Chapter 129: Jobs and Zone
Edgar and Osric walked slowly along the patrol path built into the Fortress wall.
The morning murky fog had already climbed higher into the sky, engulfing most of the forest.
Most of the people had already settled down.
Some were cleaning their new homes while others were carrying supplies from the warehouse.
A few men had begun repairing damaged tools, while several women worked together to prepare food.
Even the children seemed noticeably happier.
Edgar quietly watched them for a while before turning toward Osric.
"Osric, there is something I should apologize for."
The middle-aged man looked at him with slight confusion.
"I can’t send you back to your village."
Osric remained silent for several seconds before slowly nodding.
"I understand, my lord."
His expression carried a faint sadness, but there was no anger in his voice. "Our village is more than five hundred kilometres away, and most of us don’t even know the exact route anymore."
He looked toward the distant forest. "Even if you gave us horses and guards, traveling that far through the Eternal Night would be extremely dangerous."
Edgar nodded as he had already considered the possibility.
Sending a large group of civilians through unknown territory would be difficult even for him, and there was another problem.
Their village had already been burned. There might not even be anything left to return to.
"I’m sorry," Edgar said quietly.
Osric shook his head. "You’ve already done more than anyone else would have done."
The two continued walking in silence.
After several minutes, Osric finally broke the silence. "My lord, may I ask something?"
Edgar glanced toward him. "What is it?"
"How are we supposed to maintain this village?" Osric’s expression became serious. "We have food for now, but we can’t simply keep taking everything from you."
He lowered his head slightly. "I don’t want my people to become parasites."
Edgar stopped walking. He hadn’t expected Osric to bring this up so quickly.
After thinking for a moment, he asked, "What did your village do before it was destroyed?"
Osric immediately answered. "Most of us were blacksmiths."
Edgar’s eyes brightened. "Blacksmiths?"
Osric nodded. "Our village had been making weapons for several local clans for generations."
"We weren’t famous, but our work was reliable, and several clans depended on us for swords, spearheads, armor, and farming tools."
A smile slowly appeared on Edgar’s face. "...That’s perfect."
Osric looked confused."Perfect?"
Edgar turned toward the settlement. "I’ve been looking for more people who understand metalworking."
He pointed toward an empty space that was close to the edge of the village.
"You’ll work in the Smithing House that I will build soon."
Osric’s eyes widened. "Are you a builder?"
Edgar nodded without explaining much.
"I’ll provide the raw materials, and your people will refine the metal and manufacture whatever I need."
He paused before adding, "Of course, you’ll also be paid."
Osric stared at the three buildings for several seconds.
Then his tired face finally relaxed.
"My lord..." He bowed deeply. "I promise you won’t regret bringing us here."
Edgar smiled faintly. "Then make sure you prove me right."
---
Later that day, Edgar remained in the subsidiary Fortress for several more hours.
He inspected the homes, checked the warehouse, and spoke with several people who had already begun organizing themselves.
Osric quickly proved that he wasn’t merely a village headman.
He was surprisingly capable at managing people.
By the time Edgar decided to leave, the settlement had already begun developing its own rhythm.
The three Smithing Houses were ready for work, the warehouse was stocked, and the Unbroken Fire continued burning steadily.
Edgar climbed onto the shoulder of the Albino Gorilla Commander.
"Let’s go."
The enormous skeleton immediately began moving.
Edgar looked back at the small Fortress one last time.
’They should be able to survive now.’
His next task was much closer to home.
---
Several hours later, Edgar finally returned to his main Fortress.
The moment he entered through the gates, he immediately noticed the difference.
Compared to the small subsidiary Fortress, this place was almost overflowing with activity.
The newly expanded refinery constantly produced the sound of metal being hammered and processed.
Edgar ignored everything and headed toward his house.
Once inside, he dropped onto the familiar sofa. "...Finally."
He leaned backward and stared at the ceiling.
For several minutes, he didn’t do anything.
His mind was filled with too many things.
It wouldn’t be long before the Northern Sect attacked the Fortress, and then there was also Elwood Whitmore, who would definitely send people in search of the lost slaves.
The strange people living inside the Norwood Mountains were also keeping Edgar’s mind occupied.
"...I really have too much work." Edgar rubbed his forehead.
Just then, the front door slowly opened as a silver-haired girl walked in holding several papers against her chest.
She avoided looking directly at him. "We... need more space to store the metal ores."
Her voice was unusually meek.
Edgar’s expression remained completely calm.
’She’s still embarrassed.’
He decided not to mention what had happened that morning. "I’ll create another warehouse soon."
Hera nodded. "That would help."
She walked toward the door before suddenly remembering something. "There was another thing."
Edgar looked at her. "What?"
Hera hesitated. "Can I use some of the Soul Essence for experiments?"
Edgar stared at her for a moment. "...You already have permission."
"Oh."
Hera lowered her head.
"I forgot." She quietly turned around. "Thank you."
Edgar watched her walk toward the door.
Just before leaving, Hera suddenly stopped.
Her hand remained on the wooden frame. "...Semele wants to see you."
Edgar raised an eyebrow. "Semele?"
Hera nodded without turning around. "She asked me to tell you."
There was something strange about her voice, like it was strained.
’...Is she jealous?’
The thought immediately entered his mind.
He quickly dismissed it.
’No way.’
Still, the more he thought about it, the less certain he became.
Hera finally walked out and closed the door behind her.
Edgar remained sitting on the sofa.
"...Semele wants to see me." He rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
’What does that woman want this time?’