Chapter 65: 65 Returning to Forest Town

Chapter 65: Returning to Mountain Forest Town

In Mountain Forest Town, inside the forge of blacksmith Calas, four individuals were gathered at this moment—the steward of Mountain Forest Castle, Charhar; the blacksmith Calas and his son Bal; as well as Ram, the son of carpenter William.

After so many days, Calas had already completed forging the plowshare for the curved-shaft plow. While reporting to Charhar, he had also invited Ram, William's son and a carpenter apprentice, to lend a hand and assist in crafting the plow body for the curved-shaft plow.

Why hadn’t they sought the more skilled carpenter William?

It was simply that William had been exceptionally busy these days. Calas had tasks assigned by the lord, and William had his own responsibilities as well.

Moreover, working with ironwood was truly laborious, far more challenging than processing other types of wood.

Without Charhar’s coordination, William would not have agreed to send his son to help Calas.

"It's finished!"

In an excited cry, Calas, assisted by Ram, finally completed assembling the curved-shaft plow.

The plow handle, plow bed, plow blade, plowshare, plow shaft—everything was fully assembled. Indeed, using Rooney’s drawings as reference, Calas and Ram had achieved a remarkably high degree of accuracy in recreating the curved-shaft plow.

"Hahaha~"

Calas laughed heartily, walked aside, picked up a clay pot of wine, and took a drink, his cheeks flushed red. "After so many days, I've finally completed the task assigned by the lord!"

He was not only pleased about this accomplishment but even more delighted about having crafted this plow.

Any artisan—whether a blacksmith, carpenter, or mason—views their finished creations as works of art.

Moreover, the curved-shaft plow was an unprecedented invention. Although it was created by the lord, he, as the first person to have crafted it hands-on, could boast about it for a lifetime.

Bal and Ram could also boast about this for their entire lives. One was a blacksmith apprentice, the other a carpenter apprentice, yet they participated in crafting such a sophisticated item. Thinking about it felt like living in a dream.

Charhar examined the plow from left to right, up and down, his eyes shining with great anticipation.

"Well done, Calas. I believe the lord will certainly praise your craftsmanship when he sees this curved-shaft plow!"

He fiddled with the plow handle. This plow was considerably heavier and more structurally complex than the light plows currently used in the fields.

"I wonder how it performs. Could it be more effective than the light plows?"

They trusted Rooney, but facing something new, doubts inevitably lingered in their minds.

"Should we take it outside and try it with an ox?"

The two young apprentices were eager to try, with one ready to move the plow body and the other to handle the yoke.

"No, no, no!"

Calas quickly thwarted the intentions of the two youngsters. "You two little rascals, don’t mess around. If it gets damaged, we won’t have time to make a new one before the lord returns."

The fire in the apprentices’ eyes dimmed.

Indeed, although the plow body used ordinary wood, Ram was only a carpenter apprentice, and his skills weren’t solid. With Bal’s help, he spent many days completing the plow body. If it were damaged, they truly wouldn’t know how to explain it to the lord.

Charhar pondered for a moment. "Calculating the time, the lord has been away from the territory for over half a month and should soon return from Pasture City."

Although Rooney had told Charhar before departure that this trip might be lengthy, he hadn’t expected it to last so long, increasing Charhar’s anxiety.

He had just assumed the role of steward. Though busy incessantly these days, it felt like embarking on a new chapter of life, and he was immensely happy.

If the lord were to suddenly perish, it would be an utterly devastating event.

"We won’t move it now."

Charhar decided. "We’ll wait for the lord to return and then present it to him. Perhaps the lord will offer suggestions for improvements."

"The steward is right!"

Calas agreed wholeheartedly. "It’s better to wait for the lord to see it first."

Just then, a guard hurried over. "Steward, the lord has returned!"

"Returned?"

Charhar was overjoyed, and his hanging heart finally settled. "Where is the lord?"

"About to enter the town."

The guard replied. "The lord instructed us to notify you and the magistrate to come quickly. He has matters to arrange."

"Alright, alright!"

Charhar hastily scurried out. Before leaving, he turned back to instruct Calas, "Keep watch for any areas that can be improved and make adjustments first. After I report to the lord, we’ll see when he has time to examine the curved-shaft plow."

Calas and the two apprentices promptly agreed, their hearts filled with nervous anticipation.

The lord had returned; he would inspect their work. Though the lord was kind, if dissatisfied, they would suffer.

"Come, let’s polish the plow body smoother!"

Calas called out, leading the two apprentices to continue polishing.

Regardless of what transpired at the forge, at this moment, Rooney was leading the convoy and slaves slowly past the boundary marker, returning to the town.

Returning for the second time, Rooney felt as if he were coming home; this land belonged to him.

The procession slowly traversed the simple, dilapidated Mountain Forest Street (the road through the town center leading directly to Mountain Forest Castle). Shopkeepers along the street and farmers and serfs passing by now recognized the lord, began bowing toward Rooney’s direction, and called out "Lord."

Over the past half-month, the fact that Rooney was the master of Mountain Forest Town had become known and accepted by all the residents.

Rooney rode on horseback, wearing a warm smile, greeting the residents who bowed and paid respects, displaying a very approachable demeanor.

The slaves following behind witnessed this scene, deeply astonished. To them, this noble who had purchased them seemed genuinely respected by ordinary people.

Indeed, it was no wonder they were fed daily; where else could one find such a benevolent noble lord?

Some slaves who had regained a bit of reasoning ability even began self-persuasion, resolving to work wholeheartedly for their master.

Soon, a figure emerged from one side of the procession—it was Charhar rushing over.

"My lord, you’ve finally returned!"

Charhar exclaimed excitedly. Honestly, he had just been startled by the sight of so many people, unclear about what was happening.

"Long time no see, my steward."

Rooney greeted with a smile. "How is everything at the castle?"

"The castle is all well. The squatting toilet you instructed before departure has been fully constructed!"

Charhar hurriedly replied. "Under David’s guard, the castle has had no issues. Additionally, Calas has completed crafting the curved-shaft plow. Everything is progressing smoothly!"

As he spoke, the magistrate Wilson rode over on horseback, dismounted before Rooney, and respectfully bowed. "Lord Rooney, welcome back!"

"Long time no see, Magistrate."

Rooney likewise greeted amiably. "How have things been recently?"

"My lord, rest assured. I have completed the task of dividing the town into villages and groups. Whenever convenient, I can report to you at any time!"

"Excellent!"

Rooney praised, then pointed to the hundred or so slaves behind him.

"The report can wait. These are slaves I purchased from Pasture City. Now, I need you and Charhar to cooperate in settling them, providing food and shelter. Additionally, their information must be recorded, just like the previous population census."

Wilson and Charhar simultaneously scrutinized this group of people who appeared in relatively good condition. They hadn’t expected them to be slaves—their mental state seemed rather positive.

Charhar and Wilson bowed. "As you wish, my lord!"

Sorry, I mistakenly set the reminder for tomorrow at eight o'clock in the evening, luckily I noticed it just now.

(The end of this chapter.)