Chapter 321 - Chapter 313: Preparations for Nation-Building ②
A few days after the discussion with Dmitri. Noein had summoned Victor from the mining village of Kilde and had arranged a meeting with him.
"—Then, from the end of winter, the mining and processing of lapis lazuli and copper will increase by fifty percent over previous levels. And as for the iron ore mining volume, would an increase of about twenty percent be acceptable?"
"Yes. The period of a little over half a year from the end of winter until independence will be a crucial time for earning. Will the manpower be alright?"
"Regarding the lapis lazuli, we had intentionally suppressed mining to avoid oversupply, and if we can recruit new workers from the immigrants, there will be no problem. Please leave it to me."
The discussion with Victor, who remained as gentlemanly and humble as ever, proceeded extremely smoothly. Since there were no particularly difficult matters to consult on, the business talk was concluded shortly thereafter.
"...Your Excellency, your face looks a bit tired; is your health alright?"
"Ahaha, do I really look that way? Lately, there's been a lot of nerve-wracking work, like discussions and drafting various plans. I've been on edge for so long that I'm a bit mentally exhausted. But as for my physical health, there's no problem, so I'm fine."
Touching the dark circles under his eyes, Noein gave a bitter smile.
"I see... For a lowly person like myself, the hardships of Your Excellency's work are beyond imagination, but as one of the people who loves and respects Your Excellency, I cannot help but worry for your person. Forgive me, but please do not overextend yourself."
"Thank you. You're right, my body doesn't belong only to me... For the sake of you, my people, I'll make sure not to push myself too hard. Especially because this is such an important period."
To reassure Victor, who wore a worried expression, Noein replied with a gentle smile.
Afterward, Victor departed in haste, feeling that he must not take any more time from the exhausted lord, and Noein also returned to the lord's office.
"Please, Noein-sama."
"Thank you, Matilda. With this, all the scheduled discussions are settled... for today, at least."
Noein muttered as he took a breath while drinking the tea Matilda had brewed for him.
In addition to his original duties as lord, there was a constant stream of meetings with important figures within the territory, such as attendants, merchants, and craftsmen. Explaining the plan for the Arqvist Grand Duchy's independence once was not enough. He had to have repeated discussions over the finer details. Individually, with the person in charge of each sector.
Parallel to that, he had to discuss plans for the establishment of a full-scale clinic with the doctor Selfers, hold meetings with the magic item craftsman Daphne regarding the future expansion of the workshop's scale, and consult with Hasel—who was apparently to be promoted to bishop—about establishing churches in the mining village of Kilde and the Aspida fortress, as well as dealing with other matters he had not yet been able to touch.
"...It really is busy, isn't it. When it comes to founding a country."
While grumbling, Noein stretched out both arms toward Matilda. Matilda understood what Noein wanted and allowed herself to be embraced as requested. She also wrapped both arms around Noein's back to hug him.
Since Noein was sitting in a chair, it became a posture where he buried his face in Matilda's ample chest as she leaned over slightly.
He savored Matilda's warmth like that for a while, then lifted his face from her chest and turned toward the office desk.
"I have to review the contents of today's discussions and organize my thoughts. Then, for now, today's work is finished."
"I shall assist you as well, Noein-sama."
Matilda gave Noein's head an affectionate pat and returned to her seat as adjutant.
.....
Early December, as the end of the year approached. On a day that was a holiday in the Milleon Holy Religion, Noein decided to give a speech in the plaza of the territorial capital, Noeina.
Reports had reached Noein that the news of the Arqvist territory becoming an independent Grand Duchy had spread among the people, and that an increasing number of them harbored a vague anxiety in the face of such a great change.
Based on that, Noein decided to speak to them directly as their lord to put the people at ease.
Because it was the last holiday of the year, stalls lined the area, and people from the mining village of Kilde and the pioneer villages gathered in the territorial capital, Noeina; amidst this, Noein stood upon the platform dressed in formal attire.
Standing diagonally behind him was Clara, clad in a dress, and on the opposite side stood Matilda, perfectly wearing a military uniform that also served as ceremonial dress. Since Eleos was still too young to be put before the people in such a setting, he stayed behind to watch the house.
Then, with a Voice Amplification magic item before him, Noein called out to the citizens who overflowed even into the streets extending from the plaza.
"...You have likely already heard the rumors, but I shall convey it here once more. I have been granted the rank of Grand Duke by His Majesty King Oscar Roadberg III of the Roadberg Kingdom, and the Arqvist territory shall achieve independence as a Grand Duchy."
The citizens stirred for a moment at those words, but they were quickly silenced by the orders of Yuri, Pence, and the territorial army soldiers stationed throughout the plaza. Seeing this, Noein spoke again.
"This is a change larger than any we have ever known. Many of you likely harbor anxiety... however, there is nothing to fear. The independence of our territory is a first step toward a new journey for the further happiness of us all."
To give the citizens a sense of security, Noein spoke in a deliberately calm tone.
"Once, on the day I set foot in this land where primeval forests stretched wide, I resolved to build a utopia here. For that purpose, I have walked through each day. I have piled up many efforts. All of it was for my own happiness, and for the happiness of my beloved people."
As he spoke, Noein spread his arms toward the citizens gazing at him.
"That will not change in the future. I will continue to work to build a utopia here with you and to protect it. There is no need for worry. I will continue to handle everything well. With all my heart and soul, I will continue to protect you. Your lives will not change. Rather, they will become even more prosperous from here on."
This was a speech to reassure the people. With that in mind, Noein spoke while mixing in somewhat exaggerated expressions.
"Once this land becomes independent as the Arqvist Grand Duchy, we will no longer be subject to anyone's interference. This will become our own eternal home. From here on, this land will achieve development as a utopia in the true sense of the word... Every one of you left the land of your birth to arrive here. It is precisely because you took a great step to change your lives that you are here now. You will be fine. Together with me, let us continue to enjoy happiness in the Arqvist Grand Duchy."
Having concluded the speech thus, Noein looked at the reaction of the citizens.
This time, he did not blend plainclothes territorial army soldiers among the people to prompt applause. He believed that even without doing such a thing, the current citizens should be able to show their love and respect for their lord of their own accord.
Just as he predicted, the citizens who had been listening to the speech with particular fervor right in front of the platform—veteran citizens whose faces Noein recognized, and teenagers who had grown up with this land as their home—began a powerful applause immediately after Noein's speech ended.
The applause quickly spread throughout the entire plaza and even to the audience overflowing into the streets, reaching a scale that could almost be called a roar.
Seeing this, Noein wore a satisfied expression, slowly looked around once more at the people praising him, and turned around to leave the platform. His eyes met Matilda's and Clara's, and the three of them exchanged smiles.
Surrounded by his beloved family and trustworthy subordinates, with the people expressing their love and respect so fervently. They would be able to build happiness here from now on. Noein felt such a certain sense of confirmation.