Chapter 89

In addition to regular immigrants, the population of the Arkvist territory had grown to the point where it was approaching 500 people, thanks to the influx of craftsmen and laborers involved in mining development.

The number of people coming from outside the territory for trade with the Skinner Guild, an official guild, had also increased, and in anticipation of the demand for such merchants and their mercenary guards, inns were being built in the capital Noena, and taverns and other places of entertainment for the residents were also beginning to open.

Thus, Noena had developed to the point where it could be called a small town rather than a village.

To protect and maintain order in the expanding capital Noena and the new village built at the foot of the Restio Mountains, and to prepare for the war that would surely come and protect the territory from the turmoil within the kingdom, Noein finally decided to establish an official Arkvist territory army.

Today was the day of its inauguration.

"Even though the scale is still small, it's quite a sight to see them lined up like this."

"I've trained them to the minimum by this day, so they should look like proper soldiers."

While looking at the men standing in a row, equipped with leather armor, helmets, and gauntlets, Noein exchanged these words with Yuri.

The location was the newly built garrison near the lord's mansion—though it was currently just a single-story building with a warehouse and a training ground.

The number of soldiers was 50 for now. Most of them were second sons or younger who could not inherit their family's farmland, and among them were some like Rick and Dant, who had long served as patrolmen and decided to become professional soldiers.

To this, Yuri, Pense, Radley, Bart, and other samurai retainers were added as officers, forming the Arkvist territory army. The nominal commander was the lord Noein, but the practical top position, responsible for managing and training the soldiers, was held by the head retainer Yuri.

"Raising this many soldiers on your own must have been tough. Good job."

"Well, it was quite fulfilling. It reminded me of my days as a mercenary."

In response to Noein's words of encouragement, Yuri replied with a wry smile.

Having 50 professional soldiers was unusual for the scale of the Arkvist territory, as it meant that nearly 10% of the population were soldiers.

This scale of the army was realized in anticipation of the further increase in the territory's population, largely due to the significant income from mining development and the high productivity of potatoes, which supported the stomachs of the people.

"I want to start with a 100-person scale and eventually develop the territory to the point where we have a 1,000-person army."

"If that happens, I'll be a general... It's quite an ambitious goal."

In the Loburg Kingdom, a hundred-man unit was the basic tactical unit, and three such units formed a battalion, which, combined with a command unit, made up a 1,000-person army.

The royal army, the elite directly under the royal family, was based on this, maintaining 10 armies, or 10,000 men, as a standing force. On the other hand, only a few major nobles, such as the Behemuthsheim Marquisate, could afford to have an army of that size.

Being a general leading 1,000 soldiers could be considered the highest achievement for a professional soldier. For Yuri, who had started his career as a low-ranking mercenary, it was a tantalizing prospect.

"By the time we get there, I'll have been ennobled and become a high noble, and you'll be a military noble under me, like a knight or a baron."

"Is that so... It's hard to believe I'll have a title, but with you, Noein, I think it's possible."

Yuri murmured, his eyes distant.

Even his current position as head retainer was an incredible promotion from his past self, but considering Noein's talent, he would likely rise to an even higher position.

To prepare for that, he needed to continue training and growing himself. The first step was to properly manage and operate the army entrusted to him by his lord, Noein.

"... Shall we start the inauguration ceremony?"

"Sure."

The two headed to the front of the lined-up soldiers.

...

"---That's the report on this year's soybean production."

"Thank you, Christy. It's a better result than expected... Can we produce enough oil for consumption within the territory next year?"

"Yes, even with the expected population increase, it's likely we will. The soybean meal can be used as feed, which should improve livestock growth."

"I see, I understand... This means soybean cultivation is on track. Good job."

"Thank you!"

Noein smiled at Christy, and Christy, whose efforts were recognized, responded brightly with a full smile.

"Another weapon for the Arkvist territory. Securing oil and nutrient-rich feed, and having soybeans as emergency food in case of need, makes them important resources for our survival strategy."

"Once soybean production is fully underway along with potatoes, the food situation in the Arkvist territory will be even more secure."

With wheat, potatoes, and soybeans, the Arkvist territory would be unlikely to suffer from famine unless something extraordinary happened.

For a lord or king who protects the people, famine can be more terrifying than war. Famine takes lives and destroys society without regard for human convenience, and unlike war, there are no options for peace or surrender in the face of nature.

Noein had read many historical accounts of territories and countries collapsing due to famine.

