Chapter 191: Change of Course
Gaius’s years-long bottleneck was finally broken thanks to the Red Sun Soup, allowing him to become a Human Tier Warrior.
A warrior of this level possessed over ten thousand jin of strength without even relying on Combat Techniques, and could easily shatter stone with a single punch.
His breakthrough further strengthened Black Forest Island’s defenses, which was a good thing for Duane.
Regardless of whether he would conquer other nobles in the future, for now, at least, the Demon Beasts on the island no longer posed much of a threat to the people living there.
Duane couldn’t help but wonder, ’Once Simone recovers and takes the Red Sun Soup, could he advance as well?’
’If that’s really possible, then the only ones left on Black Forest Island suitable for the Red Sun Soup would be the three Middle Level Warriors: Hardy, Kubatu, and Iron Hammer.’
’Iron Hammer only became a Middle Level Warrior last year; it’s impossible for him to advance again in such a short time.’
’So, that just leaves Hardy and Kubatu with any hope of advancing to the Advanced level in the near future.’
’Only three Middle Level Warriors... That’s far too few!’
’I’ll have to get Kaelon and Raymond to intensify the Guards’ training. I can’t allow a gap in the ranks of Middle Level Warriors to form!’
Duane could provide Delicious Fish Soup to help the Guards recover their stamina and relieve fatigue, thereby extending their training time.
This would be coupled with the Mastery-level, improved version of the Fire Source Beast Bone Soup to strengthen their physiques.
With the increased training intensity, there should be some noticeable results within two or three years.
After all, there were some promising prospects among the Basic-level Warriors.
For example, a total of five or six youths, like Jack, John, and Michele.
They were all sixteen or seventeen years old. As long as they had enough resources, it was highly likely they could become Tier Realm Warriors in the future.
「That afternoon.」
Duane summoned General Affairs Consultant Julian and Population Registrar Liss, naturally to discuss the investigation into the high infant mortality rate.
Liss sat anxiously in her chair.
She had been anxious for the past two days. The investigation report had been submitted two days prior, but the Baron hadn’t responded since returning to his Territory. She didn’t know if that was a good or a bad sign.
"I’ve read this report. It’s quite comprehensive. I believe you’ll have no problem being in charge of matters related to the population."
Duane began by affirming her work.
This wasn’t just empty praise; Liss’s investigation report was indeed quite comprehensive.
This was perhaps because she was already a mother to several children.
Hearing this praise, Liss’s anxiety subsided considerably.
She stood up, bowed, and said gratefully,
"Thank you for your affirmation. I will redouble my efforts to carry out your orders!"
Duane gestured for her to sit. "I’ve called you both here today not just to commend this report, but also to offer some suggestions."
"We’re listening!"
Liss took out paper and a pen, which the castle provided to its Civil Officers for recording important matters.
Duane spaced out for a moment, as if he had returned to the time before he transmigrated.
’When his boss was speaking, he’d also be the first to pull out a pen and paper to take notes.’
’Right. Even if there was nothing worth writing down, you had to have them with you. After all, it was a tool of the trade.’
"I’ve also personally inspected the farmers’ housing, and I’ve already informed you of some of the problems," he said, looking at Julian.
The latter understood and immediately replied, "Yes, my lord. You said we must put an end to farmers living with their livestock, and that we should allow them to dig earth, quarry stone, and fell lumber for free to reinforce and expand their homes."
Duane asked, "How is that being implemented?"
"Some people in Broken Wave City have already started renovations, but many others haven’t, either because they lack the time or because they’re busy earning money by working on the roads and the castle for you."
In their eyes, working for the Baron was paid work, and they were worried the jobs would be gone if they didn’t take them.
So, they would rather their living conditions remain poor for a while than miss out on money they could be earning.
You could say they’re foolish, but they’re actually quite shrewd.
But if you say they’re not foolish, they show a complete disregard for their environment and health.
In reality, in their eyes, what was health compared to a full belly?
But Duane’s perspective was different. Improving sanitation was not something that could be accomplished overnight.
He needed to advance it little by little to see results in the long run.
"We must continue to push forward with improving sanitation!"
