Chapter 50
Episode 50: A Week Later.
Town? A large pioneer settlement? Master, what are you talking about?
After the water gate opening ceremony, Hammer was called up immediately as his short vacation ended, and his expression was naturally not a happy one.
Youre planning to cultivate that vast plain and farm it, how would the peasants living near the castle at both ends go back and forth every day? Even if its possible, its a waste of time. We need to create a new village right in the middle of the plain.
So, you want me to take charge of that?
Hmm. Are you not confident in construction? Well, I havent heard that dwarves are good at building as well.
What are you talking about! We dwarves are best at construction after weapon-making.
Ah. Really? I knew it!
Ohthis damned mouth.
Hammer, who blurted out in a moment of anger, soon realized what he had said and plopped down in resignation.
Hammer looked as pitiful as he could in the hopes of some final sympathy, but his counterpart had no intention of taking pity.
The town will be laid out in a cross shape with roads, divided into four sections with houses of the same type constructed at regular intervals. The more permanent residents, the better, but for now, the goal is half the population of the territory.
Logan smiled, remembering the efficiency of a planned imperial city he had seen in his previous life.
We will build several communal wells in each district, create communal toilets for use, and construct a separate sewage system that will dispose of waste outside the town.
Logans orders were very detailed, from the overall form to specific facilities.
However, as Logan explained enthusiastically, Hammer could only grind his teeth.
Where have you seen such absurd ideas?!
Ah, Tina?
What in the world! Who keeps giving these useless inspirations to the Master? I thought youve only lived here!
Well, that would have been the people from the empire of the future, but since that wasnt something he could actually say, he had to casually gloss over it as he had done before.
Not exactly, but Ive seen it for sure.
Augh! Damn it! Im going mad with all this plausible talk.
Right? It really seems so? Ive seen it. With better sanitation, infectious disease prevention.
As he spoke, Logan quickly added with a glance at Hammers increasingly distorted face.
Just prepare the designs for now, and if you build a few wooden houses as a trial, once the mining work is done, Ill give you a long vacation. As long as you want. How about it?
Ugh. How many times have I been tricked.
Hammer, almost trembling with clenched fists, gave a half-hearted consent, and Logans bright smile twisted his expression even more.
Ah, but with that scale, the amount of timber alone will be no joke, did you consider how to import that much timber? It wont be easy even in Tritan
Hammer, deep in thought, launched what he thought was a counter attack.
Timber? Its down south, where we dont need processed raw material like a crossbow.
Down south?
At that, Logan pointed out through the window of McLean Castle at the lush mountain range below, covered in dense trees.
You cant mean the monster forest?
Logan nodded nonchalantly at Hammers incredulous voice.
Hammer tried to argue, but knowing his plea would fall on deaf ears
Well just do the groundwork for now, set up a basic model house, and then slowly start construction with the available timber. Well get new recruits to cut down that forest in winter for timber supply, so there wont be any issues in the future. You can rest until then, as soon as the mining is over.
Hammer could only sigh as it was clear that nothing he would say would be heeded.
Hehe And then join the town construction again?
Ey, I promised you a long vacation once the mine is over. The developments almost finished, isnt it? You should be able to take at least a month off. Hows that? Perfect plan, right?
Ugh
Hammer didnt want to admit it, but even to him, it sounded like a solid plan.
Whats more, he wasnt a slave, so if he was forced to work against his will, he had no place to complain.
McLean Town. That village will now become the heart of the McLean territory. It might even become busier than the castle since half of the territorys population will live there. Youll be creating the future of this territory.
So why do I have to do that
The magicians will help you too. Youll do it, right? Give it your best.
Demon
Though he lamented, Hammer had no choice but to nod reluctantly.
And just three weeks later.
As expected from Hammer.
Logan nodded with satisfaction as he was informed that Hammer had completed the design for the massive pioneer village, known as McLean Town, and the model houses.
The news he had been waiting for also arrived at the same time.
Young Master!
Bang!
The door to the office opened as if it was about to break, and Dwayne burst in.
What? Why?
Hammer, no! Master Hammer sent a message that mining can now begin in the gold mine!
