Derrick was glad that he had waited before assigning these titles, as wasting them would have been a tragedy.
Of course, there was still a chance of them leaving after a year, but he gambled on the opposite. It was a heavy investment that was, in the end, definitely worth it.
He also wanted to give a Minister title to Jack, but he first wanted to see how the man would handle future challenges.
Sure, he had two spots to give, but he didn't know when he would meet the upgrade requirements. He had to be careful not to hinder Akata's growth.
"Lacha, we'll be having a meeting at your house, so please get Jack and Atta"
Derrick realized that Eloise would need an insider to properly take over the army, and he had liked the man's smarts.
Ten minutes after that, and the seven of them were gathered around the small table in her kitchen. It seemed really informal, causing Derrick to realize he needed a proper residence...
"I've called this meeting to discuss the timeframes and details of all future projects"
Everyone became tense. This was way more important than they had expected.
"The first point I'd like to discuss is the salary. Right now, our coffers are dry, and although I've made arrangements to obtain a steady flow of income, it still won't be enough to pay everyone. This means that the construction workers will be working for free while using a barter system to provide for themselves. The only thing we have to make sure is that people at least eat and are lodged"
All agreed. It was utopian to believe that everyone would be able to obtain a salary when the basic living amenities weren't even in place. This was a topic that would have to be revisited in the future.
"As for the first institution, it'd like it to be the forge. It doesn't have to be fancy since I already acquired the equipment to make it function"
When the dwarf heard this, his ear twitched. Blacksmiths were maniacs of their craft, with some dedicating their entire lives to the creation of masterpieces that would etch their names in history.
When he sensed the interest, a sinister grin crept on Derrick's face.
"I think you'll be satisfied with what I bought, and don't worry, I'm sure you'll manage to repay me some way or another..."
A chill ran through Fomamli.
"How much space would you need to work efficiently?"
The question sent the dwarf into deep reflection, as he had never expected things to go so fast.
"400 square meters should be fine. It'd give me ample space to work in. Also, don't forget aeration, or I'll die in there"
It was Jack's turn to ponder. Building durable facilities was challenging, and he didn't want anything to go wrong, fearing the wrath of the necromancer.
"It'll take us two days to complete, since the requirements are fairly simple. The forge will also be built in stone to avoid any fire hazard"
Satisfied, Derrick continued to the next point.
"Next, I want military quarters where our soldiers will be permanently stationed. There'll probably be heavy backlash at first, but we need a sharp response time in case of enemy attacks. I have no special demand on their design, but make sure they're at least comfortable. Also, we'll allow a two days a week visitation period to alleviate the anger of those who'll have to leave their families. The salary will be non-existent as well, but that's where our dwarf friend will come in..."
Fomamli looked clueless, but when he saw Derrick's expression, he felt as if he had fallen into the hands of the worst slave owner of all time.
However, he shrugged it off again... It couldn't be that bad, right?
"I enlisted a few more recruits, with the number of soldiers now amounting to 160. I'll leave them in your care, Eloise. Do you think two months is enough to get them into decent shape? I've also brought you a helper who'll answer directly to you. His name is Atta"
Atta still felt apprehensive of Derrick, and the latter knew it, so he hoped that Eloise could bring him to his side by impressing him with her military abilities.
She looked at the chieftain and a smirk appeared on her fiery face. She recognized that Derrick had given her a foothold to gain the soldiers' trust.
"I just need a month to make them decent"
Derrick suddenly felt pity for the poor bastards...
"We now need to decide on where the facilities should be built..."
Everyone began thinking. This was a decision that would directly influence the future layout of Akata, meaning it couldn't be taken lightly.
Jack suddenly spoke.
"How about the northern side, where we don't have farming lands? We'll clear the land, allowing us to also have more space for future projects. As for the estimates..."
Jack's attitude suddenly took a turn for the worse. He wanted to please Derrick and accomplish these undertakings as fast as possible, but everything was just... massive.
Just thinking about the military quarters that had to house at least 160 soldiers made him reel.
Derrick noticed his distress and decided to promptly address it.
"Don't give me timeframes that you think I want to hear. I want your expertise on the matter. You can also use my name if you need to recruit more personnel"
Jack's burden suddenly eased a lot.
He finally realized he had been putting too much stress on himself. This was a job he barely qualified for in the first place, and all he could do was his best.
"Clearing will take us a week, and the military quarters, another one"
"Good. Now, concerning the school... How many students can you take on at once, William?"
After witnessing his two colleagues being asked questions, the scholar had already prepared his answers.
"I can teach a maximum of 50 students per day. Any more than that and the quality of my teachings will drop drastically"
Jack pondered once again.
"A week for the school's construction"
"Great! This was productive! You're all dismissed, except for Lacha"
Everyone got up and bowed, before leaving the small house.
With them now alone, the atmosphere suddenly became more intimate. It had been a while since she had seen him, and had, somehow, missed him.
Just as the mood appeared to reach its peak, Derrick spoke and completely shattered her expectations.
"Do you know how to write?"
The tension that had been building up immediately disappeared, followed by Lacha lightly sighing.
Really? Was this what he had come for?
She didn't know how, but she had slowly begun to warm up to him.
Derrick also felt it, and seeing her reaction made him laugh and feel warmth.
Was that what he really missed in his previous life? Such a shame...
"Yes, I can. Do you want me to make the notice? You know that those who can read are very rare, right?"
"Yes, but the earlier we expose them to it, the better. That's how people learn over time, even if they didn't receive an education"
Memories of his childhood flashed, with him remembering how his foster parents would take him on their lap and read him stories. It had been his favorite moment of the day, and even after they had stopped, he'd still continue reading afterward, gaining knowledge that was now coming in handy.
"I'll also place an announcer there to ease the transition"
She had to say that his idea was ingenious.
Lacha then got up and went to get her quill and a giant blank parchment.
"Here's what I want you to write :
ANNOUNCEMENT
- Every job's salary will be forgone for the time being. A new system will be implemented in the near future. In the meantime, food will be free and distributed to all.
- Grand Opening of the Forge in 2 days, headed by Blacksmith Fomamli Trollfall.
- Grand Opening of new Military Quarters in 16 days. Once completed, soldiers will have to stay there. It is mandatory. However, the schedule will free the two last days of the week to allow visits from your loved ones. As compensation for the absence of pay, brand-new equipment will be given out.
- Training with General Eloise and her aid, ex-chieftain Atta, begins tomorrow. Every soldier that doesn't report for duty will be branded as a deserter and will receive heavy punishment.
- Grand Opening of the School in 23 days, headed by Scholar William Enceworth. All kids will be able to attend for free.
Now that he had taken care of administrative matters, it was time to focus on his own strength.