Episode 202 Bring some friends. (1)
The addition of wizards greatly accelerated the construction process, but there was still a severe shortage of useful talent.
In particular, the lack of managers to handle administrative work was a problem.
As the territory and population grew, the administrative work also increased tremendously.
At first, the Fenris administrators were eager to get started, but they were gradually overwhelmed by the overwhelming workload.
In this day and age, it is difficult to find people who can learn to read and write and handle administrative work.
“Hmm, I feel like things are getting more and more blocked.”
At the meeting where the vassals gathered, Jiselle muttered while looking at the piled up reports.
Claude, whose under-eye bags had turned dark, spoke with a sigh.
“Yes, if things continue like this, the construction will be delayed again. The daily wages of the laborers, the supply of resources, and the handling of accidents are not going smoothly. There are not enough people to check and handle them. Even though I don’t sleep and just work thanks to my divine power, it’s still like that.”
“Piotte is working hard to revive him, but this is how it is.”
“I’m also quite mentally exhausted. Divine power doesn’t seem to restore mental strength.”
Claude grumbled as he had fallen and come back to life several times. Although his body was fine, his mental strength was depleted and he was on the verge of going crazy.
To handle the suddenly increased volume of work, much more management was required than now.
“People are still looking into it?”
“Yes, but it’s not easy. Many people come when you say you’ll distribute food, but they haven’t been verified yet and are hard to trust. It’s hard to entrust important tasks to unverified people because you never know where or how other nobles might place spies.”
“There’s nothing we can do about it. We’re slowly lifting the seal on the territory. For now, let’s just assign simple tasks to those who haven’t been verified.”
The territory could not be blocked forever.
Because you need to find new people, and you need to sell food and iron ore to get other resources in large quantities.
As the territory expanded, it was an inevitable problem to be faced.
As we continue to expand our influence, this kind of thing will continue to happen. We need to prepare for that from now on.
After thinking for a moment, Jiselle brought out a plan she had been thinking about for a long time.
“Let’s start by creating educational institutions throughout the territory. Places that teach basic academics and the most urgent medical care.”
“An educational institution?”
“Yeah. There must be some smart people among the people of Yeongji. If you teach them a little, they’ll be able to do simple tasks. What do you think?”
“It’s not bad. We’ll have to build it someday anyway. But since it takes time to build it and teach it, we won’t be able to fill the lack of management right away.”
“That problem needs to be resolved separately. First, quickly create an educational institution and recruit people to study right away. We won’t charge tuition. It’s free.”
“But… … Will people want to learn it? Most people would say, ‘Why waste time learning something like that when you won’t even get bread?’”
Claude’s words were true. In the common perception of people, studying was not something that just anyone could do.
That’s because it’s the exclusive property of commoners and nobles who can afford to eat and live.
Many people thought that rather than wasting time studying something they couldn’t do, it would be better to work and earn money during that time.
But that problem was neatly solved by Giselle.
“They said they’d give me bread if I studied hard.”
“yes?”
“You study and give it to others? It’s all an investment in our territory. Take some tests and take responsibility for the livelihood of those who are useful so that they can focus on their studies.”
“Uh, um… … Okay. That sounds good.”
Claude, who had a scholarly background, did not object.
For the future of Yeongji, we must nurture talents from now on for the long term.
And I also knew that a stable environment was very important for studying.
It may have cost a lot of money, but it was definitely a good policy.
The other vassals were people who had learned enough to learn, so they didn’t really object.
After a moment to collect her thoughts, Jiselle continued speaking.
“Once things stabilize a bit more, I plan to create an educational institution that teaches swordsmanship and magic to the people of the territory. To that end, I will enact new laws in advance.”
All the vassals looked puzzled by the sudden announcement.
Like it or not, Jiselle said exactly what she thought.
“First, we prohibit all child labor. In our territory, no one can work until he or she becomes an adult.”
“yes?!”
The vassals were astonished. There is no territory in the Kingdom of Rutania that has such a law.
Even if they are children, it was common sense to make them do work once they grew up to a certain age.
So, in the farmlands and construction sites throughout the territory, it was not uncommon to see children brought by their parents.
Because even if you do odd jobs, you can get paid a little bit.
It was natural, since it was such a difficult world to make a living.
