Chapter 180: A Series of Changes
While the positions of logistics manager and tax administrator both had room for advancement, there were no pressing issues that required Duane’s attention at the moment.
So, he merely offered some words of encouragement and didn’t probe them with questions as he had with Liss.
The meeting continued.
Next, Duane addressed four main topics.
First, Silent Shore would soon be sending sixty-three hundred laborers to support the development of Black Forest Island’s tea plantations.
This was a massive workforce, and the fact that Count Kais was covering their food, clothing, and lodging made them exceptionally valuable to Duane.
’Although they’re supposedly here to cultivate the tea plantations, if other areas need a helping hand, I can use them, can’t I?’
’Worst case, I’ll just pay them.’
He figured that as long as he gave the foremen and laborers a few incentives, he could mobilize them to build roads, chop down trees, and construct houses.
Moreover, during their work, Duane planned to make this group of laborers feel that Black Forest Island was a decent place in every respect.
That way, once the project was over, they would return to Silent Shore and serve as free publicity for Black Forest Island, putting it on the radar of ordinary people and attracting some Free People from abroad.
Second, Lingang Village was to be renamed "Dawn New Village." It would be rebuilt with a unique, Eastern-inspired architectural style, transforming it into a model district and reception area for Black Forest Island.
After all, as Black Forest Island developed, it was bound to receive many visitors.
He didn’t want guests to step ashore and immediately label Black Forest Island with tags like "bumpy roads," "ramshackle houses," and "destitute people."
A splendid image would help leave a lasting impression on guests and attract more people.
Duane chose Lingang Village mainly because it was close to the port and its small population was easy to relocate and manage.
Furthermore, it wasn’t far from where the future castle would be built, making it convenient for guests to pay a visit after they settled in.
However, the reconstruction of Dawn New Village was a long-term project, and Duane was in no rush to complete it overnight.
Both of these items concerned the territory’s administration and management.
The next topics concerned the territory’s defense.
First, Duane decided to select half of the two hundred militiamen to form a standing army.
In other words, Black Forest Island would have a total of two hundred standing soldiers and a one-hundred-man militia reserve.
He had enough weapons and equipment for a two-hundred-man force, sponsored by the King, to cover this expansion.
Second, Duane planned to teach the Basic Staff Skill to his subjects, allowing anyone who wished to learn it to practice.
At the same time, he planned to hold a strength test every March. Anyone on the island under the age of sixteen would be eligible to participate.
The top ten participants would be rewarded with three bowls of Fire Source Beast Bone Soup each and receive training in Swordsmanship and other Combat Skills. They would then compete against the bottom ten members of the Militia. The victors would join the Militia, while the losers would be dismissed.
The third point was about the qualifications for the Guards and the Militia.
At the end of each year, a combat test would be held. The top ten from the Militia would duel with the bottom ten from the Guard. The victors would join the Guard Team, while the losers would be demoted to the Militia.
This way, Duane could improve the overall quality of the Guard without significantly increasing his expenses.
Fourth was the matter of rewards and punishments.
Whether they were Guards, militiamen, or anyone else, if they broke the law or harmed innocent civilians, Duane would mete out the severest punishments.
On the other hand, for those who made outstanding contributions—like Simone, who discovered vital intelligence and a key resource—Duane would grant rewards such as weapons and equipment, Combat Techniques, Magic, Magic Potions, land, or money.
Three hours later, the meeting concluded.
Most of the attendees had arrived with smiles on their faces, but they left with solemn expressions.
The Guard Captains were worried about whether they could hold on to their positions.
Liss and the others were anxious about how to implement the plan to reduce infant mortality.
Now, only Duane, Kaelon, Raymond, Gaius, Ralph, and Julian remained in the hall.
"I’ve kept you all behind for two other matters."
Duane briefly explained the situation with the Holy Radiance Court and voiced his concerns.
