Published: January 13, 2026
Happy New Year! (((o(゜▽゜)o)))
Please be sure to continue reading Carefree Lord this year as well! ＼＼\\٩( 'ω' )و //／／
We’re severely short on manpower. Overwhelmingly so.
With that in mind, I watched Dee conduct the defensive training.
“Left side! Your judgment is too slow! You haven’t accurately grasped the enemy’s effective firing range! If they can attack at roughly the same distance as us, then it all comes down to precision and speed! Understand that speed and accuracy are crucial!”
“Yes, sir!”
Although I had appointed Dee as the magistrate of Murcia as the base, there was no way I could just leave the Seato village knight order, who had never been commanded before, in his hands and walk away.
So, for the time being, Dee and Arb stayed behind to help maintain the knight order. By the way, among the knights currently training, there are also knights from the marquis family—Murcia’s own forces. Their number is about a hundred. It’s curious that even the adventurers who accompanied us as guards are being trained by Dee.
Glancing sideways at the scene, I turned to Rango who had climbed up to the main keep. Rango looked around with a curious expression, completely acting like a tourist.
“Um, have all the supplies been delivered?”
I called out, and Rango turned around suddenly as if startled.
“Yes. As instructed, we’ve stored ten wagons’ worth of supplies including preserved food, seasonings, and alcohol. We also have clothing, so I believe there are no issues with food, clothing, or shelter. However, there are no weapons or armor—will that be alright?”
“We made those while waiting. We also have plenty of arrows for the ballistas, so that side looks good.”
“As expected.”
Rango nodded with a wry smile at my response.
Then, as if remembering something, Rango pointed to the floor and spoke.
“Oh, by the way... Lord Van, congratulations on acquiring the new territory.”
Hearing that, I smiled wryly at Rango, who had forgotten the greeting that should come first. I thought to myself that Bell would probably scold me again and put on a troubled expression.
“That’s good news, but the problem is we’re short on people. I think Seato village has over three thousand residents, but here we probably need about a thousand people... Knights are key to defense, so I’d want anywhere from a thousand to two thousand, but right now we can only assign about three hundred. And lowering Seato village’s defenses isn’t an option either.”
I scratched my head, pondering what to do.
Rango answered casually.
“As I recall, while you were away, about 500 more people joined, but that’s still not nearly enough. If it’s urgent, how about purchasing more slaves? If they can work in Seato village, I think they’d be happier than being bought anywhere else. The slaves would appreciate it too.”
“Eh, really? Won’t there be rumors about Van-kun loving slaves? People who buy a lot of slaves don’t seem to have a good image, do they?”
I spoke honestly. Rango gave a vague smile and waved his hand.
“No, no, that used to be common several years ago. Every time the Kingdom of Scuderia expanded its territory, many war slaves, orphans, and debt slaves flooded in, and at the same time, many places lacked workers due to the expansion. In those places, buying slaves to use as labor was normal.”
“That’s basically me now. Hmm? Then maybe because we’re at war with the Yelinetta Kingdom, the number of slaves is increasing? Like people captured as prisoners of war?”
Curious about the current slave situation, I asked. Rango frowned deeply and tilted his head.
“...That’s right. This time, the recapture of Scudetto and the defensive battle in Count Ferdinand’s Domain have increased the number of slaves somewhat, but I wouldn’t recommend those war slaves. Both Seato village and this base will likely become the frontline for fighting the Yelinetta Kingdom, so considering the risk of betrayal, it’s better not to buy them. Instead, you should consider debt slaves, bandits, mountain bandits, and those abducted by them as candidates.”