“Many of the people of the land will object. They… … children are like property to their parents… … they will feel that their rights and freedoms have been violated.”
“It doesn’t matter. From now on, we will ban it unconditionally. If you get caught, we won’t let you off easy. In return, we will provide a little more food support to households with children.”
“Okay, I understand.”
The vassals bowed their heads. After all, once this lord makes a decision, he pushes it through.
The opposition from the people of Yeongji was strong, but there was nothing we could do. We had no choice but to appease them by giving them a little more food.
However, in an attempt to lighten the awkward atmosphere, the attendant smiled and said.
“I didn’t know that the Lord loved and cared for children so much. Everyone will praise the Lord’s warm heart.”
Then Giselle blinked and said.
“What are you talking about? If you work from a young age, you won’t grow up properly. You have to feed them well and raise them healthily so they can become great soldiers for the territory later on. That’s why working while they’re young is prohibited. Once they become adults, they’ll receive basic military training every year.”
“… … .”
Everyone had completely forgotten what kind of person the lord was. Only then did the vassals realize Jiselle’s intentions and were speechless.
Jiselle’s words did not end there.
“Second, all children should receive basic education. While you are establishing educational institutions, make education compulsory for all. Since you are integrating the settlements, it will be possible quickly.”
“Hey… … that too?”
“Yes, you can become a good soldier if you know how to read and have at least some basic knowledge. The types of operations that soldiers can perform will also increase, and perhaps an excellent commander will emerge from among them.”
“… … .”
——————
faqwiki.us
Join our Discord for new chapter updates!
https://discord.com/invite/xr7SxG5T6V
——————
“Third, the medical expenses for sick people will be fully supported by the territory. So, increase the number of medical facilities in each residence as quickly as possible. Also, invite doctors from as many places as possible.”
“Hey… … that too?”
“Yes, if the people of Yeongji are healthy and strong, they can become soldiers who can fight at any time. They all become strong conscripts.”
“… … .”
“These three laws will be applied to the territory from today. I believe there is no one who objects.”
Although the intentions were a bit strange, they will likely have a positive effect on the territory in the long run.
No one opposed the law itself, but there was one problem.
Claude cleared his throat a few times and then said:
“Ahem, everything is good. Everything is good, but… … . Right now, there is a shortage of personnel to manage the territory. Even if doctors teach while running a hospital, the other fields are a bit… … . Who teaches and trains people at educational institutions?”
Then Jiselle chuckled.
“You just have to fill the people quickly. There is a way.”
“Teaching someone is not an easy task. It’s not enough to just know how to write. You have to have at least some basic knowledge. Where do you find such scholars?”
Giselle said, pointing her finger at Claude.
“Bring some friends from the academy you went to. There are a lot of people there, right?”
“My… … friends?”
“Yes, persuade as many as you can. Don’t hesitate to use any means necessary. Tell them that if they come to Fenris, they’ll be offered a position as an academy professor and a position as a manager of the estate.”
Claude’s face turned grim. No one would want to sit in a position where he has to do both teaching and administrative work.
Besides, I couldn’t bring my friends who had studied at the same school to this place.
‘They’re my friends, but honestly, they’re all weak. Physically and mentally.’
Claude was directly involved in the rebellion and went through various experiences, gaining powerful(?) mental powers.
However, the friends who studied with him were scholars who lived only by acquiring academic knowledge.
I could guarantee that if you came here, you would run away crying within a week.
“Is there really a need to go all the way to the weak Kingdom of Seiron to seek out scholars? Aren’t there many scholars in the Kingdom of Rutania? There are also many large academies in various places.”
“What do those people want that they came all the way to the barren north? We’re still trying to find them, but it’s not easy.”
“No, then what do scholars from other kingdoms regret coming here to? It’s hard to leave your hometown. Hard.”
That’s for sure. He was the one who had left his real hometown and was having a hard time.
Giselle chuckled at Claude’s words.
“Don’t use your brain. All your friends are either unemployed or have unimportant jobs. Do you think I don’t know?”
“Ugh… … .”
Claude took a step back with an embarrassed expression.
Well, it was a situation that could be guessed if you thought about it a little.