"I’m not telling you this so you can confront them. I’m telling you so you can be wary and learn how to make use of them."
Duane looked at Julian. "For example, the Holy Radiance Court’s tenets are salvation and light. We can entrust them with the care of those who were harmed by Daniels. That way, they won’t have much energy left to spread their faith."
"Of course, we can’t take it too far. We’ll still need to provide food and clothing for those people."
"Also, Lord Manny is an Advanced Warrior, and his squad should be quite capable. So, if something like a Demon Beast invades the territory, you can have him lend a hand."
Julian and the others couldn’t help but laugh.
This team from the Holy Radiance Court would probably have to spend half their energy just taking care of those victims.
And if they failed to take good care of them, they would face public criticism.
Duane stood up. "Black Forest Island is developing rapidly, and I expect you all to keep up."
"The world outside is not peaceful. In the future, if war breaks out between nations, I will certainly seek opportunities beyond our borders."
"I hope that when that time comes, you’ll be capable of holding your own and keeping pace with me!"
While his speech might have sounded like he was just making grand promises, it was the best way to let his subordinates know his ambitions.
With a grander vision and long-term goals, they would be more motivated.
Just like Simone.
After all, having such an enterprising Lord was a rare opportunity. As long as they got on board and held on tight, their futures would be bright.
"Alright, you’re all dismissed. Go on and get to your duties."
Duane said, "Kaelon, once the competition between the Guards and the Militia is arranged, you’ll accompany me to the Hot Spring Mountain Range."
Kaelon quickly asked, "Are you going to the Hot Spring Mountain Range to gather Red Sun Grass?"
Duane nodded. "The Red Sun Grass is crucial for the medicinal decoction. It’s best to gather it as soon as possible. If we wait too long and something unexpected happens, the loss would be immense."
"I agree with your plan, my Lord, but Simone confirmed that a Level 5 Demon Beast, an Ash-tailed Mountain Cat, is in that area. It wouldn’t be safe if I were the only one to accompany you, would it?"
At this, Raymond also offered his suggestion.
"Black Forest Island should be secure for the time being. I think you should take me and Gaius with you as well."
An Earth Tier, a Human Tier, and an Advanced Warrior—a lineup like that should be more than enough to face a Level 5 Demon Beast.
Kaelon readily agreed. "Demon Beasts are quite intelligent. It probably won’t dare to make a move if it sees our numbers."
’It’s true that Black Forest Island’s external defenses are secure for now.’
’After all, even if the Starfall Islands send someone for a sneak attack, that won’t happen for at least another month.’
’But there’s no need to take too many people on an exploration mission.’
"Simone is injured, so we need a powerful warrior to hold down the fort. Raymond, you need to stay here."
"As for Gaius, an Advanced Warrior wouldn’t be of much use against an Ash-tailed Mountain Cat. There’s no reason to bring him along."
Kaelon and Raymond exchanged a look, but still decided to press the issue.
’Duane is the Lord of Black Forest Island. If anything happens to him, it’s all over.’
"You don’t need to worry about my safety."
Duane walked up to them and clapped Kaelon on the shoulder. "The strongest fighter on Black Forest Island isn’t you anymore."
The two men looked puzzled. ’Since when did Black Forest Island have a second Earth Tier Warrior?’
"My Lord, did you recruit a stronger guard in the Royal Capital?"
Kaelon glanced around in surprise but saw no sign of anyone else.
Raymond shook his head slightly. ’I’ve been by the Baron’s side this whole time. There’s no such ’stronger guard’.’
Duane pointed to himself. "The one who’s stronger than you isn’t someone else. It’s me."
Kaelon froze for a moment, then broke into a good-natured laugh.
"My Lord, don’t joke with me. I’m a simple man, I might actually believe you!"
"You don’t believe me?"
Duane rolled his eyes, walked over to the table, and sat down. "Come on, then. Let’s arm wrestle and see who’s really stronger."