Surviving as a Knight in a Trash Game

Chapter 133

The procession that arrived with the two Marquises brought an enormous amount of supplies and goods to this place.

The amount of wealth they brought, fueled by the central nobles' strong desire to check Duke Ellenhower, was beyond imagination.

In the unified empire, the central nobles possessed an almost inexhaustible amount of wealth.

It had to be seen that some of the wealth accumulated while countless citizens of the empire starved to death was being released, even if in this way.

“Well, well… isn’t this Sir Godfrey? Commander Owen is here too, and this is Lady Isabel, who was recently instated as the Saintess?”

Marquis Nigel, who had personally met Owen and Godfrey before, greeted them first with a warm smile.

“What brings Marquis Nigel all the way to this distant north?”

Owen, who could be considered the eldest among those present, asked the question first.

“I was getting old and had nothing to do, so I came because it seemed like something interesting was happening. What other reason could there be?”

“You must have seen Sir Karl.”

“I did.”

Owen nodded.

Karl wasn’t particularly eloquent, nor did he make any effort to draw others in, but he possessed demonic charisma that attracted people.

Just looking at the faces gathered here now, not a single one was an easy person to deal with.

“Will there be a place for us two old men to rest? I too have heard about what happened in Andersen, so any place would be fine as long as we can avoid the rain.”

“Well… I’m not the master here.”

Owen couldn’t readily answer Bastien’s words.

“If it’s the two of you, I’ll provide rooms in the lord’s castle, so please stay there comfortably.”

Karl, who had appeared from behind Owen who was looking troubled, spoke bluntly.

“It might not be just for a day or two, but would that be alright? We’ll pay sufficiently for the lodging.”

Marquis Nigel, who seemed to be waiting for praise while talking about how he had plundered much of the central nobles' wealth, had a cute side unbecoming of his age and status.

Karl let out a chuckle.

“Well done. You can stay as long as you like, so make yourselves comfortable. This friend will show you to your accommodations.”

Karl asked Kelvin, who was standing beside him, to guide the two men, and then walked towards a group that had passed through the castle gate from another direction.

“Have you been well, benefactor.”

The one who appeared leading a group of about 500 people was Nana, the chief of the Druid Enchin Tribe.

“It’s been a while. Have you been well? It doesn’t seem like it. Seeing how everyone’s faces are worn out.”

“It was a long journey.”

“The threats you’ve faced so far won’t exist here, so rest easy. However, you’ll have to put in some effort for a while. As you can see, many parts are damaged.”

The former Andersen Domain, as a marquisate that had built a strong power, boasted a considerable scale.

However, due to the catastrophe caused by the elves, many buildings had collapsed, and the area around the current Arthur Domain had turned into a wasteland.

“If only a place where we can live safely is guaranteed, we can endure that much.”

“First, I’ll assign you a temporary place to stay, so rest well and let’s meet again.”

Nana and all the Druid tribesmen bowed 90 degrees to Karl.

Their greetings, with their peculiar attire and strange aura, along with the successive appearances of famous figures, became another topic of conversation for the numerous storytellers watching Karl here.

***

About three months after people began to flock to the Arthur Domain, people gathered in the now considerably organized lord’s castle conference room.

Inside the conference room, where Karl had not yet entered, were Selena, Count Vito’s daughter; Alcantara Knight Commander Owen; Mercenary Guild Master Verpin; Saintess Isabel; Druid Chief Nana; Luton Town Master Duke; Lighthouse Knights Vice-Commander Definir; Rogério; Holy Knights Vice-Commander Godfrey; Marquis Nigel; and Marquis Bastien.

Each individual’s background was so splendid that everyone present was marveling at how such a combination could even be possible.

“The Lord is entering.”

Hans, who had been assisting Karl since his time in the Meyer Domain, had volunteered for the role of butler here.

The fact that a muscular man, a fully-fledged Superior-grade expert, was a butler was quite impressive to those present.

“There’s nothing ordinary about this domain. Even the butler is such a skilled individual.”

Bastien also recognized Hans’ imposing physique and showed a somewhat dumbfounded expression.

“Hans, let’s skip such introductions next time.”

