Chapter 17: Production Team and Work Points

Old Ford's eyes were fixed on that pile of pure white sea salt.

As the steward of Idar, he understood better than anyone the value of that salt. Using the traditional boiling method, obtaining this much salt would take at least twice the time and require a large number of serfs to labor tirelessly, making the cost extremely high.

However, Lord Bruno's proposed sun-drying method not only allowed for large-scale salt production but also freed the serfs from the salt fields, drastically reducing costs and increasing profits.

With just a few functionally distinct salt ponds and dedicated management, the entire salt operation could be sustained. Old Ford was certain that once all these newly dug salt ponds were fully operational, Idar's salt revenue would at least double next year!

For a moment, Old Ford was so overwhelmed with excitement that he was speechless.

Shabi was right!

The Lord truly was a man of great wisdom!

"How about that? Pretty impressive, right?"

Bruno had somehow sidled up next to Old Ford, speaking smugly.

"L-Lord, you are simply... simply... too amazing!" Old Ford stammered in excitement.

"Naturally." Bruno nodded confidently.

"To my knowledge, no other lords know of this sea salt sun-drying method. If that's the case... if we want to maximize profits... then this method must absolutely not be leaked," Old Ford said seriously.

"Makes sense. I plan to form a dedicated guard force to protect the salt fields. What do you think, Old Ford?" Bruno asked.

"A dedicated guard force?"

Old Ford had initially only planned to suggest stationing a small number of soldiers, but hearing Bruno's idea, he found it quite reasonable.

After all, salt production was one of Idar's most crucial sources of income, and it was impossible to be too cautious about protecting it.

"I think it's a great idea," Old Ford replied. "But what about the scale and personnel for this force? Do you have a plan, my lord?"

"Since we're just starting out, we don't need too many men. I plan to set up an initial force of fifty, and to ensure loyalty, I'll select all of them from my personal guards," Bruno said after a moment of thought.

Fifty men was actually quite a lot. After all, the entire military force of Idar only numbered a little over three hundred, with only one hundred being Bruno's direct personal guards. The remaining two hundred were just regular soldiers stationed at a military camp outside Idar City.

This force of fifty would take up almost half of Bruno's personal guards.

"I have no objections to selecting from your personal guards, but this would cut your protection in half, my lord," Old Ford cautioned.

"I'll replenish the ranks from civilians and existing soldiers. I'll transfer thirty from the regular soldiers and recruit another twenty from among the townspeople. You conducted a population survey earlier, right? Check their records—I want only native Idar citizens with clean backgrounds. The priority is loyalty."

"As you command, my lord," Old Ford said respectfully.

"As for managing the salt fields and organizing the guard force, I'll be relying on you, Old Ford…" Bruno suddenly added.

"I won't fail you," Old Ford responded without hesitation.

Since the sun-drying method had now replaced the traditional boiling method, maintaining such a large number of serfs was no longer necessary.

That very evening, Bruno gathered the serfs.

Four hundred and fifty-three—this was the total number of serfs who had previously worked in salt production.

Around a large bonfire, the serfs instinctively sat in a circle, waiting to hear their fate.

By now, several hours had passed since the successful salt harvest.

Even the dullest of the serfs had snapped out of their initial shock and started worrying about their future.

After all, it was obvious that the new salt production method didn't require so many workers.

But if they weren't working in salt production, what would they do?

Many of them were anxious. Nobles didn't keep people around for no reason, and once they were deemed useless, the outcome was often grim.

In the Norman Empire, the buying and selling of serfs was common practice.

Before, boiling salt had been exhausting and harsh, but at least Bruno had ensured they were fed—enough to survive. If they were sold to another lord, who knew what would happen to them?

After all… Bruno was already considered one of the more benevolent nobles.

"I don't intend to sell you," Bruno said loudly from beside the bonfire, clearing his throat.

The moment these words were spoken, a visible wave of relief passed through the crowd. As long as they weren't being sold, anything else could be dealt with.

"But you can't stay here and continue making salt either. You've all seen the process yourselves—this method simply doesn't require so many hands."

"However, the sun-drying method is now a top-secret technique of the Stuart family. So… I strongly advise you to keep your mouths shut. Otherwise, you won't find a place to live anywhere in the Norman Empire." Bruno's voice turned cold.

"But at the same time, as long as you work hard, I can guarantee that from now on, you will have food to eat and clothes to wear. You will be able to support yourselves through your own labor. Some of you might even have a chance to regain your status as free citizens.

When Bruno finished speaking, everyone—serfs, commoners, and even the soldiers present—was struck with disbelief.

Had they misheard?

Did the lord just say that serfs could become free citizens again?

Due to the structure of the Norman Empire's political and noble class system, many serfs had originally been commoners who were forcibly reduced to serfdom.

For example, minor territorial conflicts between nobles were not uncommon, and the Imperial Court often turned a blind eye. This created a loophole that many nobles exploited.

Noble A might invade Noble B's lands, capturing many commoners. These captives then had only two choices: be killed or become serfs under Noble A.

Noble B would then retaliate in the same way, seizing commoners from Noble A's lands.

Through this cycle, both nobles managed to convert free commoners into serfs, gaining not only their land but also a labor force that was bound to them.

And the cost to the nobles?

Zero casualties because the entire thing was prearranged.