Thanks to the additional mages, the construction pace had significantly improved, but the shortage of capable personnel remained critical.
The biggest issue was the lack of administrative officials to handle the workload.
With the expansion of territory and population came an exponential increase in administrative duties.
At first, the officials from Fenris had tackled the tasks with enthusiasm, but the overwhelming workload gradually led to backlogs.
In this era, finding literate individuals capable of handling administrative work was no easy feat.
"Hmm, things feel like they're starting to grind to a halt."
At a council meeting with his vassals, Ghislain muttered as he glanced at the mountain of reports piling up before him.
Claude, his eyes shadowed with exhaustion, spoke in a lamenting tone.
"Yes, at this rate, even the construction will start to fall behind. Calculating wages for the laborers, managing resource supply, and handling accidents—all of it is becoming increasingly inefficient. We simply lack the manpower to oversee and address these issues. Even with holy power letting us work without sleep, it's still not enough."
"Even with Piote diligently resurrecting people, we're still in this state?"
"Mental fatigue is significant. Holy power doesn't restore mental strength, after all."
Having collapsed and been revived several times himself, Claude grumbled. While his body remained intact, his mental exhaustion had reached the point where he felt on the brink of a breakdown.
To manage the vast workload that had suddenly arisen, they needed far more administrators than they currently had.
"Are we still looking for people?"
"Yes, but it's not easy. While offering food has attracted plenty of people, most of them are unverified, and trusting them is difficult. We can't risk assigning critical tasks to unverified individuals, as we don't know if rival nobles have planted spies among them."
"That's unavoidable since we're gradually lifting the territory's lockdown. For now, assign unverified individuals to simple tasks only."
The territory couldn't remain closed off forever.
They needed new people, and they also needed to sell food and iron ore to acquire other essential resources.
With the territory's expansion, such risks were inevitable.
As Ghislain pondered for a moment, he brought up an idea he had been considering for some time.
"Let's start by establishing educational institutions throughout the territory. Begin with basic academic studies and urgent medical training."
"Educational institutions?"
"Yes. Surely there are bright individuals among the territory's residents? With some training, they should be able to handle simple tasks. What do you think?"
"It's not a bad idea. We'll have to build them eventually, anyway. But constructing and staffing them will take time, so it won't solve the immediate shortage of administrators."
"That's a separate issue to address. For now, set up the institutions quickly and start recruiting students immediately. Education will be free of charge."
"But… will people want to learn? Most will probably think it's a waste of time if studying doesn't put food on the table."
Claude's observation was accurate. In general, people didn't see education as something for everyone.
It was considered a privilege reserved for wealthy commoners or nobles.
Rather than wasting time on education that seemed useless, most people preferred to work and earn money.
However, Ghislain had a simple solution to that problem.
"Tell them they'll get food for studying."
"Pardon?"
"Why would anyone study for free? It's all an investment in our territory. Test the students, and if they show promise, support their living expenses so they can focus solely on studying."
"Well… alright. That sounds reasonable."
Being a scholar himself, Claude didn't oppose the idea.
For the future of the territory, it was crucial to invest in nurturing talent over the long term.
He also knew how important a stable environment was for studying effectively.
Though it would be expensive, it was undoubtedly a good policy.
The other vassals, being educated themselves, had no objections either.
Ghislain, after a brief pause to gather his thoughts, continued.
"Once the situation stabilizes a bit more, I also plan to establish institutions to teach swordsmanship and magic. For that, I'll implement some new laws in advance."
His sudden announcement left the vassals looking puzzled.
But Ghislain, undeterred, voiced his thoughts.
"First, child labor is strictly prohibited. In our territory, no child will work until they reach adulthood."
"What?!"
The vassals were shocked. There wasn't a single territory in the Lutania Kingdom with such a law.
It was common sense to have children work as soon as they were capable of helping.
In farms and construction sites throughout the territory, it wasn't uncommon to see children brought by their parents to perform small tasks.
Even the smallest job could earn a little extra income, which was essential in such a harsh world.
"There will be significant opposition from the residents. You see… children are often regarded as part of a family's property. Many will see this as an infringement on their rights and freedoms."
"I don't care. From now on, it's strictly prohibited. Anyone caught breaking the law will face severe consequences. Instead, households with children will receive additional food support."
"Understood…"
The vassals bowed their heads. Once Ghislain decided on something, he would push it through no matter what.
While the backlash from the residents was inevitable, there was no other option but to placate them with extra food.
Trying to lighten the tense atmosphere, one vassal offered a lighthearted comment.
"I didn't realize how much our lord cherishes and values children. Surely, everyone will praise your warm-heartedness."
At this, Ghislain blinked and replied.
"What are you talking about? If children work from a young age, they won't grow properly. They need to be well-fed and healthy so they can become excellent soldiers for our territory in the future. That's why child labor is banned. Once they reach adulthood, they'll undergo annual basic military training."
"…"
The vassals had momentarily forgotten what kind of lord they served. Realizing Ghislain's true intentions, they were left speechless.
Ghislain continued without hesitation.
"Second, all children must receive basic education. Since we're already establishing educational institutions, make education mandatory for everyone. With residential areas being consolidated, it should be feasible."
"Uh… is that also…?"
"Yes, literacy and basic knowledge are essential for producing capable soldiers. Educated soldiers can carry out more complex operations, and we might even discover exceptional commanders among them."
