55- The Weekly Assembly

The Friday meeting had become a cornerstone of Aldric's administration, gathering the heads of Raven's Nest's divisions to report on progress, challenges, and new developments. This week, the conference room was even more packed than before.

At the table sat Wulfric, Rowan, Vincent, Caelum, Seraphina, Lucien, and, for the first time, Matilda, the Head Maid of Ravensbourne Territory. Red and Mara, standing near the entrance as guards, exchanged glances, already bracing themselves for another round of overwhelming progress reports.

⸻

Wulfric was the first to report. "Thanks to your growing reputation as a just and compassionate lord, we've seen a significant increase in farmers seeking work in the territory. More land is being cultivated, and food production is steadily increasing."

He set down a document detailing the latest figures. "We've also improved food storage capacity with newly constructed silos and preservative techniques. With Rowan's expertise in construction and Caelum's knowledge of materials, we've built bigger, more durable silos using the new cement and steel methods developed under your guidance, Aldric."

Caelum added, "We've also finised the best ratio for cement production. The process is more efficient now, and Rowan's builders are making good use of it."

Aldric nodded, pleased with their efficiency. "Good. We need to ensure a steady food supply, especially as our population grows."

Wulfric then moved on to another key point. "Regarding the supplies and resources sent to Marquis Gustov's territory, our messengers have returned. Gustov was impressed by the speed and quality of our aid."

Rowan chimed in, "We've also dispatched engineers, builders, and carpenters to assist in rebuilding his estate. Gustov sent back batches of iron ore and stone to support our cement production as thanks."

⸻

Rowan adjusted his papers before continuing his report, his voice carrying a note of satisfaction. "Construction of roads and housing is progressing faster than ever, thanks to the new cement mixture and the manual cement mixer you designed, Lord Aldric. Work production has nearly doubled, and workers are getting more done with less effort."

There were murmurs of agreement from the other division heads. The impact of the innovation of cement was undeniable.

Rowan smirked as he added, "The first stretch of road from Ravensbourne to Eisenhardt is underway. The smooth black road has already drawn attention from travelers and merchants, and the reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. People are calling it 'the road of the future.'"

Vincent leaned back in his chair, chuckling. "I wouldn't be surprised if other lords start copying our roads soon. Though, without knowing how to make the Aspalt properly, I doubt they'll match our quality."

Caelum, crossed his arms and nodded. "That mixture was a challenge to perfect, but seeing it in action makes the effort worth it. This is far superior to anything that's been used before. Traditional stone roads take far too long to build and maintain, but with this? We can lay down infrastructure at an unprecedented rate."

Wulfric, stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Not only that, but it's also helping farmers. The improved roads mean faster transportation of goods, and better housing means fewer sick workers. This isn't just about comfort—it's about efficiency and stability."

Rowan grinned, clearly enjoying the conversation. "That's not all. With this cement and Aspalt, we're not just improving roads and houses. We've started experimenting with building stronger storage silos and food preservation chambers. Combined with Wulfric's agricultural planning, food security will be far better than before."

Seraphina, who had been listening intently, tapped a finger against the table. "And yet, Aldric already had all of this planned before we even knew what these was capable of. Tell me, my lord, just how far ahead are you thinking?"

Aldric simply smiled. "Far enough to make sure we're always ahead."

⸻

Vincent's report took a different turn. "The new fair trade policies angered some merchants, and many threatened to take their business elsewhere." He folded his arms, unimpressed. "I told them they were free to leave, but if they did, they'd be banned from doing business here again."

Mara snorted. "Bet they came crawling back."

Vincent smirked. "Exactly. At first, they scoffed at the threat, but when they saw others rushing in to take their place—especially with news of your policies and the new road attracting more trade—they quickly changed their minds. Some even begged to return. I turned them away."

Aldric nodded approvingly. "Good. If we allow them to leave and return as they please, it undermines our authority. Let this be a lesson."

Vincent then moved on to bank notes. "The banking system is taking shape, but it's a complicated process. I've encountered some challenges in implementation, so I need your input."

Aldric reviewed the issues presented and, after a moment, provided solutions, his sharp mind addressing each flaw with ease.

Vincent then unveiled the design for the bank notes:

• 1 Gold = 100 Bank Notes (Gold-Colored)

• 1 Silver = 10 Bank Notes (Silver-Colored)

• 1 Copper = 1 Bank Note (Copper-Colored)

Seraphina had enchanted the notes with a small, nearly invisible runic seal to counter counterfeiting. The notes would be printed using a metal presser crafted by the blacksmiths and cut precisely with a manual cutter for mass production.

