Two weeks passed swiftly, and all the seeds had been distributed to the smaller towns. The people had completed their planting, and the water resources had finally arrived.
Stephen had already issued an order for everyone to conserve the water they had, as the territory was enduring a difficult time.
After spending those two weeks in the territory, Stephen decided to return to the main city.
He appointed Roch and Jocelyn as overseers, instructing them to send letters detailing any improvements regarding the crops. He had also hired Arthur, Roch's younger brother, as his new coachman.
Upon his return to the main city, Stephen noted that the city still appeared barren. However, amidst the people walking on the streets, faint smiles occasionally broke through their somber expressions.
Water was being distributed to all in the central square, while there were also carts filled with barrels travelling to smaller towns, and other cities.
As soon as Stephen arrived at the estate, he was greeted by numerous servants, including his loyal aide, Tristan.
"Welcome back, my lord," Tristan said, bowing deeply along with the other servants.
Stephen gestured for Tristan to follow him as they entered the office together. He surveyed the new documents piled on the table and clicked his tongue in annoyance. "The total cost is about five million gold, is that correct?"
"Yes, my lord," Tristan replied.
Stephen nodded in acknowledgment. "Good, you've completed the task. Now, have you secured the people I requested?"
"Yes, my lord, I purchased the two slaves," Tristan confirmed.
"Bring them here," Stephen ordered, glancing over the documents. He had just recently returned, but his work was already piling up once more.
Tristan left and returned a few moments later, leading two slaves. One was an elderly man, and the other, a child. Both bowed respectfully before Stephen.
A smile broke across Stephen's face. "Welcome to our estate, I hope you that you have rested well in the territory." Stephen said, and quickly went straight to the point. "From what I gather, you are from the Sahara Empire, correct?"
"Y-Yes, my lord," the elderly man replied, a hint of surprise in his voice.
Curiosity flickered in Stephen's eyes. "It seems you know how to speak our language."
"I have learned a few phrases, my lord," the elderly man answered.
Stephen nodded approvingly. "Now, I bought you because I have a task for you, I understand that your people possess knowledge of finding water deep beneath the ground, it's called underwater lakes, aquifers?"
The elderly man quickly nodded. "Yes, my lord."
"Then I assume you know how, especially since you were once a village chief," Stephen stated, watching the man carefully.
"I do know, my lord... but," the elderly man hesitated, his expression cautious.
"Of course, I won't take your knowledge without compensation. What do you seek in return for your assistance?" Stephen inquired earnestly, noticing the man's reluctance.
The elderly man heaved a sigh of relief at the offer. "Can you please buy my people from the slave house in Marquis Lafaille's territory?"
Stephen chuckled lightly. He had thought that the old man, wanted gold coins, but instead the man's demand, aroused Stephen's curiosity. "That is a small request. I can and will gladly fulfill it in exchange for your help."
The elderly man bowed his head, tears brimming in his eyes. "Thank you, my lord!"
"First, please sign this," Stephen said, smiling.
The elderly man stepped forward. Although he struggled to read the foreign script, he grasped the key elements. Sweat fell from his forehead as he read the contract.
Stephen tilted his head, observing the man's discomfort. "I cannot simply buy everyone without some compensation. Your desire is noble, as is mine, but it will require a significant number of gold coins. Surely you understand?"
The elderly man nodded slowly, noticing the truth in Stephen's words. He signed the papers without further hesitation, knowing that he is completely under the hands of the young man.
The contract stated that everyone in the slave house, would serve the count till they lose their breath. Although he was bought, he is still considered a slave. At the very least, Stephen treated him as a human.
He couldn't let his people be, especially in the slave house, where they could hardly eat. But as the elderly man look at the young man, he could see the desperation, in his eyes. Just like him, who wants to save his people, the count also wished the same thing.
"Good. It has been a pleasure doing business with you," Stephen said, placing the document in a drawer.
"Now that that is settled, let's discuss your method, shall we?" The elderly man, named Shibal, began to explain.
He was once a village chief, but he had been forced to flee his homeland due to the civil war, him and his people seek refuged, but eventually becoming slaves, sold to the nobility.
