Realm of Magic and Mechanization: A Baron’s Journey to Empire

The next day, Eldrin emerged from his home, his heart heavy with doubt. As he walked, he couldn't help but think, "Can I, a commoner, truly take the position of chief? What if I waste the barony's resources?" His heart felt as frightened as a cat.

Approaching the edge of town where the marketplace construction had just begun, thoughts clouded his mind. Surveying the bustling site of workers, his mind went blank as he looked at the site in silence.

A few minutes later, the foreman approached him with the new recruits and said, "Good morning, sir. Congratulations on your promotion by Lord Baron. It's exciting to see you as Chief Eldrin now. We've seen your hard work and dedication, always striving for excellence. Your leadership has been an inspiration to us all."

Eldrin waved his hand, interrupting him with a smile, "Stop, stop, go arrange the work there. It's time to begin."

Turning to the recruits, whose nervousness and calloused hands reminded him of how fortunate he was, Eldrin took a deep breath. He greeted and encouraged them as they started working.

As the work began, Eldrin led the workers, some nearly injuring their partners in the process. He guided them, and finally, the bushes were cleared, allowing them to proceed to the next step. Looking at the cleared area, his heart felt as sweet as honey.

Eldrin smiled and thought, "I've taken a step towards my dream of leading Ashford out of hopelessness, even if it seems insignificant for now. So what if it's just a small step? It's something I love, and time will tell." His body felt light and energetic as he joined them, realizing his potential.

The dream that the elder from our Land Spirit Temple spoke of—a place of happy life—starts to become reality today, through my efforts, he mused. He smiled and chuckled to himself, feeling a surge of pride and joy.

---

On the hill where the castle stood, the chill seeped into the new recruits, not just from the morning air but also from their nervousness. Their eyes reflected a mix of anxiety and hope for a chance to change their lives. As time passed, they couldn't help but whisper among themselves. They shifted from foot to foot and paced in small circles, their eyes darting around, seeking reassurance in the unfamiliar faces around them.

As the knights finished their training, sweat glistened on their foreheads. While they rested, they noticed the new recruits and a thought struck them: Why would Lord Baron, a knight himself, want commoners to be soldiers? Was this some cruel joke by a greedy goblin?

One knight, gazing at the nervous recruits, said to his friend, "Look at their weak physiques. I can foresee them becoming terrified, peeing their pants, and crying like children when they face a magical beast. The military is for strong knights, not common folk. I think Lord Baron made a mistake taking them."

His friend replied, "Yeah, being a knight is really hard. I remember when we fought the razorback—I couldn't even intervene properly. How will these recruits manage if we struggled? Perhaps our lord has his reasons, but we'll see."

Their voices were loud enough for the new recruits to hear, filling their eyes with indignation and anger. Yet, they lowered their fists in defeat, knowing the knights were right. As they waited for Aldric, their chief, they couldn't help but wonder why Lord Baron had recruited them. Some began to waver, but looking at each other reassured them, if only for a moment.

Aldric arrived at the training grounds, glancing over the plan that Arvind had given him. He muttered to himself, "Discipline and loyalty? These men are already loyal. What more is needed?" Seven new recruits with knight potential followed him, their faces a mix of determination and apprehension.

As Aldric approached the assembled recruits, he noticed their downcast expressions and sighed. "Listen up!" he barked, causing a few to straighten up immediately. "I see some of you looking like lost lambs. Snap out of it! Our training today is simple—run down the hill and back. Move out! Come on!"

The recruits set off, their footsteps pounding against the earth. The new recruits eyed the seven with a mixture of curiosity and wariness, seeing them as outsiders while seeking reassurance from their fellow recruits. As they moved down the hill, some recruits began to fall back, their legs growing heavy. More followed as the run continued. They were just serfs, used to working in the fields, with no professional training thus far.

Yet, a young serf named Joran gritted his teeth. Despite his weak legs, his sheer determination drove him forward, even passing those with knight potential.

He remembered the hardships of his past—endless toil in the fields, the helplessness of being harassed by beasts. We work hard to cultivate our land; why should they snatch the fruits of our labor? he thought. This is the beginning of my journey to protect my people, where my father and elders were helpless. As he ran, he glanced at his fellow recruits and gritted his teeth, pushing himself harder.

Aldric followed them closely, his eyes narrowing at the sight of some recruits struggling. "Keep moving!" he shouted, his voice sharp. "This is just the beginning. If you can't handle this, you'll never be soldiers!"

