that if one goes down, it won’t impact productivity across the entire territory." The retainers were taken aback by how many sites he’d marked. By the sheer numbers, it seemed as though Ghislain intended to supply the entire north with his territory alone. One of the retainers cautiously voiced his concern. "Isn’t this... a bit too much? Do we really need so many?" "This is how we’ll produce the quantities I have in mind," Ghislain answered. Claude nodded in agreement. "Count Cabaldi only produced enough to equip his forces. That was shortsighted." Cabaldi had only produced enough equipment for his soldiers, selling the rest of the iron ore as raw material. Although it earned him vast wealth, his territory remained underdeveloped. Focused solely on arming his troops, he left most residents using wooden tools. Ghislain intended to change all that. "This place will become a primary production hub for iron tools and equipment. We have ample iron ore, so we’ll increase productivity until every resident in our territory—and in Feridium’s—can be fully equipped." The retainers were shocked. Nowhere on the continent allowed its common residents to be outfitted in iron. "Do you truly intend to produce on that scale?" "Yes. And we’ll also replace all tools with iron ones to improve the residents’ quality of life. A territory where people thrive is a strong territory." The retainers nodded in agreement. While selling off iron would bring in less profit, they all understood their lord’s goal: it wasn’t personal wealth but developing the territory and increasing productivity in preparation for future conflicts. One retainer asked about Fenris’s own resources. "What about Fenris, my lord?" "We’ll only build what’s necessary there, and we’ll use the remaining land for agriculture. The goal is to create a specialization in each region, so we can focus on one product per area and build interdependence between the territories." Hearing this, everyone nodded in understanding. As long as the territories weren’t overtaken, they could focus on specialized production and achieve higher productivity and efficiency. "Alright, then you all know what to do. Let’s get moving and enable large-scale production as soon as possible." "Understood!" The retainers responded with enthusiasm. Until now, Fenris had been too resource-constrained to attempt anything on this scale, as nearly everything beyond food was scarce. But now, with iron flowing in abundance, their confidence grew. Soon, the administrators began recruiting workers from across the territory. "Those who participate in the forge and smithy construction projects will be paid with food! We’ll give you enough to fill your stomachs, so don’t worry and sign up!" Although the promise of food attracted some people, it wasn’t nearly enough to accelerate construction to the desired pace. After several days of recruitment, they still hadn’t reached their target numbers, prompting Ghislain to frown and question Claude. "What’s going on? Aren’t there plenty of people struggling because of the poor economy? Why is recruitment taking so long? I’ve said many times that I don’t tolerate delays." "Well... It seems it’s due to a lack of trust," Claude replied hesitantly. "Trust? Trust in what?" "Trust in you as a lord." Ghislain raised an eyebrow in disbelief. "Am I a goddess now? Do they expect to find trust for me in a temple?" "...Though we’ve distributed food and calmed the public somewhat, people aren’t convinced they’ll actually be paid during such hard times." "So they think I look broke, huh?" "Well, technically, they doubt we have enough food. But it’s similar." "Ridiculous." Ghislain leaned back in his chair, clicking his tongue. It wasn’t entirely unreasonable. After years of suffering exploitation, it was hard for the people to trust that food distributions weren’t temporary. Still, it was insulting, given how much food they now had stockpiled—especially with the success of the runestones and cosmetics trade, which had brought in considerable wealth. Seeing Ghislain’s irritation, Claude made a suggestion. "Shall we go ahead with conscription as you’ve done in the past?" Even conscripted labor wasn’t exploited here as it was in other territories. Once they saw the generous rewards, any grumblings would soon die down. 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢 But Ghislain shook his head. "No. We’re going to need far more workers this time. The territory has expanded, and the projects are larger. Forcing people to work when they’re disgruntled will only lead to more setbacks. If this were wartime, it’d be a different story. But right now, it’s not the time for the whip." "Then what do you plan to do? Forced recruitment would be the quickest solution." "Forced labor is inefficient. I don’t like it. People work better when they’re motivated." *Motivated? Really? Coming from you?* Claude thought, almost rolling his eyes. He couldn’t help but pity the administrators who might hear Ghislain’s so-called “motivation.” After a moment of contemplation, Ghislain casually crossed his legs and spoke. "Pay them upfront." "Pardon?" "Let’s go bold. Give everyone two months’ worth of food as an advance. That’ll make them feel good and motivated from the start." "But some might take the food and run or work half-heartedly." "Then just kill those who try that. But the news will spread quickly enough." "Seriously? You really want to distribute it all upfront?" "Yeah, go on. We’ve got plenty of food. Use it liberally when necessary, but make it clear up front that there are no second chances." "True, we have more food than we know what to do with. Alright, we’ll do that." Claude nodded. This would be unthinkable in other territories, but it was certainly an effective way to gather a workforce quickly. *He’s stingy most of the time, but he really knows how to be generous when it counts.