"Keep me updated on your progress, I'll go to the village." Ren left and headed to the village.
Ren arrived at the village, where Maria Braveheart, the newly appointed head of the village, was overseeing the laborers as they worked on the fields, Ren approached her.
"It's been a while, how is it managing the whole village?" Ren greeted her.
"Milord." Maria Braveheart gives her salute to him.
Maria Braveheart returned Ren's greeting with a respectful salute. "Milord, managing the village has been challenging, but we are making progress, now there is free labor make thing easier, we only give them food and they do the job."
"Did they had complained? like discrimination." Ren asks.
"Of course, they had, but they are more afraid if they got beaten and didn't have food for a day, so we are more lenient toward them, to ensure their cooperation," Maria Braveheart explained, her expression reflecting the pragmatism required to manage the village effectively.
"I see, I don't plan to make them work for free for a long time, it's just that we didn't have any money to pay them, so I chose this way, if they work for one year without any trouble, I will make them full citizens of our barony." Ren honestly despises doing anything like slavery or serfdom.
Maria Braveheart nodded in understanding at Ren's explanation, recognizing the importance of fair treatment and eventual integration of the captured citizens into Oscana Barony's society.
"I also want to discuss the establishment of a school in the village. Education is vital for the future of our people, and I believe it's time we invest in providing opportunities for learning and knowledge," Ren continued, his tone firm and determined.
"Do people in the village know how to read? If so, how many?"
"Milord, some of the villagers do know how to read, but the literacy rate is not very high. I estimate that only about 10% of the population can read and write," Maria Braveheart answered, her expression thoughtful as she considered the implications.
Ren nodded, taking note of the current literacy rate in the village. "We'll need to prioritize literacy and education."
"I will ask Sir William to send someone who can teach reading and writing to the village. We'll start with basic literacy classes and gradually expand the curriculum to cover various subjects," Ren decided, outlining his plan for establishing education in the village.
Maria Braveheart nodded in agreement, recognizing the importance of education in empowering the villagers and securing their future prosperity.
"I'll make the necessary arrangements and inform the villagers about the upcoming educational initiatives," Maria Braveheart assured, her tone resolute.
"I count on you." Ren puts his right hand on her shoulder and walks back to the city.
Ren's discussion with Maria Braveheart solidified his plans for the village's development and the integration of captured citizens into Oscana Barony's society.
Upon his return to the city, Ren found Sir William overseeing the construction of the statues for the Church of Chaos. The sculptures were beginning to take shape, depicting Ren and Gareth in grandiose poses that exuded power and authority.