Duane said, "Infants are extremely fragile. If they continue to live in the same room as livestock, the chances of them contracting a fatal disease are far too high!"
"Yes, we’ve noted it!"
Duane nodded, then continued, "Housing is one aspect. The second is the water supply."
"Black Forest Island doesn’t lack for water, but not all water is safe to drink. Water from a small, muddy pond that people use to wash their feet and hair, and which sometimes contains the corpses of small animals—that water is not potable!"
Liss’s report mentioned one household where five infants had died in succession.
He had personally gone to investigate, and it was highly likely that the terrible problem stemmed from the quality of their water.
"Also, we must promote the practice of drinking boiled water across the entire island. If anyone asks why, just tell them that boiled water is more nutritious and reduces instances of things like diarrhea."
Next, Duane added more advice on child-rearing, such as supplementing with rice water if a mother’s milk is insufficient.
Julian and Liss furiously took notes.
They didn’t completely understand all of Duane’s measures, but their recent experience had taught them that everything their Lord said and did was profoundly logical.
They didn’t need to question his reasoning; they only needed to follow their Lord’s instructions.
Over an hour later, the two left the castle with heavy hearts.
"The Baron’s knowledge is simply too vast!"
Liss couldn’t help but exclaim. She found it hard to imagine how a young man of sixteen or seventeen could know so much about child-rearing.
There were even some things that she, a mother, didn’t know, but Duane did.
’Does a noble education also teach men about these things?’
Julian sighed. "The Baron is an astonishingly remarkable person."
He recalled their days at Lakefront Manor. Back then, Duane had been a sickly, unremarkable boy.
But after arriving on Black Forest Island, he had changed beyond recognition.
"It’s just... to implement all of this properly will be quite difficult!"
As the General Affairs Consultant, Julian’s workload was growing by the day.
Even after hiring several new assistants, he still felt overwhelmed.
The only fortunate thing was that Duane hadn’t given him a strict deadline.
After all, a series of initiatives like sanitation and new construction methods would take at least three to five years to show their first results.
"Let’s go, Liss. For the prosperity of Black Forest Island, and for the Baron, we must work even harder!"
Julian felt the pressure, but he didn’t shrink from it.
He realized that Black Forest Island was poised for great development.
His hard work now was laying a foundation for the latter half of his life, and for the next generation.
"Work hard. The Lord won’t treat you unfairly."
Liss nodded. "I will, Consultant!"
Ever since she became the Population Registrar, her life had improved.
Not only did her husband begin to speak to her more gently, but even her neighbors’ attitudes had changed, becoming more respectful.
As the descendant of a wealthy merchant who had fled to Black Forest Island as a refugee, Liss knew the source of all these changes.
On the vast sea, several warships cut through the waves, sailing against the wind.
Atop the warships, the banner of the Blazing Sword fluttered in the wind.
"Lord Viscount, we will leave Flowing Silver Fjord in three days. We should arrive at Silent Harbor in approximately 15 to 20 days."
Aboard the central warship, the Captain was reporting to Viscount Freddy.
Freddy took the Nautical Map, his gaze locking onto the island to the south of the Pruck Kingdom.
A deep-seated anger glinted in his eyes as he commanded, "Head to Black Forest Island first!"
Beside him, Ashman was stunned by these words and demanded sharply, "Freddy, what do you think you’re doing?"
"As the special envoy of His Highness the Regent King, I must warn you: if you make a move on Black Forest Island now, war between our two kingdoms will be inevitable!"
Freddy chuckled dryly. "Relax, I’m not that foolish. I just want to see for myself what this Baron who screwed me over looks like!"
He handed the Nautical Map back to the Captain. "Follow my orders. Head to Black Forest Island first."
Ashman’s expression darkened. He knew the Viscount’s temperament all too well.
Freddy was renowned throughout the Akutas Kingdom for being headstrong, vengeful, and brutish.
Ashman also knew that the man must harbor a deep resentment for Duane.
But they couldn’t afford another conflict now.
"While I know I cannot order your fleet to change course..."
Ashman warned in a low voice, "...but, if you still choose to move against Black Forest Island, then for the Regent King, for the Kingdom, and for the honor of my Thorn Clan, I will stop you, even if it means my death!"