Aldric examined the notes and nodded. "This is great keep me posted on the progress, I want this implemented as soon as possible"

Vincent agreed. "I shall see to it that this project take priority."

⸻

Caelum presented his report alongside Rowan and Vincent. "The Alchemy Division expansion is complete, and the new equipment—designed using your innovations—is already in use."

He then revealed a new discovery. "We've organized the elements in a structured format, creating a new periodic table—including new elements we've recently discovered."

Aldric's eyes lit up. He had been a scientist in his past life, and this was something he had long dreamed of. "This is incredible. Once I have time, I want to study this with you."

Lucien smirked. "And here I thought you were only interested in politics and war."

Aldric chuckled. "Science is a battlefield of its own."

Caelum continued, "The mining explosives are ready. Orion brought a sample for Rowan to test in upcoming projects." Rowan accepted the box with a nod, eager to see its effectiveness.

Meanwhile, Sylan, one of Caelum's assistants, had compiled a comprehensive book on herbs and their properties. The book continued to grow as more unique herbs were documented.

Lucian another of Caelum's apprentice reported, "We've also started constructing greenhouses for herb cultivation. With Sir Wulfric's farmers helping and Master Caelum's guidance, we're optimizing soil nutrition and water balance. Miss Seraphina has also provided mana-based insights into enhancing growth."

Aldric nooded and pleased with the progress.

⸻

Seraphina stood, her presence commanding yet graceful, as she addressed the room. "My lord, our search for magical talents has been fruitful. We have identified three promising individuals with great potential."

Aldric leaned forward slightly, interested. "Go on."

Elise, Seraphina's assistant, stepped forward, carrying a neatly organized set of notes. She spoke with a formal yet excited tone, clearly eager to present the findings.

Kieran – a reserved but exceptionally gifted mage specializing in Runic Magic and Enchantments. Unlike traditional spellcasters who channeled magic directly, he inscribed spells into objects, creating enchanted tools, weapons, and defenses. His meticulous control over mana allowed him to engrave intricate runes with unmatched precision, a rare talent that could revolutionize magical equipment.

Livia – A dedicated healer with a natural affinity for mana control. Unlike most healers who required time to channel their spells, Livia's healing magic was almost instantaneous, making her invaluable for rapid battlefield triage. Her determination and resilience set her apart, as she refused to let injuries, no matter how severe, shake her focus.

Daren – A prodigy in barrier magic. His ability to create multi-layered defensive formations made him a natural protector, ideal for fortifications and war tactics. Even among experienced mages, his barriers were unusually durable, resistant to both physical and magical attacks.

Aldric nodded approvingly as he processed the details. "These are excellent additions. Integrate them into training immediately. I want their abilities refined and put to use efficiently."

Seraphina exchanged a glance with Elise, both pleased that Aldric recognized their efforts. The three recruits, standing at the back of the room, subtly straightened their postures, their excitement hidden behind disciplined expressions. This was the moment their lives would change.

Satisfied, Aldric turned his attention back to Seraphina. "What of the Mage Tower?"

Seraphina's usual composed demeanor showed a hint of curiosity as she continued. "Construction is progressing well. With Rowan's engineering expertise and the new cement, the foundation is solid. It should be completed within two weeks. However…" She hesitated for a brief moment, then finally asked, "Why did you insist on it being so tall and circular?"

The entire room went silent as the question lingered. Aldric's lips curled into a small, knowing smile.

"You'll see when it's finished."

The answer was vague, yet there was an unmistakable glint of excitement in Aldric's eyes—something that intrigued everyone present.

In truth, this was more than just a practical decision. In his past life, he had read countless fantasy novels where towering Mage Towers were iconic—symbols of power, knowledge, and mystery. Now, given the chance to shape a world with his own hands, how could he resist?

For Seraphina, the answer only deepened the mystery. She made a mental note to keep a close watch on the project. Whatever Aldric had in mind, it would surely be groundbreaking.

As Seraphina finished her report, she cast a quick glance at Aldric, recalling the private conversation they had earlier.

"For now, keep the mana stone creation a secret," he had told her in a serious tone. "If word gets out too soon, it will attract too much unwanted attention—from nobles, merchants, even foreign powers. We need to be prepared before revealing something this valuable."

She understood his reasoning. Mana stones were a game-changer, capable of storing and supplying magic independently, something that could revolutionize enchantments, energy sources, and even weaponry. If the wrong people found out too soon, it could bring chaos.

