Chapter 113: Rallying the Spirits (First Update)

Since Boone returned to the alchemy workshop, the entire construction process accelerated by twenty percent almost instantly. The workers pushed the carts Boone designed with such vigor that their steps seemed to carry the wind; each one appeared energized as if they had taken some stimulant.

They worked completely on their own initiative. Gordon watched nearby, clicking his tongue in amazement. The boost in morale was somewhat exaggerated, but it made Gordon’s job much easier—he could simply relax and enjoy his tea.

“Who would have thought Boone was so skilled at leading people,” said Uncle John, the knight captain, stroking his chin in surprise. “No wonder outsiders say it’s impossible to poach anyone from the Lehman Trading Company. The people inside are like dwarves—stubborn and tough, impossible to move.”

Those with expertise could see the subtleties. Unlike Gordon, who was inexperienced, John had actually led troops in battle. For a mere civilian to inspire such unwavering loyalty and high morale just by being present was something even the top military commanders might struggle to achieve.

Curious about how Boone managed this, John noticed the excitement—and even a trace of fanaticism—in the eyes of Lehman’s people, which gave him pause.

Earlier, there had been some confusion over certain design requirements, but with the help of the gnomes, there was no worry. Even if the workers didn’t understand something, they could just consult the old gnome Grayscale, who surely knew.

Grayscale was not only a master architect but also a scholar of vast learning. A single glance from him could translate complicated matters into language they could all comprehend.

Boone found it refreshing to converse with someone like the old gnome, with no language barriers or generational gaps. Grayscale often understood even Boone’s odd expressions after a moment’s thought, requiring little explanation. Boone described their conversations as truly comfortable.

This old man was extraordinary. Indeed, one could hardly expect such knowledge from an ordinary gnome. The special respect other gnomes showed Grayscale indicated his high status within their clan.

Boone didn’t know how Grayscale had ended up enslaved, but at least he was never treated as such. His conditions were raised to nearly the same standard as those of the Lehman Trading Company.

“At this pace, it looks like we’ll finish the day after tomorrow,” Lehman remarked. Finishing ahead of schedule was certainly good news, allowing them to start planting the magical flora sooner.

“Yes. The small-scale detailed adjustments will be handled by the gnomes. I’ve already told Grayscale; he knows what to do. Haverwick has synthesized the laminated glass, so we can begin sectional isolation this afternoon,” Boone said, clearly satisfied. Everything was proceeding smoothly according to plan.

“Understood,” Lehman nodded.

“By the way, it snowed last night, didn’t it?” Boone asked.

“Yes, a light snowfall in the late night,” Lehman replied.

“Where are the newly arrived gnomes staying?”

“Uh... in the wooden houses vacated by the elderly members of the Lehman Trading Company.”

“That won’t do. This winter might be especially long. There’s an empty lot in front of the dormitory building—build another one to the same standard. That way, the rest will have something to do, and they won’t freeze. After this winter, they and the Lehman people will truly be one family,” Boone instructed. “Also, stockpile more supplies, especially food. Now that there are more people, consumption has increased. Don’t worry about excess—store up as much as possible. The military will make a big move next year, and food prices will rise considerably. We can resell to some merchants and probably make a good profit.”

Lehman’s eyes lit up immediately, imagining a dozen ways to hoard military supplies and sell them for a margin. But Boone’s next words doused his enthusiasm like a bucket of cold water.

“Don’t touch the military supplies anymore. Hurry up and sell off what you’ve already stockpiled. There will likely be large-scale requisitions next spring. We don’t want to anger the military.”

This was hardly a secret. Every trading company was backed by nobles, and many merchants had begun hoarding military goods months ago.

“Should we sell now? Isn’t it a bit early? Consumables like trauma medicine and feathers have been skyrocketing lately. Maybe wait a few more days?” Lehman winced at the thought of losses from selling too soon.

“If you want to die, you can wait. But right now, we haven’t hit the peak yet, and many buyers are eager. Just sell at current prices.” Boone said calmly, “Don’t be greedy. Be content. And be sure to erase our traces in the transactions—no one can find out we’re involved.”

Lehman was startled.

“Boss, do you think the military will carry out a purge this time?”

“Not think—they definitely will.”

Since the military first cracked down on merchants, they have done so every two or three decades. Afterwards, things were kept under wraps. Being backed by the military was lucrative, but some grew arrogant and tried to cheat the military out of money, as if the military were fools. But the military was raising pigs here.

Hussein was notoriously stingy. Having promised so much to build an alchemy workshop inside the barracks, it was clear the military was about to “slaughter the pig.” No telling how many merchants would suffer this time, so it was crucial not to give them any excuse.

Hearing Boone’s words, Lehman knew this was inevitable. The military and government of Naiser were entirely separate, with the military holding even greater power. Nobles could only be granted titles through military achievements.

Hence, many nobles avoided business themselves, preferring agents as buffers to take the fall if things went wrong.

Naiser was a classic city-state system—similar to Milijian. King Naiser was merely the public face, while real power rested with the noble families led by Chancellor Contenio.

Large cities like Habrig and Zhenis could even enact their own laws, provided they didn’t violate Naiser’s statutes.

The kingdom’s ruler was elected and easily replaced if disobedient.

As for the temple, it had not yet intervened in human affairs as fervently as it would in later times. The priests were still casual, though they promoted their deities earnestly but never to extremes—no forceful brainwashing like holding heads underwater.

Most of Naiser’s native gods were ancient, inherently divine, requiring no faith to empower them. They were immensely powerful. The elven and dwarven pantheons were foreign, second-generation faiths with average strength, obedient under the watchful eyes of the great powers.

Thus, the gods were mostly lethargic now—faith was optional, and they acted according to their own whims. For example, Naiser had earned the favor of Amanata during its founding, hence its blessing.

(End of chapter)