After the metal nib pen became popular among the nobility, many scholars and other lords sought to acquire one.
Thus, everyone was working diligently and at full capacity. Three days had already passed since the spring ball and the king's birthday. The Count's Territory was abuzz with activity.
The production of scented candles was underway, and supplies were being distributed. Handkerchiefs were ready and had begun to sell. The metal nib pen was in production and gradually being disseminated through trade.
The agricultural sector was thriving, with regular updates from Roch and Jocelyn. Water resources were being well managed under Shibal's care. However, despite the slow improvement in the economy, it would be misleading to claim that the territory was entirely stable.
Thus, Stephen could not afford to rest. While the production lines were functioning effectively, the challenge lay in the insufficient procurement of goods. Trade was adequate, but what he needed were tourists and merchants roaming the city.
"Tristan, how are Roch and Jocelyn faring?" Stephen inquired.
"They are doing well, my lord. The crops are flourishing, and they have adhered to the tasks you assigned them. They have divided the entire field into six sectors, each growing a different crop as you directed," Tristan responded.
Emeric was occupied with the tasks related to the metal nib pen, so Tristan took on his responsibilities. Stephen tapped his fingers on the table. "Hmm..." he mused, sipping his tea as he contemplated new innovations.
However, he realized he could not centralize all the work in the main city. To implement his plan, he required additional assistance. Thus, Stephen resolved to create specialized areas.
"Tristan, inform the town criers and begin relocating the workshop," Stephen commanded, beginning to explain the plan to Tristan.
The Count's Territory was divided into eight areas, each historically designated for a specific function, such as housing workers, farmlands, and workshops. But now, Stephen decided to enhance operations across all sectors, rather than confining a single workshop to one city.
Therefore, Stephen began to reorganize the workforce. Each of the eight subdivisions, including the main city, had its own distinct roles. However, given the pressing need for more hands, Stephen decided to adjust the workforce.
The farmlands would remain unchanged, but he needed to address the other subdivisions.
"Good afternoon, my lord," Layla greeted, bowing her head.
"Layla, you are one of the candlemakers, correct?" Stephen asked.
"Yes, my lord," Layla replied.
"Well then, I have been monitoring everyone's progress. Out of all of them, you exhibit exceptional tenacity. You have fostered good relationships with your colleagues, and your performance has been outstanding."
Stephen complimented her before adding, "For that, I have a task for you: the candle workshop will be relocated to the second city, and I am entrusting you with its management."
Layla blinked a few times, as if she had misheard. She appeared flustered and bowed her head.
"The workshop will be moved, so I suggest you and your family find suitable accommodations in the second city. Tristan will assist you with the arrangements," Stephen said, gesturing for Tristan to step forward.
Afterward, Stephen called upon Manuel, who was appointed to oversee the blacksmiths and other industrial workers, who would be relocated to the fourth city. Emeric was also given charge of attending to their needs.
Next, Stephen summoned another worker, Lydia, a talented embroiderer of handkerchiefs. He appointed her to manage operations in the second city, tasking Tristan with overseeing both Lydia and Layla.
Once all arrangements were made, Stephen took a moment to rest as everyone began to relocate. He gazed at the streets of the main city, observing the bustling activity. "Good, everything appears to be in order."
Stephen knew that challenges would arise, especially since he had entrusted the management of the handkerchief and scented soap production to women.
In this world, women were not typically permitted to hold significant positions. While some were employed as workers, men traditionally assumed leadership roles. This resulted in ongoing gender disputes, but for Stephen, he was determined to empower women in these roles.
After all, handkerchiefs and candle making were their specialties, and Stephen recognized that women held an important place in society.
---
One week passed, and everyone had settled into the new workforce structure. Layla and Lydia had both assumed management positions by this time.
With the workforce stabilized, production resumed smoothly. If any issues arose, Tristan was present to oversee operations, alleviating Stephen's concerns.
Stephen had also set his sights on developing another product: soap. Although soap existed, it was primarily used for washing clothes rather than for personal hygiene.
The existing soaps were crafted from animal fats.
