The workers in the camp soon realized that their "ancestor" from seven hundred years ago was quite an unusual person.
The sudden transition of leadership from Miss Rebecca to Lord Gawain was a topic of indifference among the peasants and serfs. In this era, the lower classes were primarily concerned with ensuring their daily sustenance; as long as they received enough food, they were grateful for their lord's generosity and wisdom. Who exactly the lord was held little significance for them. After Gawain took over, the only notable discussion among them revolved around the peculiar new regulations he had implemented.
The idea that serfs could rise to become free citizens, or that free citizens could receive wages for their labor, was met with a mix of skepticism and cautious optimism. Most chose to believe these new rules represented their new lord's generosity. According to their experience, such promises would likely be fulfilled in a cunning or harsh manner: perhaps one or two serfs would gain their freedom, and while some might receive wages for their labor, most would find their earnings diminished by various excuses. Ultimately, only a few lucky ones would earn a meager token, validating the lord's claims to have honored his word.
However, neither the peasants nor the serfs voiced any complaints; a lord who displayed generosity was far preferable to one who asserted authority through violence. Besides, a few tangible benefits were likely to emerge from these changes.
In contrast to the benevolence of the new regulations, the array of new rules established by Lord Gawain truly left them bewildered.
Dividing labor into small working groups, fostering competition, and recording work outputs for assessment were novel concepts for them.
Some individuals engaged in quiet discussions, speculating on which of the new regulations would later serve as the basis for taxation—even though, at present, no one in the impoverished Cecil domain could afford to pay taxes. Others debated whether the complexity of these labor regulations stemmed from the eccentricities of ancient nobility.
Regardless of the uncertainty surrounding these regulations, one aspect was clear and beneficial: the top-performing group in daily evaluations would receive meat, while the second and third place could enjoy bread dipped in meat broth.
Those who performed poorly would only receive bland vegetable soup and black bread. While these rations were sufficient to stave off hunger, for those who had missed out on meat during the first day's "tent assembly evaluation," the prospect of watching others enjoy stew while they consumed soup was unappealing.
Despite the seemingly absurd nature of the promotion and wage system, the lord's promise of meat had already been validated.
Thus, on the second day in camp, Heidi witnessed a labor scene she had never seen before. Both peasants and serfs worked with an almost frenzied enthusiasm; they completed their tasks swiftly and efficiently, even without the presence of overseers. The work was organized into groups, fostering cooperation and significantly increasing productivity.
Most of the individuals chosen as group leaders quickly realized that if they wanted to enjoy meat, their only option was to improve the overall efficiency of their group, ensuring every member had the opportunity to partake. Conversely, those leaders who relied on intimidation or cunning would likely find themselves replaced before long.
Instead of using whips to drive them to work, Gawain employed competition and rewards—a remarkable approach.
Tents had already been set up, and Rebecca was leading some individuals to survey the nearby wasteland. The lumberjack team had departed early that morning for the logging site upstream along the Whitewater River, where logs would be floated downstream before noon. To prevent the wood from being washed away by the river, Heidi had entrusted the inspection to Sir Byron, while she awaited the logs at the riverbank.
At the appointed time, the first batch of logs appeared. They were bundled together with thick ropes, larger logs at the bottom and smaller ones stacked atop. From a distance, the makeshift raft resembled an unsightly clump of dead branches floating on the water. Two anxious serfs stood atop the raft, using long poles to navigate its course. The current of the Whitewater River in this section was slow, and the weather was calm; however, the makeshift raft was difficult to control, requiring their utmost attention.
Soon, the two serfs noticed that the raft began to drift steadily toward the shallow bank. They saw a translucent giant hand forming on one side of the raft, a manifestation of air that was gently but firmly guiding the raft toward the shore. One serf instinctively gasped, but the other quickly struck him on the head with his pole and pointed toward the figure of Lady Heidi standing on the riverbank.
They hastily coordinated with their lady to push the raft toward the shore, allowing it to brush against the sand and come to a smooth stop.
The individuals waiting on the shore quickly surged forward, loosening the ropes and dragging the logs, preparing to convert them into the necessary structures for the camp.
While the wood typically required drying and pest treatment before becoming suitable building material, the urgency of the camp's temporary needs allowed for some leniency in processing.
