Chapter 36: New Year

Bruno immediately ordered a strict lockdown on the news of the discovery of the magic crystal mine.

If the profits from sea salt and white sugar were enough to make people envious, then the existence of a magic crystal mine would undoubtedly spark the greed of other nobles.

"When profits reach 10%, it will ensure employment; 20 percent will produce eagerness, At 50%, they take risks. At 100%, they trample on all human laws. At 300%, they are willing to risk the gallows."

This quote from Marx applies not only to capitalists but also perfectly describes the noble lords of the Norman Empire.

The long-standing dispute between the Idar Territory and the Soren Territory over the Grand Highlands existed mainly because of the iron ore deposits there.

But the value of magic crystals was far greater than iron ore, which meant Bruno had to be extremely cautious in making any decisions regarding them.

Thus, after marking the location of the magic crystal vein, Bruno restored the surroundings to their original state and left with his men.

Now was definitely not the time to mine the magic crystals!

Sitting on a treasure trove but unable to use it was frustrating for Bruno.

However, magic crystals were meant for mages, and currently, the entire Idar Territory had only one mage Arnel, who was merely an apprentice.

If he mined the crystals now, they would have to be sold externally, which was not what Bruno wanted.

Winter passed quickly, and the snow atop Armis Mountain gradually melted, bringing new life to the vast land.

As the first hint of green appeared on the treetops, the New Year arrived.

This was the most important festival in the Norman Empire. It was said to be the day the God of Light descended to the world, bringing renewal and peace to the land.

This year, the Idar Territory had been completely transformed. The streets were no longer littered with filth, and the homeless had disappeared. They had all been organized into new labor squads and even received free housing (courtesy of fifty former hooligans).

Bruno personally funded repairs for the homes of the most impoverished families in Idar, providing them with firewood and a small amount of black bread.

For once, Old Ford did not object to this expenditure.

The serfs working on the Hanging Garden were also granted a rare holiday. Regardless of their work points, each person received a portion of fish soup and unlimited black bread for the day.

The construction of the Hanging Garden had been a massive financial burden, but the gold spent from Idar's treasury had ultimately flowed into the hands of Idar's commoners.

For most people in Idar, this was a truly good year.

With more copper coins in their pockets, people had the means to buy extra food. The fishing port had prepared fresh catches in advance, transporting them to Idar City by ox cart, ensuring they arrived on time for the New Year celebrations.

On this day, many Idar citizens had their first full meal in years.

The delicious aroma of fish soup filled the air of Idar City, mingling with the laughter of commoners and serfs.

And as the money circulated, the copper coins used to buy fresh fish would soon return to Idar's treasury back into Bruno's pocket before becoming the next month's wages for the people.

Thus, copper coins began to flow between the commoners and the nobles of Idar…

It was a good beginning.

This was Bruno's first New Year in this world. It was impossible not to miss his former life, but he had come to terms with his new identity.

Since he was here, he might as well settle in.

Now, he was not just the lord of Idar—he was the backbone of all its people.

On New Year's Day, Bruno hosted a grand banquet at the lord's castle, inviting nearly all of Idar's officials.

Attendees included Old Ford, Idar's Waste Collection Overseer Shabi, Lopida—who managed the fishing port and Salt ponds Sam Layton, the captain of the personal guard and drill instructor of the standing army, Bruno's personal servant Lister, and many other officials of Idar.

Even the fourteen labor squad leaders were allowed to attend. A noble allowing serfs to dine at his banquet was unheard of in the past!

The grand oak table was filled with a dazzling array of dishes golden fried chicken, various stir-fried vegetables. For most guests, the food was entirely unfamiliar.

Only Lister, Old Ford, and a select few knew the secret behind these dishes.

Among the attendees was Krell, captain of the Third Labor Squad.

Sitting nervously in the corner of the oak table, he was stunned to find himself dining across from a real knight!

To sit at the same table as nobles—this was beyond his imagination!

Bruno had revised the guest list countless times before finalizing it. Inviting too many commoners and serfs could provoke dissatisfaction among other nobles.

Thus, he adopted a gradual approach—like boiling a frog in warm water.

Fourteen commoners and serfs—just the right number to avoid controversy.

Though the banquet's attendees had changed, the formalities remained the same.

Bruno first gave a short speech, followed by praise and flattery from Old Ford, Sam Layton, and other key officials. Then, the feast began.

However… Bruno's opening remarks made everyone tense.

He expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Hanging Garden, praised the teamwork and dedication of his subordinates, and then declared that the garden was merely a small milestone. In the future, many more wonders would be built in Idar!

At that moment, Old Ford's body tensed. He felt dizzy, his limbs turning cold…

The construction of a single Hanging Garden had already strained Idar's finances to the limit. If more grand projects were to come, the treasury would surely be emptied!

Meanwhile, sculptor Andy and Hanging Garden supervisor White Barrel were overjoyed.

Yes! This was the kind of lord they wanted to serve!

Andy even felt an urge to write to a few old friends in the Basel Kingdom

"The people here are clueless and the money flows freely. Get here fast!"