As Seraphina mentally noted to keep this information hidden for now, a mischievous smirk crept onto her lips. "I suppose I'll just keep Aldric as my personal mana stone pooping machine for a little while longer," she mused to herself, suppressing a chuckle.

Unfortunately for her, Aldric caught the expression. His sharp instincts immediately screamed that something was off. He narrowed his eyes at her. "…Why do you look like you're plotting something?"

Seraphina quickly wiped the smirk from her face, replacing it with the most innocent look she could muster. "Me? Plotting? Aldric, please, I'm an esteemed researcher, not some scheming villain."

As the silent exchange continued, the division heads couldn't help but jump to conclusions.

Rowan smirked. So that's how it is, huh? No wonder Seraphina always gets away with pushing Aldric to fund her absurdly expensive projects. They must be closer than we thought.

Vincent chuckled internally. Seraphina, the cold and untouchable mage, and Aldric, our ever-diligent lord? Ha! I suppose opposites do attract.

Then came Caelum, the alchemy division head, who had been quietly observing for some time. Unlike the others, he didn't just suspect a secret relationship—he was already convinced of it. He stroked his beard with a fatherly smile.

"My, my," Caelum said aloud, nodding sagely. "So the rumors of late-night visits were true after all… Hahaha! Aldric, my boy, I'd be honored to call you my son-in-law!"

The room fell silent.

Aldric nearly choked on his tea. "EXCUSE ME?!"

Seraphina, who had been calmly enjoying her secret scheming moment, froze mid-sip. "WAIT, WHAT?!"

Rowan and Vincent immediately turned away, barely suppressing laughter. Elise, Seraphina's assistant, sputtered into her notes. Even Lucien, who was usually composed, had to look away to hide his smirk.

Seraphina's face turned red—not from embarrassment, but from sheer indignation. "Father, where in the world did you even hear such nonsense?!"

Caelum gave a hearty laugh, completely unfazed. "Oh, you know how rumors spread! The maids, the guards, the clerks—everyone's been talking about how Aldic's been sneaking into your room late at night!"

Aldric buried his face in his hands. "I CAN'T EVEN STAY UP LATE TO WORK WITHOUT STARTING A SCANDAL?!"

Seraphina slammed her hands on the table. "For your information, those 'late-night visits' were for research! R-E-S-E-A-R-C-H!!"

Caelum simply chuckled, still not convinced. "Of course, of course. No need to be shy, you two. I approve wholeheartedly!"

Seraphina groaned into her hands while Aldric looked like he was considering jumping out the nearest window.

⸻

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that Ravensbourne was evolving rapidly—from its economy and military to its scientific advancements.

Matilda, who had remained quiet until now, finally spoke. "I've watch you grow up, you were a trouble maker left and right, your reputation was rock botton, Aldric. But now many sing your name in praise, revolutionary ideas just pop out of your head every now and then, the way you uplift even the lowest worker… It's no wonder so many people are flocking to Ravensbourne. I've never been more proud as I am right now."

Aldric simply smiled. "We're building a future here—not just for nobles, but for everyone."

With that, the meeting ended. The gears of progress continued to turn, and Aldric knew—this was only the beginning.

POV: The Division Heads After the Meeting

Caelum strode down the hall, hands tucked behind his back, a deep satisfaction settling in his chest. He had doubted Aldric at first—who wouldn't? A young man barely out of his twenties claiming he could revolutionize alchemy and research? It sounded like the arrogance of youth. But now, months later, he could only thank himself for making the right decision in accepting Aldric's proposal.

Here, within Aldric's domain, he wasn't trapped in a stagnant system, suffocated by outdated traditions like in the Esmoran Kingdom. Here, there was freedom—true research. Every discovery felt groundbreaking, every experiment felt like a step toward something greater. His old colleagues would weep if they saw the progress they had made in mere months.

He chuckled to himself. And to think, I almost refused to work under him. That would've been the greatest mistake of my life.

⸻

Seraphina walked beside Caelum, her expression unreadable, but deep inside, she shared the same thoughts.

She had always been a pragmatic woman, valuing knowledge above all else. When Aldric had first proposed working together, she had been skeptical. Another noble with grand ideas but no real understanding of magic? She had seen plenty of those before.

But Aldric was different.

He didn't just have ideas—he had results. The projects they had worked on in mere months far outstripped the progress she had made in years back in the Esmoran Kingdom. For the first time, she felt like she was part of something bigger—something that could truly change the world.

She exhaled slowly, a small smirk tugging at her lips.

