Chapter 4 – Building the Foundation

I calmed myself and nodded to Oric.

"It's normal. There are likely other tribes and settlements around us."

I turned to Laydia and motioned for her to report. Oric sat down as Laydia stepped forward.

"My lord, there's nothing much. We cleared the area, found some food, and sent the cut vegetation to the barn. We also stored the firewood on the side of the barn."

"Good. What about you, Ella?"

"We searched the barn, my lord. There's a space between the roof and the ceiling of the first floor. We found some grain, more hay, and some tools needed for animal care."

I let out a tired sigh. "I see… Do any of you have a trade? I already know Ella has one."

Drata shook his head, but Oric and Laydia nodded. Oric spoke up.

"My lord, I'm skilled at hunting, tracking, and I'm very good with a bow."

"As for me, my lord," said Laydia, "I'm a tailor, but I also work well with leather."

"Excellent. Here's what we're going to do next."

I looked to each of them as I spoke.

"Drata, you'll be captain of our forces. Tomorrow, take all the men and women without trades and choose the 40 best fighters. Your job will be guarding and scouting around the camp. You can organize them however you see fit."

"Yes, my lord."

"Oric, take those who can use bows to the open area in the forest. Set up a hunting camp and establish a food supply. Watch for danger as well."

"Yes, my lord."

"Laydia, for now, you'll be in charge of the camp and looking after the younger ones."

"Yes, my lord."

"Elin, you're responsible for the animals. If you need to let them graze or take them out for any reason, coordinate with Drata for extra protection. If you need help, you can recruit more people after we do the head count."

"Yes, my lord."

"Now, for all of these tasks to work, we need a proper head count and a record of those with trades."

I turned to Allia.

"Allia, tomorrow morning, take the census. Record everything. The rest of you, assist her and make sure everything goes smoothly."

"Yes, my lord."

"Good. If there's nothing else urgent, go and prepare food for everyone. Use the hunted animals, any eggs, milk, wild vegetables, or fruits you collected today."

"I believe we have pots and plates in the manor. Sisters, help them. Dismissed."

"Yes, my lord!"

Everyone bowed and left the room.

I sighed and stretched. Being a lord is exhausting... I should head to my room and change. I didn't know why I felt so tired. Maybe I'd eat something after I woke up.

In my room, I heard sounds coming from outside. I opened the window, but the area below was empty. I'd told them to set up camp between the two buildings, and this window looked out over the open ground. I couldn't see anything.

"Sigh... Whatever. Let's wear something comfortable and sleep."

I woke up to the sound of birds. I felt alive again. Yesterday had been draining.

As I sat up, I heard Ellia's voice.

"My lord, may I come in?"

She must have been waiting for me to wake.

"Yeah, come in."

She entered with a basin of water. I washed up and changed into clean clothes with her help.

"Okay, Ellia—has the head count been completed?"

"Yes, my lord. It should be wrapping up."

"Alright, let's go check it out."

I strapped on my sword and walked out of the manor.

The head count was done. Everyone was milling around. I spotted Allia approaching. She saw me and bowed.

"My lord, everything is ready."

She handed me a stack of papers. Likely taken from the manor.

I read the report:

Adults: 250

125 men

125 women

Young adults (ages 16–20): 82

40 men

42 women

Children (youngest age: 10): 90

45 boys

45 girls

People with skilled trades: 30 total

Nearly everyone can fight, but 100 people have full armor and weapons:

75 men

25 women

Hunters: 25 (all men)

Note: None of the young adults currently have a trade.

I nodded. People began looking at me, waiting.

"Everyone—listen up! All of you will now receive roles and leaders to report to."

"Young adults, children, and women will be responsible for clearing the surrounding area. Once that's done, you'll begin preparing land for farming. Laydia will lead this effort."

"Fifty soldiers will serve as guards and scouts around the camp. Drata will be your captain."

"The other 50 soldiers will work with the hunters to build a lumber camp. Oric will be your leader. Hunters, focus on gathering food and surveying the forest for any threats."

"The remaining men will begin construction of houses."

"Elin will oversee all animal care. Elin, recruit anyone you need to help you."

"That's it. Everyone—get to work!"

"Yes, my lord!"

Everyone bowed and dispersed.

I returned to the manor with my maids.

"Allia, get me some breakfast. Ellia, go tell Elin she can begin distributing animal products to feed the people."

"Yes, my lord."

I sat in the audience room. Allia brought me a meal and a glass of milk. I began eating—it wasn't bad at all.

"Allia, what else did you find in the manor?"

"My lord, almost all the clay pots and containers are full of food. We also found farming tools, construction tools, and even some for mining and woodcutting."

"There were also bags of seeds and wheat. That's everything, my lord."

"Alright. Distribute any extra tools to the people to speed up the work. Store the seeds and food for now—we may need them later."

"And tonight, announce to everyone that once the houses are built, they'll be responsible for feeding themselves. I'll begin collecting taxes."

"Yes, my lord."

Hmmm… we should train everyone in combat from a young age, but let them farm and live normal lives otherwise. I could implement surnames for families and form small dynasties. It would help structure society and give rise to a ruling class.

Eventually... I need to conquer the whole world.