NOVEL SIMPLE Chapter 22: Crap, Will He Die?
Chapter 22: Crap, Will He Die?
With the liberation of the slaves complete, the next step was the grand construction plan. Unlike the initial somber mood, everyone was now visibly excited and hopeful for the future. Even though they were still slaves, the fact that some had been freed was a clear message: with enough effort, they too could achieve freedom and become citizens of the Eagle's Ridge.
Such a temptation was greater than anything else.
Under this motivation, Thor’s policies were swiftly implemented.
Thor’s approach to construction differed greatly from that of most lords of the time. Drawing from memories of his past life, he meticulously planned and organized the development. In contrast to the chaotic layout of other territories, Eagle's Ridge was exceptionally well-structured.
He also set up numerous latrines, mandating that everyone use them for their needs, vastly improving the cleanliness of Eagle's Ridge. This wasn’t just for tidiness; it was crucial for collecting manure, which was excellent organic fertilizer. As someone who had experienced rural life in his past life, Thor understood the value of this resource and wasn’t going to miss the opportunity.
Despite some confusion among the people, Thor's authority was absolute. No one dared to question him, not even the newly freed citizens. The knights were even less likely to voice dissent.
With this organization, the construction of the territory progressed rapidly. Farmland was cleared, and numerous houses sprang up around the area. By the end of the first month, the outer areas were already completed, leaving only the interior construction, which Thor estimated would take another three months. By then, Eagle's Ridge would truly take shape.
Building a castle was the key to completing the initial development of a territory. It typically took three to five years for Pioneering knights to reach this stage, and sometimes even ten years for some. Constructing a castle was no small feat, requiring thousands of workers, which was not easily attainable for Pioneering knights. The cost of employing thousands of workers could run into hundreds or even thousands of gold coins, along with various other expenses. Such expenditure was beyond the reach of most knights, who were often merely baronial knights or wandering knights, not high-ranking nobles with substantial resources.
Thor was different. He had his father’s strong support and had promised all knights the opportunity to learn the Fierce Eagle Breathing Technique, which significantly boosted their enthusiasm. Even without further details, this promise motivated the knights immensely.
The presence of knights was far superior to ordinary slaves, and the construction speed increased dramatically. This was crucial for Thor, whose goal was not just to develop the territory but to complete the pioneering task and become a noble. The kingdom assessed territories every ten years, and with only three years left until the next assessment, Thor aimed to complete the task and secure his status as a noble.
As night fell, another day passed. The next morning, as the sun rose, Eagle's Ridge was once again immersed in intense construction.
Thor, while inspecting his territory, was deep in thought about future developments. However, his contemplation was interrupted when Ryan rushed over.
"My lord!" Ryan called out, looking anxious.
"What’s wrong?" Thor asked, curious as he stopped in his tracks.
"My lord, the elderly person you brought... he seems to be getting worse!"
Ryan spoke quickly.
"Worse?" Thor’s expression changed.
"Let’s go see!" Thor said urgently, heading towards the room where the elderly man was being kept.
Thor had invested a divine fruit and, recently, added a bottle of intermediate life potion to treat him. If the elderly man died now, Thor’s investment would be wasted.
The two of them moved quickly and soon arrived at the elderly man’s room. Upon seeing him, Thor’s face changed. The brown discoloration on the old man’s face, which had previously receded, was spreading again.
"Ryan, quickly get another bottle of life potion!"
"No, bring both bottles!" Thor ordered, hesitating only briefly before deciding to use all his remaining intermediate life potions.
"Yes, my lord!" Ryan was shocked but quickly complied.
Moments later, he returned with a wooden box containing the potions.
"Administer these two bottles to him!" Thor said, feeling a pang of regret. These were his last two intermediate life potions, originally meant for himself or his subordinates. However, given the urgency, he had no choice but to use them.
Ryan nodded and promptly opened the box, administering the potions to the elderly man.
After taking the intermediate life potions, the old man’s toxin levels stabilized and began to recede. There was even a noticeable resurgence of life energy in him.
"Ah..." Thor exhaled in relief. This was the last of his intermediate life potions. He had hoped to use one for himself to advance to a knight and the remaining two for his subordinates. Now, all three had been used up.
If the elderly man didn’t recover, Thor would suffer a significant loss.
"Ensure he is well cared for. If anything happens, contact me immediately!" Thor instructed, then prepared to leave.
"Yes, my lord!" Ryan responded quickly.