Chapter 38 :
Inside the Royal Palace, in the grand main hall, Nexus stood at the center surrounded by a group of individuals with respectful expressions. The throne space remained empty, lacking the necessary materials for its construction.
Nexus surveyed the group before him, noting the improvement in talent and resources compared to previous times. A suitable leader had emerged for the construction team, easing Kassius' concerns. However, the system was not yet flawless.
"Inform me of the current situation, Grandpa Kassius," Nexus spoke with authority.
Kassius, positioned at the front, stepped forward and bowed before addressing Nexus. "Your Majesty, over the past three months, we have completed the construction of the Army Headquarters. We are now focusing on developing other areas of the city. Our food reserves were dwindling, but the farming competition has alleviated the shortage. Farmers can now sell their harvests,and at the same time generating income for themselves."
Nexus nodded in approval, prompting Kassius to continue.
However, Kassius' expression turned grave as he highlighted ongoing challenges. "Your Majesty, we are lacking capable individuals to oversee the villages and towns. And we also require guards to protect these areas."
Nexus's demeanor shifted to one of concern as he absorbed Kassius' words, he have already considered these problems.
The Kingdom is in dire need of talented and capable individuals to fill various positions. Nexus pondered the situation, while the others looked on in silence, awaiting his instructions.
After a moment, Nexus turned to Kassius and asked, "Grandpa Kassius, how many literate individuals have you recruited?"
Kassius shook his head and replied, "Not many, only about two hundred."
Nexus frowned at the small number of recruits. He suggested, "Let's have the villagers elect temporary leaders for their villages, and select five teams of people for each town, along with a leader, to handle administrative tasks. For Blackwood City, choose a capable individual and a team of ten to take charge temporarily. As for guards, the black armored guards will patrol these areas to ensure safety."
Kassius agreed with Nexus's plan, knowing it was a temporary solution with their current resources.
Nexus instructed, "Give me the names of these individuals, and I will review them after you select them."
Nexus turned to the group in the hall, "Brutus, how are the soldiers' training going?" Brutus, standing on the left side, stepped forward and bowed.
"Reporting, Your Majesty. With the new Army Headquarters, training has been easier. Life in the barracks is better, and also with the large amount of food being provided the soldiers physical strength have increased. Thanks to Your Majesty's training manual, they're twice as strong as ordinary people." Brutus stood tall and serious.
Nexus nodded, "Good. Increase the training intensity and don't worry about food. I want a top-notch army in three months because they'll need to start cultivation then."
Brutus agreed, though he was shocked inside hearing that the army would start Cultivation in three months.
Nexus then turned to Thorgrim, who stood next to Brutus. "Thorgrim," Nexus called out.
Thorgrim stepped forward, his fiery red beard blowing in the wind. "Your Majesty, what can I do for you?"
Nexus asked, "How many iron swords can you forge in a day?"
"I can make a hundred ordinary iron swords a day, Your Majesty," Thorgrim replied.
Nexus smiled, "Great. Get started on forging and recruit some help. Teach them the craft, and maybe we'll find a talented blacksmith among them."
Thorgrim nodded, taking Nexus's instructions to heart.
" Brutus immediately equipped th soldiers with the iron swords and starting their basic sword training and formations. Later, I'll give you some basic formations for the soldiers to practice ". Nexus instructed.
"Understood, Your Majesty," Brutus replied.
Nexus then turned to Thorgrim and said, "I'll give you some basic forging designs for weapons and armor to get you started."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Thorgrim replied excitedly, bowing.
For a Weapon Refiner, forging designs are essential. When he was kicked out of the village by his father, he didn't bring any designs with him, as they are considered treasures.
Nexus's gaze fell on a man standing beside Kassius,this man is Severus Ambers, a tall man in his twenties with broad shoulders and a muscular build. He was the construction team leader recommended by Kassius and proved to be a good leader.
"Severus," Nexus called out.
