Chapter 46

Chapter 46 [Chapter 46: Clayton and the Golems] Even though Logans ambitions to fully integrate Clayton and the Golem Faction into his forces had ended in fantasy, the sheer power displayed in the current construction project was unsurpassed, making any cost-performance comparison unnecessary. With Claytons giant golem around, there was no need to risk deploying workers there. Its practically handling the biggest part on its own Even if Clayton was exceptional among them, Logan had anew appreciation for why the labor costs of a 5th Circle wizard were so exorbitant. They were a different dimension in terms of productivity compared to even the highest-level knights. Knights who know nothing but the sword While mentally decrying knights, Logan suddenly coughed to cover his sudden realization that he himself fell into that very category. His cough seemed to bring yet another loud noise to life. Boom! Rumble rumble. Once more, a thunderous roar that seemed to turn the world upside down filled the air. Grooooan. Amidst the noise, a giant creatures movements revealed its presence, and screams could be heard from all around. Eeeek! Mother! I want to go home! Ted, catch that thing! How many in its family? Hey you! Workers that had been gathered with difficulty collapsed in terror at the harrowing site created by Claytons golem. Among them was Dwayne, still with a look of utter defeat in his eyes. I must report to the head of the family Seeing Dwayne trembling and the workers disheveled state, Logan let a smirk escape without meaning to. The tunnel construction will be sufficient with just Clayton. There seemed to be no need to engage additional workers. Hmm, take all the workers to dig the canal. Theres no need to leave anyone for the tunnel construction. Logans current construction plans were to have the tunnel and dam completed as designed, so the water could flow throughout the wastelands that were going to be developed. The plan was to split the 8,000 workers between tunnel and canal construction, but it now seemed the plans could be altered. It looks like completion will be ahead of schedule. A pleasant premonition brought a smile to Logans face. Yes! Hammar, who had been absentmindedly watching the golem, was a little late to catch on to Logans order and started rounding up the workers. This, too, turned out to be good news for them. Canal? Where is the water supposed to be? I mean we can do it if ordered Does this make any sense? Why bore holes in the mountain for nothing, and why overturn the soil Hey, stop nagging. It beats lugging rocks, right? Besides Rumble rumble. While the noise continued, the territorys people looked at the cliff generating the noise and shuddered before turning away. Everyone shared the same sentiment. Even if it was on their side, how could one not be terrified of a magical beast created by a wizard? A single mistake from the over 20-meter-tall giant could mean an eternal farewell from this world. Lets just dig, right? Confident in that? Sure! The task of digging evenly spaced canals across the vast wasteland, which was estimated to span over 800 square kilometers and far beyond, carrying a width of over 40 kilometers, would not have been an easy task even with the employment of the 8,000 workers. Yet, at this moment, not one person thought it would be difficult. * * * Master! Lord! Master Patrick! Ah, come on! Bang! Bang! Bang! The urgency in Dwaynes pounding on the firmly locked door was palpable. Rumble rumble. The distant sound of thunder made his knocking all the more frantic. The high lord is blowing up the domain! His voice now sounded almost pitiful. Bang! Bang! Please, open the doo- Thud. What has Logan don- Splat. The forceful knocking turned into a punch that drove flesh into flesh. Startled by the unfamiliar impact, Dwayne looked up to face a fist embedded in one of his eyes and a pair of angry red pupils staring back at him. Arrgh! Goosebumps erupted all over Dwaynes body as he leaped back in a bizarre scream, prompting a concise critique from Patrick. Hmm. My apologies Heh heh heh. It was a mistake! Im truly sorry, Master! To think that I, who devote myself day and night to training, could be so careless Heh, seems I still have much to learn. Dwayne, its as if youve awakened me. Hoping for the plans success to afford a bit more leeway, Logan began to consider both failure and success scenarios for the dam and started redrafting his future plans. Moments later, resolved, Logan made his way to the location housing the domains only artifact, the communication orb. The construction materials will be delivered without any issues. Ive easily agreed to a monthly rate of 100,000 gold, given our existing timber trade. Anyway, once the mines set up and the wasteland is developed, the domain will change drastically. I ought to visit sometime. Thats great. You should come