That's why Noein had not only promoted soybeans as a cash crop but also as an important food resource in emergencies.

"The next step is sugar production from beets. We're still experimenting in a test field, but I'm confident we can report good results!"

Christy's eyes sparkled, almost gleaming, as she laughed, "Hehehe." There were slight dark circles under her eyes.

"... Christy, you're overworking yourself again, aren't you?"

"... Yes, I've been a bit too enthusiastic lately. I'm sorry."

Under Noein's direction, Christy was advancing these experiments while working as an official under Anna. Noein was happy that she found fulfillment in her work, but it was also a concern that she overworked herself.

"I understand that you enjoy your work, but your abilities are a valuable asset to the Arkvist territory. The beet experiment isn't urgent, so make sure to get enough rest."

"I understand. I'll make sure to get plenty of sleep."

In the Loburg Kingdom, beets were known as leafy vegetables and animal feed, but in a book Noein had read, it was mentioned that "sugar is made from beets in foreign countries."

Therefore, Noein had decided to produce sugar from beets in his territory and had asked Christy to conduct experiments for commercialization.

However, it wasn't a business that needed to be rushed to the point of overworking Christy. For Noein, it was more important to maintain the health of Christy, who was not only an excellent talent but also one of his important slaves.

Seeing Christy accept his advice sincerely, Noein felt relieved.

...

"Hello, Eliza."

"Oh, Bart, thank you for your hard work."

Eliza, Anna's mother and the owner of a grocery store in Letvik, greeted the Arkvist territory retainer Bart with a smile as he entered the store.

"Hello, Bart. How is my sister doing in the Arkvist territory?"

"Hey, Marco. Anna is still doing well as a retainer. Her relationship with Edgar seems to be good too."

After exchanging greetings with Marco, Anna's brother and the next store manager, Bart turned to Eliza to discuss his business. His voice was kept low so as not to be heard by the other employees.

"I'm here to pick up the items... Have you secured the amount I requested?"

"Yes, of course. I'll have them loaded right away."

"Thank you. The transport team's wagon is waiting behind the store, so please bring them there."

Bart, the transport team leader of the Arkvist territory, had come to pick up salt.

The Arkvist territory produced enough food, had iron and copper mines, and was advancing oil and sugar production, but salt was a necessity that still had to be imported. So far, no rock salt mines had been found in the territory's mountains.

Salt is a strategic resource essential for human survival. Therefore, Noein was trying to stockpile as much salt as possible in the territory.

"Still, being a lord must be tough. You have to make such preparations for the future."

"If a war breaks out and the world becomes chaotic, it's clear that the Arkvist territory will suffer from a salt shortage..."

"Indeed... How much are you planning to stockpile?"

"Lord Noein aims for a five-year supply."

While waiting for the salt to be loaded, Bart and Eliza had this conversation.

"That's a huge amount... But if it means my daughter's territory will be safe, I'm relieved, and I'm happy to be making a profit from this."

Considering the future, Noein wanted to stockpile as much salt as possible, but buying large amounts of salt openly would raise suspicions from other territories.

Therefore, Noein relied on Eliza's store, where Anna's family lived, to stockpile salt discreetly.

With a daughter in the Arkvist territory, Eliza had no reason to spread rumors about Noein's actions. Since she could make a good profit from the salt trade, she had no complaints.

"Still, this is just a precaution... I'm sure Lord Noein hopes we won't have to rely on the stockpiled salt."

Relying on the stockpiled salt would mean that the economy and security of the Loburg Kingdom had deteriorated to the point where even essential supplies were in short supply.

Noein certainly didn't want such a situation, and it would be best if the salt stockpile turned out to be an overcautious measure. If the stockpile wasn't needed, the salt could be sold again.

"But, isn't war almost inevitable?"

"According to our head retainer, that's the case... It seems to be a topic of discussion among the nobles in the northwest as well."

"That's not good. I'm sure Letvik will be affected too."

"Haha, if that happens, it would be best to evacuate to the Arkvist territory. Anna would want to help her family, and I'm sure Lord Noein would welcome you, given your connection to the territory."

Considering that Anna's family was connected to the Arkvist territory and had been helped by it, Noein would likely want to help them. That's why Bart said this.

"Maybe we will have to rely on you then. But I hope it doesn't come to that."

"Yes, it would be best if we can maintain peace."

The impact of the conflict was already affecting the northwest of the kingdom in the form of increased refugees and rising prices.

Bart and Eliza were worried about the current situation.