Gawain found it challenging to articulate his long-term vision and concerns to others. Even with his most trusted individuals, Rebecca and Herti, he struggled to convey his thoughts effectively. Instead, he opted to break down his grand plans into smaller, manageable phases, focusing on specific details that could be gradually implemented.
What they accomplished today was a foundational step, merely the beginning of the efforts needed to establish their territory.
For Rebecca and Herti, Gawain's initiatives revealed an astonishing side of the peasants and serfs.
They had never witnessed such enthusiasm for work from these individuals, who were now completing tasks they previously would have struggled to perform.
They believed that Gawain's promise of a meat meal was motivating the laborers, and indeed, it was effective. However, it was still premature to talk about cultivating a culture of self-confidence and pride in labor. Utilizing the incentive of a meal was the simplest and most effective way to boost motivation.
Back in the central tent of the camp, Gawain took out paper and pen to record some thoughts while instructing Sir Byron, who had just entered. "Send two people to prepare the meat for cooking; I want enough for ten servings. Additionally, anyone who participated in the labor should be provided with soup and black bread. We have sufficient food reserves, and during the initial stages of establishing the territory, we cannot afford to have anyone fall ill from hunger or exposure."
"Are we really preparing ten servings of meat?" Byron asked, slightly surprised.
"Of course, I must fulfill my promise. Is there an issue with that?" Gawain responded, his tone firm.
"I assumed you would only make a simple meat stew. A few pieces of meat, combined with vegetables, would suffice to show gratitude," Byron explained.
"Do as I instructed," Gawain replied, waving him off. "My promises cannot have any shortcuts. Oh, and ensure the cook sets up the large pot in a prominent area of the camp; I want everyone to see the meat being cooked, while the soldiers maintain order to prevent any chaos."
Byron bowed slightly, albeit with a puzzled expression, before departing.
At that moment, Gawain felt a pair of eyes on him. He turned to see Amber staring intently.
"What are you looking at?" he asked, shifting uncomfortably. "Is there something on my face?"
"I was just wondering if you were possessed by something in the vault, but you don't seem to be," Amber replied earnestly. "I've never heard of a noble voluntarily diminishing their wealth…"
Gawain chuckled. "Do you really think my actions are diminishing my wealth?"
"Isn't that what it seems?" Amber shrugged. "Turning serfs into free citizens means they'll only need to give you a portion of the food they grow, and now you're paying them wages from your own pocket… Can nobles really do that?"
"If I asked you to help me paint a wall and didn't pay you, how much work would you do in a day?" Gawain inquired.
Amber pondered for a moment. "I'd probably steal a few coins from you to hire someone else to do the work, then use the rest for drinks!"
Gawain replied with a laugh, "It seems I'm wasting my breath trying to reason with someone like you!"
Amber retorted, "How am I a disgrace to all living things?"
Just then, Herti entered the tent, interrupting their exchange. She wore an expression of disbelief. "Ancestor, it's simply incredible! They have never worked this hard before—especially the serfs. They didn't even need supervision to finish their tasks…"
"Because they previously worked only for the lord, but now their work directly affects their food supply," Gawain replied matter-of-factly. "This is merely the first step; what you see is just the beginning. Compared to what we must provide in food and wages, the returns we will receive are substantial."
"I had considered motivating them through incentives, but I never achieved this level of engagement," Herti shook her head in amazement. "I can hardly imagine what would happen if these reforms continued—what the future of our territory would look like."
Gawain smiled. "It will undoubtedly progress positively. Just trust me. And what I've implemented today is only the first step. Come over here; I want to show you something…"
He gestured for Herti to approach as he began to outline his thoughts on paper. Amber had peered over earlier but lost interest; now, Herti listened attentively. "What is this?" she asked, observing the intricate notes.
The paper was filled with unfamiliar terminology such as workgroups, competition, contracting, assessment methods, and efficiency statistics. Other sheets indicated mid-term plans, which included basic education, mana talent surveys, and talent acquisition—concepts that seemed rather bewildering.