"…"
"Third, the territory will fully cover medical expenses for the sick. So, we need to increase medical facilities in each residential area and recruit as many doctors as possible."
"Uh… is that also…?"
"Yes, the healthier and stronger our residents are, the more prepared they'll be to serve as soldiers when needed. They'll become powerful recruits."
"…"
"These three laws will take effect in the territory starting today. I assume no one has any objections."
Though his intentions were a bit unconventional, the laws themselves promised long-term benefits for the territory.
No one opposed the laws, but one problem remained.
After clearing his throat a few times, Claude spoke up.
"Hmm, everything sounds great. But… we're already short on personnel to manage the territory. Even if doctors can be recruited to both treat and train others, who will handle teaching and training in other areas?"
At this, Ghislain grinned.
"That's easy enough to solve. I've got a plan."
"Training someone to teach isn't a simple task. It requires more than just literacy. Where do we find scholars with the necessary knowledge and skills?"
Pointing directly at Claude, Ghislain replied.
"Bring some friends from the academy you attended. There must be plenty of people there."
"My… friends?"
"Yeah, convince as many as you can to come here. Use any means necessary. Promise them positions as academy professors or administrative officials in our territory."
Claude's face turned pale. Expecting people to take on both teaching and administrative duties? No one would willingly accept such roles.
Moreover, there was no way he could bring his former academy friends to such a place.
'Those guys might be my friends, but they're soft. Physically and mentally.'
Claude had toughened up through his experiences with rebellion and hardship, gaining a resilient (or so he thought) mental fortitude.
But his friends, who had spent their lives pursuing scholarly pursuits in comfort, wouldn't last a week here.
"Do we really need to go all the way to the small kingdom of Seiron to recruit scholars? Aren't there plenty of scholars within the Lutania Kingdom? There are many large academies here too."
"What would convince them to leave their comfortable lives to come to this harsh northern territory? You've already seen how difficult it is to recruit people."
"Then why would scholars from another kingdom leave their homes to come here? It's the same problem. Moving away means hardship."
It was obvious to Claude—he was living proof of that fact.
But Ghislain just smirked.
"Don't try to be clever. Most of your friends are probably unemployed or stuck in insignificant positions. You think I don't know that?"
"Ugh…"
Claude's face twisted in discomfort.
It didn't take much imagination to figure out the situation.
No noble would hire scholars tainted by association with a treasonous mentor. They wouldn't want the risk. After the rebellion, most of his friends would have lost their positions or been driven out of their lands, forced into poverty.
Ghislain clicked his tongue before continuing.
"Tsk tsk, look at you. You've made it as the head butler of a major territory, and you don't even think of helping your struggling friends. Isn't that a bit harsh?"
"Wow… seriously."
Claude clutched his chest in frustration.
Success? Comfortable life? If this was a success, he wanted none of it. With endless work and barely any sleep, what kind of "success" was this?
Still, despite the overwhelming workload, Ghislain's reasoning made sense. Reluctantly, Claude muttered.
"…What if I refuse?"
"You know our style. Until we recruit enough people, you just keep working with the current staff. Why even ask?"
"Ugh…"
Claude buried his face in his hands.
Ghislain's argument was perfectly logical. Recruiting a group of scholars all at once was the most efficient solution.
It was far better than the current painstaking process of hiring one or two people at a time. Plus, there would be no need for extensive background checks to weed out potential spies from rival nobles.
His friends, all well-educated, could handle high-level administrative duties with ease. Their diverse fields of expertise would also help address various deficiencies in the territory.
As Claude continued to hesitate, Ghislain added with a casual tone.
"Promise them proper compensation. Better yet, invite their families to move here and settle down. I'll personally ensure their livelihoods are secure."
'Wow, even now, he's thinking about increasing the population.'
Claude stared at Ghislain, dumbfounded. Truly, this man never missed a chance to maximize returns.
Still, given the circumstances, his friends might actually appreciate the opportunity. At least here, they wouldn't have to worry about going hungry.
After scratching his head a few times, Claude finally made up his mind.
"Fine. I'll bring them. Their families too."
He had avoided his friends out of guilt over past events, but he couldn't ignore their plight any longer. At the very least, he could offer them a choice and a chance for a better future.
Ghislain smiled in satisfaction.
"Good decision. Convince as many as you can."
"Alright, but I'll need to spend quite a bit of money."
"Why?"
"Do you think anyone will come if I look shabby? I need to present myself as someone truly 'successful.' That means handing out some money and gifts to make an impression."
"Hmm… fine. Spend what you need to. Just keep it reasonable."
Ghislain's response was reluctant.
And with good reason. While he wasn't stingy when it came to necessary expenses, he could already see Claude going overboard.
Since he couldn't personally oversee the spending, he decided to allow some leeway this time.
"Ahem, then I'll be on my way!"
With official permission to dip into public funds, Claude gleefully dragged Wendy along and left the room.
Once a decision was made, he believed it was best to embrace it and make the most of it.
Watching Claude's retreating figure, Ghislain clicked his tongue and gave an order.
"Gillian, take 50 knights and 200 soldiers to escort him. He'll get robbed by bandits at this rate. And make sure everyone arrives back safely."
"Understood."
With a strong escort secured, Claude had nothing to hold him back.
He packed carts full of food and set off for the Kingdom of Seiron.
[T/L: Please support me and read 130 extra chapters: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans ]