Chapter 52: Chapter 51: The Ironwood Workshop’s Plan

Ronin had already considered it. If his idea of crafting armor and weapons from Black Iron Wood proved feasible, he would first equip all the Guards in the territory with a full set, enhancing their defensive and combat capabilities.

Although ordinary Guards weren’t very effective against Transcendents, the number of Transcendents was, after all, limited. In a balanced fight, ordinary Guards could still play a crucial role.

Moreover, the Wubei and Udong Forest Lands were still home to Wilderness Tribes. Ronin wanted to conquer them, and after eliminating their Transcendents, tasks such as administration and control would still fall to the ordinary Guards. This made enhancing their combat strength essential.

Of course, that was all for later.

For now, Ronin’s plan was this: if William the Carpenter could realize the potential of Black Iron Wood as hoped, he would establish an Ironwood Workshop to mass-produce Ironwood Armor and weapons, and gradually begin to sell them externally.

The wages for artisans were high. A skilled carpenter like William earned a daily salary of ten to twenty, even more than the castle’s steward, but the value they created was substantial.

Ronin considered that, in addition to carpenters, the Ironwood Workshop would also need a few strong, able-bodied young men to work as lumberjacks.

The Black Iron Tree was no ordinary tree; felling one was incredibly strenuous work for the average person. The lumberjacks had to be physically robust, so this would also be a significant investment.

On top of that, Ronin had to prepare iron tools like axes, hatchets, and saws. He couldn’t possibly expect his lumberjacks to slowly grind through a Black Iron Tree with Stone Axes or bone knives, could he?

Therefore, buying tools during his upcoming trip to Pasture City was essential.

During the evening banquet, Mage Elron, who had been busy for the past two days, finally appeared in the castle.

Lately, he was either healing someone or on his way to do so; his Mana Value was never full.

At first, the townsfolk were still wary of him. But as word of his healing spread, Elron no longer had to seek out patients; people began to summon him for treatment themselves.

And so, the diligent Mage rushed all over the territory, healing the injured while actively proclaiming the Lord’s benevolence.

He told the townsfolk that his Power came from Lord Ronin, and that it was the Lord’s benevolence and compassion that eased their suffering.

After a few days, Elron had become a Holy Physician in the eyes of the townsfolk. And as the man to whom even a Holy Physician swore fealty, Ronin’s image in their minds grew ever more mysterious and great.

The common folk were a strange lot. Princest had ruled them for years, and his oppressive rule had made them despise him.

Ronin, on the other hand, had not issued any policies to ease their burdens. He had merely dispatched a Mage and recruited twenty servants, yet the townsfolk had already begun to favor him.

“You’ve worked hard these past few days, Elron!”

Ronin raised his goblet, smiling as he addressed the room. “Let us toast our esteemed Holy Physician! May the light warm us!”

Macken and the others quickly raised their goblets. “May the light warm us!”

Elron smiled, raised his cup, and drained it in one go. “And may the light be with you all!”

The beer of this Otherworld tasted much like the beer from Earth. Ronin couldn’t tell the difference, nor did he have much of a taste for it.

However, both Macken and Elron, who were present, were very fond of spirits.

They had already drunk half of the fine beer Princest had left behind, forcing the frugal Chahar to bring out the mid-grade beer to serve everyone.

’It’s better to save the fine beer,’ he thought. ’What if an important guest arrives at the castle someday and can only be served this sour, astringent stuff? Wouldn’t that bring shame upon the Lord?’

He also made a mental note to find the right time to propose to the Lord that they recruit a dedicated brewer for the castle.

Once they had eaten and drunk their fill, Ronin began to lay out his plans.

“The patrol of the territory over the last two days is complete. I want everyone to prepare tomorrow. The day after, I’ll be taking Macken, Elron, Tom, Gallon, and four Guards to Pasture City.”

He said, looking at Chahar and David, “You two will remain in Mountain Forest Town. Chahar, you’re responsible for the castle. David, you’ll take the Guards and coordinate with Civil Servant Wilson to handle the town’s security.”

Chahar and David readily agreed.

Although they were a little disappointed that they couldn’t accompany their Lord, they also understood. Being entrusted with guarding the territory was, in a way, a sign of his trust.

As for Tom, who had surrendered, bringing him along was optional. However, considering David was slightly weaker than Tom, Ronin ultimately decided to take Tom with him. As long as his face was covered, there was no risk of him being recognized.

“Baron Reisen of Sain Territory left Swamp Town a few days ago to celebrate Hyde Count’s birthday in Black Python City, so for now, we don’t need to be too concerned about any threats from that direction.”

Ronin said to David, “Your main job is to watch for any activity from the Wilderness Tribes in the western and northern Forest Lands. If anything unexpected happens, retreat to the castle with the Guards. All our supplies are stored here.”

David promised with grim determination, “Rest assured, my Lord. Even if I die, I won’t let those Wildmen take a single step inside the castle!”

“Hahaha!”

Ronin laughed. “It’s not that dire. I doubt those Wilderness Tribes have the guts to launch a reckless attack.”

With all the arrangements made, the banquet was officially over.

Except for Macken, the others went off to either their evening training or to cultivate their Mana.

“Come on, Macken. We haven’t had a proper sparring session these last couple of days. My body’s getting stiff.”

Ronin drew his Longsword and led Macken into the Inner Castle’s main courtyard.

“With pleasure!”

Macken followed.

One was a Basic Level Perfect Knight, the other a mid-to-late stage Intermediate Knight. The gap between them in Power and Body Technique was immense.

During their spar, Macken held back his strength, limiting the exchange to a simple parry and riposte of techniques.

For certain attack patterns, Macken would pause to explain the purpose of the move and how to counter it.

To Ronin, Macken was not just a Guard Officer, but also a melee combat instructor.

The training session lasted for over an hour. Even though the mountain nights were cool, Ronin’s back was drenched in sweat.

“My Lord, your combat skills have improved again!” Macken said with a smile.

He had a firsthand view of Ronin’s progress. “Compared to David, your rate of improvement is truly remarkable.”

Ronin was in high spirits and didn’t bother with modesty. “Of course. If I were even worse than David, how could I possibly be his master?”

Taking the towel Bella handed him, Ronin wiped the sweat from his face. “Bella, go prepare my bath. I’m going to wash up.”

“Macken, that’s all for practice today. I won’t keep you from your own affairs.”

“Then I wish you a good night, my Lord!”

Macken departed the Inner Castle, sword in hand.

There was nothing more satisfying than a hot bath after working up a sweat, and Ronin thoroughly enjoyed it.

Soaking in the warm water, he felt every cell in his body relax.

KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK.

There was a knock at the bathroom door.

Gallon’s voice came from outside. “My Lord, Civil Servant Wilson is here. He says he has something to report to you.”

Ronin raised an eyebrow. ’He’s reporting this late? Could he have been working overtime until now?’

’Is the census finished?’

“I know. I’ll be there after I finish my bath.”

Ronin thought for a moment, then added, “Gallon, ask Wilson if he’s eaten dinner. If not, have the kitchen prepare something for him.”

He was a good boss who looked after his hardworking employees.

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