As long as he keeps being my personal mana stone machine, I suppose I'll continue supporting him.

Then her smirk faltered slightly as she remembered those ridiculous rumors.

Lately, the castle had been buzzing with whispers—late-night visits, secret rendezvous, lingering gazes exchanged in the laboratory. At first, she brushed them off. It was nothing more than idle gossip. But now, after Caelum's teasing and the way the others had looked at them in the meeting…

She felt her face heat up.

Wait—why am I blushing?!

Her fingers twitched, and she quickly schooled her expression, forcing herself to push the thought aside. It was nonsense. She worked with Aldric because he was brilliant. Because they had the same goal. Because…

Because…

Her stomach fluttered strangely, and she didn't quite know why.

Her gaze flickered to Caelum, who was still chuckling to himself.

"I don't know what's funnier," she huffed, trying to focus on anything else, "your belief in those ridiculous rumors or the fact that you actually think you had a choice in joining Aldric."

Caelum let out a hearty laugh. "Hah! Maybe I didn't, but it turned out to be the best 'forced decision' of my life."

Seraphina huffed, crossing her arms, but her mind still lingered on the rumors.

And the worst part?

She wasn't sure why they suddenly didn't seem as ridiculous anymore.

⸻

Master Rowan moved slower than the others, his steps heavy with the weight of years behind him—but for the first time in a long time, he felt light.

He had been pulled out of retirement for this, and gods, he was grateful. At first, he had thought it was just another noble's vanity project—building fancy roads and infrastructure for the sake of appearances. But this? This was different.

The cement mixer, the roads, the buildings—they weren't just for show. They were foundations for the future.

He had seen his name written into the annals of history before, but now? He was a part of something that would shape not just the Duchy—but the entire continent.

Aldric's ideas were revolutionary, but it was Rowan who made them real. The thought filled him with pride. When he finally left this world, he wouldn't just be another old engineer forgotten in history—his legacy would live on.

⸻

Wulfri stretched his arms as he stepped out into the open air, breathing in the crisp scent of freshly tilled earth from the nearby fields. He smiled.

When he had first met Aldric, he had been skeptical. What noble cared for farmers? What ruler ever spared a thought for the people toiling in the dirt? But Aldric had changed everything. He even toiled the land with them. 

With the new tools, the advanced plows, irrigation techniques, the water wheel, and crop rotation strategies, one man could do the work of ten—maybe even a hundred.

The days of backbreaking labor with little reward were fading. The daily lives of farmers had improved beyond imagination. People were well-fed. Families no longer lived in fear of bad harvests. For the first time, farming was not just survival—it was prosperity.

He patted the side of his old tool belt, feeling the weight of the blueprints Aldric had given him earlier. Plans for an even more advanced harvester.

Wulfri chuckled, shaking his head. This madman never stops, does he?

But neither would he.

⸻

Vincent walked briskly, mentally reviewing the latest financial records. His treasury had never seen this much gold flow in so quickly—but he had also never spent so much in such a short time.

Aldric's projects were expensive—absurdly so. New roads, new buildings, research projects, tools, imported materials—his accountants screamed at him daily about the expenditures.

But the wealth was also returning faster than ever. Trade had boomed. Merchants, once wary, were now flooding into the Duchy, eager to do business. With better roads, better production, and a well-fed workforce, profits were skyrocketing.

Vincent grinned. I can't wait to report this to Duke Alaric. He won't believe it until he sees it himself.

Still, he shook his head in exasperation. Aldric spent money like water. If it were anyone else, Vincent would have demanded they slow down—but at this rate, the Duchy's economy would soon surpass the Esmoran Kingdom itself.

And that was a future he wanted to see.

⸻

Matilda, the head maid, was perhaps the most silent of them all as she walked back toward the servants' quarters, but her heart was full.

She had served many years in Ravensbourne. She had seen all side of Aldric, the lazy Aldric, corrupt Aldric, indifferent Aldric—but never had she seen this side of Aldric. Was he just in his rebellious faze before? 

Under him, the maids, stable boys, and household staff didn't just serve—they thrived.

The new uniforms, the proper training, the better wages, and the sense of purpose—these were things no noble had ever thought to give them.

The castle was no longer just a workplace. It was a home.

She passed by a group of maids discussing the latest innovations in cleaning tools—tools that Aldric himself had helped design. They were laughing, motivated, and working diligently.

Matilda allowed herself a small smile.

It wasn't just the nobility benefiting from this new era. Everyone was.