The very moment Dwayne shouted, Logan darted out of the office like the wind.
The cornerstone of the familys leap, the source of funds had finally been completed.
Now all the plans can take off.
His heartbeat accelerated as his body raced faster and faster.
Ma, My Lord! Ill come too!
He couldnt afford to care for the desperate voice echoing from behind.
* * *
This is a rare gold nugget from the mine. Normally, gold is sparsely distributed among the minerals and requires extraction, but this one has already appeared.
As Hammer presented a nail-sized piece of gold, Dwaynes mouth hung open in amazement.
Logan too, with a proud look on his face, patted the tired Hammer on the shoulder.
Youve worked hard! You have truly done so much for this territory to come back to life!
It was sincere praise, but Hammer responded with nothing but a vacant expression.
Now that the mining operation is set up, Im taking my break?
Ah Hahaha. But how much can you mine from now?
Avoiding Hammers eyes suspiciously, Logan inquired further, but Hammer gave him an answer anyway.
As predicted, we can mine up to 1 ton of gold each month. I cant make an estimation on the reserves yet, but conservatively, it should last at least 10 years. Thats my estimation. So now, Im taking my break?
1 ton then thats.
Once again, Logan awkwardly changed the topic.
Hey, Master? Hey! What about my vacation? Dont avoid my eyes!
Cough. But theres construction in town to begin with, and more crossbows to make, and knights weapons too.
Just kill me! Put me to death! People are supposed to have some conscience! I cant! I wont! Just kill me!
Flushing red with rage, Hammer threw himself on the floor and started whining like a child.
Ive seen this scene before
Feeling an odd sense of dj vu, Logan held his head.
Argh. Theres still so much to do.
Logan knew there were endless things for the dwarf Hammer to do, especially with the ongoing preparations for war.
But now he really had no more excuses to keep him busy.
Maybe I should look for another dwarf in the future
Hammer had already done dozens of times more than originally expected.
He really had no choice but to allow him to rest.
Not to mention that if things kept going this way, there might be another accidental incident as before.
Alright. Ill keep my promise and give you a break. A month is.
Wahhh! Master! Dont look for me! Ill sleep for a month!
Before Logan could finish speaking, Hammer screamed in protest.
I was only going to let him rest for two weeks.
But faced with Hammers bloodshot eyes and the shadow beneath them, Logan thought he would genuinely draw a sword if he said that.
Well, I have other things to do anyway. Ill set things in motion, and Hammer will have to tidy up when he comes back after a month.
As Logan was swallowing his words with dread, Hammer disappeared down the mountain with a speed that made him invisible.
He was determined to rest with a will stronger than steel, and his lightning-fast movement reflected it as Logan watched with a snicker.
Wah!
Another shriek suddenly erupted right behind him.
What, what?!
100 million gold!
What?
Cant believe it was true! With 1 ton of gold per month, 1 billion gold would be feasibly possible in a year!
Dwaynes triumphant shout came after completing his calculations while squatted down.
Now our territory is saved! We dont have to look at anyones faces anymore!
The exhilaration in Dwaynes eyes was almost maniacal as he shook Logan with all his strength.
That happy about it?
Of course! Whether its equipment or food or any problem, we no longer have to worry about anything. Puhahahaha!
Remembering how overjoyed Dwayne had been just at the news of the gold mine, Logan understood his current intense reaction, but thought it best to cool his enthusiasm before it got out of hand.
Theres a lot that needs doing. Money isnt the solution to everything. Directly.
Nonsense! Theres nothing that money cant solve! Thats only if youre short on cash!
.
Dwayne seemed to be completely beside himself.
It looked like normal persuasion wasnt going to work to bring the beguiled administrator back to reality.
Logan was left without any other choice but to pull out his last card.
But you know this gold mine isnt owned by the family; its mine.
Yes?
I mean, I own the mine, not the family.
What? Whats that? Eh, My Lord. You jest.
Surely he knew, but maybe played dumb.
Thats a card to be played.
This was a moment when Logan had to remind him very clearly.
I received it as a personal reward after the previous reward. You forgot?
Is that the reward you received? Eh, I dont remember. Why joke on such a fine day.
