Translator: Cinder Translations
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After being reminded by Hansel, Paul made some revisions to the "Agricultural Development Outline" and then instructed Manager Foster to gather a group of officials to study the specifics.
The Earl aimed to actively increase grain production within his domain, which was well received by everyone. Soon, a series of draft regulations were formulated, with the main contents as follows: Promoting land consolidation and the widespread adoption of four-field crop rotation. Sending officials to establish agricultural associations in various villages to supervise and guide the implementation of laws. Dispatching commissioners to inspect the water conditions in various areas and promptly report to the Lord's Manor for timely repairs. Conducting a census of residents in various settlements within Alden's territory.
In Alden Town, a group of blacksmiths and carpenters was gathered to establish a workshop specifically for crafting agricultural tools. Lord Paul thought the term "workshop" lacked grandeur and personally named it the "Agricultural Machinery Factory." He also renamed the paper mill the "Paper Factory" and the pottery workshop the "Ceramics Factory."
Paul visited the agricultural machinery factory every day, discussing with the craftsmen how to recreate the 18th-century agricultural tools from his past memories.
In preparation for the emancipation of serfs, Father Morrison was instructed to set up a propaganda team, withdrawing several teachers and a group of moderately educated students to subtly instill anti-slavery sentiments among the attendees of Wes Academy.
For example, organizing some drama performances depicting the brutality of slave owners and the plight of slaves, and quoting passages from scriptures or other religious texts to declare how the institution of slavery violates the teachings of the Lord.
As a devout follower of the Light Lord with a piety rating above the pass line, Father Morrison naturally fully supported the Earl's abolitionist intentions and brainstormed daily on how to enhance the effectiveness of the propaganda.
Soon after, centered in Alden Town, the propaganda team launched extensive campaigns throughout Alden's territory, leveraging Father Morrison's religious background under the banner of the Light Lord to reduce certain disturbances and obstacles.
As the work of the propaganda team unfolded, even Leonard, the secluded Dean of the North Bank Monastery, became aware of such a team spreading slogans of equality for all, similar to church ideals.
Upon learning that there were also several monks from the monastery in the propaganda team, he sighed in admiration that these young renegades who had abandoned their secluded life had not forgotten the teachings of the Lord.
Dean Leonard contacted Father Morrison, and after a deep conversation, although he disliked Morrison's smoothness, he had to admit that the man did have his own understanding of doctrine.
He expressed concern to Morrison, "Won't you incur the displeasure of Earl Grayman by doing this?"
After all, Paul Grayman could be said to be the largest slave owner in this land, with the combined number of serfs of other landlords not necessarily matching his alone.
Morrison smiled slyly, motioned for others to leave, and quietly revealed that he was acting under the orders of Earl Grayman himself. It was because the Earl was worried about secular interference that he did not personally intervene.
Leonard was very surprised and immediately felt ashamed of his previous suspicion of Paul having witchcraft suspicion and rejecting his request.
Equality for all was once an important concept at the beginning of the Church's founding, and this concept was also one of the reasons why it was able to attract believers on a large scale. However, with the corruption and decadence of the upper clergy, and their collusion with secular nobles, the slogan had become just that—a slogan.
He immediately expressed his willingness to provide as much help as he could for the abolitionist cause, so Morrison took the opportunity to recruit several monks from the monastery.
...
Quiller Foster was finally about to leave. During this period, he had been wandering around Alden's territory, enjoying the scenery of the northwest wind. Before leaving, he came to Alden Town to bid farewell to Paul.
In the evening, Paul hosted a feast in the castle to entertain Quiller and the members of his adventure party who served as his guards. He asked Quiller to convey his respects to Marquis Foster and expressed his desire to establish a business cooperation with the Foster family. Quiller readily agreed once again, patting his chest.
Hansel also attended the dinner and expressed his wish to travel south with Quiller and others. Young Master Foster gladly agreed.
After dinner, everyone played cards in the entertainment room for a while before retiring to their rooms.
But after lying down, Paul tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Over the past few days, various ambitious plans had been flashing through his mind, turning him into a night owl.
Forget it, let's get some fresh air. He put on his clothes, walked out of the bedroom, and then noticed the green-haired girl standing by the window. She was looking up at the moon, lost in thought. The moonlight enveloped her, giving her a misty beauty.
He greeted her proactively, "Good evening, Miss Ladia."
Miss Scholar seemed startled, turning around to see the young lord standing behind her. She nodded slightly and calmly responded, "Good evening, Earl."
Paul asked, "Are you so excited about returning home tomorrow that you can't sleep?"
She didn't respond, her large scholar's hat casting her face in shadow, making her expression hard to discern.
Awkward! Paul felt a bit embarrassed. It seemed she didn't want to be disturbed. He should probably leave.
"When we encountered the black-spotted tiger in the forest that day, thanks to you, otherwise I would have fallen prey to the tiger's jaws. I'm deeply grateful!"
After thanking her, he turned to leave, but she unexpectedly spoke up about another matter, "The recruitment decree for talents in the town center, was it posted by you?"
Hmm? Why ask about that now? "Yes, Miss Ladia, are you interested in staying here to work?"
Miss Scholar shook her head. Paul wasn't surprised; there was no comparison between the remote northwest and the bustling south.
She continued, "It's rare to find someone who doesn't care about birth and lineage in this world. Even in the supposedly enlightened southern nations, these two aspects are prioritized."
Paul replied, "I've never cared much about those things. Whether they're minor nobles or commoners, even if a slave came with skills, I would entrust them with important tasks."
The girl fell silent again. Just as Paul was about to leave once more, he heard her ask softly, "What about others?"
"Hmm? What do you mean?" Paul was a bit puzzled.
"Like... those who are naturally different from others, not in terms of social status..."
She seemed unsure how to continue, hesitating before adding, "Those groups that might be seen by ordinary people as 'non-human.'"
Paul asked, "But from your tone, do these 'special groups' still belong to humanity in your eyes?"
The girl nodded.
"Miss Ladia, we have a saying here: If an animal looks like a donkey, walks like a donkey, and even brays like a donkey, then it's a donkey."
"Hehe!" The girl chuckled, amused by this analogy, her laughter bringing a refreshing feeling to Paul.
He continued, "Do they look like humans?"
She nodded.
"Do they speak human language?"
Again, she nodded.
"Do they value family and friendship?"
She nodded once more.
"Do they obey laws?"
This time, instead of nodding, the girl said, "Like ordinary people, there are good ones and bad ones."
Paul clapped his hands together, "Very well, then I'll accept any 'good ones' among them and arrest all the 'bad ones.'"
Miss Scholar stared at Paul, her eyes fixed.
After a while, she bowed slightly and said, "Lord Grayman, may luck and kindness always accompany you."
With that, Ladia turned and walked towards her room.
"What a strange night it's turning out to be," Paul muttered to himself, standing alone in the corridor.
(End of the Chapter)