Which noble would honor scholars whose teachers were involved in treason? The nobles did their best to exclude them, as they did not want to take unnecessary risks.
Since the rebellion, most of them have lost their positions or been driven out of their lands, so they must all be living in poverty.
Claude’s teacher was a renowned scholar who led a faction in the Kingdom of Ceylon before that incident.
So there were a lot of disciples belonging to that sect.
Jiselle clicked her tongue and continued.
“Tsk tsk, if you’ve become successful enough to become the governor of such a large territory, you should take care of your friends who are having a hard time. Isn’t it too much for you to live comfortably by yourself?”
“Wow… … sir.”
Claude was pounding his chest in frustration.
Success? Am I living well? I want to throw away everything, whether it be success or failure, and just run away.
I can’t even sleep properly because I’m so busy with work. How can I possibly live a good life?
Claude, who was staggering with a dizzy head, barely managed to get his bearings and said.
“Honestly, don’t you know that it’s awkward to bring him along?”
It wasn’t Claude’s fault, but it was true that he had been falsely accused.
Because of that regret, I cut off contact with them and lived. I wanted to send them money to help them live, but I was an unpaid slave so I didn’t have any money.
How can you tell me to come here and suffer in such a situation?
But Giselle answered nonchalantly.
“I understand, but pretending not to know is not the answer, right? What can a scholar with a blocked path to success do there? It’s better to show off your abilities here, even if it means suffering.”
“… … .”
That’s true. What was most difficult for Claude was the feeling of helplessness and the hopeless future.
Perhaps as time goes by, they will all live and die like beggars.
Without even being able to display all the abilities and ideals that I had built up so far.
Claude, who had been thinking for a while, asked hesitantly.
“… … But what if I can’t do it?”
“You know our style, right? We have to run hard with this number of people until the place is filled. Why are you asking so suddenly?”
“Ah… … .”
Claude put his hand to his forehead.
In fact, what the lord said is all right. That is the only way to save many scholars at once.
It would be much better than having to go through the trouble of finding one or two people at a time like we do now. There would also be no need to go through the trouble of verifying whether they are spies of other nobles.
Since they are all friends who have learned enough, it won’t be difficult at all to handle the work even if they take on high-ranking official positions. In addition, since they have specialized in various fields, they can quickly fill in the gaps in their territory.
Looking at Claude, who was still thinking, Giselle spoke leisurely.
“They said they’d treat you well. It would be better to just bring your family and settle down here. I’ll definitely take responsibility for your livelihood.”
‘Oh my, even in this situation, they’re trying to increase the population a little.’
Claude looked at Giselle with a blank expression. He was a man who really picked and chose when he did something.
But if it were the same situation as now, my friends would all be happy. At least here, they wouldn’t have to go hungry.
Claude scratched his head a few times and spoke as if he had made up his mind.
“Okay, I’ll bring you. My family too.”
We have ignored them until now because of their painful wounds, but that is not right. We must give them the opportunity to choose their future.
It wasn’t because there was just too much work.
Jiselle also smiled with satisfaction.
“I thought about it carefully. Bring her here after convincing her as much as possible.”
“Then I’ll have to spend a lot of money.”
“why?”
“If you look shabby at first glance, who would come? Shouldn’t you look like a truly ‘successful’ person? You should go and throw some money at your friends and stuff.”
“Hmm, okay… … . Use it if you need to. Use only as much as you absolutely need.”
Jiselle answered in a trembling voice.
I couldn’t help but feel nervous.
He’s the type of person who never skimps on money where it’s needed, but that little Claude guy seemed to need it way too much.
Since I can’t follow you and monitor you, I have no choice but to let you off a little this time.
“Ahem, then I’ll be off!”
Claude, who had been legally permitted to embezzle public funds, was so excited that he dragged Wendy out.
The belief that once you make a decision, it’s better to enjoy it rather than worrying about it any more was clearly evident.
Jiselle glanced at his back for a moment and clicked her tongue as she spoke.
“Gillian, take 50 knights and 200 soldiers and have them act as guards. If he keeps doing that, he’ll get looted by bandits. We also need to make sure that the people come back safely.”
“All right.”
With such a strong escort, Claude had nothing to be afraid of.
He headed straight for the Kingdom of Ceylon, pulling wagons loaded with food.
