Dragondale, A village not far from Adenberd was a cheerful place filled with normal people who had been living in the place for generations. It was a quiet place by the riverside where people mostly relied on farming and raising livestock.
The village had a very special position in the Duchy as it was one of the places where the original natives of the land still lived to this day.
The village's name had come from a rumor of the legendary battle between the dragon and the white mystic. As the tale went, the first patriarch had fought a berserk dragon and in this battle, the village was destroyed and most of its inhabitants killed.
In this long and destructive battle, the white mystic had claimed victory, and the village was rebuilt once again with the help of the patriarch. The patriarch was regretful that such destruction and death had fallen on the village due to his miscalculation and so to right the wrong, he had done everything in his power to comfort the locals.
Ever since the village was left alone on its own as per the wishes of the residents. Of course, being left alone did not mean that it was cut off from the rest of the world. Simply that no one bothered the people who lived there.
But recently, the Dragondale village was bustling with activity as new buildings and infrastructure was being made there. Nothing excessive, just some warehouses and production facilities along with dorms for the slaves to live in.
While all the activity was happening, Ethan made sure that the village would not be bothered. And so the construction was happening on the outskirts of the village far from the farms and the residential area.
All the former slaves were brought into the village in a temporary residence that was a large mansion. They still had the freedom to leave as they wished but those who still had families weren't sure if they could make it back safely, or if their families would accept them again and so almost no one had left, simply living and waiting for the work that Ethan had promised them.
The day was a bit cloudy and the wind was blowing freely, making the white clouds drift all over the skies.
Suddenly, the sound of horses and carriage wheels rang as a dust cloud rose from the direction of Adenberd. In no time, many horses and armed knights riding on them along with a lone carriage came into view.
Hearing the sounds, the residents of the town emerged from their houses and the farmers working in the fields turned their heads in curiosity.
Soon, the entire convoy reached the village and headed straight toward the outskirts without stopping.
After reaching where the company premise was being set up, Ethan, Naenna, and Aria got off the carriage. Albert and the knights also got off their steeds and immediately stepped forward to protect Ethan.
"Such fresh air, this place is good," Ethan muttered as he drew a long breath and faintly heard the sound of the river water.
"Yes, please follow me… Everything is ready." Albert said.
Following Albert, Ethan, and the others entered the highly secured compound and saw the large, old, worn-out mansion and the buildings around it in the vicinity.
As the kids playing near the mansion began noticing Ethan, their eyes brightened and a commotion started. Soon, the news of Ethan's arrival spread, and everyone living in the mansion got out.
One of those who got out of the mansion and looked at Ethan with brimming eyes was the beautiful woman Ethan had bought from the slave trader.
As Ethan came face to face with the hundreds of people in front of him, he smiled seeing the woman in a good shape, and said, "Miss Valeria, you seem to be doing well."
Valeria bowed with gratification and said, "I have been managing everyone here as Master Ethan asked of me. I hope that it is to your liking."
Ethan looked around him and saw the previously malnourished children looking happy and healthy, The grown-ups looking hopeful with a new shine in their eyes, and the peaceful, well-organized surroundings.
"You are doing great. I was not wrong to bring you here." Ethan said with a smile of approval.
Hearing him say so, Valeria's lips curled upwards in a relieved smile as she said, "I- I did not expect that you have been saving so many… It is my pleasure to be of some help."
Ethan shrugged and called out loudly, "Everyone seems to be here, What I promised, I'm here to fulfill it. I promised those of you abandoned and lost to give a new path. To begin a new life of happiness and fulfillment. I am no saint, so far I have given all of you shelter and food, but from now on, you must work to make the end's meat. Those who are willing to devote themselves to work are welcome to stay here. Those who do not, have no place here."
As Ethan finished speaking, silence ensued momentarily, and then a voice abruptly sounded, "My Lord! I can work!"
It was a ten-year-old boy who had said it. As Ethan looked at him, the people finally came to their senses and one by one began calling out,
"Ya, I can work!"
"I can do anything!"
"I'm willing!"
Ethan raised his arm and gestured for everyone to be silent. With a smile, he said, "Do not worry, the work you will receive will not be too troublesome. You will get fair wages as well. Children below the age of fourteen do not need to work. For them, I will find something easier."
Silence once again fell as everyone looked at each other in confusion. Then a big guy spoke hesitantly, "W-wages? Is that true?"
"Of course, all of you are now my people. You are my family. It is only fair to pay wages for your hard work." Ethan said plainly in a matter of factly manner.
The people couldn't believe what they had heard. It was inconceivable that first Ethan had saved them, then he had taken care of them for so long, he had offered them freedom, he had offered them a place to stay in peace and work. And he was also going to pay them wages. These people who had suffered and who knew what sort of torment slavery was were now being treated as real human beings.
The big guy who had asked the question remembered the cruel labour he had to do before during slavery without getting enough food or a single penny, on top of that, he would be whipped ruthlessly if he were to stop working. The man finally couldn't control himself as he became wet with tears that he was trying hard to contain.
"My Lord, thank you, My Lord! I will not disappoint My Lord!" The burly man got on his knees and said with determination in a shaking voice.
Following him, one by one everyone realized that this was really happening. Everyone felt the same emotions as the burly man and couldn't help but feel as if Ethan was an angel sent by God to help them.
Kneeling and bowing in unison, everyone yelled out, "Thank you, My Lord! We will obey!"
Ethan grinned and spread his arms as he called out to everyone in a loud, firm, and attractive voice, "Didn't I say that we are family? There's no need to be like this. I'm only doing what God wills me to do. Let us work together, to save more lives and thrive, together! Today marks the day of the beginning of our legacy! Today, we shall pave the first brick of our company!"
Everyone could feel their blood pump faster in excitement while their hearts melted. The son of the mighty Duke had called slaves such as themselves, people who were simply nobodies with nothing on their name, as family.
He had said 'we'. Hearing Ethan speak in such a friendly manner, the last bit of uncertainty and anxiety in the people's hearts vanished, getting replaced by a sense of belonging and loyalty.
No one knew when but the chants of "Long Live!" began resounding in the compound, traveling far and wide.
"Let us not waste any more time, Valeria, tell me the names of everyone who is capable in here. I have instructions for a procedure that must be taught to them. Most of all, I need people who can supervise." Ethan brought Valeria to the side and said.
"Yes, I have a few names," Valeria answered.
"Good, you will be in charge of this small colony from now on. Organize everyone, select all capable people who can work, and have good character. Those who you can trust without a doubt. Divide all these people into groups of ten and appoint a leader for each group. If anyone causes trouble, then I give you the authority to make a judgment. Understand?"
Brimming with delight, Valeria blurted, "it will be done!"
"Good, do not disappoint me."
Valeria nodded and quickly got to work. Ethan finally smiled freely and sighed as he turned around. As he looked at Naenna and others, he could see that they were all absolutely awe-struck by his performance.
pǎпdǎ Й?νê1,сòМ "Is everything I wanted ready?" Ethan asked, looking at Albert.
"Yes, everything has been prepared there!" Albert replied pointing at the buildings In the distance.
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