The expedition went as everyone expected. The enemies had completely pulled back. When they encountered villagers, Noel didn't say anything, indicating that they were normal villagers.
Although it was a shame that he couldn't destroy more bases, he finally wrapped up the expedition and returned to the city.
It had only been a few days, but the city had undergone an amazing transformation.
A lot of buildings that hadn't been rebuilt previously already had a sign of foundation. The water storage was already half finished, which would be amazing once it was completed. The mayor had even planned for the other water storages, believing that they would be able to build everything within two to three months.
At the same time, they knew that their lord had taken care of the demons around the river. They felt ashamed that their lord had to kill a lot of demons in his current condition. At the same time, they couldn't help but admire the lord for doing his job tirelessly.
The kids couldn't help but aspire to be someone like him. The bards were singing his wonderful tale.
The gloomy mood that had been overwhelming the city had completely gone, replaced by a joyous atmosphere filled with hope.
Noel returned to the mayor's mansion first as he had to take all the reports so that he could use this experience for his main city.
The mayor explained, "I believe that the water facility will be able to pull a lot of people into this city. So, once we're done with the reconstruction, we will be able to gain a lot of profits from the land."
Noel thought for a moment. "What about the current citizens?"
"Of course, they will be treated well. They are our current citizens who rebuilt this city, so I think it's fair to grant them a building of their own. And it's going to be near the mayor's mansion or water storage, depending on their needs."
"That's good for now. However, don't open up for the migration yet. The current situation is troublesome since a lot of people are eyeing rune technology. Even with the help of the Sword Arbiter, we don't know what can happen."
"If that's the case, when do we open the migration? We have to start filling up the city soon. At least for workers, so we can speed up the reconstruction." The mayor asked while rubbing his nose, slightly worried about their speed.
"For workers, it's going to be one month from now. At the very least, I want the main water storage to be completed. This way, it won't be easily destroyed or ruined. The well should have been better equipped as well. We will open up the migration for workers before constructing the smaller water storages all around the city."
"I understand." The mayor didn't find one month too long. He could understand Noel's worry, so he agreed with Noel's decision immediately.
"What about the wall?" Noel asked.
"The wall will take a bit longer, but it shouldn't be more than two months. The damage is quite severe after all."
"Alright. Make the schedule for the other walls as well. I want them to be completed before the Sword Arbiter leaves the city. And by the time the Moon Temple's branch has been constructed, the city will have a protector from the demon. It can be said that the people don't have to worry about the threat from those demons anymore. And I think you know what to do after this." Noel smirked.
"Since safety has been guaranteed, the property price will skyrocket. It'll be the time for us to open for migration, introducing a city that has a lot of rune technologies. Don't worry, Sir. I will definitely showcase those runes so that the main city will look even more mystical in those people's eyes."
"Haha. Sorry for making you do it… But at the very least, I want the citizens in this city to have a smile on their faces first." Noel chuckled.
"Don't worry, Sir. It's the least I can do after everything you've done for the city." The mayor nodded furiously.
It had been a while since Noel first came to this city. The mayor, whose complexion was pale and body was thin, seemed to have improved significantly. He still looked tired, but his eyes were brimming with energy and excitement, which he was happy with.
"For now, you don't have to reinforce the city wall with Spirit Enchantments. Since safety is still guaranteed and no one is going to harm the city where they can experience a new technology, the city shouldn't be attacked for a while. After I deal with everything in the main city, I will send some people to reinforce the wall with runes instead of Spirit Enchantments."
"Understood. There are still two problems, Sir. Before this city can produce any profits, we should make the citizens happy. Although I feel ashamed for asking you, I believe we need more funds."
"Don't worry. I will be sending the funds soon. I have arranged it through the Moon Temple, which won't be attacked by people. What is the second problem?"
"That would be a tax exemption. To reward the citizens for working hard, I believe we should grant them tax exemption for one or two years."
"I don't think that's a problem. We can still make a lot of money from the property alone. All the convenience that the city will provide in the future should increase the price far higher, so I want you to keep an eye on it, making sure we don't lose too much."
"Yes, Sir." The mayor accepted the task.
"Is there anything else?" Noel asked while looking at the rest of the report.
"No. The rest are just small matters. I can take care of it myself. During this time, I hope that my lord can rest to recover from your injuries." The mayor lowered his head, pleading with Noel to take care of his own body.
Noel smiled. Even though he was already fine, he still had to act this way. So he accepted his offers and said, "Alright. I will let you handle the rest."
"Thank you, Sir." The mayor made a big smile.
Noel left the office and walked toward the backyard, where he found the Sword Arbiter with Anna.
"What's wrong? It's not like you." The Sword Arbiter asked while furrowing his eyebrows. "Your sword is wavering as if you're not the one I fought a few days ago."
Anna furrowed her eyebrows. She was still Anna, but she indeed felt the impact of Noel's theory as well as the original body's soul to the point where she always thought about visiting Old Ru's place to sort this out.
Anna shook her head. "My mind is just slightly disturbed. I'm sorry for showing such a state."
Duke Lorelei squinted his eyes, feeling something was weird. It seemed that something had happened during the expedition, so he ended up stopping here since Noel should be the one to solve this matter.
He raised his head, finding Noel watching on the balcony.
"What's wrong? Do you want to have a spar too?"
"I think I will just ask you a few questions today."
"About what?"
"There are things that I want to know about the swords. I have been thinking about making progress with my sword, but it feels like I have to improve my own sword to reach the same level as my elements and runes before I can start infusing the sword into my fighting style."
Noel had been thinking seriously about the job change. With his current achievement in the runes, he thought that the sword was the one hindering his advancement, considering it was the weakest in his repertoire.
The Sword Arbiter thought for a moment and waved his hand. "In that case, get down."
Noel and Anna spent the next few days in peace. In the morning, they would have a spar with the Sword Arbiter. After that, they continued to supervise the progress of the city while greeting the citizens.
Noel and Anna were soon to be known as down-to-earth rulers who didn't hesitate to help their citizens directly. They were admired by the citizens because they worked tirelessly in their 'condition.'
The Saintess, on the other hand, had been spending her time moving around the city to experience everything Noel had built so far. Everything looked amazing, but only some of them could be implemented in the Moon Temple. She was also curious what kind of runes Noel planned for the main city.
Meanwhile, Aurelia actually came back as promised. She had brought her luggage, especially clothes for her stay in the main city.
The Sword Arbiter spent these few days training Noel and Anna wholeheartedly. Only after they were gone would he begin learning rune technology.
Last but not least, the blacksmiths. The ones who had been working the whole time might be the blacksmith since they had been fulfilling the demands for construction and Noel's special request for the rune technology.
Finally, four days after Noel's return, they received a letter from the main city. The letter requested that Noel return as quickly as possible since they were ready to open the first batch of migrations. Since Noel had told Dimitri that he would personally inspect those people to avoid spies, Dimitri sent the message stating that the first batch would arrive within four days through their channels in the southeast.
Dimitri took advantage of the relationship between Noel and the Greenwood Kingdom to use their border to transport all these people so that they could arrive without getting attacked along the way.
So, Noel immediately informed everyone that they would be returning the next day and that information was soon spread not only to Anna and the others, but to the citizens as well.
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