In the distance, Marcus soared through the sky with other magical beasts trailing behind him, instinctively following the dragon's superior aura.
On the castle watchtower, Miaomiao stretched and yawned as she lazily rubbed her eyes with her paws, having just woken up from a long nap.
[That chick is so carefree. He looks happy even while working, doesn't he?]
"That's a good thing, isn't it?" Michael replied with a smile. "Did you sleep well?"
[Hmm, no matter how much I sleep, I'm still sleepy,] Miaomiao murmured, stifling another yawn. Her eyes sharpened with curiosity as she added, [Did we gain another demon? I can sense a new one.]
"Yes," Michael confirmed. "Grandfather and I visited the graveyard yesterday. We need all the talent we can get."
Miaomiao's tail flicked back and forth as her curiosity deepened.
[That's smart. Mages and knights will leave eventually. What powers does this new demon have?]
Michael paused, organizing his thoughts as a gentle breeze tousled his hair.
"His name is Rabouin. In life, he was a renowned chemist and inventor. It seems his abilities include summoning elements and transmuting materials."
Miaomiao's eyes gleamed with excitement, her whiskers twitching forward.
[Chemistry! That was a lost discipline after Rabouin's death. If his powers are exactly as you say, this is incredible—summoning specific elements and transforming materials? That's ridiculously useful!]
Michael nodded, acknowledging the enormity of Rabouin's talents. "Exactly. He seemed overjoyed when he woke up."
[Overjoyed doesn't even begin to cover it. Considering how tragic his end was, he deserves this second chance,] Miaomiao said, leaping onto Michael's shoulder.
The two stood silently on the watchtower, watching the bustling village below. Before long, Julian and Arnan approached, their hurried steps signaling urgency.
"Perfect timing," Michael greeted them with a bright smile. "I have tasks for both of you."
To Michael, they were the two strongest workhorses—ahem,—most dependable retainers in his service.
"Send soldiers to the neighboring territory to fetch the miners we contracted earlier. Let them select houses according to the size of their families," Michael instructed.
His initial plan was to develop the existing mines. With war looming, high quality iron ore would likely be seized by the crown, so it was better to avoid risks. Michael thought of Charles V, a shrewd and unpredictable ruler, and decided to proceed cautiously.
He turned back to his retainers and gave more detailed instructions.
"Tell the miners we'll bring their families after the village renovations are complete. For now, have them pitch tents near the mines and begin work. Do you think you can handle this?"
Arnan and Julian exchanged glances before nodding. Setting up sturdy tents with beds and lockers wouldn't be a problem.
"Absolutely, my lord. We've already assigned the women of the territory to tent production," Julian replied confidently.
Thanks to Michael's work allocation system, Crassus's territory was producing over 100 tents daily, part of a broader plan to accommodate incoming serfs and support future development.
"And the lamp style hats I asked Leonardo to make—are they finished?"
"They should be completed as of yesterday," Julian confirmed. "I'll have Leonardo brought here using one of the flying beasts."
Julian always strived to meet Michael's expectations.
"Good. Also, ask the Aeromancy school to apply ventilation magic morning and evening in the mines. Chronic lung disease is a major issue for miners, but this should reduce occupational illnesses significantly," Michael said.
Arnan was visibly impressed by Michael's thoughtfulness. "What a generous policy, my lord. Humanity must be at the core of all actions."
Michael smiled faintly. In truth, his goal was to improve productivity, but he saw no harm in embracing Arnan's interpretation. As a descendant of Dangun, Michael carried the philosophy of "Hongik Ingan"—benefiting humanity—and he nodded in agreement.
"Good. Let's proceed with that plan. Now, what was so urgent that you came to find me?"
Julian stepped forward. "My lord, the serfs and livestock we purchased from the capital have arrived. The soldiers stationed at the gorge reported their arrival."
Michael's face lit up. He had been anxiously awaiting their arrival.
"Excellent news. Did everyone make it here safely? Never mind—I'll go see for myself. You two, carry on with your tasks."
Michael lightly prodded Miaomiao, who stretched lazily on his shoulder. With an exaggerated sigh, she rose, her feline form shimmering briefly before transforming into her true self—a majestic creature with large, powerful wings.
The red ribbon she usually wore reconfigured into a harness. Michael swiftly climbed onto her back, grabbing the reins.
With a powerful beat of her wings, Miaomiao soared into the sky, leaving the castle to shrink rapidly in the distance.
The two flew swiftly and reached the Iron Valley Gorge, the territory's natural defensive barrier and primary entrance.
From atop Miaomiao, Michael looked down at the narrow entrance, where soldiers stood guard. The gorge's width made it difficult for large groups to pass through at once.
Near the guards stood a familiar face—a plump merchant who was mopping his sweaty brow. Michael recognized him as someone he had met through his father.
As Michael dismounted, the merchant hurried forward and bowed deeply.
"Ah, my lord! It's an honor to see you again. Have you been well?"
Michael fixed him with a cool gaze.
"Yes, I've been fine. Have you brought the serfs and livestock?"
His eyes scanned the gorge, where families of serfs were clustered together. Behind them, the faint sounds of animals could be heard.
"Ah, my lord, you wouldn't believe how arduous the journey was. Five young ones and seventeen old ones perished along the way. As an apology, I've brought the worth of fifteen strong men to compensate. Will that suffice?" the merchant asked nervously.
Michael considered for a moment before nodding.
"That's acceptable. Are all the serfs brought here in family units?"
The merchant showed a relieved expression and quickly nodded to Michael.
"Of course, my lord! I wouldn't dare play games with you. Every single one of them is here with their families."