Lands and Military Organization

"Next item: land policy and tenant recruitment."

Erwin turned his writing board to a fresh page. A simple diagram dividing up the land was drawn on it, the writing cramped but well organized. He pushed the board toward Ron.

"Within the estate, including undeveloped woodland, wasteland, and the edges of the marsh, there are roughly four hundred hectares in total.

"Excluding your demesne—the farmland, training grounds, workshop area, and herb garden currently managed directly by the estate—

"the rest needs to be leased out as soon as possible. The first batch of tenants has already been selected from within the estate. They're all experienced farmers."

His finger tapped several squares he had circled on the diagram in turn.

"Depending on soil quality, a family needs at least four to eight hectares. Any less than that, and they won't survive after paying rent. So I suggest allocating six hectares to each household in the first batch.

"They'll use a three-field rotation, planting two fields and leaving one fallow. That amount will be enough to feed their families, pay rent, and still leave a little surplus grain."

Not far away, a man stood by the low wall. He looked up at Erwin as if he wanted to confirm something, but did not dare speak.

Ron drew his gaze back from the man. "What about land rent?"

"Based on the practices of other lords, it's usually a combination of labor service and payment in kind. Serving the lord can reduce land rent by ten to twenty percent. Those who don't perform labor service generally pay sixty percent of their harvest."

Erwin lifted the writing board slightly.

"For labor rent, they work the lord's demesne three days a week with their own tools. During busy farming periods, they provide additional assistance. Tenants with livestock must also perform transport service, hauling supplies for the lord without pay."

Ron did not hesitate after hearing this. "For the first three years, set the rent at thirty percent of the harvest. After three years, raise it to forty percent. Allow labor service to be converted into payment or used to reduce rent."

Erwin wrote the figure down on his board. After finishing the last word, he raised his head and lowered his voice slightly.

"In wartime, with a tax rate of thirty percent... once word gets out, tenants from the surrounding areas may all come here."

"I know," Ron said.

Erwin said no more. He recorded the decision and turned to the next page.

Only a few words were written on this page, but he stared at them for a moment, as though he had too much to say and needed to sort it out first.

"The people we sent out earlier have reported back. Regarding the whereabouts of the baron's wife and daughter, we still don't have an exact location.

"But we can confirm that Tamara has left Velen territory. Her destination is unknown. All we learned was that she headed north when passing through nearby villages. She was moving quickly and did not stop."

Ron did not answer immediately. His fingers tapped the edge of the table twice.

"Keep looking," he said.

"Prioritize opening the brewery and paper mill. Brewing requires fermentation time, so the sooner it begins, the better. Paper production can be staggered with the current construction in terms of manpower.

"First harvest marsh resources for testing. Have the mill and waterwheel systems work together, with old Gott coordinating the site selection and construction.

"As for the market, put it in the next stage. We don't have enough hands, so let the villagers choose a place to gather and trade for now," Ron said.

Erwin recorded each point, then pulled out a thicker sheet of paper. A three-tiered structure was drawn on it, each tier marked with its organization and numbers.

"Then there is the matter of the army," Erwin continued.

"According to your plan, there will be a three-tier military system.

"The levy consists of farmers and craftsmen. They work in peacetime and are mobilized in war. Old Gott will oversee regular weekly training. They receive no fixed military pay, but meals will be provided during training.

"The standing army will number a little over eighty. New recruits will receive a base pay of 1.5 Kron per month, paid in Oren. Professional soldiers are those who pass the assessment.

"They will have mastered complete formation tactics and receive three to five Kron. Beneath them are commanders, such as Miko, Pete, and Cole, who have already begun leading troops. They will receive five to eight Kron.

"The guard has twenty-two men, with a monthly pay of eight to ten Kron. But in truth, they do not need military pay to make a living. The amount is symbolic.

"Karl, commander of the guard, will also serve as commander of the standing army. His pay will be ten to twelve Kron, paid mainly in Oren, with Kron and Florin kept as reserve currency."

"That works." Ron took the paper and looked it over.

The three-tier force structure had taken shape: the guard as the core force, the standing army of more than eighty as the main strength for routine patrols and combat, and the levy militia as wartime reinforcements.

"Also, you mentioned making the appointments publicly before," Erwin said, opening the last page of his writing board. Several names were scrawled across it.

"Set it for this evening after training ends, at the training grounds. Miko will be appointed captain of the standing army, Pete captain of the first squad, and Cole captain of the second squad.

"Hans will be assigned to Miko's squad. He's a recruit and needs veterans to help him quickly adapt to the standing army's training pace. His sense of responsibility and familiarity with Velen are strengths. He can be developed into a key man."

At dusk, the commands on the training grounds ceased. The last batch of recruits had just finished training and was heading toward the courtyard. Several oil lamps rested along the edge of the wooden platform, their flames flickering softly in the evening breeze.

The soldiers were summoned again. They formed ranks faster than usual, without whispering among themselves.

Ron's voice carried down from the platform. Miko stepped out from the formation and stood before it.

Ron did not use a sword. He simply handed him the appointment document. The parchment was rolled tightly and tied with ordinary hemp twine.

"Miko, promoted to captain of the standing army. Pete, captain of the first squad. Cole, captain of the second squad. Old Gott, captain of the levy."

Four appointment documents were handed out. The four men stood before the platform, the parchment in their hands fluttering gently in the evening wind.

Ron withdrew his hand and swept his gaze across the formation. No one spoke, but the recruits standing in the rear looked at the men's backs, something new appearing in their eyes.

After dismissal, Erwin spread the personnel list across the table and began calling names one by one. Several recruits squatted in the corner after receiving their Oren, counting them over and over in fear of making a mistake.

Hans tucked his money pouch into his clothes and weighed it in his hand before continuing toward the training grounds. There was still night-watch training tonight.

One young recruit, even younger than Miko had been when he first enlisted, lowered his voice after counting his money and said to the companion beside him, "This is the first time I've ever earned money."

His companion jabbed him with an elbow, telling him not to embarrass himself, but he could not resist taking another look at the copper coins in his own hand.

At dusk two days later, more people came seeking refuge outside the estate gates. An old farmer led them, driving a broken cart.

Several sacks of grain and an iron pot were piled on the cart. Behind it walked a hunter carrying a bow, with a string of rabbits hanging from his waist.

He had previously heard rumors that the estate took in refugees and had found his way here himself. Erwin stood at the gate with his writing board, registering them. He noticed that the two households had come from different directions.

The old farmer had moved out from remote mountain forests, while the hunter had crossed the entire edge of the marsh to get here.

When the hunter reached the estate gate, his boots were covered in mud. In a voice only he could hear, Erwin murmured, "The other side of the marsh..."

For word to have reached the far side of the marsh meant it had traveled past at least two villages beyond the original three trade villages. The estate's reputation was gradually spreading beyond the trade routes.

Near Aina's herb garden, Gretka crouched on the ground, holding up a sage leaf as she looked up and asked Aina what it was called. The girl with braided hair crouched beside her, seriously studying the leaves as well.

At the training grounds, Cole stood before a line of recruits with his hands behind his back, correcting the shield-holding posture of each soldier in the first row.

Brom's hammering rang out in a steady rhythm. The stonework for the water-powered forge hammer had already been built to half a man's height.

Ron stood at the edge of the courtyard, taking in the entire scene. And all of it was only just beginning.