Despite the harsh words, Aldric's eyes softened when he saw Joran. As they arrived at the hill's base, Aldric announced a brief break. The recruits slumped on the ground, while Joran, sweating, gazed at his fellow recruits and noticed five others who were as good as him. His eyes locked onto the seven recruits with knight potential with envy.

Aldric approached Joran. "You," he said, pointing. "What's your name?"

"Joran, sir," the young serf replied, panting heavily.

"You've got fire in you, Joran. Keep that up," Aldric said, nodding. "Remember why you're here and don't let anything stop you."

---

A few hours later, Aldric announced that training was adjourned. The recruits collapsed onto the grassy field, their bodies aching from the exercises. Sweat trickled down their faces as they lined up to receive their meals. The aroma of roasted meat and freshly baked bread wafted through the air, a welcome relief after the exhausting morning.

Joran sat down with his plate, eyeing the food with hunger and gratitude. As he took his first bite, the conversations around him began to flow.

"Did you see Maren almost trip over his own feet?" one recruit laughed, taking a hearty bite of his bread. "I thought he was going to tumble all the way down the hill!"

Maren, hearing his name, chuckled and shrugged. "Hey, I made it, didn't I? Just need to work on my footing."

Darian, sitting nearby, nodded. "We all have things to work on. I thought my lungs were going to explode out there."

Joran looked around at his fellow recruits, feeling a sense of camaraderie. "It was tough, but we're getting stronger. Aldric wouldn't push us if he didn't see potential in us."

Darian, who had caught Aldric's eye earlier, said, "Yeah, it's about talent and determination. I saw you out there, Joran. You were faster than us."

Joran blushed slightly, his eyes determined. "Thanks, Darian. You were also fast, and yes, the seven with knight potential too."

As they ate and talked, the initial nervousness and exhaustion began to fade, replaced by a growing bond and shared purpose.

---

While Bramir was busy inspecting the process of repairing the collapsed houses, he remembered that he had to manage the Agriculture and Resources Department. He hurried towards the temporary building assigned for administration, complaining to himself, "Why does Arvind need more people? I was enough before. I can do much better without wasting time on their training."

Upon arrival, Bramir noticed the dilapidated temporary building assigned to his department. His task now was to train the recruits so they could start working. After being busy for an hour, he finally found a moment to rest. As he looked out the window, he saw a renewed vitality in Ashford. The townsfolk moved with a sense of purpose, and the once chaotic environment began to show signs of order and progress.

In the building next to Bramir's department, Faelan stood, its walls lined with maps of two baronies. His brow furrowed as he scrutinized the maps, preparing to organize a caravan. Turning to greet the recruits, he said, "Welcome. My name is Faelan. Some of you may be new, but I believe you can learn just as well as they did," he said, pointing to his assistants from the census project.

"Alright, let's start with the route," Faelan began, pointing to the Elador barony route pinned to the wall. "We will take the Elador route, as the barony is more prosperous than Thalmar. Jen, mark the route and prepare the items for trade."

Jen, a keen-eyed apprentice, nodded and marked the route. "Got it, Chief. I'll also note the water sources and prepare the items for trade."

Faelan then turned to another apprentice, Malek. "Malek, you're discussing the furniture with Lennart. We need high-quality pieces for trade; the nobles always demand it. This is our strength, and we have to capitalize on it."

"Chief, Lennart is working hard. I noticed he recruited ten apprentices for that...so—" Malek began, but Faelan interrupted him.

"Don't worry, you're just discussing, not scolding him," Faelan reassured, tapping Malek's shoulder. "Take the new apprentices with you. They can become your helpers and get familiar with our work."

After giving these instructions, Faelan turned back and immersed himself in his work. After an hour, he stretched his arms, realizing he wasn't as tired as before. Although he initially supported Arvind's reforms, he had doubts about their effectiveness. But as he looked at the busy apprentices, a smile spread across his face.

---

Meanwhile, Erik, along with apprentices from the Resources Department and three mage talents, walked along the grassy path. He alone rode his horse, chuckling as he recalled how Aldric's face darkened like a storm cloud when he "snatched" the mage talents they had spotted the previous day. He almost fought me, Erik thought with amusement. What an angry young man. But being with me will benefit Ravengarde more.

As they traveled south from Ashford, they surveyed three small hills yet found nothing. Shaking his head, Erik continued, If there's ore here, it will be good for Ashford. Seeing another hill, he ordered them to stop.