"Your Majesty, I await your orders," Severus replied, stepping forward and bowing.
Nexus instructed Severus to expand the construction team to three thousand people, divide them into three teams, and select captains. He also wanted the construction of the Capital City to be completed quickly, increasing the pay to twenty copper coins per day.
"Grandpa Kassius, I'm thinking of setting up an agricultural team. Do you have anyone in mind for the team leader?" Nexus asked.
After a moment of thought, Kassius replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, I have a suitable candidate for the position."
"Oh, do you have someone in mind? And who is that person?" Nexus asked with curiosity.
"Your Majesty, that person is currently doing something for me. I can call him to come here right now," Kassius immediately said.
"Okay, tell a guard to go and call him," Nexus nodded.
Kassius nodded and left the hall. A few moments later, he returned.
"So Grandpa Kassius, tell me about this person," Nexus asked.
"Well, Your Majesty, this person is called Lazar. He is very skilled and has rich knowledge in farming. Previously, he was a farmer, but he was able to read and write, so I recruited him. He was the one who led a team to record and supervise the farming competition," Kassius said.
Nexus nodded his head while listening to Kassius.
Just then, a guard came to announce that the man called Lazar had arrived at the entrance of the main hall.
"Call him in," Nexus ordered.
The guard responded respectfully and left the hall.
A few moments later, a middle-aged man entered the hall. He was slightly plump with a medium build, a ruddy complexion, plain face, and green eyes.
Nexus looked at this man called Lazar with interest.
The moment Lazar entered the hall, he knelt down. "Lazar greets His Royal Majesty."
"Stand up," Nexus ordered with a smile.
"Grandpa Kassius said you were once a farmer and have some knowledge about agriculture, is that right?" Nexus scrutinized Lazar as he spoke.
Lazar turned his head and looked at Kassius, receiving a wink. He immediately understood and bowed towards Nexus.
"Yes, Your Majesty. Before, I was a farmer for twenty years. I have some knowledge about agriculture," Lazar quickly answered.
"Good. I'm planning to set up an agricultural team, and Grandpa Kassius recommended that you are suitable for that position " Nexus said while scrutinizing Lazar.
Lazar was shocked he once again looked at Kassius. Kassius smiled and nodded at him.
"Although you will be the team leader, the position is temporary. I will evaluate your performance, and if you do well, you will be promoted. But if you can't handle the job, I will find someone else," Nexus said sternly.
"Your Majesty, don't worry. I will do the job very well. I will not fail you," Lazar immediately bowed and said with a serious expression.
"Good. You can discuss the specific situation with Grandpa Kassius," Nexus said.
Lazar solemnly nodded his head.
"Now, for your first task, I want you to gather information on every farmer in the Kingdom and set up offices in every village, town, and city. Anyone interested in farming must register their information in these offices. Your role is crucial. You will oversee the agricultural conditions in the Kingdom, identify any deficiencies, and report them. You have three months to complete this. Do you understand?" Nexus looked deeply at Lazar and asked.
"Yes, Your Majesty. I will perform my duties to the best of my abilities," Lazar bowed once again.
Food is a vital resource for the Kingdom. Ensuring food production means our citizens won't go hungry. With the agricultural team in place, they can monitor and support the farming industry in the kingdom.
"Okay, you are dismissed. You may go and carry out your tasks," Nexus waved his hand to dismiss them.
"Yes, Your Majesty," they all bowed and responded in unison before leaving the hall.
Outside the main hall, Lazar approached Kassius. "Minister Kassius, thank you for everything you have done for me," Lazar expressed his gratitude.
That's how the others called Kassius, they call him Minister Kassius since they knew he was the closest person to Nexus and have a high position in Nexus heart.
Kassius shook his head and replied, "I didn't do anything. I simply provided you with an opportunity. Whether you seize it or not depends on you."
"Don't worry, Minister Kassius. I will not disappoint His Majesty, and I will not let your efforts go to waste," Lazar replied earnest.