NOVPUBThe addition of more mages had indeed accelerated construction, but there was still a severe shortage of skilled personnel, especially for administrative tasks.
As the territory and population expanded, so did the administrative workload.
Initially, the officials of Fenris tackled the work with enthusiasm. But as the workload grew, tasks began to pile up.
In this era, finding educated individuals who could handle administrative tasks was no easy feat.
"Hmm, I can feel things starting to bottleneck," Ghislain muttered, glancing over the growing stack of reports during a council meeting.
Claude, his eyes shadowed from exhaustion, sighed heavily. "Yes, at this rate, even construction will face delays. Calculating wages for laborers, managing resource supplies, handling accidents—it’s all too much. We’re stretched thin, even working nonstop thanks to the divine magic. But still..."
"Even with Fiote reviving everyone constantly, we’re still falling behind."
"Mentally, it’s taxing. The divine power doesn’t seem to restore mental stamina," Claude grumbled. Having experienced multiple revivals himself, he knew the toll it took. Physically, he might be fine, but his mental resilience was fraying.
The sudden increase in tasks required more officials than they currently had.
"Are we still recruiting people?"
"Yes, but it’s tough. Offering food attracts people, but we can’t trust unvetted individuals. There’s also the risk of spies from rival nobles, so assigning crucial tasks to unknowns is risky."
"That’s unavoidable. We’re loosening the isolation on the territory, after all. For now, assign unverified people to simple tasks only."
It was no longer feasible to keep the territory isolated.
They needed to attract new talent and trade resources like food and iron ore to procure other essential goods.
This was a challenge they’d have to face as they continued expanding their influence. It was something they’d need to prepare for.
After a brief moment of thought, Ghislain shared a plan he’d had in mind for a while.
"Let’s start by establishing educational institutions across the territory. Basic studies, and most urgently, medical training."
"Educational institutions?"
"Yes. There must be clever people among the locals, right? With a bit of training, they should be able to handle basic tasks. What do you think?"
"It’s not a bad idea. We’d need to set one up eventually, anyway. However, establishing and educating people will take time. It won’t solve our immediate shortage."
"We’ll handle that separately. Set up the institutions quickly and start recruiting people to study. Education will be free."
"But... do you think people will want to study? Most will likely see it as a waste of time. They’d rather work for bread than study for something intangible."
Claude’s point was valid. In most people’s minds, education wasn’t meant for them. It was a luxury for the well-off or the nobility.
But Ghislain had a simple solution.
"Tell them they’ll get bread for studying."
"Huh?"
"Why not? It’s an investment for our territory. Test them, and if they’re promising, support them so they can focus solely on their studies."
Claude nodded, his background as a scholar aligning with Ghislain’s logic.
To secure the future of the territory, they needed to cultivate talent. And a stable environment was essential for that.
It would be costly, but it was undoubtedly a wise policy.
Other advisors, also well-educated, saw no reason to oppose the plan.
Ghislain, having quickly organized his thoughts, continued.
"When the situation stabilizes, I want to set up institutions to train residents in martial arts and magic as well. We’ll lay the legal groundwork for that now."
This sudden declaration left the advisors puzzled, but Ghislain didn’t stop.
"First, child labor is now banned. Until they reach adulthood, they cannot work."
"What?!"
The advisors were stunned. No territory in Luthania had such a law. Even young children were expected to work once they were old enough.
It was common to see children helping out on farms and at construction sites across the territory. Work, even menial tasks, earned them a small wage.
In a harsh world, this was simply the norm.
"Many will oppose this. They see their children as their assets... This could feel like an infringement on their rights."
"It doesn’t matter. From now on, it’s absolutely forbidden. Anyone caught will face consequences. In exchange, we’ll provide extra food to households with children."
"Understood," the advisors replied, lowering their heads. Ghislain’s decisions, once made, were final.
One advisor, attempting to lighten the mood, laughed and said, "I didn’t realize our lord cared so deeply for children. Surely, everyone will praise your kindness and compassion."
Ghislain blinked and replied bluntly, "What? Kids don’t grow up properly if they work too early. They need good food and health to become strong soldiers for the territory later. Child labor is banned. When they reach adulthood, they’ll undergo regular military training."
"..."
The advisors fell silent, momentarily forgetting who their lord was. Ghislain wasn’t done yet.
"Second, all children will receive basic education. Since we’re already setting up institutions, we’ll make it mandatory."
"Would that be for the same reason?"
"Exactly. A well-educated soldier is far more versatile. Who knows, some of them might even become excellent commanders."
"..."
"And third, the territory will fully cover medical expenses for the sick. Establish more healthcare facilities in each settlement and recruit doctors wherever possible."