⸻

Lucien stood by one of the grand windows of the estate, overlooking the sprawling lands below. His fingers drummed absently against the polished wooden frame as he watched the people move with purpose—workers constructing new roads, merchants unloading goods, and even farmers utilizing strange but efficient tools.

The Duchy was changing.

And at the center of it all was his brother.

Aldric was shaping the future.

At first, Lucien had been skeptical. When their father had all but exiled Aldric when he was poison and weeken, Lucien had pitied him. He thought his younger brother would wither away in obscurity, forgotten like so many second sons of nobility.

But now?

Lucien exhaled, shaking his head with an amused smirk. How ironic that a boy we cast aside is now a man making history.

Walking away from the window, he adjusted the cuffs of his coat. There was a time when he thought he would be the one to uphold the family's name, the one to carve their legacy into the annals of history.

But Aldric had surpassed him—not with swords or political schemes, but with innovation.

And Lucien?

He was no fool. He knew better than to stand in the way of progress.

If anything, he would ensure he stood beside it.

———

As each division head walked their separate paths, one thing remained the same—

They had all once doubted Aldric.

Now, they wouldn't trade their places at his side for anything.

———

Mean while, Aldric groaned, rubbing his temples as he stared at the monstrous mountain of paperwork before him. Reports. Budget allocations. Logistics. Agricultural advancements. Diplomatic letters. It was a never-ending stream of responsibility.

This is worse than war.

His once pristine office was now a war zone of documents, scattered across every available surface. The desk groaned under the weight of economic reports, land deeds, and requests from various departments. He swore that just five minutes ago, he had cleared half of it—only for Vincent to drop another stack on his desk, grinning like the devil himself.

Rowan and Wulfri had assured him that this was a good problem to have. That it meant progress.

Aldric wasn't convinced.

Progress shouldn't feel like drowning.

He slumped back in his chair, staring at the ceiling. A thought crossed his mind—perhaps he should ask Father for assistance.

Then he immediately dismissed it.

Absolutely not.

Duke Alaric would likely turn the entire duchy into a military training ground if it were up to him. His solution to every problem involved discipline, war, or more discipline. Aldric had enough battles to fight; he didn't need his own estate turned into a battlefield.

No, he needed someone who understood both politics and governance—someone competent.

His eyes flickered toward the thought of Lucien.

Now there's an idea.

Lucien was intelligent, politically sharp, and, most importantly, not him. He could handle the nobility, the power plays, and the constant headaches of ruling. If Lucien took over Ravensbourne after their father, that would free Aldric to pursue what truly excited him.

Not paperwork. Not bureaucracy.

Magic. Science. Alchemy.

That was where his true passion lay.

———

Aldric's mind drifted to his recent breakthroughs with Caelum and Seraphina—the fusion of alchemy, magic, and science. The possibilities were endless. The way mana interacted with physical elements, the theoretical applications of enchanted metallurgy, the creation of sustainable mana stones—

His eyes gleamed.

Yes. That's what he wanted.

He wanted to stand in the middle of a laboratory, exchanging theories with Caelum, testing new magical inscriptions with Seraphina, crafting enchanted devices that could reshape civilization itself.

Not—he scowled at his desk—sorting out irrigation taxes.

A long, exhausted sigh escaped him.

But just as he was about to dive back into his paperwork, his mind betrayed him, drifting toward the whispers circulating the Headquarters.

Rumors. Him and Seraphina. Late-night visits. Lingering stares. Shared secrets.

He nearly scoffed out loud. Ridiculous. They worked together, that was all. She was a close collaborator, his research partner, someone who—

Aldric frowned slightly.

One of a kind.

He had never really stopped to look before, but now that the thought had taken root, he had to admit—Seraphina was striking. Not in the delicate, soft-spoken way of noble ladies, but in a way that made her impossible to ignore. Her sharp green eyes held an intelligence that rivaled his own, her confidence was unwavering, and when she spoke about magic, there was an intensity in her that was—

He blinked, suddenly realizing he had been staring blankly at his papers for far too long.

His scowl deepened.

No. Absolutely not.

He refused to entertain this any further. It was unnecessary. Complicating. They worked well together—why ruin that with awkwardness?

With a determined shake of his head, he buried himself back into the endless stack of documents before him, gripping his quill like a lifeline.

Focus, Aldric.

He had more important things to deal with.

For now.

But the moment he secured the duchy's stability, he was handing off the administrative nightmare to Lucien and hiding in a tower with Caelum and Seraphina to unravel the mysteries of the universe.