“Yes, I will do as you command.”

After Hans withdrew and Karl took the seat of honor, everyone else also sat down.

“What brings you to gather all of us like this? You’ve never arranged such a meeting before.”

“It seems like everyone who was supposed to come has arrived. It was necessary to greet each other and talk at least once.”

Karl, who had lightly answered Bastien’s question, rose and walked to one side, then stood in front of a strangely shaped object prepared in one corner of the conference room.

Several sheets of paper were layered and hung there, made like a flagpole, and as soon as Karl stood there, he immediately flipped one sheet of paper back.

“Heo…!”

As the blank white paper was turned over, the next sheet revealed a very detailed drawing of the Arthur Domain.

[Arthur Domain Development Plan]

“I share this plan knowing that those present here are directly or indirectly connected to the Arthur Domain. There is much data among the plan’s details that must not be leaked. If it is leaked externally, I will know it was one of the people present here.”

With a calm voice, Karl flipped the paper to the next page.

There, the area usable for farmland in the Arthur Domain, the types of crops that could be cultivated there, and the approximate producible yield were meticulously organized.

“Primarily, as you can see, we will resolve the food situation for the incoming domain residents through agricultural promotion policies. The tax rate for each domain will not exceed 30%. Most of the taxes will also be used for reinvestment.”

Investment and the reinvestment of profits from it – the modern concepts Karl spoke of were a culture shock difficult for the people here to accept.

The principle Karl spoke of was the exact opposite of the mindset of the lords here, who focused on squeezing out what they had.

Only the smartest among them, like Marquis Nigel or Hans, could roughly understand the repercussions Karl’s roadmap would bring.

“And if you look here.”

After the initial agricultural production figures, the types of specialty products from the northern region and business plans utilizing them were listed, followed by a drawing of a wide road connecting Alcantara, Collo, the Holy Knights, and the Mercenary Guild.

“We will connect safer roads. At this time, we will also need help from other places. Since this isn’t just for our own benefit, everyone here will unite to build the roads. When the roads are connected, trade will be activated, and goods will circulate. Then, the number of starving people will decrease. Even if taxes are lowered slightly, the lords will be able to become wealthier.”

Karl didn’t speak about the new capitalist class that would arise after that, or the possibility of an industrial revolution that might follow.

The history of this world might flow that way.

He also had no intention of carrying out a grand political transformation.

Karl was simply proceeding with the current work with the sole goal of reviving the Arthur Domain.

“This plan will be carried out over several five-year periods. Of course, each stage can proceed organically and simultaneously, or it can be postponed to a later time.”

After Karl’s briefing was all over, people let out the breath they had been holding.

It felt as if a huge, irresistible current had taken root in their hearts.

“You… what on earth are you…?”

The person who received the biggest shock among those present was none other than Marquis Nigel.

“Karl, a Free Knight. Currently, I also serve as a Lord.”

At his introduction, Nigel burst into an incredulous laugh.

“This, this… is truly an astonishing plan. Dare I say, there has never been such a grand plan in history. It’s a completely different concept from simply unifying the continent. Heo… Do you really have no intention of becoming emperor? Even when you see the world on such a grand scale?”

All the plans mentioned now were merely adapted from policies Karl knew from Korea, but from their perspective, it would appear as if Karl had thought of all this himself.

‘Such a reaction is inevitable.’

In this world where medieval culture was mostly established, the concept of reinvesting social overhead capital following increases in income and taxes, thereby increasing income sources and creating a virtuous cycle in the economy, was bound to be too unfamiliar.

“Is that really so great?”

“Bastien, if you don’t understand, just nod.”

Though Nigel occasionally did annoying things, his brain was the real deal.

Bastien looked at Karl with newfound eyes.

It was rare for a good fighter to also be smart, but that fellow was good at fighting and smart too.

‘Is he truly a messenger sent by God?’

Humans in this world tended to seek God when faced with the unknown.

“Perhaps you. A prime minister, no. Do you need an advisor?”

Nigel, thoroughly excited and thrilled, looked at Karl with the expectant eyes of a child.

“Are you saying the Marquis will work under me?”

