Magic, steel, heavy industry

Chapter 27 Persuasion

After visiting the blacksmith's workshop, Vilan then went to the carpenter's workshop and the stonemason's workshop.

The carpentry workshop hasn't expanded its business yet; it mainly makes crossbows. The improved magic powder crossbows have received unanimous praise from the guards, and Vilan is preparing to continue his efforts and equip all the guards with the new crossbows.

Another task is to develop new crossbows. The hand crossbows used by the guards are mainly used for close-range combat, but on the battlefield, the effectiveness of hand crossbows is far inferior to that of powerful crossbows.

It is worth mentioning that during the search of Wirtz's property, an exquisite crossbow was found in his collection room.

This crossbow is larger in size and uses a foot pedal to cock it. It is very powerful and can easily reach a range of 200 meters even without the magic powder enhancement. If it is launched by projectile, it will go even further.

When Vilan obtained the prototype crossbow, he was very excited. As long as he could replicate it and pair it with magic powder crossbow bolts, it would become an invincible weapon.

However, the carpenters of the Anvil Territory were not experts in making crossbows, so it would be very difficult to quickly arm a powerful crossbow force.

Then there's the stonemason's workshop.

Vilan's requirement for them was simple: make cement.

In the past few days, the stonemasons have also been working on some prototype cement using Vilan's method. The most difficult technical hurdle to overcome—furnace temperature—has been successfully broken through with the help of the red magic powder.

However, the prototype cement did not work well, seemingly due to the proportions. In Vilan's previous life, he used modern cement that had been continuously upgraded, and the proportions of the two were completely different.

Vilan had no choice but to let them try it a few more times.

As long as they can produce enough raw materials, they can greatly increase the hardness of cement by adding gray magic powder.

This is a process of trial and error, and the stonemasons predict that they will be able to determine the optimal mixing ratio in at most another week.

After inspecting all the workshops, Vilan called together the heads of the three workshops.

"Next, I'll talk about recruiting apprentices tomorrow," Vilan said, taking out three sheets of paper.

"First, the number of apprentices in each workshop should be limited to 10. They are not workers, but rather people who will learn your techniques and thinking. Therefore, you must carefully select them. Don't waste your time on people who don't have talent."

"Second, all participants in the apprentice selection process must be recorded, and this information must be organized and archived for easy retrieval at any time."

"Third, apprentices who pass the assessment will first sign this apprenticeship contract. They will then have to take a skills test every month. Only apprentices who pass the test for six consecutive months can become formal craftsmen."

Vilan handed over three sheets of paper: a registration form, a contract, and a selection instructions sheet.

Although each craftsman has their own set of rules for taking on apprentices, for a "company," the people selected through a form are definitely the ones with the lowest risk.

After hearing Vilan's words, the craftsmen stared at each other in disbelief. They didn't quite understand Vilan's motives, but they trusted their lord.

The lords who give them gold coins may not be knowledgeable about everything, but they are certainly the most trustworthy.

After explaining all this, Vilan led everyone back to the castle.

Inside the study, he smiled as he looked at the silent Hans.

"How's it going? My workshop is doing somewhat well, isn't it?"

Hans's expression was somewhat conflicted. He instinctively wanted to refute it, because these things were not things a competent lord should do at all.

But after thinking for a moment, he nodded. "I have to admit that there will definitely be a huge market for those magic powder weapons. If we can open up trade routes, gold coins will flow in like water from the Amber River."

"It seems Mr. Hans isn't as rigid as I thought. I'm a lord with nothing, and to gain recognition from others, I must transform Anvil Territory into the best possible territory. Mr. Hans, I know you still have many doubts, but I hope you can understand that you are my precious family, and I need your help."

Wieland met Hans's gaze with his sincere, large eyes, and the latter's serious expression immediately relaxed.

"Of course, young master Vilan, I will help you become the best lord."

"Me too!" Carreras suddenly shouted from the side.

Hanston looked over angrily. "Captain, Master Vilan isn't talking to you."

"Sorry, I was just expressing my opinion," Carreras replied without hesitation, his voice still loud and clear.

"Alright, I'm very happy with your help. Mr. Hans, Anvil Territory will soon experience rapid development. I'm entrusting all the population registration and asset inventory of the territory to you."

Vilan entrusted Hans with the most important task: to develop the territory, he needed to understand its basic conditions, including the allocation of land among serfs, tax quotas, the number and employment of free people, and specific data on the immigrant and local populations.

These complex and tedious tasks could only be handled by Hans, who had studied all his life.

"Of course, I know it's very complicated, and I'll find you some suitable assistants as soon as possible," Vilan added.

Looking into Wieland's eyes, Hans's heart raced, and a crazy idea popped into his head.

If young master Vilan really succeeds, then I will be the mayor!

Once the idea took hold, it was unstoppable. Hans, as if injected with adrenaline, declared, "I will be the best mayor!"

As soon as he finished speaking, another wave of pressure hit him, and his expression changed. "No, there's still so much work to do. How can I waste my precious time here? I'm going to work right now!"

Vilan looked bewildered as he watched him disappear into the distance.

"Mayor? What mayor?"

"It seems Mr. Hans has been completely convinced by you," Llorente said with a light laugh from behind.

Vilan shook his head helplessly. "I'm relieved that you're motivated. Now it's your turn, Captain. What are your thoughts on tomorrow's recruitment?"

Carreras was suddenly called upon, and his eyes showed some panic, but fortunately he had made some preparations.

"For Lord Vilan's guard, morality must come first, so as to ensure absolute loyalty to the lord. Ability comes second."

"However, if I may be frank, the serfs you recruited have never had enough to eat, and their bodies are unlikely to withstand the brutal training."

Carreras made no secret of his opinion; in his view, serfs could never become a regular army.

Vilan nodded in understanding. "You're right. Character must be the first criterion for recruitment. As for physical fitness... I won't let my soldiers fight on an empty stomach."

"In addition, I have some new suggestions regarding training methods; perhaps you can try my approach."