62: Weapons Research and Development Department

"Rules are rules!"

"Fixed working hours are for the sake of your health; this is non-negotiable."

"From now on, anyone who dares to extend working hours without my authorization will certainly be punished."

Lister said in a slightly stern tone. For these fellows who wanted to be 'labor traitors,' their mindset had to be completely turned around.

Although the territory was currently in a period of rapid development, he didn't need the subjects to trade their health for so-called development time.

Otherwise, why would he spend so much money buying so many Slaves? Wasn't it for a healthy cycle of work?

He never thought of himself as particularly noble, but there were certain bottom lines in his heart that he felt benefited all the subjects.

The practice of 'burning the forest to hunt' was ultimately not the right path.

Hearing his somewhat heavy words of reprimand, Malo didn't feel uncomfortable; instead, a surge of warmth rose in his heart.

To have a lord who cared so much about them and was willing to reduce his own interests was truly a great honor for them as subjects.

He then made a profound self-reflection to Lister, stating that he would strictly follow the regulations in the future.

Seeing that Lister didn't truly mean to blame him, he breathed a sigh of relief and continued his report: "Besides the construction of the Workshop, the Curved Ploughs and Seed Drills are also being mass-produced in a hurry. It's estimated that ten of each can be produced within a month."

At this point, he said excitedly, "The Slave you sent yesterday, Jimur Arnold, his forging talent is truly incredible."

"Whether it's the iron parts of the Curved Ploughs and Seed Drills or other farm tools, he can forge them very quickly, and the quality is flawless."

"Such forging talent leaves those Blacksmiths who have been working for decades feeling ashamed."

"Therefore, after gathering the unanimous opinion of all the Blacksmiths, I make bold to request that My Lord appoint him as the new Head of Blacksmiths."

Lister's expression was calm, showing no surprise, though he was slightly amazed that Jimur Arnold had won over Malo and the other craftsmen so quickly.

It seemed Jimur Arnold's forging talent far exceeded his expectations.

Coming back to his senses, he instructed, "There's no rush. Have Jimur Arnold come over first."

"Yes."

Soon, Malo brought over Jimur Arnold, who had been working.

After a respectful greeting, Jimur Arnold stood respectfully in place.

Seeing Lister again, infinite gratitude welled up in his eyes.

After all, this was the person who had given him hope for survival once more and allowed him to continue the profession he loved most.

Lister took a brief look at Jimur Arnold. Compared to the confused and exhausted look he had yesterday...

Today, his spirits were clearly much better. Although his face showed some fatigue, it was caused by work rather than the listlessness of low spirits.

Especially the light in his eyes—it was an infinite expectation and longing for his future life.

Withdrawing his gaze, Lister smiled gently and said, "Gimel, I heard from Malo that in less than a day, your forging talent has completely won over those old Blacksmiths. Therefore, he feels you are capable of serving as the Head of Blacksmiths. What do you think?"

"...That is the seniors thinking too highly of me. I still have much to learn." After a moment of silence, Gimel said modestly.

A second later, he said with confidence, "But if My Lord truly grants me the honor of serving as the Head of Blacksmiths, I believe that with my ability, I will certainly be up to the task."

A look of appreciation appeared in Lister's eyes. Both humble and confident—it showed a good character.

Since the position required a head with certain management skills, an introverted personality definitely wouldn't do, whereas Gimel's outgoing nature was clearly very suitable.

With his mind made up, Lister praised, "Very well, I like confident people. The position of Head of Blacksmiths will be temporarily held by you, Gimel."

Temporarily?

Gimel's eyes dimmed, thinking he hadn't gained Lister's full trust.

But then, Lister's next words made his eyes light up again.

"I need you to strictly select some of the best Blacksmiths to first establish a work unit called the Weapon Development Department, specifically responsible for forging weapons for the Knights and Soldiers of Ironthorn Territory, as well as researching and developing new types of weapons."

"This department will report directly to me. Without my orders, no one is allowed to interfere with the work inside."

"Of course, besides Blacksmiths, there will be other clerical positions inside, which I will leave to magistrate Hobbes to handle."

"Every Blacksmith and other personnel selected to enter, including you, Gimel, must be subject to strict supervision. Information inside cannot be told to anyone, including your families, and you cannot enter or leave Ironthorn Town at will without my approval."

"I will send Knights and Soldiers to provide 24-hour security, similar to public security patrols. The establishment of future departments will also be divided into five levels, with level one being the lowest and level five being the highest."

"The Workshop is level three, while the Weapon Development Department is currently the first level-five department in the Ironthorn Territory. You should understand what this means."

"So, anyone who dares to leak any information from within will be publicly tried on charges of betraying the territory."

After the harsh words, Lister chuckled with an encouraging tone, "Of course, along with high requirements, the treatment in the Weapon Development Department will also be very high. The minimum annual salary for the most ordinary position inside is tentatively set at 1 Gold Coin."

"If there are significant R&D contributions, extra rewards will be given, including but not limited to money."

"Therefore, the personnel selected for this must be the best of the best of the best."

"Gimel, your responsibility is great. Don't let me down."

Hearing Lister's earnest words and about the unheard-of Weapon Development Department...

While moved, Gimel said with a look of expectation and excitement, "I will definitely complete My Lord's high expectations even at the cost of my life. Praise My Lord's greatness."

Nodding slightly, Lister gave a few more instructions and then headed toward the new School under construction with Red.

The construction site of the new School was not far from the Workshop, or rather, Ironthorn Town was too small; even if it were far, it wouldn't be that far.

Riding on horseback, Lister felt somewhat lonely for some reason.

Thinking it over, he felt it might be because there was a rough man beside him now instead of a pleasingly beautiful woman.

Amidst his idle thoughts, he arrived at the construction site of the new School.

Compared to the previous School, the newly built one was much larger, effectively expanding outward within the current scope of Ironthorn Town.

This practice would be continuously implemented in Ironthorn Town in the future. His goal was to develop and transform Ironthorn Town into the largest city in the Kingdom.

Although the size of the territory's land didn't support it now, with some effort, it would all be possible in the future.