Chapter 51: 51 Plans for the Ironwood Workshop

Chapter 51. The Plan for the Ironwood Workshop

Ronin had already considered: if the idea of crafting armor and weapons from Black Ironwood could be realized, he would first equip all the soldiers in his territory with a set, thereby strengthening their defensive and combat capabilities.

Although ordinary soldiers were not particularly effective against transcendents, the number of transcendents was ultimately limited. In situations of evenly matched forces, ordinary soldiers could still play a crucial role.

Moreover, one must not forget that wild tribes still inhabited the Northern Woodlands and Eastern Woodlands. Ronin wanted to conquer them. After eliminating their transcendents, tasks of management and control would still require ordinary soldiers to complete—strengthening their combat power was essential.

Of course, that was all for later.

Right now, Ronin was considering: if William, the carpenter, could fully realize the value of Black Ironwood as planned, he would establish an Ironwood Workshop dedicated to producing Ironwood armor and weapons and gradually explore external sales.

Although craftsmen’s wages were relatively high—like William, a skilled carpenter, whose daily wages generally ranged from 10 to 20, even higher than the castle’s steward—the value they could create was substantial.

Ronin had thought: besides carpenters, the Ironwood Workshop would also need to recruit several strong young men as lumberjacks.

Black Ironwood was not ordinary timber; cutting it down would definitely be a physically taxing task for ordinary people. The lumberjacks must be robust and strong, so investment in this aspect would also be considerable.

Additionally, Ronin needed to prepare iron tools like axes, choppers, and saws. He could not expect lumberjacks to slowly grind down Black Ironwood using tools like stone axes or bone knives.

Thus, purchasing tools was necessary for this trip to Horsepasture City.

During the evening banquet, the busy Elron, the mage, finally appeared in the castle after two days.

Recently, he was either treating people or on the way to treat them; his mana had never been full.

At first, the townsfolk still feared him, but as word spread of his healing deeds, Elron no longer needed to seek out patients—people automatically invited him for treatment.

Hence, the diligent mage went everywhere, treating the wounded while actively promoting the lord’s benevolence.

He told the townsfolk that his power came from Lord Ronin; it was the lord’s benevolence and compassion that alleviated their pain.

Over a few days, Elron became a sacred physician in the hearts of the townsfolk. And as the one whom this sacred physician served, Ronin’s image grew increasingly mysterious and grand in the people’s minds.

Sometimes, the populace wondered: although Plinst had ruled them for so many years, maintaining a high-pressure stance that made them resent him greatly; Ronin, after arriving, had not issued policies like reducing burdens—he merely sent out a mage and recruited twenty servants. Yet, the townsfolk had developed goodwill toward him.

“These days have been hard on you, Elron!”

Ronin raised his glass, smiling as he addressed everyone: “Let us toast to our sacred physician, and may light warm us!”

Maken and others hurriedly raised their glasses, “May light warm us!”

Elron smiled, raising his glass and drinking it all, “May light be with all of you!”

The beer in this other world tasted not much different from Earth’s. Ronin couldn’t discern much difference and didn’t have a strong preference for it.

But whether it was Maken or Elron among those present, they were all quite interested in alcoholic drinks.

So much so that half of the premium beer left by Plinst had been consumed, and the meticulous Zahar could only serve medium-grade beer to everyone.

It was better to save those premium beers; if someday an esteemed guest came to the castle and could only drink sour, bitter beer, wouldn’t that disgrace the lord?

He also mentally planned to see when he could propose to the lord recruiting a dedicated brewer for the castle.

After the meal and drinks, Ronin began to arrange plans for everyone.

“The inspection of the territory has concluded over these two days. Everyone prepare tomorrow; the day after, I will take Maken, Elron, Tom, Galen, and four soldiers to Horsepasture City.”

As he spoke, he glanced at Zahar and David, “You two will stay in Mountainwood Town. Zahar, you oversee the castle; David, you lead the soldiers and cooperate with Administrator Wilson on town security.”

Zahar and David promptly agreed.

Though unable to accompany the lord on business was regrettable for them, they knew that entrusting them with guarding the territory was, in some sense, a mark of trust from the lord.

Regarding Tom, who had surrendered, he could either be taken or not. But considering David’s capability was slightly weaker, Ronin ultimately chose to bring Tom along, masked, so others wouldn’t recognize him.

“Baron Raison of Sane Territory left Swamp Town these days to go to Blackpython City to celebrate Count Hyde’s birthday, so threats from that side need not be particularly worried about for now.”

Ronin said to David, “Focus on monitoring movements from the wild tribes in the western and northern woodlands. If anything unexpected occurs, retreat with the soldiers to the castle—our supplies are stored here.”

David firmly vowed, “Master, rest assured, even if I die, I will not let those wild tribes step into the castle!”

“Hahaha~”

Ronin laughed, “It’s not that severe; I reckon those wild tribes wouldn’t dare rashly attack.”

After these arrangements, the evening banquet concluded completely.

Apart from Maken, others either went for evening training or to refine mana.

“Come, Maken, we haven’t properly sparred these two days; my body feels lethargic.”

Ronin took out his sword, leading Maken toward the inner castle courtyard.

“Happy to accompany!”

Maken followed.

One was a primary-level knight at his peak, the other an intermediate-level knight in mid-to-late stage—their disparities in strength and agility were significant.

In Ronin and Maken’s sparring, the latter controlled his force, limited to countering moves based on techniques.

For certain attack patterns, Maken would pause to specifically explain the purpose of that strike and how to counteract it.

For Ronin, Maken was both a guard officer and a close combat mentor.

This sparring exchange lasted over an hour. Even though evenings in mountainous areas were cool, Ronin still sweated profusely on his back.

“Master, your combat techniques have improved again!” Maken smiled.

He had the most direct sense of Ronin’s progress, “Compared with David, your improvement is visibly apparent.”

Ronin felt quite cheerful and did not decline modestly: “Of course, if I were worse than David, how could I be his master?”

Taking the towel Bella handed over, Ronin wiped sweat from his face, “Bella, prepare water for me; I want to bathe.”

“Maken, training ends here today; I won’t delay you further with your own affairs.”

“Then, wishing you a good night, Master!”

Maken, carrying his sword, left the inner castle.

Nothing was more comfortable than a hot bath after sweating, and Ronin thoroughly enjoyed this process.

Immersed in warm water, every cell in his body relaxed in enjoyment.

“Knock, knock, knock~”

The bathroom door was knocked.

Galen’s voice came through, “Master, Administrator Wilson is outside saying he has something to report to you.”

Ronin raised an eyebrow; coming to report work so late—could he have been working overtime till now?

Had the population census been completed?

“I know, I’ll go after I finish bathing.”

Ronin thought for a moment, “Galen, ask Wilson if he has eaten dinner; if not, have the kitchen prepare something.”

He was a good boss who cared for overtime employees.

(Chapter end)