Erik dismounted and walked closer to the ground. Grabbing a handful of soil, he stared at it, murmuring an ancient earth spell. The soil began to shimmer and glow faintly, responding to his touch. After a few moments, a grin spread across his face as he sensed the presence of iron in the soil.

"It's here," he whispered, his voice tinged with excitement. "Iron, and a medium-sized deposit."

The apprentices nodded.

He turned to them, his eyes calm. "We have found iron ore. Come closer." As they approached, he continued, "Look, do you see this? Iron can help in making weapons and tools like axes and swords for Ravengarde."

"Note this iron in your heads so that you can recognize it. Your task as apprentices from the Resources Department is to survey Ravengarde's resources. You can do this by noting the geographical features of how I found this iron," Erik instructed.

Pointing to the soil, Erik explained, "See this reddish-brown soil? It's a good sign that iron might be nearby. Also, remember the terrain here—rocky and slightly elevated. These are prime conditions for finding iron deposits."

Excited to share the news with Arvind, Erik decided to search for inactive crystals and other minerals first. "I think you remember and won't forget to note the location. We will not waste time. Let's continue; we have to travel throughout Ravengarde," he said.

---

Meanwhile, in the quiet study, Arvind contemplated as the wind flowed gently through the open window. His mind wandered, "Should I make glass or ceramic our flagship product? I've seen protagonists succeed in web novels with such ventures, why not try?"

"Knock knock."

"Come in," Arvind called out.

He noticed Shankar entering with a parchment and said, "Sit down, Shankar."

Shankar hesitated before speaking, "My lord, you know there is only one shop in Ashford, so..."

Arvind realized, "Oh! You came about the loan incentive policy, right?"

"Yes, my lord. You plan to give loans to the townsfolk to help them become merchants and stimulate the local economy. Yet, looking at the census data, 80% of Ashford's population are serfs who work the land. I'm worried that pushing this loan initiative might not achieve the intended results."

Arvind considered Shankar's words and replied, "I made a mistake on that. I didn't consider Ashford's demographic. Let's adjust the plan to include training programs for those interested in becoming merchants. We could start by offering loans to those with relevant skills and provide some support."

Arvind recollected, "Oh! Yes, I remember. There is a tailor who spoke to me about her struggles. She cannot sleep with her child. You can give her a loan. Perhaps there are others with potential to be merchants that we don't know."

Shankar nodded, "I'll keep that in mind. I can let the apprentices of my department help put notices in the town."

Arvind stretched his arms as he got up and walked to the window, muttering, "Today's workload has decreased significantly."

He turned to Shankar and said, "The reforms I've led have brought vitality to the barony, less workload for me, and I believe Ashford will become a city in the future."

Shankar approached and replied, "My lord, your plan is ambitious yet achievable. The reform you lead is unlike anything I've seen in the kingdom. However, you must be cautious; it has not proven its worth yet."

Arvind nodded at Shankar's advice. He knew the effectiveness of the system from his past life, yet he also knew that the first bird in reform had to be cautious. He dismissed Shankar's concern and said,

"What about the economic reform? What are your thoughts on taking advantage of the two baronies' misfortune?"

Shankar replied, "It is a smart move, my lord, yet be careful of greedy nobles who follow the ways of cunning goblins. The traditional noble faction is also not to be underestimated. To develop, you must navigate treacherous waters. With your father, the Count, backing you, I believe they won't go too far."

Arvind nodded heavily, knowing that other nobles would not easily allow him to trade in their domains. "Yes, I know, Shankar, but I won't back off. Ravengarde needs development, and I don't want to stay in the castle hiding like a cat when in danger. If they won't accept our trade and become my stumbling block, I will eliminate them. No one can block my path."

Shankar heard his words and realized the young noble he had known had changed and become a true baron. "That's how a baron should be. If your mother saw you now, she would be proud and happy. Even your father might change his impression of you. But you must be restrained and behave like a leader, showing restraint and authority to your subordinates. Be careful of betrayal."

Arvind nodded, "I understand, Shankar. Thank you for your guidance."

He knew he couldn't guarantee his subordinates' loyalty, and the department reforms were designed to prevent any one person from becoming too powerful or arrogant. After that, he gazed at the forest beyond, contemplating and smiling. Shankar also looked outside.

Both stood in silence.

To be continued...