Standing behind Heidi, Gawain observed thoughtfully, "Magic is indeed quite convenient…"
Startled by his sudden voice, Heidi almost lost her balance and fell from her perch on the rock, but Gawain caught her just in time.
"Apologies," she stammered, flustered. "I didn't expect you to be standing behind me…"
"It was my fault for startling you," Gawain replied, waving off the incident. "By the way, that was quite an impressive display you just performed."
Heidi's cheeks flushed slightly. "Telekinetic Hand is a basic spell, but I've practiced its advanced techniques to extend its duration. By maintaining the push, even a heavy raft can be guided to shore. However, if the current were any stronger, it would be more challenging…"
Although Gawain was a knight, he had been compelled to become something of a polymath during the age of exploration. He had acquired some theoretical knowledge about magic, and while Heidi's explanation sounded simple, he knew that enhancing a basic spell to this level, especially through advanced practice, was no small feat.
"I'm not particularly gifted in magic," Heidi admitted, her embarrassment evident. "Although I awakened my affinity for magic at a young age, my mental acuity is slow. I can't construct overly complex spell models, so I've only managed to reach the level of a novice third-tier mage. I will probably remain at this level for the rest of my life, relying on repetitively enhancing basic spells."
"It seems Rebecca's magical talent isn't particularly high either…" Gawain frowned, recalling the instance when his headstrong descendant managed to conjure four variations of the Fireball spell.
"She possesses a significant amount of magical energy and strong mental capabilities, but she encounters similar difficulties in constructing spell models, perhaps even worse," Heidi continued, looking downcast. "She can only master the Fireball spell or a similarly structured Greater Fireball spell. She is a hardworking girl, and she knows she isn't particularly talented—neither as a lord nor as a mage. While she appears carefree, she is aware of her limitations and has been quietly striving to improve. However, talent is an inherent constraint, a wall that is hard to cross."
Sighing softly, she reflected, "So when I came across the notes from that rogue mage, I was genuinely astonished… He isn't an exception. This situation is common among fallen mages, where their ability to construct spell models fails to match their theoretical understanding, leaving them as low-level casters for life. For pragmatic mages, if they can't convert their theoretical calculations into usable spells, it renders all their knowledge meaningless…"
"Not at all." Gawain's voice suddenly interrupted her.
Heidi paused, momentarily puzzled. "What do you mean?"
"If being able to cast a Fireball or Ice Arrow is the only measure of 'practicality,' then there's not much difference between a mage wielding a staff and a monkey swinging a stick," Gawain countered, shaking his head. "The formulas are not zero; they are simply part of a larger equation. You just haven't found where to place the decimal point yet…"
Heidi furrowed her brow, perplexed. "I… don't quite understand. If I can't implement the formulas in my mind using spell models, what good is my theoretical knowledge? Can I even defend myself?"
"You will come to understand one day that the phrase 'can defend oneself' is not the only criterion for evaluating a mage, nor should it be the primary one," Gawain chuckled. "I've sent messengers to Tanzan to inform Sir Philip to procure additional supplies. By the time the main forces arrive, your magic laboratory will be established."
"A magic laboratory?" Heidi was taken aback for a moment, then furrowed her brow. "Those supplies are quite expensive, especially in the initial phase…"
"I've retrieved several ingots of mithril from the mountain vault. These are not currency and do not need to be minted, and they can serve as hard currency for purchasing magical items. They will suffice to set up the basics for you. I know your previous laboratory in the castle has been completely destroyed, but we need a new one as quickly as possible."
Heidi recalled the tasks Gawain had previously assigned her.
"Understood. Once the crystal resonator arrives, I will replicate the rune structures you requested!" She couldn't help but smile; while she regretted the loss of the mithril ingots, as a mage, how could she not be thrilled at the prospect of having her own magic laboratory again?
And as the saying goes, a descendant selling their ancestral land does not bring remorse…
Is it wrong for an ancestor to give their great-great-great-granddaughter some pocket money for lab equipment? Absolutely not!
Well, perhaps that reasoning doesn't quite fit Heidi's steady and mature demeanor, but it would certainly apply to Rebecca.
When time allows, should she consider setting up a magic laboratory for that headstrong girl too? Though it's likely that she would only study Fireball spells in there…
Lost in her musings, Gawain returned to his tent, ready to examine the peculiar crystals further.