Shibal described the techniques his people had developed to locate water deep underground, since he was born in the harsh desert, he knew how to locate water source, taught by his people.
He detailed various methods that had proven effective over the years.
Tristan was tasked to accompany Shibal and assist however possible. As the two left the office, Stephen was left alone, his thoughts swirling.
The pearl millet crops were currently in production, while Shibal and Tristan focused on locating the water source.
However, the economic situation weighed heavily on Stephen's mind. He knew he could not simply reopen the shops; no one would come to buy goods during such dire times.
The city had previously relied on tourism, but with visitors now absent, the economy was in shambles. Stephen collected his thoughts, knowing that he had many problems to deal with.
Years ago, when the economy thrived, taxes were set at three gold coins per person, and the commoners had little reason to complain. Since many earned over fifty gold coins, due to the thriving economy.
But now, with incomes drastically reduced, not even a single coin could be afforded by most. Stephen contemplated lowering the taxes, since even a single silver coin was too much for the struggling populace.
Desperate for a solution, he resolved to suspend taxes altogether for the year.
"I must at least waive taxes this year," Stephen sighed. He began to draft a decree, instructing his servant to announce it in every town and city throughout his territory.
With that task pending, Stephen leaned back in his chair and began to consider other pressing matters.
Food and water were secured, but shelter and clothing remained significant issues. With winter just four months away, he understood that clothing was essential. Without proper attire, many would perish from the bitter cold.
In winter, people wouldn't step food outside; they stayed warm within their homes, using blankets and layers of undergarments to shield against the chill.
Stephen chuckled to himself, recalling how he had bundled himself in layers during previous winters, resembling a puffed-up balloon.
As he began to choose his options for clothing supplies, three potential solutions emerged: knitting machines, weaving looms, and sewing machines.
The knitting machine and weaving loom could produce warm garments quickly, creating woolen layers and socks. However, the sewing machine offered speedier production.
Yet, the problem remained with the overall cost. The knitting machine and weaving loom cost only 200 gold coins each, while the sewing machine required 1,000 gold coins. Though the sewing machine was faster, the people were unfamiliar with its operation.
While they could be taught, it would take time.
After much deliberation, Stephen finally resolved, "Though it may take some time, the sewing machine is the best option."
He made his way to the treasury room, a month ago, he had only placed a few chest since he had discreetly hidden away the remaining gold in a secure basement, ensuring no one could access it.
Using a newly acquired calculator, Stephen calculated how many sewing machines he could afford.
After finishing his calculations, Stephen placed the order, then he opened the chests, and the gold coins disappeared into the system's makeshift mouth.
[Thank you for your purchase of 278 sewing machines]
[The sewing machines have been placed inside your inventory!]
Stephen smiled, and walked downstairs.
"Good afternoon, my lord," Emeric, the new chamberlain, greeted him.
"Emeric, have the town criers announced the news to the city yet?" Stephen asked, adjusting his new coat.
"Yes, my lord. The other town criers have also left for the smaller cities and towns," Emeric replied, smoothing the coat on Stephen's back.
"Excellent. Please call the remaining town criers to me," Stephen instructed, and Emeric promptly complied.
After a brief wait, three town criers appeared before him. "Now then, you three have an important task from your lord," Stephen said, gesturing for Emeric to present the papers.
Emeric handed each of them a piece of parchment. "You three will travel to various cities and towns, calling upon the best tailors, seamstresses, weavers, and knitters. Bring them here at once."
"At your service my lord!" The trio of novice town criers bowed deeply and swiftly dispersed to carry out their orders.
Meanwhile, Stephen boarded the carriage, heading toward the location where Shibal and Tristan were working on locating the new water resource. Stephen wanted to check himself, regarding the progress. Although he hasn't hoped much, since it was still the first day.
As soon as Stephen arrived at the site, he noticed that there were multiple men from the city digging on the ground.
"My lord!" Tristan called out, his voice ringing with excitement despite the mud smeared across his face. Realizing his disheveled state, he paused, glancing down at his soiled hands and tunic.
"I apologize for my appearance, my lord," he murmured, bowing slightly, a hint of embarrassment in his tone.