Chapter 26

"Ah... Master... M-Master Noein"

"Huh"

Inside the mansion, Noein, who had dozed off in his study, was gently shaken awake by Matilda's voice.

"Sorry, Matilda, I fell asleep."

"Master Noein, are you not feeling well?"

She asked with a worried expression, and he responded with a smile.

"I'm fine, thank you. I just got a bit tired from overworking."

"At least take a short break, then. I'll make you some tea."

"Okay, that would be nice."

"I'll bring it right away."

With that, Matilda left the study, and Noein stood up from his chair, stretching.

The development of the territory was proceeding extremely smoothly, and there was no immediate worry about finances. The mansion was also very comfortable to live in. However, Noein was now facing a significant problem: a shortage of manpower.

When it came to managing the territory, administrative and financial tasks were inevitable. Until now, he only had to calculate the income from monster hunting and the expenses for purchases. But now, with the sale of lapis lazuli ore and the payments for the construction boom, the amount of money moving around had increased, and the management of these figures had also skyrocketed.

Furthermore, the male residents took turns going to the Ristio Mountains to mine, and they also handled various public works such as building fences, roads, and houses around the settlement. Scheduling these tasks to ensure a good balance of workdays was a challenging task.

With many men away on various public works, the remaining residents had to take care of the fields whose owners were absent. This required additional scheduling.

So, Noein had been handling these detailed administrative and financial tasks, using golems to help with farming when necessary, and cutting down trees to expand the flatlands whenever he had a moment. He had been working himself to the bone.

Managing the work of dozens of residents and keeping track of the finances of a small but growing territory was a new and continuous challenge. Stress had accumulated, and his sleep was often insufficient, leaving him quite exhausted.

However, there was no one else he could rely on besides himself.

Matilda could read, write, and do basic calculations, but she had to manage the mansion, cook, clean, do laundry, and prepare baths. Additionally, she was responsible for maintaining the lord's fields. She could only help Noein when she had free time.

He wanted to hire maids from among the female residents to free up Matilda, but the settlement didn't have the manpower to spare.

Yuri and the other retainers, who had experience with financial management and logistics from their mercenary days, could potentially support Noein. However, they had their own duties, such as maintaining security in the settlement, patrolling the surrounding areas, and making purchases in Retvik. They also had to manage their own fields.

Yuri, as a former mercenary captain with experience in administrative work, was the most reliable, but he spent more than half his time managing the mining operations in the Ristio Mountains.

Edgar, the son of the village chief, could read, write, and do calculations, but he was responsible for organizing and guiding the farmers in their work.

The Arquvist territory was critically short of skilled labor and free hands. Noein strongly felt that even one person who could handle administrative and financial tasks would make a significant difference.

While he was lost in these thoughts, Matilda returned with a warm cup of tea. He took it and sipped.

"It might be a bit early, but maybe I should talk to that person..."

He muttered softly, relaxing with the aroma and taste of the tea.

...

A few days later, Noein was heading to Retvik, controlling the golems. Matilda, Pense, and Mai accompanied him.

Although the settlement had been relieved of the burden of purchasing supplies thanks to the arrival of the packhorses, Noein had a specific reason for going to Retvik himself this time.

They arrived in Retvik half a day after leaving the settlement and entered Eliza's shop.

"Hello, Eliza."

"Oh, welcome, Sir. It's been a while."

"I'm sorry I haven't been able to visit in person recently."

"Oh, don't worry. We're very grateful for all the business you bring."

The population of the Arquvist territory had increased significantly, making Noein a very valuable customer for Eliza.

After purchasing the usual supplies and paying, Noein brought up a topic with Eliza.

"By the way, Eliza, I have a request..."

"Oh, what is it? I'd be happy to help if I can."

Noein continued, encouraged by her friendly response.

"Actually, we're short of people who can handle administrative and financial tasks in our territory... I thought a merchant like you might have connections to such people. Do you know anyone who could be introduced to us? If so, I'd be willing to help with their relocation."

"Someone who can handle administrative and financial tasks and is willing to move to your territory... I'm afraid I can't think of anyone right away. I'm sorry."

"I see. I understand."

"Someone who can read, write, and do calculations can find good work in Retvik. It's not easy to find people willing to move to another territory."

"Hehe, my territory is still quite rural. I understand. Sorry for the trouble."

While they were talking, Noein noticed that Eliza's daughter, Anna, seemed to have something to say but was hesitant to speak up.

She wanted to say something but couldn't muster the courage.

However, just as Noein was about to leave the shop, Anna finally spoke up, determined.

"Um, Sir! About that relocation... C-could I take on that role?"