“Indeed, I will do my best to ensure the plan you mentioned can be realized. I will also pull some talented individuals I know from here and there. So please, let me contribute to that great plan.”

Nigel’s eyes, who had retired and was just waiting for his dying day, were blazing fiercely.

“Do as you please. It’s good for me to have even one more smart person. Marquis, please take charge of the administration of the Arthur Domain.”

“Thank you, thank you! I will dedicate the rest of my life to this great plan.”

Karl, looking at him making a resolution that was somewhat burdensome, answered by awkwardly nodding his head.

“Hey, couldn’t you use me in the military training field over there? Even though I’m old and look like this, I still know a thing or two about swordplay, given our past. As you know, I’m also good at training, aren’t I?”

Bastien, contrary to his words, still possessed an intimidating presence that was hard to treat carelessly.

“Very well, I will appoint you as the military chief of the Arthur Domain.”

“What is a military chief?”

“Think of it as the highest person in the military field.”

“The highest? Yes. Hahahaha. Since I’ve received the position, I’ll do my best.”

Bastien, who was once the Empire’s greatest general, was also grinning broadly at the position in a mere domain.

“Don’t the two of you have domains to manage?”

“Our children have already received them and are managing them on their own.”

“Didn’t you have official duties?”

“Consider our age. It’s been a while since we sorted everything out.”

Both men were approaching 60, so they were often treated as old geezers in the back room elsewhere, but Karl said he would employ them on the front lines, so both felt good.

“Then what should I do?”

“You will assist Marquis Nigel and become the chief administrator of the executive branch.”

With Selena, Karl’s appointments concluded, and all meetings ended.

The operation of the mercenary guild within the domain and matters related to taxes were also coordinated.

The Order also agreed to pay a certain level of taxes to the domain.

Six months passed since that day when the great plan was first unveiled.

***

“This is the great Arthur Domain development plan created by the Lord. Understood?”

“…”

Talented individuals gathered from all over the continent, talents specially brought in from the central administration by Marquis Nigel, and renowned talents from the north were all gathered in one place, listening to an explanation of the development plan materials created by Karl.

They were on the verge of their brains frying from trying to understand the new concepts written there.

“How on earth can a virtuous cycle be achieved? And do the lords really agree to collecting that much tax?”

“A virtuous cycle, it’s possible. Because Lord Karl has decided to reinvest most of the taxes he receives. So, it works here.”

“…”

“How can an increase in food production through crops affect the quality of education?”

“Are you really a birdbrain? Obviously, basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter must be resolved before education or anything else can happen. So, as people eat their fill and have longer rest periods, the number of ordinary people desiring education will increase.”

“Isn’t that an assumption? Will serfs or ordinary domain residents really have a desire for education?”

Those present exchanged questions and answers, continuing various discussions to help apply Karl’s plan to this world more effectively.

And all those efforts became nourishment, and the Arthur Domain began to achieve astonishing growth at a dazzling speed.

The rapid increase in population, aid from central nobles, and the increase in talented individuals all fell into place, and the growth rate became frighteningly fast.

“Is this really… the Andersen Domain that had become ruins?”

The road expansion and connection plan, which was scheduled to be implemented around the midpoint of the development plan, was advanced slightly, and the roads leading to the Arthur Domain gradually expanded and improved.

Accordingly, the number of merchants coming and going increased.

A merchant who had arrived in the Arthur Domain after a long time with specialty goods from the south couldn’t close his mouth as he saw the Arthur Domain bustling and crowded with people.

Although various parts of the city were still covered in construction sites, it had achieved dazzling development that was hard to imagine just a year ago.

“Even I, who live here continuously, sometimes find it hard to adapt, so how much more so for you.”

A branch manager of a small to medium-sized trading company, who had come here as the branches of large trading companies rapidly increased, also sympathized with his words.

“Anyway, welcome.”

Thus, arousing the amazement of countless people, the Arthur Domain continued to evolve without end.

***

“Lord, slave hunters attacked people on the road to the domain, more than 100 people died, and hundreds were dragged away by them!”

On a day when the Arthur Domain was thus making dazzling progress, a messenger delivered urgent news.