The Regressed Mercenary’s Machinations - Chapter 202

Chapter 202 – Bring Some Friends Along (1)

Thanks to the additional mages, the construction speed had significantly increased, but there was still a severe shortage of competent personnel.

The primary issue lay in the lack of administrators to handle the administrative tasks.

As the territory and population grew, so did the overwhelming volume of administrative work.

At first, the administrators of Fenris had enthusiastically thrown themselves into the task, but the sheer amount of work quickly began to overwhelm them.

In this era, finding individuals who were literate and capable of handling administrative tasks was no easy feat.

“Hmm, it feels like everything is grinding to a halt.”

During a meeting with the retainers, Ghislain muttered as he glanced at the towering stack of reports.

Claude, with dark circles under his eyes, sighed in frustration.

“Yes, at this rate, even the construction projects will face delays. Wages for workers, procurement of resources, and handling of accidents—none of it is running smoothly. We just don’t have enough people to monitor and manage it all. Even with divine power keeping us awake and working, it’s not enough.”

“Even with Piote working hard to revive people, we’re still in this situation.”

“The mental fatigue is immense. Divine power doesn’t seem to restore mental strength,” Claude grumbled, having collapsed and been revived several times himself. While his body was fine, his mental exhaustion was nearing the point of driving him insane.

It was clear that handling the massive increase in work would require many more administrators than they currently had.

“Are you still searching for people?”

“Yes, but it’s not easy. Offering food brings in a lot of people, but none of them have been properly vetted, and it’s hard to trust them. We don’t know how or where other nobles might slip spies in, so it’s difficult to assign critical tasks to unverified individuals.”

“There’s no helping that. We’ve begun to lift the blockade on the territory. For now, assign simple tasks to those who haven’t been verified.”

The blockade couldn’t remain in place indefinitely.

New people were needed, and resources like food and iron ore needed to be sold in order to acquire other essential materials in large quantities.

This was an unavoidable issue that came with the expansion of the territory.

Such challenges would persist as their influence grew. It was a matter that required preparation, starting now.

After a moment of contemplation, Ghislain brought up a plan he had considered for some time.

“Let’s start by establishing educational institutions throughout the territory. We’ll teach basic academic subjects and focus on urgently needed fields like medicine.”

“Educational institutions?”

“Yes. Among the territory’s people, there must be some sharp individuals, right? With a little education, they should be able to handle simple tasks. What do you think?”

“It’s not a bad idea. We’ll have to build it eventually, after all. But since it takes time to establish and teach, it won’t solve our immediate shortage of administrators,” Claude pointed out.

“That’s a separate issue we’ll need to address. For now, focus on quickly setting up the educational institution and recruiting students. We won’t charge tuition—it’s completely free.”

“But… will people actually want to learn? Most would probably think it’s a waste of time since studying won’t put bread on the table,” Claude said skeptically.

He wasn’t wrong. In the eyes of most commoners, studying was something reserved for those who were well-off, like noble families or affluent peasants.

Rather than wasting time on what seemed like unattainable studies, many would prefer to work and earn money during that time.

However, Ghislain resolved this issue with characteristic decisiveness.

“Tell them they’ll get bread for studying.”

“Pardon?”

“Why should anyone study for others’ benefit? This is an investment in our territory’s future. Test them, and for those who show potential, ensure they can focus solely on studying by providing for their livelihood.”

“Ah, um… I see. That does sound like a good idea,” Claude conceded.

As a former scholar, Claude didn’t oppose the plan. For the future of the territory, nurturing talent through long-term development was essential.

He also understood the critical importance of creating a stable environment for learning.

While it would undoubtedly cost a significant amount of money, there was no doubt that it was a sound policy.

The other retainers, being well-educated themselves, didn’t raise any objections either.

After a brief moment of consideration, Ghislain continued speaking, outlining the next step in his plan.

“Once things stabilize a bit more, I also plan to establish educational institutions to teach swordsmanship and magic to the territory’s people. To that end, I’ll draft a new law in advance.”

His abrupt announcement left the retainers looking puzzled.

Regardless of their reactions, Ghislain simply pressed on with his thoughts.

“First, child labor is hereby prohibited. Within our territory, no child will be allowed to work until they come of age.”

“What?!”

The retainers were shocked. No such law existed anywhere in the Ritania Kingdom.

It was common sense that children, once old enough, would contribute to the household by working.