next year. Yet another comment about next year What are you basing these remarks on? Not that youd tell me if I asked. No. Now I actually have to tell you. Its a dangerous matter. Oh? When I was at the Sword Guild, I heard some troubling news. Of course, Logan had never heard such a thing. But it was a necessary lie for the story he needed to tell. Troubling news? Is there no one around to hear you? The security in the tower is solid. Even if the Earth Tower is failing There are rumors of a problem with the royal family. What?! Th-that means?!] Philips expression tensed noticeably at the deliberate ambiguity of Logans words. I dont know the details, but seems its a rather serious matter. While conducting trade, try to pick up any rumors coming from the royal sphere. Logans memories of his previous life indicated a civil war breaking out next winter following the sudden death of the king, but as a mere low-level mercenary back then, he had no guarantee the information was accurate. The only certain detail was the kings demise. If the king truly died suddenly as I heard, it will play out the same, but if not, there might be signs before it occurs. Just like the unexpected alterations in the outbreak of the territorial war with Tesron, the timing of the civil war must not shift without cause. If history changed, even the smallest hint of when turmoil might erupt was crucial. I have to know so I can start at the right time. For the MacLaine family to upheave the kingdoms power structure in the coming war. Dont bother asking Knox; hell likely demand too much and draw suspicion. Just feel out the nobles bit by bit while trading. That should suffice. Take extreme caution and contact me immediately with any developments. Understood. This seems quite serious And the lead into this conversation was also a stepping stone for what was yet to come. How much is left over from Imporiks net profit after deducting construction material costs, food purchases, and funds sent to the tower? Eh? Well theres a surplus of about 1.8 million gold. Then set aside 500,000 as an emergency fund, and buy as many spears, swords, and armors as you can afford to send over. At Logans words, Philips face darkened even more. Is the royal issue really that serious? Possibly so. Anyway, send equipment enough to fully arm 1,500 men by this winter. This isnt a joke. A joke? Spread out your purchases and collect them separately. It might cost more, but thats fine. Buying so much weaponry at once could attract unwanted attention. Logans tone deepened Philips expression, but still, the merchant couldnt resist an objection. But 1,500 men? I believe there are fewer than 100 knights in the MacLaine family, if Im not mistaken. Its not for the knights. Its for the soldiers. Hearing that, Philip reacted almost violently. Youre going to fully arm all the soldiers?! Have you lost your mind?! Whatever serious mood had been there vanished, replaced by incredulity, making Logan suppress a smirk. Well, one could see it that way. A properly forged metal spear and sword, chainmail to protect vital body points, and additional metal armor. Even basic equipment, if of good quality, would cost nearly 1,000 gold per person. And they need horses too. That would double the budget. In essence, Logan was planning to invest close to 3 million gold by winter to provide knight-level equipment to his soldiers. But even so, can the soldiers beat the knights? With that money, you could make gear for the knights! An objection that was only to be expected at this moment. Current warfare was dominated by extraordinary beings like knights and wizards. Although there were trainees enduring harsh training with dreams of knighthood, regular soldiers were mere supports for the knights. Spending such a huge sum on soldier gear? Thats foolish! With so much money, you have to spend it efficiently! You, who once crafted a weapon to sweep away ordinary soldiers, what are you thinking? Such a reaction was, in some ways, completely justifiable. Yet Logan had different thoughts. Too many territory citizens died in the last war. The first war after his return was won relatively easily through preparations, but the death toll among regular soldiers was higher than expected. Though largely due to Tesron deploying even conscripts, these losses reduced the expected yields from the territory for the year, largely because those dead included males from Tesron stronghold. Thats why I need to minimize conscription. Future wars couldnt continue, relying on consuming conscripts. It would be self-sabotage. Besides, once the empire-wide war starts, poorly equipped conscripts would be literal cannon fodder. The escalating expense of properly arming soldiers may seem excessive to some, but to Logan, it was a surefire investment in the survival and future success of his territorys people and his familys ambitions.