Chapter 46

The arrival of a large number of slaves dramatically changed life in the Arkvist estate.

After all, the population suddenly increased, and the added population consisted entirely of adult slaves in their prime. With a large amount of labor that had been in short supply now secured, the overall development speed of the estate increased, and the living standards also improved.

"Thank goodness we were bought by Lord Noein."

"Yeah, this water-drawing work is a bit tough, but jobs like cleaning and boiling water aren't that bad, and the best part is that we don't get yelled at or hit."

As they talked, the slaves tasked with managing and maintaining the public baths were drawing water from the river and pouring it into tanks built along the riverbank, repeating this process.

The water in these tanks was then channeled through pipes to the baths. This system was designed so that they didn't have to carry water back and forth between the river and the baths.

"The place is clean, the food is delicious and plentiful... there's nothing to complain about."

"Plus, they say that if we work diligently for a few years, we can even get married to female slaves. It's hard to believe we're being treated this well."

Not only were they provided with adequate food, clothing, and shelter, but they were also allowed to eventually form families and have children. The treatment was so good that it was hard to imagine what more they could ask for as slaves.

For those who had resigned themselves to a life as good as dead when they became slaves, these days were surprisingly comfortable and happy.

"Lord Noein is amazing. To us, he's like a god."

"Right. If we're treated this well, there's no reason to complain."

...

In a rural village without shops, there are no retail bakeries.

Farmers typically take the wheat they harvest from their fields to the mill to have it ground into flour, and then they entrust the flour to a communal bread oven to have it baked into bread.

The issue here is the fee paid to the miller and the baker.

Usually, a portion of the flour or bread is given as payment, but this often leads to disputes when the miller or baker skims off the top. This is a common scene in any village.

As a result, the relationship between the millers and bakers and the villagers often becomes strained, sometimes even leading to violent conflicts.

To prevent such situations, Noein assigned his own slaves to manage the mill and the bread oven.

"Hey, can you grind this wheat for me?"

"Sure, just put it over there."

A young male slave working at the mill instructed the farmer who brought in the wheat.

The young slave transferred the wheat received from the farmer into the millstone and efficiently ground it into flour. Having been bought by Lord Noein, he had been grinding wheat every day, and his movements were already well-practiced.

"I'm done."

"Thanks a lot."

"No problem, that's my job."

All the flour was then given back to the farmer.

According to Lord Noein, "The operating costs of the mill and the bread oven are already covered by taxes."

The young slave, who had no education, didn't fully understand the system Noein was talking about, but it seemed that the villagers didn't have to pay anything to use the mill.

Since there was no exchange of a portion of the flour as payment, there was no reason for the young slave and the farmer to argue.

According to the slave working at the bread oven, the same applied there: all the bread baked was returned to its original owner, so there were no disputes over the number or size of the loaves given to the baker.

Even without a share for their work, the young slave had no reason to be dissatisfied. He was given a clean place to sleep, delicious and plentiful food, and even a small allowance as a slave. Moreover, he was told that he would eventually be allowed to marry.

He thought that he might even be happier than when he was a poor villager. With these thoughts, the young slave continued to grind wheat at the mill every day.

...

"Hey, Zadrek, it seems everyone is working hard today."

"Yes, Lord Noein. As you can see, I and the other slaves are diligently working on the farm."

Zadrek, who was directing the work, responded in a smooth and respectful manner when Noein, who had come to inspect the lord's farmland, called out to him.

Hearing their conversation, the other slaves stopped their work and bowed to Noein.

Zadrek, recommended by the head of the slave traders, had proven to be an excellent leader for the labor slaves.

"You all are really working hard. I'm very pleased as your master."

"Lord Noein treats us slaves very well. Given the treatment we receive, it's only natural that we work as hard as we can to repay your kindness."

As a beastman, Zadrek had resigned himself to a miserable life when he became a slave.

Yet, now he leads a peaceful life, working diligently on the farm without any abuse. His living quarters are clean, the food is delicious and plentiful, and he is even promised the opportunity to marry a female tiger slave.

Compared to his initial expectations, his life is like heaven. Given the life he has been given as a slave, he cannot help but be grateful.

"You slaves are also important citizens of my estate. Your happiness is my happiness as your master."

"Lord Noein... I am truly grateful. I don't know how to thank you."

Noein's words were sincere. He genuinely saw the slaves as citizens of his estate and loved them as a lord. He believed that by showing them love, they would work hard and serve him wholeheartedly.

By providing them with good living conditions and promising them the opportunity to marry, he aimed to ensure their physical and mental health and maintain their motivation to work.

Noein believed that by demonstrating his love for his citizens in a practical way, he could truly be loved by them and elicit their best efforts.

While there were ulterior motives behind Noein's treatment of the slaves, it was undeniable that his actions brought happiness to them.

...

After finishing his inspection of the farmland, which was more of a leisurely activity, Noein returned to his study to think.

The work of the labor slaves was impeccable.

Thanks to the arrival of the slaves, the lord's farmland and experimental fields were well-maintained, and the public baths, which had only operated once a week for men and once for women, could now operate daily.

The mill and the bread oven were also managed smoothly, and according to Yurii's 'telepathic' reports, the slaves at the Ristio mountain mining site were also working well.

"There doesn't seem to be any problem with them..."

The shortage of labor for physical work had been resolved. The problem was with intellectual labor.

"Lord Noein, may I come in?"

While Noein was lost in thought, Anna knocked and entered.

"I have this week's financial report."

"Thanks, Anna. Just put it on my desk, I'll check it later."

"Understood."

As Anna placed the documents on Noein's desk, he casually asked her,

"So, how is Christie doing?"

"...As usual, I suppose."

"Is that so? She's still like that, huh?"

Noein sighed as Anna answered with a slightly troubled expression.

From what Noein had observed, Christie showed excellent ability when it came to the work. While she wasn't as efficient as the experienced Anna in practical matters, she had the potential to become a strong asset once she got used to it.

However, as a staff member in an organization and as a slave, she was far from qualified.

As evident from her conversation with Noein on the first day, Christie had a very high sense of pride.

Given that she was the daughter of a wealthy merchant, who was richer than most minor nobles, it was understandable. However, she often clashed with her superior, Anna, the head slave, Matilda, and even the maids in the mansion, and her words and actions were unbearable.

Noein himself had received aggressive responses from Christie multiple times when he spoke to her during work.

"Frankly, I don't think I can work well with her. The current work efficiency is also difficult to maintain..."

"Lord Noein, if you permit me, I can immediately discipline Christie."

Following Anna, Matilda, who usually supported Noein, also spoke up. It was quite unusual for her to suggest such a thing without waiting for Noein's instructions.

Matilda had been repeatedly provoked by Christie and was particularly upset by Christie's disrespectful behavior towards their master, Noein.

"Someone like her can't be easily controlled with just force... I don't want to use that method, but I do have a plan for 'education.' It will require some preparation, so I ask both of you to bear with it a little longer."

"Direct 'education' from Lord Noein... I wonder what Christie will go through. It's a bit pitiful to think about."

Anna chuckled, despite her words.

"To be able to laugh about such things, Anna, you've really grown since coming to this estate?"

"I've become quite accustomed to Lord Noein's character as a subordinate."

Noein smiled wryly at Anna's playful comment, reflecting on how much she had changed from the simple town girl she once was.