In the castle hall
Today is an important day. Many important people from the territory have come to the castle. Ed will make some arrangements for the future of the territory.
Ed sat at the head of the long table and first looked at the butler, Marcus. Ed hadn't seen the butler much lately because he was in charge of arranging food for the restaurant, allocating land, and farming. He was the one handling all the affairs of the territory, while Ed was only responsible for the general direction.
"Butler Marcus, the territory has gradually improved over the past two years, and you have made a great contribution to that." Ed acknowledged the old butler's role.
The old steward remained as respectful as ever, sitting upright at the long table, always holding his account book in his hand, though the account book was no longer the original parchment account book.
The old steward was very pleased with the new ledger.
"No, my master, it is all thanks to your wise decisions that the territory has become so good. You are the guardian of the entire territory."
The old butler stood up, his eyes no longer as bright as before, a hint of cloudiness appearing deep within them. Perhaps the old butler was nearing the end of his life, a time to enjoy his retirement.
Ed looked at the meticulous old butler and felt a pang of sadness.
"Yes, Marcus, the land reclaimed by Red Iron Village should be cultivated by those who come to the territory later. Taxes will be the same as for Peach Blossom Village. Anyone who contributes to the territory can also be rewarded with a piece of land, but it must be separate from the territory's land." Ed did this to facilitate management; otherwise, having pieces of land here and there would be inefficient. Rewarding people with land would also increase their motivation.
"Yes, my master. The land in the territory and the land awarded to individuals are far apart. I will keep a record and mark them."
The old butler's job is undoubtedly excellent, but it is indeed quite tiring for him to do so much by himself.
"Hmm, you did a great job. How are the smaller farm tools?"
Ed had already issued the exchange method for small farm tools in the territory last time, so he didn't know the specific situation now.
"My master, most of the villagers' families have already changed. Everyone is very grateful for your blessing. Now, only the newly made heavy plows and large livestock still belong to the territory. Other small farm tools, seeds, and small poultry are quite plentiful in each family."
As the old steward spoke, a smile appeared on his wrinkled face. As an elder of the territory, he did not want it to decline day by day and become a desolate wasteland.
Even the old steward himself probably didn't realize that he was also quietly changing; the serfs he used to talk about had become the villagers he now talked about.
Ed is quite satisfied with the current situation in Peach Blossom Village. He just needs to gradually help some villagers acquire some assets.
"Marcus, you've done a great job, but you should also take care of yourself and get some rest. There will only be more and more things to do in the territory from now on. If you can't handle it all, you can find a helper."
After Ed finished speaking, he gestured for the old butler to sit down.
Marcus, the butler, noticed Ed's gesture and realized he was indeed quite tired. "Sigh! I'm getting old and useless!" He used to be able to stand for a while without feeling anything.
He had actually considered finding a young person to help him, but he hadn't found a suitable one.
It seems I need to observe the children in the village more closely in the future.
"Yes, my master, I will pay more attention in the future."