"And this, too...?"
"Correct. Healthy residents make for strong soldiers, ready to be conscripted if needed."
"..."
"These three policies will take effect in the territory starting today. I assume there are no objections."
While Ghislain’s motives seemed militaristic, the laws were undeniably beneficial in the long run. No one objected to the policies themselves, but one concern lingered.
After clearing his throat, Claude spoke up.
"All good policies, my lord. But we lack the personnel to manage the territory right now. Doctors might be able to teach on the side, but for the other fields... Who will teach and train these people?"
Ghislain’s eyes gleamed with a mischievous smile.
"We’ll just have to recruit more people. I’ve got a plan."
"Teaching is no simple task. Knowing how to read isn’t enough. We’ll need at least a base level of knowledge. Where are we supposed to find such scholars?"
Ghislain pointed at Claude with a grin.
"Why don’t you bring some of your old friends from the academy? You must know plenty of people."
"My... friends?"
"Yes. Convince as many as you can, by any means necessary. Offer them academic positions or administrative roles in Fenris if they come."
Claude’s face paled. No one would willingly come to this territory to work as both a professor and an administrator.
Moreover, he could hardly imagine his fellow scholars enduring life in this rugged land.
*‘Most of them wouldn’t last a week here.’*
While Claude had gained resilience through his involvement in the rebellion, his old friends were scholars who’d led sheltered lives. They’d likely break down within days.
"Is there really a need to seek out scholars from the small kingdom of Sairon? We have plenty of scholars within Luthania itself. Many renowned academies, too."
"Why would they come to a barren land like the North? We’re already struggling to recruit locally, aren’t we?"
"So why would scholars from another kingdom be any different? Leaving one’s homeland is a struggle..."
He knew it well; he himself was far from home, struggling in this desolate place.
Ghislain chuckled. "Don’t play dumb. Most of them are probably unemployed or in minor positions. You think I don’t know?"
Claude grimaced, stepping back. It was true.
Ever since the rebellion, most of his colleagues had been dismissed or driven out of their posts.
Their former mentor had once been influential in Sairon, leading an academic faction. Consequently, many scholars had been caught up in his downfall.
Ghislain clicked his tongue.
*“Tsk, tsk. You’ve made it to Chief Administrator in this vast territory; isn’t it time to help out your old friends? You’re living quite comfortably here, after all.”*
“Wow...,” Claude sighed, clutching his chest in exasperation.
Comfortable? He wanted to quit and run away. This wasn’t comfort—he barely slept from the endless workload.
As Claude’s head throbbed and he steadied himself, he finally asked, “...But what if I don’t want to?”
"You know our style, right? We’ll just keep pushing on with who we have until we’re fully staffed. Why ask?"
"Ugh..."
Claude massaged his forehead.
Ghislain’s plan made sense. It was the quickest way to recruit a large number of scholars.
Rather than scraping by with one or two here and there, they’d have a sizable workforce at once. And he wouldn’t have to worry about vetting them for allegiance.
His friends were educated and skilled in various fields, which would address the territory’s current gaps.
Seeing Claude’s hesitation, Ghislain offered reassurance.
"Tell them they’ll be well-compensated. They can bring their families and settle here. I’ll see to it they’re taken care of."
Claude stared at him in disbelief.
*‘Even in this, he’s trying to increase the population here.’*
Ghislain always managed to extract full value from any situation.
Still, given the conditions, his friends might actually be grateful for the opportunity. At least here, they wouldn’t
go hungry.
After scratching his head a few times, Claude made up his mind. "Fine, I’ll bring them. With their families, too."
For a long time, he had ignored their plight, avoiding them due to his own lingering guilt. But they deserved a chance at a better future.
This was not just about the overwhelming workload.
Ghislain smiled, satisfied. "You made the right choice. Do your best to bring as many as possible."
"Then we’ll need a bit of extra money."
"Why?"
"We can’t show up looking shabby. If I want them to come, I need to look ‘successful’—maybe hand out some cash here and there, you know?"
"Hmm, alright... just don’t overdo it."
Though he approved, Ghislain still sounded reluctant.
While he didn’t skimp on essential expenses, he worried that Claude might take "essential" a bit too far.
Beaming, Claude pulled Wendy along and left immediately.
In his view, it was best to embrace the situation rather than dwell on it.
Watching him leave, Ghislain clicked his tongue.
"Gillian, take fifty knights and two hundred soldiers to escort him. He’d be robbed by bandits at this rate. And we need everyone to return safely."
"Understood."
With a solid escort arranged, Claude’s journey to Sairon, along with carts filled with provisions, was well underway.
