Time slipped quietly by, and before long, more than a month had passed.
During this relatively peaceful period, Carnford seemed like a giant beast awakening from hibernation, displaying an astonishing speed of recovery and development.
Looking down from the outer city wall, the most gratifying change was undoubtedly the vast farmland at the foot of the mountain.
The once-barren land was now covered with neat furrows. Rye and pea seedlings had broken through the soil, dyeing the fields a vibrant green.
The farmers worked hard weeding and fertilizing the fields. Whether Freemen or slaves who had yet to gain their status, they all worked diligently. Their figures and the lush crops formed a reassuring picture.
The air was filled with the fresh scents of earth and growing plants, heralding the promise of an autumn harvest.
Mining at the Flint Mine on the northern cliff had also gotten on track.
Through the efforts of Hans and the newly recruited stonemasons, the work platforms on the cliff had been reinforced and expanded, greatly increasing mining efficiency.
The clanging of chisels and the workers' rhythmic shouts echoed between the mountain walls all day long.
Basket after basket of high-quality raw flint was steadily hoisted up by pulley systems, then sent to the workshop district for preliminary polishing and processing.
Although it could not replace ironware, these hard stones were gradually being made into arrowheads, spearheads, and vital flints, providing the territory with precious military and everyday resources.
As for population management, Karl once again fulfilled his promise this month, holding a ceremony for thirty outstanding slaves and granting them Freemen status.
In fact, in Carnford nowadays, there was already very little difference between slaves and Freemen in terms of daily treatment and the work they performed.
Karl had not released all the slaves