That’s why it wasn’t unusual to see young children brought to farms and construction sites by their parents, helping with minor tasks to earn a small wage.

In such a harsh and unforgiving world, this practice was considered natural.

“Many of the territory’s people will oppose this. Children are considered a family’s property… Parents will see this as an infringement on their rights and freedom,” one retainer warned cautiously.

“It doesn’t matter. From now on, child labor is absolutely prohibited. Make it clear that anyone caught violating this will face severe consequences. Instead, provide additional food support to households with children.”

“Ugh, understood,” one of the retainers replied with a resigned sigh. When this lord made a decision, there was no turning back.

The backlash from the people would likely be significant, but there was no other choice. They’d have to appease them by offering additional food supplies.

Trying to lighten the tense atmosphere, one of the retainers smiled and commented, “I didn’t realize how much our lord cherished and cared for the children. Surely, everyone will praise your warm and compassionate heart.”

At that, Ghislain blinked and responded bluntly, “What are you talking about? If kids start working young, they don’t grow properly. They need to be well-fed and raised healthy so they can become fine soldiers for the territory later on. That’s why child labor is banned. Once they come of age, they’ll be required to undergo annual basic military training.”

“……”

Everyone suddenly remembered what kind of person their lord was. Realizing Ghislain’s true intention, the retainers were left speechless.

But Ghislain wasn’t finished yet.

“Second, all children must receive basic education. Since we’re setting up educational institutions anyway, make attendance mandatory. With the consolidation of settlements, it should be achievable quickly.”

“Um… is that also because…?”

“Of course. To be an excellent soldier, one must at least be literate and possess basic knowledge. It will allow them to execute more complex operations, and who knows? Among them, we might even discover an exceptional commander.”

“……”

“Third, all medical expenses for the sick will be fully covered by the territory. So expedite the establishment of more medical facilities in every settlement. Recruit as many doctors as you can from wherever possible.”

“Um… is that also because…?”

“Exactly. The healthier and stronger our people are, the more capable they’ll be as soldiers when the time comes. It’ll make for an army of formidable conscripts.”

“……”

“These three measures are laws effective immediately. I take it there are no objections?”

While the reasoning behind the laws seemed a bit peculiar, their long-term benefits for the territory were undeniable.

No one opposed the laws themselves, but there was one glaring issue.

Claude cleared his throat awkwardly and spoke up, “Ahem, everything sounds great. But… we’re already short on people to manage the territory. While doctors might be able to teach and practice medicine simultaneously, who will educate and train people in the other fields? Who will staff these educational institutions?”

Ghislain smirked confidently. “We’ll fill the gap quickly. I have a plan for that.”

“Teaching someone isn’t easy,” Claude replied with concern. “It takes more than just basic literacy. They need at least a certain level of knowledge. Where will you find such scholars in such a short time?”

Ghislain pointed a finger at Claude and spoke.

“Go gather some of your friends from the academy you attended. There are plenty of people there, aren’t there?”

“My… friends?”

“Yes, bring as many as you can. Use whatever means necessary. Tell them that if they come to Fenris, they’ll get a professor position at the academy or even a managerial post in the territory.”

Claude’s face turned pale. Teaching and handling administrative duties? No one would want a job like that.

Besides, he couldn’t bring his old academy mates to a desolate place like this.

‘They may be my friends, but honestly, they’re all fragile. Physically and mentally.’

Claude, after being directly involved in the rebellion and going through all sorts of ordeals, had gained a so-called strong will.

But the friends he had studied with were scholars who had lived their lives delicately immersed in academic pursuits.

He could confidently say they’d flee in tears within a week of arriving here.

“Do we really need to go all the way to the Kingdom of Seiron, a small and insignificant nation, to bring scholars? There are plenty of them in the Ritania Kingdom. And there are several prestigious academies here too.”

“What would compel those people to come to the barren north? We’ve been recruiting, but it hasn’t been easy, has it?”

“Well, then why would scholars from another kingdom come here? Leaving one’s homeland is a hardship. A real hardship.”

It was certain. After all, he was the one who had left his homeland and was enduring an awful struggle here.

Ghislain chuckled at Claude’s argument.

“Don’t play dumb. Most of your friends must be unemployed or stuck in minor roles. You think I wouldn’t know that?”

“Ugh…”

Claude took a step back with a troubled expression.

It was true. Anyone with a bit of thought could guess the situation.

What noble would want to employ scholars connected to a master involved in rebellion? Nobles would avoid them to minimize unnecessary risks.