Looking at his expression, Logan thought he might really not remember, and so he pushed forward indisputable evidence.
Its true. Here are the documents.
Pulling out a piece of paper from his chest pocket, Dwaynes eyes began to find focus as he looked at the flapping document.
Ah, ah ah
Coming out of his happy daydream, tears began to form in Dwaynes now lucid eyes.
Sa, say it isnt so. My Lord, youre not planning to manage all that wealth all by yourself, right? Surely not
Aye, I wouldnt do that. Itll be used for the benefit of the family.
He felt like joking a bit, but if he did, he feared he might actually see Dwayne bawl.
True? Youre sure?!
Yes. But at my discretion.
Dwaynes returning smile complicated at Logans words.
Then, at least three percent will go to the family as tax.
Before he could appease the deeply loyal finance administrator to keep him from falling into despair.
Ah Whatever. As you wish, My Lord.
Suddenly content with everything, Dwayne simply nodded.
Huh?
If it was that dam project and the mining, everything has gone well so far. After all, theres never been anything thats gone worse when you insisted, My Lord. I trust you.
Logan couldnt feel entirely good even at his words.
Clayton and now Dwayne; they were all excessively positive about him.
It felt somewhat discomforting that they had such a heightened and perhaps unrealistic view of him.
Well, a good things a good thing, I guess.
So he took the current positive mood to push his luck a bit.
Alright then. With the mine construction successfully completed, continue with the pioneer town project. As soon as Hammer returns from his break, we can drive it forward.
Yes. Ill prepare.
Booking hard labor expected to continue through winter even before his top talents vacation was over.
Well give priority to those who are willing to live there for the town cultivation rights. The announcements ready, right?
Yes. Ill get on it right away.
He forced through the settlement rights details without a single conversation with his father or the retainers.
Well start recruiting soldiers to begin training around winter.
Charging on, he even laid out plans to supplement not just the main force but regular troops as well
Yes. I am aware.
Ah. Really.
Logan was surprised by Dwaynes prompt responses only to be hit by his sharp gaze.
Whats with that all of a sudden?
Why are you so obedient all of a sudden?
What do you mean?
Why are you complying so easily now?
Because its worth doing.
Dwaynes eyes gleamed with resolve.
But it nevertheless unsettled Logan.
Why is this making me uneasy
Despite his concern, since Dwayne was responding openly, Logan felt no need to further challenge him.
He moved on with the conversation.
Ah, and needless to say, we must keep this a secret, understood?
Of course. If Bifrost, Kalia, or the border lords find out, it will be chaos.
Right. Over time, rumors will spread, but the later, the better.
Once the gold began to come in earnest, even the miners, who had been cluelessly digging up ore until now, would realize they were working in a gold mine.
Given that there were only four known gold mines in the kingdom, the sudden appearance of a fifth would be a momentous event, and it would be impossible to silence thousands of mouths.
Yes. Ill take care of it. Its obvious.
Not adjusting to it
Logan forced a smile as he watched Dwaynes unexpectedly agreeable attitude.
Alright. Lets just start everything and see how it goes.
Even if his father finished his training and came back to oppose it, by the time he did, it would be too late. The dice had been rolled.
Over the past three months, Logans daring as the lord substitute had grown boundless.
But a week later
My father is out of meditation?
In the midst of planning and preparing announcements, Logan might have to vacate his acting lord position sooner than expected.
He couldnt help but frown.
Yes. After tidying up, hell head to the office. He wishes to receive a report from you personally, Young Master.
Argh. If only he had stayed in meditation for another week.
What worries you?
Wouldve been better if he returned after the soldier recruitment and announcement of the start of the pioneering town and tax reductions.
Hmm. Youre concerned hell oppose it?
Isnt that obvious? Hell say it was all unnecessary.
Huh
Why do you look at me like that?
Oh, its nothing. Well wait and see.
Having gotten used to Dwaynes odd reactions following the successful dam and mine constructions, Logan ignored it.
His fathers reaction was more troubling.
Ill just have to insist. The current response from the territorys citizens is also good.
In the past three months, without the family head due to his absence, Logan had been acting as lord
[The translation is truncated due to length limitations.]
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