A year had passed since Kroya decided to carry out sweeping reforms across the Northern Frontier.
With Mifein's help, the Nolant Kingdom had all but tacitly accepted Kroya's control over the Northern Frontier-though in name, it remained assigned to Kermoyer, who had advanced to the rank of Count with unstoppable momentum.
In just one year, Count Kermoyer had brought every noble in the Northern Frontier under his control, apart from the Duke stationed in the Telainas Mountains.
To keep them from interfering with his farming plans, Kroya had very kindly and sincerely sent his apprentices to invite them over, one household at a time.
He had renovated the island out at sea where he had previously hosted these nobles. It was absolutely safe, with food and clothing provided, and stayed as warm as spring no matter how the weather changed.
Of course, leaving was out of the question.
Still, he had also mercifully announced that he would accept the descendants of these noble families into his army of apprentices to study.
If they performed well enough, they could become resident lords of certain areas.
He was now a fifth-level Archmage, with connections to Prince Mifein and Archmage Celesty of the Mage Association. His position was unassailable.
Anyone with a little sense would choose to serve under Kroya. Following such a powerful Archmage offered a far better future than being a minor noble.
With virtually every circumstance in his favor, if sweeping reforms across the Northern Frontier still proved impossible, the fault would undoubtedly lie with Kroya himself.
Fortunately, he and his subordinates were more than capable. As the saying went, "If you want to prosper, build roads first."
Kroya's first order had not been to start planting in the various regions. Instead, he had instructed them to build a broad