Since the rebellion, most had lost their positions or been exiled from their territories, leaving them to live in poverty.

Claude’s master had been a highly esteemed scholar in the Kingdom of Seiron before the rebellion, even leading a faction.

Thus, there were numerous disciples under his wing.

Ghislain clicked his tongue and continued.

“Tsk, tsk. You’ve achieved enough to become the Chief Overseer in such a large territory. Shouldn’t you help out your struggling friends a bit? Isn’t it too much for you to be the only one living well?”

“Wow… damn.”

Claude pounded his chest in frustration.

Living well? Me? Living well, my ass. I’d rather throw it all away and just run away.

The workload was so insane that he wasn’t even getting proper sleep. How was that “living well”?

Dizzy from the overwhelming situation, Claude staggered before managing to regain his balance and responded.

“It’s honestly an awkward situation to ask them to come, and you know that,” Claude muttered.

Though it wasn’t directly his fault, it was true that the incident had provided justification for their wrongful accusations.

Out of guilt, he had cut off contact with them, even though he wanted to help with their living expenses. Unfortunately, being an unpaid slave left him without the means to send money.

How could he possibly ask them to come here and suffer on top of everything else?

But Ghislain dismissed his concerns lightly.

“I get it, but ignoring the problem isn’t the answer, is it? What can scholars with blocked career paths even do over there? Even if it’s hard, it’s better for them to come here and make use of their abilities.”

“…”

He wasn’t wrong. What had weighed on Claude the most during his own struggles was the sense of helplessness—the despair of a future with no hope.

If more time passed, those friends would likely end up living like beggars before dying, having never been able to showcase the abilities or ideals they had spent their lives cultivating.

After a long period of hesitation, Claude asked cautiously, “…What if I still refuse?”

“You know how we operate, don’t you? Until we fill the spots, we’ll keep pushing with the current manpower. Why ask something so obvious?”

“Agh…”

Claude pressed his palm against his forehead.

Ghislain was right. Recruiting a large number of scholars at once was the most efficient way.

It would be far easier than struggling to find one or two at a time like they were doing now. Plus, they wouldn’t have to painstakingly verify whether each recruit was a spy from another noble.

Since these friends were all well-educated, they wouldn’t struggle to handle high-ranking bureaucratic duties. Furthermore, their various areas of expertise could quickly address the territory’s deficiencies.

As Claude continued to deliberate, Ghislain spoke calmly.

“Tell them we’ll treat them well. They can bring their families and settle down here for good. I’ll personally guarantee their livelihoods.”

‘Unbelievable. Even now, he’s thinking about boosting the population a bit,’ Claude thought, staring blankly at Ghislain. This man truly knew how to extract every ounce of benefit from any situation.

Still, his friends would likely appreciate the offer. At the very least, they wouldn’t have to worry about starving here.

After scratching his head a few times, Claude made up his mind and spoke resolutely.

“Fine. I’ll bring them. Families and all.”

Because of old wounds, he had ignored and avoided them until now. But that wasn’t the right thing to do. They deserved a chance to choose their future.

And this wasn’t about lightening his workload—definitely not.

Ghislain smiled in satisfaction.

“You’ve made the right decision. Convince as many as you can and bring them here.”

“Well, I’ll need a fair bit of money for that.”

“Why?”

“Who would come if everything looks shabby? I need to look like I’ve actually ‘made it,’ right? I should spread some money around to impress my friends.”

“Hmm, fine… Use what you need. But only what’s necessary.”

Ghislain reluctantly agreed.

He couldn’t help feeling reluctant. While he wasn’t the type to skimp on important expenses, Claude had a tendency to overdo things.

Since he couldn’t follow and supervise Claude personally this time, he had no choice but to give him some leeway.

“Ahem, then I’ll be off!”

Now equipped with the official sanction for his “misuse of public funds,” Claude gleefully dragged Wendy along as he left.

It was clear he adhered to the philosophy of not overthinking once a decision was made—better to just enjoy it.

Ghislain watched his retreating back for a moment, clicked his tongue, and gave an order.

“Gillian, take 50 knights and 200 soldiers to escort him. Knowing him, he’ll get looted by bandits otherwise. And we need to ensure everyone makes it back safely.”

“Understood.”

With a robust escort in place, Claude had nothing to worry about.

He loaded up carts with ample provisions and headed straight for the Kingdom of Seiron.