A dozen or so individuals hesitated before stepping forward.
"I plan to reopen the mines. Those who return with me to Iron Valley will be provided with housing based on their family size, farmland to cultivate, and wages for their mining work. Does anyone wish to return home?"
After a moment of hesitation, one brave soul asked, "My lord, will we be allowed to choose our houses? I don't want to live in the village near the castle."
The others nodded in agreement, confirming what Michael had already suspected based on the old woman's earlier comments.
"That can be arranged," Michael replied. "Wages will start at a minimum of three silver a month. Take your time to consider."
The murmurs in the square grew louder. Three silver coins a month? For comparison, peasants with farmland typically earned between 1.5 to 2 silver coins a month.
