NOVEL SIMPLE Chapter 36: Two Months of Territorial Development
Chapter 36: Two Months of Territorial Development
The journey of the Pioneer Knights is undoubtedly challenging. Those who choose this path are rarely heirs of nobility and have limited resources. Even knights from the households of counts struggle significantly, and only those from marquis territories fare somewhat better.
However, Thor is an exception. When he left Frostmoon Province, Count Engel Dresrosa provided him with substantial support. Coupled with memories from his past life and the Daily Information System, his advantages are unparalleled, even compared to knights from marquis territories.
This is evident from the fact that in just two months, Thor's territory has already begun to take shape. Even for knights from marquis territories, achieving such development would typically take at least half a year, if not longer. For Thor, everything fell into place seamlessly.
Now, with the acquisition of a large iron mine and the presence of numerous dwarfs, the development of his territory has entered an accelerated phase. Even without selling resources, the high-quality iron ore from the large mine and the dwarfs' smithing skills suffice to meet all the territory's tool requirements. These tools, in turn, have further expedited the territory's construction.
In just two months, significant changes have taken place. At the center stands a majestic castle, completed half a month ago. Surrounding the castle are numerous buildings forming a small town. Freed men and serfs work with smiles on their faces in the fields. The wheat is growing exceptionally well, exceeding all expectations. A bountiful harvest is anticipated at the year's end.
At this point, Eagle Ridge has truly taken shape. Nearly three hundred freedmen and three thousand serfs form the backbone of the territory. Unlike other territories, both freedmen and serfs in Eagle Ridge have a strong sense of belonging and are fervently loyal to their lord.
The chance to be freed from serfdom, the opportunity to learn knight breathing techniques—these are privileges they never dreamed of. Moreover, their lord has even distributed women among them. Yes, women. After acquiring the large iron mine, Thor made another trip to Loren City, purchasing five hundred female slaves. A hundred were kept for castle duties, and the rest were rewarded to members of his knight order. Even the serfs who joined the reserve trainee knight order due to their performance in the recent expedition received female slaves.
Thor, their lord, has promised that any serf who works for ten years will be granted the status of a freedman and will be given a female slave. Those who perform exceptionally well will be freed sooner. This promise is even more attractive than the prospect of emancipation, maintaining the serfs' enthusiasm for over a month.
For Thor, the cost of some gold coins to win the hearts of his people is a worthwhile investment. It ensures the successful establishment of the territory. After all, building a territory requires more than just slaves and knights; it needs families to sustain a steady supply of citizens rather than relying solely on purchases. As a transmigrator, Thor understands this better than anyone else and has been planning accordingly from the start.
As the night wore on, the end of summer brought a chill to the Northern Province. Under the star-studded sky, Thor practiced his knight breathing technique. After a while, he exhaled deeply and opened his eyes, shaking his head at the progress of his life force cultivation.
His current body's talent was indeed lacking. Despite various advantages, reaching the level of a official knight seemed impossible without two to three more years of training. Even with the help of life essence fruits, fish with life force, and other life force-rich items recently acquired in the Northern Province, his progress was slow.
But this is the norm; geniuses are rare, and ordinary talent is common. His talent was merely average. "I wonder when the Daily Information System will provide information on improving cultivation," he muttered, looking at the system.
As he focused, the system updated as expected.
[Daily Information has been updated]
With the new day came bustling activity throughout Eagle Ridge. Everyone was full of hope and anticipation for the future. Newly formed families were filled with joy and laughter.
In yesterday's information update, Thor had planned to investigate the upper reaches of the Maine River Valley, where a group of green goblins had been spotted. He intended to lead the knight order to clear them out to prevent any impact on the territory's development. However, before he could act, an urgent message from Ryan caused him to pause.
"Are you saying that the old man has woken up?" Thor asked, surprised, turning to the hurriedly approaching Ryan.
"Yes, my lord!" Ryan confirmed.
Thor's expression brightened with joy. After all, he had invested a lot in this mysterious old man, who had been in a coma for months. There was a real concern that the effort had been wasted, but now the man had finally awakened.
"Ryan," Thor called, looking at him thoughtfully.
"My lord!" Ryan responded quickly.
"A group of green goblins has appeared in the upper reaches of the Maine River Valley. You will lead the knight order to eliminate them. Ensure they don't disrupt the territory," Thor instructed.
"Yes!" Ryan nodded and left to carry out the order.
Meanwhile, Thor turned his attention to the awakened old man, eager to see what he had to offer.