Easygoing Territory Defense by the Optimistic Lord

I quickly assigned tasks to the slaves, and in the end, I bought all of them except those who had experience with basic arithmetic or business.

It cost eight gold coins.

“Is a ten percent profit really okay? Didn’t you have expenses bringing them all the way from the capital city?”

I asked, but Bell and Rango nodded with smiles.

“Just understanding that is enough for us. Besides, the adventurers hired for escort cost five gold coins, so we are making a profit.”

Hmm. There must have been travel expenses, food, and lodging costs, though.

Well, if the two of them are fine with it, then so am I.

“Thank you. Then, the slave assignments should be fine. But since the Bell Rango Trading Company will be hiring more than ten slaves, shall we open the store soon?”

“That’s right. For now, two of them have experience as traveling merchants, so we’ll split them into three teams with carriages to expand our sales routes. One group of adventurers hired as escorts is returning to the capital city, so I will go there next.”

“I see. So this time, Rango will stay and manage the store?”

“I will be educating the slaves and handling business within the village.”

I nodded, pleased to see the Bell Rango Trading Company operating smoothly. Funding and manpower really are important.

Watching Bell and Rango grow lively, I decided to check on the slaves I had purchased.

“Well then, I’ll go form the Seato Village Knight Order.”

“Ah, understood. Please talk to us later about the store and housing.”

“Got it.”

Saying that, I left the lord’s manor with Til, Kamushin, and Arte, and walked through the village.

Those with magical aptitude were sent under Espada’s command, and knights, mercenaries, and adventurers were assigned to Dee.

The bard, dancers, and musicians were planned to work as staff at the tavern-cum-theater near the village entrance, as that seemed interesting.

Those with farming experience were partly assigned to help out with the village fields.

By the way, all children under ten were entrusted to villagers’ homes in the neighboring village for help with chores and education.

That left about fifty people remaining. These were to be trained as the first ultra-powerful rapid-fire mechanical bow unit of Baron Van’s Holy Seato Knight Order.

Hahaha!

I laughed heartily as I approached the slaves gathered at the village entrance.

They noticed me, quickly straightened up, and turned to face me.

“Sorry to keep you waiting. As you’ve heard, everyone here is to become members of the Seato Knight Order’s archery unit. First, you will learn how to operate the basic equipment—the ballista on the castle walls. Any questions?”

When I asked, a few hands went up.

“Yes, the lady over there.”

I pointed at a wild-looking woman. She stepped forward confidently—a slender yet muscular redhead with exposed arms, looking like a track athlete. Very cool.

“I have experience with bows, but many here have never handled one. What is the selection criteria?”

“Ah, you’re Bora, the former hunter. Good question. The criteria are, first: experience; second: keen eyesight; third: small stature that makes fighting with sword and armor difficult. So, I plan to make Bora and the village hunter Inka captains of this unit.”

Bora frowned thoughtfully.

“...Honestly, bows require more strength than they look. Some of these girls look very thin—without strength, it could be tough.”

Oh, she’s someone who can speak her mind. And she’s right. Good talent.

I nodded at Bora and lifted the rapid-fire mechanical bow I’d brought in front of my chest.

“Exactly. So, Porte-chan, the smallest village girl here at eleven years old, you seem the least strong. Let’s have you try.”

I pointed at Porte, who nervously stepped forward.

With her freckled red hair, she knelt before me and accepted the mechanical bow.

Her exaggerated manner and intense nervousness made me laugh as I stood beside her and placed my hand over hers.

“Relax your shoulders. Let’s aim at the forest by the roadside. That’s right. Hold it here. Oh, gently now. Then pull the stick next to this box thing. Good, it’s set.”