Chapter 19: Planning the Future of the Territory

"I still don't know my manservant's name," Field asked the steward.

"My lord, his name is Crock, sixteen years old, and his parents are peasants. The chef is named Plate, and the maids are Jazz and Sparrow."

In this world, only those with knowledge, nobles, or those with supernatural abilities have pleasant names. For example, Field's full name is Field Ross.

"Is there anything you need, my lord?" Crock trembled as he spoke, terrified at being called out.

He feared being dismissed for slacking off ten minutes while mopping the floor yesterday.

"The temporary bed you made in the carriage was very comfortable. Without it, I might have been shaken apart on the journey," Field said lightly, snapping his fingers. "Kaa, reward Crock with a silver coin."

"Hiss~"

Everyone immediately cast envious glances at Crock. A silver coin was equivalent to more than six days' wages.

Crock was stunned for a moment, then displayed a look of wild joy as he fell to Field's feet, kissing his boots. "Praise be to the Valkyrie, thank you for your generosity."

"Lucky boy," Jazz pouted, clearly displeased. Making a bed wasn't that impressive; she could even warm one up.

Crock silently swore to himself: I'll never slack off again, not even for a minute.

"I will conduct evaluations monthly. Everyone has the chance to earn silver coins as long as they perform well. If the chef prepares delicious meals, if the maids keep the rooms spotless—things like that, I notice everything."

Everyone's breathing quickened. They exchanged glances, seeing the fire of competition in each other's eyes.

Field's lips curved slightly. Their efficiency would now be driven by the allure of silver coins. Most importantly, this would encourage informants and whistleblowers, preventing any group from becoming too cohesive and deceiving him.

"Alright, you may go back to work," Field said with a smile, dismissing them. They quickly walked away, but the steward hesitated and returned. Field asked curiously, "What is it?"

"My lord, although it's not my place to say, as your steward, I feel it's necessary to give you some advice." Since entering Nightfall Domain, Kaa had been working diligently, setting aside his previous complaints.

Field raised an eyebrow. "Speak freely."

"It's about the issue of race. You seem to be giving humanoids a path to rise, promising them the possibility of becoming free citizens. But... humanoids are different from us. They're... excuse me, but they're quite stupid. Except for Lady Asheena, of course. It seems unnecessary to grant freedom to the others."

Field pondered for a moment. "We are now in a cursed land, surrounded by death. As the saying goes, when in Azelia, do as the Azelians do."

"Our Nightfall Domain should have its own rules. I will announce a unified law tomorrow. You'll understand then."

That night, Field took out paper and pen to draft Nightfall Domain's development plan.

He wrote in characters only he could understand: "Pillaging and Exploring."

"My domain has nothing. To develop rapidly and accumulate production resources, two hundred people alone won't cut it."

Even the land was poisoned.

"Knock, knock, knock."

There was a knock at the door.

"My lord, it's me," came Asheena's voice from outside.

Field's plan required Asheena's support. "Come in, I've been waiting for you."

"Good evening, my lord." Asheena entered, wearing a short maid outfit. Her long legs struck a shy pose, her expression slightly bashful. Freed from the hardships of slavery, her skin, as cold as jade, had finally seen the light of day again. Even her feet were cold, her toes long and white, quite beautiful. "What can I do for you?"

Perhaps it was a misunderstanding, but the atmosphere immediately became ambiguous.

Field slapped his forehead, realizing why Asheena seemed so shy.

Calling a young lady to his room in the middle of the night would make anyone suspicious.

"Ahem, it's about the development of the territory."

"Oh." Asheena's awkward hands relaxed. She sighed in relief but felt a tinge of disappointment. "My lord, I don't have any management experience. I might not be able to help."

Before becoming a slave, Asheena had been the daughter of a wolf humanoid hunter. She couldn't read or manage.

"That's fine. You can learn, and I'll teach you personally. Besides, you're The Chosen, which gives you a natural advantage."

The biggest leap in social class in this world was becoming The Chosen. One moment you might be facing execution, and the next, you're a divine selection. Local nobles would then declare you innocent and treat you as an honored guest because the gods never choose wrongly.

This was also why the lower classes didn't rebel against their lords. Everyone had the chance to climb the social ladder. If their daughter or daughter-in-law became a divine selection, they would be set for life.

"I've decided to raid my brother," Field announced boldly.

Asheena was stunned. Is this something I should be hearing?

"Alright, I'll support you unconditionally!" Realizing Field wasn't joking, Asheena thought for a moment. "You're not a cruel or evil person; I can sense that."

When she was a slave, Field never mistreated her or did anything despicable while she slept. On the contrary, Field was the most unique person she'd ever met. He treated humanoids with fairness, and even seemed to... like them? That might be a misinterpretation, but without a doubt, Field was a gentleman!

"Thank you." Field poured Asheena a cup of tea. "It's a long story."

He still remembered the cruel and perverse look in his brother's eyes, which disturbed his sleep.

His brother had threatened to harm those Field cared about. Field was not like the original, a pushover to be manipulated.

A fierce retaliation was necessary, and preparation had to start now.

"I'll explain in detail later. I need you to help me train a light cavalry unit, one specifically for raiding."

Field's dear sister had given him "aid" in the form of twenty warhorses, which he intended to put to good use.

After discussing the plan, Field called a meeting for all the residents of the territory the next day, including every slave.

Each person who attended was drawn to the wooden chest next to Field, filled with silver and copper coins.

Field didn't start with a long speech but instead pulled out a list.

"Members of the guard, step forward to receive your rewards. Killing one corrupted creature earns you a silver coin. I keep my promises."