Thus, Stephen decided to create a bran-new soap, not only for washing, but also for personal hygiene.
Stephen had often asked his servant to supply him with water for washing, recalling a week when he had gone without a proper bath due to water conservation.
Some servants also bore unpleasant odors, as bath soaps and other hygiene products were scarce in this era. Consequently, Stephen aimed to transform this situation.
First, he needed to address the water supply. Since the discovery of the underground lake, the territory had never lacked for water, and with Shibal traveling to smaller towns to assist them in establishing wells and educating them on water management, they had become abundant in this vital resource.
Thus, Stephen resolved to implement a change regarding hygiene products.
Stephen dispatched the necessary ingredients, and Tristan was already instructed on the step-by-step process.
The soap they would produce would be circular-shaped and mint-scented, offering a refreshing alternative. Given the workers' familiarity with scented candle production, the soap-making process would be similar, albeit with some variations.
Next, since the handkerchief's were already on sale. Stephen requested that they create small pouches adorned with matching floral designs.
Of course, even as these products were set to enter the market, Stephen ensured that each scented candle, handkerchief, and any future products would feature the Count's logo.
The Count's logo was a shield emblazoned with a black stallion. He was determined to safeguard his products, as it was illegal to counterfeit a territory's logo. Violators faced severe consequences, including the death penalty.
With this measure in place, he could protect his merchandise.
Stephen sent out letters to Tristan, confident that he did not need to worry about anything else, as everything was falling into place.
However, they still had considerable challenges ahead. Stephen for now could afford to take a breath.
"My lord, there is a guest waiting in the guest room," a servant announced, bowing respectfully.
Stephen raised an eyebrow, standing to adjust his suit. "What did the guest say? Did they at least state their name?" He was puzzled as to who would arrive at this hour, considering it was already past seven in the evening.
"She stated, that you know her my lord." The servant replied, making Stephen even more puzzled as to who this mystery woman is.
The servants opened the door, and as Stephen entered, he saw a woman in her fifties, dressed in common clothes, with brown hair and eyes. She was sipping tea, her gaze darting to Stephen.
Stephen took a seat. "Mother."
The woman smiled in response. "My, Stephen, you haven't even sent your old mother a letter."
"Well, I have been busy managing the territory's estate, mother," Stephen replied, shivering slightly in trepidation.
His mother in this world, Veronica.
Veronica chuckled. "That is no excuse; you have many servants. At least a letter would have sufficed. But instead, you chose to ignore your dear old mother."
Stephen sighed. "I apologize, mother." He said nothing more.
Stephen was acutely aware of many things regarding his mother, not least of which was that she could be incredibly intimidating.
She was well-versed in various subjects, had a broad knowledge of books, and even possessed some basic magical abilities that required both talent and intellect.
His mother was well-known in their town as the only person knowledgeable in medicine, earning a reputation as a nurse.
One aspect of her character that Stephen found particularly daunting was her keen intellect; she was manipulative and possessed a wealth of information.
Veronica smiled. "I have heard that your territory was on the brink of ruin. Just as I expected, you have managed, at the very least, to help the people avoid starvation."
"Nevertheless, what brings you here, mother?" Stephen asked, getting straight to the point.
"My, can't a worried mother visit her own son?" Veronica questioned, adding, "When you speak like that, it seems as though you do not wish for my company."
"I—It's not like that, mother. I am merely surprised by your visit." Stephen smiled. "In fact, I am overjoyed to see you."
Veronica beamed in response. "Now then, have you received any marriage proposals? Considering your name is circulating among the common folk throughout the empire, I assume you have garnered some interest?"
"Yes, mother," Stephen replied. "Why? Are you eager for me to wed already?"
"No, the territory takes precedence. I am merely inquiring; it would be advantageous for you to marry into a powerful family." Veronica paused, sipping her tea. "Perhaps the granddaughter of the marquess, Vanessa?"
Stephen paused, placing his cup on the table. "You are just the same as ever, mother. I wonder how you obtain such information."
Veronica chuckled. "Well, I have my sources—little birds that keep me informed."