Chapter 68

It's a refreshing morning.

What happened after that? Of course, Ellie immediately returned to her room, and I, having had an overly exciting experience on the cliff, collapsed into sleep, both mentally and physically drained. However, after a good night's rest, I recovered.

I pride myself on my acknowledged weakness, but being young in terms of physicality, a good night's sleep does indeed restore my strength.

Hehehe.

That said, my stamina is still very low, which goes without saying.

Today's regular meeting includes new talent, so I'm looking forward to it.

Let's quickly assign roles. We need to delegate tasks promptly, or the work will progress at a snail's pace.

By the way, my morning drink is milk. From now on, every morning, it will be milk. Milk...

I might have mentioned it yesterday, but milk is not to blame.

It's just that my conditioned reflex, like Pavlov's dog, is hard to shake.

I might miss the tartness of guava.

The guava is currently fermenting. It won't be long before it ends up in Garam's stomach.

◇◇◇

"Let me introduce myself first. I am Joshua from the Cumberland Borderlands. I am delighted to have gathered here despite our busy schedules."

After breakfast, I bowed slightly to the people who had gathered.

In response, everyone stood up and bowed deeply.

Given my position, I had expected this reaction, but being treated with such reverence made me feel a bit uncomfortable.

However, I can't back down here. I am the border lord. Even though the country is not yet fully established, I am still the leader...

Needless to say, my goal of retiring as soon as possible and living a leisurely life remains unchanged.

When I sat down, everyone else did as well.

Let's start with our side.

I looked at Rumburg, and the four housekeepers stood up smoothly.

"I am Rumburg, Joshua-sama's butler. These three are the gardener Bartholomew, the maid Arle, and the maid Ellie. Please remember us."

Rumburg bowed, and the other three followed suit.

Next, Charlotte introduced herself, followed by the two new members.

"I am Paul. It is an honor to be called to such a gathering."

Paul, the master carpenter, is an essential figure for future urban planning.

He has a well-built, sun-tanned body and is probably in his early thirties.

Next, a tall, slender man with a mask covering everything but his mouth stood up.

Indeed, as Bartholomew had said, he has a peculiar appearance.

The mask seems to be made of iron. He wore a black silk hat and a dark, magician-like outfit.

His hair was white with silver streaks, and deep wrinkles were etched around his mouth.

"I am Richmond. I am honored that you have invited someone like me here."

He performed a graceful and refined bow.

From his voice, I guessed he might be around the same age as Rumburg.

Glancing at Rumburg, I saw a look of deep emotion.

"Rumburg, do you know Richmond?"

"Yes, without a doubt. He came to see you yesterday."

"I see, it's good to see an old friend."

Just a confirmation.

From Rumburg's reaction, it was clear that they were indeed acquaintances.

"Now that the introductions are done, let's get to the main topic."

After confirming that Richmond had taken his seat, I began with a brief overview of the current situation.

The population of Nellac is expected to grow rapidly. We need to first improve the living environment for the residents. We are also preparing to build infrastructure.

We lack the two major resources: magic stones and combustion stones, and so on.

For those who have heard this before, it might be a bit boring, but it's important to align our direction, so we need to reiterate it.

We are a team. If everyone isn't on the same page, it could lead to unnecessary complications and delays.

"Charlotte, do you have the population ratio of the town?"

"Yes. About 60% are engaged in agriculture, 20% in commerce, and the remaining 20% are skilled workers."

Charlotte, as usual, understood my intent from just the mention of population ratio.

We have worked together before, so we have a good rapport.

"How many residents do we have now?"

"About a thousand. They have come here out of admiration for you, Joshua-sama."

Rumburg answered, dabbing his eyes with a silk handkerchief.

Already close to a thousand...

"We should be able to accommodate up to three thousand with the current housing plan. Paul, how many carpenters and young, strong men can you secure?"

"About a hundred. They are currently working on making rags for daily sustenance."

"Understood. Paul, I want you to take charge of the residential area. If there's a shortage of wood, switch to brick houses. Don't be too particular about the materials."

"Me? You want me to do it!?"

"Your model house was impressive, and you led the carpenters well. Paul, I want you to do it."

"Thank you!"

Paul stood up hurriedly but bumped into his chair, causing it to fall backward.

"Rumburg, I want you to handle material collection. Lead about fifty people and work with Paul to secure the necessary materials."

"Understood."

"One more thing. If you know anyone with leadership skills like Paul, please introduce them. I have many other tasks for Rumburg."

"Understood."

We can't move the agricultural workers. Farming is the most crucial.

However, we need to develop infrastructure alongside agriculture to ensure smooth progress.

We have been focusing on housing, but with 150 people, material collection should be sufficient.

"Charlotte, continue overseeing agriculture and handicrafts. I understand that you have already completed the handover from Ellie."

"Yes, I will take care of it. Like Rumburg, I will also look for potential leaders."

"Thank you. If you find someone suitable, bring them to the morning meeting. The same goes for Rumburg."

"Understood!"

"Understood!"

Charlotte and Rumburg nodded in agreement.

"Bartholomew, do we have enough people for hunting and gathering?"

"More residents will be coming. I think we should aim for about a hundred more."

"Agreed. Let's divide them into three groups. One group will be led by you, focusing on hunting. Another group will focus on gathering food. The last group will handle rock salt and similar resources."

"Got it."

"The hunting team should consist of experienced fighters or hunters. For gathering, divide the group into guards and workers. Can we assign the gathering guards to Garam?"

"No problem. What about the last group?"

"Hmm. Let's make it two groups. The last group will coordinate with the security team."

I paused and looked at Richmond.