"These are ideas I've developed recently, but I haven't had the opportunity to implement them until now. Now that we've started building the territory, we must set these plans in motion," Gawain explained, pointing to the first page. "These ideas may be challenging for the common folk and serfs to grasp initially, so I want you to explain them to Byron and the overseers. We need to reiterate these points repeatedly. By the way, where is Rebecca?"
"She's… helping to burn the weeds and bushes on the southern bank of the river," Herti replied. "It's also one of the ways she practices her magic."
Gawain raised an eyebrow. "Call her over. She can practice her fireball spell anytime."
Moments later, Rebecca entered the tent, looking disheveled with soot on her face and a smoky aroma about her—more like someone emerging from a kitchen than a mage practicing spells.
"I want to discuss the new work shifts we'll implement in the camp," Gawain began, unfurling his plan. "First, I want all laborers divided into groups of five to ten individuals. Each group will be assigned specific tasks and rotating shifts…"
"Each group must report to the overseer before beginning work and again upon completion. The overseer will track each group's progress. Additionally, each group will have a leader responsible for task distribution within the group…"
"They will select their own leaders, and I want to make it clear that these leadership roles aren't permanent. If a leader negatively impacts efficiency or attempts to deceive the overseer and the lord, they will be replaced."
"Work effectiveness will be assessed by groups, with rewards and punishments applied to the entire group. I'll explain the reward system and competitive mechanisms shortly…"
"I'll also need to establish a method for tracking tool distribution and returns," he added, providing an overview of his plans.
Gawain spoke at length about his ideas. Both Rebecca and Herti felt overwhelmed, especially Herti, who struggled to follow Gawain's rapid-fire explanation. The initial ideas appeared to be just vague concepts.
"Ancestor, isn't it overly complicated to turn simple work into such a complex system?" Herti asked, perplexed.
"While it may seem complex, the end goal is simple: the common folk and serfs will only need to work efficiently and effectively to receive their benefits. Once they experience the rewards, they will adhere to these new systems. As compliance increases, you will witness remarkable efficiency—far surpassing what we see in the tent setups today. Initially, it may be challenging to implement, which is why you need to communicate these ideas consistently and clearly. Furthermore, strict enforcement is essential; simply tell them this is now the law of the Cecil territory."
Gawain couldn't help but appreciate the backward nature of the times. The ignorance of the masses made blind obedience to authority a given. The words of a lord carried weight, leaving little room for dissent. In this environment, he could implement many of his ideas with minimal resistance.
Yet, he recognized that this was not the outcome he desired. His aim was to transform every "commoner" within the Cecil territory into a living, breathing citizen.
He needed people—many people.
His plans would require a collective effort beyond what one person could accomplish alone.
Thus, while implementing these systems, he would also have Herti continue to explain them to the populace. It didn't matter if they initially struggled to comprehend; eventually, they would understand.
Herti was perceptive and possessed wisdom that surpassed many of her contemporaries. After Gawain explained the details and she reflected on them, she began to grasp their significance. She nodded in agreement.
"And what about me?" Rebecca, sensing Herti had received her assignment, eagerly interjected. "What can I do?"
The once high-born lady of the Cecil family had now fully embraced her role as Gawain's assistant.
"Tomorrow, I want you to take some people to assess the soil quality, determine the feasibility of cultivation, and identify areas we can begin working on. Just don't wander too far."
As Gawain outlined a rough map on a sheet of paper, indicating a large area centered around the riverbank, Rebecca stared in disbelief at the unrefined sketch. It was little more than a crude outline.
"Just stick to this area for now—don't concern yourself with the regions beyond."
"Okay… alright…" Rebecca replied, still bewildered as she took the "map."
Amber, watching the exchange with wide eyes, mused, "Are you all from the same era as the legendary pioneers?"
Gawain pondered for a moment, then decided it would be prudent to respond casually. "Of course! Sketching half a kingdom's geography at a moment's notice was a standard skill for our time."
Amber looked incredulous.