Chapter 64: Idar’s Institutional Development

As soon as that voice rang out, everyone immediately knew it was Shabi—his never-changing flattery was seriously lacking in creativity...

Bruno shifted the topic and continued, "That being said, long-term solutions won't solve immediate problems. Even if our public opinion campaign succeeds, it will take at least half a year to see results..."

"So what should we do?"

Old Ford, though still unclear on what "public opinion" actually meant, suppressed his doubts.

After all, his lord had been throwing out some strange new terms lately.

"According to the laws of the Norman Empire, commoners are not bound to nobles as serfs. Since that's the case… we can go over to Soren Territory and persuade some commoners to settle in Idar. The fertile lands on the southern bank of the Idar River are still largely undeveloped. Anyone who moves to Idar will receive usage rights to that land!"

"But we just signed a peace treaty with Earl Soren..." Old Ford hesitated.

"Does that treaty say we can't persuade Soren's commoners to settle in Idar?" Bruno asked.

"No..."

"Exactly! I'm determined to establish the largest workforce settlement in eastern Norman right here in the southern Idar River region! We're not just bringing in workers from Soren; once the southern roads are completed, we'll even attract laborers from the Basel Kingdom!"

Old Ford sighed. "But right now is planting season—Earl Soren will definitely try to stop us."

"Stop us? With what? Commoners are free individuals with the right to move as they please. Besides, Soren's forces have already been crushed—what power does he have to stop them?"

"Send a letter to Earl Soren. Tell him that if he interferes, as a noble personally enfeoffed by the royal family, I will ensure that the legal rights of Norman Empire citizens are protected. Also, if he dares to cause trouble, I may consider adding a few more clauses to the 'Treaty of Soren' just a little supplement."

"Understood, my lord," Old Ford replied.

With the population issue settled, Bruno moved on to the next topic that had been on his mind for some time—Idar's administrative system.

After carefully choosing his words, Bruno said, "I want to take this opportunity to formally define everyone's responsibilities."

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone straightened up, eager to listen.

"After the Battle of the Grand Highlands, Idar's territory has expanded northward to the Soren River, increasing by nearly a third of its original size."

"But at the same time, this has exposed a major problem our administrative inefficiency. Idar's lower-ranking officials have no clearly defined duties. One day, Old Ford might call them to do bookkeeping, the next day Shabi has them shoveling manure, and a few days later, White Barrel has them monitoring construction teams and recording labor points."

This was standard practice throughout the Norman Empire, but to Bruno, it was pure chaos!

Old Ford and the others nodded. While their lord often came up with odd ideas, this issue was indeed worth addressing.

There had even been times when the same official was assigned two conflicting tasks by different leaders.

"My plan is to start by clearly defining the responsibilities of you key officials, then work down from there," Bruno explained.

Old Ford readily agreed—he was getting older, and right now, every issue in Idar passed through him. It was exhausting.

"Let me outline my proposed structure..." Bruno unrolled a parchment and read aloud:

"From today forward, Lopida will serve as Idar's Treasurer, responsible for managing the territory's finances and tax collection."

Bruno glanced around. Seeing no objections, he continued,

"Sam Rayton will serve as the commander of the Idar Standing Army. He will oversee all standing forces, but the fifty elite guards will report directly to me."

"Shabi, since you've developed quite the expertise in handling manure, you will oversee Idar's agricultural production and composting operations. Also, the fishing operations at the harbor will fall under your jurisdiction."

"White Barrel will take charge of all construction projects in Idar. Besides completing the Citadel of Namur, we also need to start working on the five planned roads."

"Arnel Brad will serve as Idar's Special Consultant for Magical Affairs. You'll be responsible for researching magical formations and enchanted weaponry. As for manpower… well, you're on your own—see if you can recruit any mages or apprentices."

"Butler Ford will oversee all key industries: salt production, sugar refineries, distilleries, cement works, and the upcoming paper mill. Remember, no technology can be leaked!"

"Understood!" Old Ford nodded firmly.

"Additionally, we're establishing a new department the Anti-Smuggling Bureau. Old Ford, you'll serve as its director. Your main responsibilities will be protecting our industries and salt fields while strictly cracking down on illegal trade and grain smuggling."

"Lister, for now, you'll serve as the steward of the lord's castle, managing only internal affairs. Soon, we'll establish an Idar Immigration Bureau, which you will also oversee."

"That concludes my proposed assignments. Does anyone have any questions?"

Bruno had initially considered establishing an independent oversight department. However, given Idar's current size and manpower constraints, it wasn't feasible just yet.

For now, since most of Idar's innovations like salt production came from Bruno himself, no one else understood these technologies as well as he did. That meant any deception or corruption would be easy to spot.

Besides, everyone present was someone he could completely trust, so he wasn't too worried.