* Even with an abundance, food was still more valuable than gold in times like these. To hand it out as freely as this... well, it did take an exceptional mind. *Or maybe it’s just his pride talking,* Claude mused, noting Ghislain’s conflicted expression—a mix of annoyance and arrogance. Judging it best not to press the issue further, Claude discreetly slipped away. Soon after, large amounts of food were distributed, not as a token gesture but as actual upfront payment. Lowell, the intelligence officer, spread rumors throughout the territory to sway public opinion. "Can you believe they’re really paying us with food in these times? It must mean they have huge reserves!" "I’ve heard the new lord is called the ‘King of Grain’ in the north. Even the stray dogs in his previous territory ate better than us!" "With this much, we can definitely trust him! He’s nothing like Count Cabaldi!" Gradually, a sense of hope for change began to take root among the people. Though it wouldn’t be an overnight transformation, it was a promising start. Soon, people gathered in droves, and finding workers became easy. Construction commenced not only for the forges and smithies but also for urgently needed facilities and housing. "Alright, get started! We’re always short on time!" An enthusiastic Claude rallied the workers, echoing Ghislain’s usual phrase. Construction involved more than just erecting buildings. Materials needed sourcing and transportation, requiring effort across multiple fronts. Cabaldi’s forests and mountains were cleared as resources poured in from all directions. Two groups were essential to these large-scale projects: the dwarves and mages. Galbarik, looking somber, murmured, "I was really happy during the break... I just want to rest, even if I just took a break." Alfoy, similarly exhausted, agreed. "The fire within me has long been snuffed out... I’m completely drained...." Their brief respite had come to an end, as only the dwarves could meet Ghislain’s standards for forges and smithies, and the mages’ help was indispensable for speeding up construction. Their experience in previous projects helped, allowing them to move at an unprecedented pace. The abundance of laborers ensured that the work continued without pause. However, one major issue remained: while there were plenty of workers, there were far too few supervisors. Naturally, the mages and dwarves had to step in to oversee the work. "Damn it! My arms are shaking; I can’t keep going! Let me sleep! I feel like I’m going to collapse! No, I’m already dead!" The mages, physically the weakest, were the first to drop. Constantly engraving and using magic took a toll on their bodies. Even Vanessa, who had been pushing through with sheer enthusiasm, started dozing off while drawing magic circles. Though they tried healing each other, they were fire mages, so their healing spells were limited. "We need to rest, too. I’m so tired I can’t even move my muscles." Eventually, the dwarves also put down their hammers. It was simply too much work. Hearing of the mages’ collapse, Ghislain visited, nodding in understanding when he found the dwarves had also succumbed. "Hmm, seems we have no choice but to use our secret weapon." "S-secret weapon? What do you mean...?" Alfoy squinted suspiciously as Ghislain gestured to someone in the background. A reluctant figure sighed deeply and stepped forward. Alfoy tilted his head in confusion. "Isn’t he just a new priest? How is that a secret weapon?" Since his capture, Fiote had been treating the wounded and sick throughout the territory. With the shortage of medical staff, he’d been caring for as many people as possible. Though exhausted, his devotion as a priest kept him going. However, as soon as Fiote had adjusted to his role, Ghislain dragged him to the construction site. Alfoy, staring at the priest’s pink hair, asked in a shaky voice. "Are you... planning to use divine power... on us?" Ghislain simply smiled and nodded. Alfoy recoiled in horror. "No! Please, just let us rest! Don’t force us to recover like this!" "Let’s begin, friend." At Ghislain’s command, Fiote, looking drained, approached the mages. He’d used so much divine power recently that he desperately wanted a break, but he couldn’t refuse Ghislain’s orders. *Shine!* A bright light emanated from Fiote’s hands. Divine power’s main effect was increasing regeneration and vitality, healing wounds and boosting resilience. For the exhausted, it was an ideal remedy to restore energy. Alfoy leaped to his feet, shouting, "Ahhh! I’m back from the dead! Don’t use divine power for this!" It was no different from a necromancer raising the dead—except, in this case, they weren’t corpses, just the exhausted. The same scene played out across the territory. The dwarves, reluctantly, stood up again, as did other administrators and craftsmen. With Fiote’s help, Ghislain could push the workforce harder than ever, completing tasks in record time. Sure, they’d collapse from exhaustion, but he’d simply raise them back up. Of course, there was one downside: the burden fell solely on Fiote. "My lord... If this continues, I’m going to die...." Overworked and drained, Fiote constantly fainted, often with a nosebleed from excessive divine power use. "Ack! Our dear, precious priest can’t die! Take him to the recovery room right away!" At Ghislain’s orders, the staff took Fiote to the finest recovery room. Vanessa and the mages had put all their effort into creating this room specifically for Fiote. It included magical effects for restoration, temperature control, and mental and emotional well-being. Meals were prepared with top-quality ingredients, and the finest medicines were blended in. In all of Ghislain’s domain, no one was treated more lavishly than Fiote. Initially, the retainers had opposed the costs, but Ghislain had dismissed them with a single statement. "This saves time and makes more money. This priest is going to be essential to us." They couldn’t provide such facilities for all their personnel, but for Fiote, it was doable. And he alone could bring countless others back to work. "Endless labor—now that’s something special." This was a miracle in itself, the goddess’s true blessing. This had been Ghislain’s plan from the moment he acquired Fiote. No matter how much wealth he had, securing a priest in this way was unprecedented. Temples typically operated independently of territories, so Ghislain couldn’t have simply hired a priest. But a naïve, low-ranking priest had just wandered into his hands. "Hmm, I’ll need to send a gift to the temple soon. I’ll have to come up with a good reason to keep him here." Ghislain had no intention of letting Fiote go. He was now the key to the territory’s growth. As long as Fiote was here, they could maintain their accelerated development pace. "I’ll keep him as long as possible." Ghislain smiled with satisfaction.