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The depth of night had fallen, the world silent and tranquil.

Only the occasional crackling and popping sounds from the burning firewood in the fireplace could be heard.

Little White was curled up in front of the fireplace. His fur was slightly singed due to being too close to the heat.

Colin stretched lazily and rose from the mountainous piles of administrative documents.

“I’ve reviewed the tax reports from the past few months. You’ve done a good job. The tax reduction measures have been effective in attracting businesses. Continue with them.”

Colin told the tax commissioner, Quincy, before walking up to the fireplace and lifting up the cat that was almost too infatuated with the warmth of the flame to notice it was getting singed. He cradled it in his arms and then sat down on the wicker chair in front of the fireplace.

“Mew–”

Little White meowed in displeasure, apparently annoyed at the foolish human for disturbing its rest, but it quickly calmed down under Colin’s caresses and closed its eyes once more, snoozing comfortably on Colin’s chest.

“Yes, my lord. Your approval is my highest honor.” Quincy bowed to Colin, letting out a sigh of relief.

He hadn’t expected Colin to have the patience, let alone the ability, to understand the tedious and complex tax reports – his previous nervousness had been unnecessary.

Most noblemen in this world lacked the interest in managing these mundane affairs of their territories. They usually left it to the steward and the tax commissioner while they indulged themselves in pleasure, or amid the company of highborn ladies, or they liked to show off their martial prowess.

Seeing a lord like Colin, who was willing to invest time and energy on these dry administrative matters, was indeed quite uncommon.

Quincy couldn’t help but square his shoulders, reminding himself that he must not take his job lightly.

“Alright. It’s getting late. Go get some rest, Quincy.”

“Yes, my lord.”

After Quincy had left, the room was left with only Colin and his steward, Emon.

While stroking Little White’s silky fur, Colin began, “Today is the last day of the Winter Festival, and the snow has stopped. Let the slaves resume their work starting tomorrow.”

“Yes, my lord. You’ve generously granted them an entire Winter Festival’s worth of rest.”

Colin’s mouth twitched slightly. He was still not quite accustomed to the way the noblemen in this world exploited the slaves.

“What important tasks are coming up next?”

Emon unrolled the sheepskin scroll in his hand and after a quick check responded, “My lord, the work in Ice Rock City is nearly complete. The main tasks ahead are the renovation of Red Keep and the water conservation project.”

Emon paused, glancing up at Colin. Seeing that he had no objections, he continued, “Now that we have a surplus of labor, I’m planning to renovate Red Keep thoroughly. The warehouse, stable, training ground, and cellar also need to be extended. Here are the drafted plans for your review.”

Colin took the design plans as he asked, “Approximately how much would the renovation cost?”

“About 30,000 gold coins, my lord.”

Colin pondered for a moment, considering the cost reasonable.

The financial state of the Angler family was no longer as tight as it had been six months ago, plus with the wealthy Half-Elves backing them, Colin could afford to be a bit extravagant.

Besides, during the slave rebellion, Colin had acquired a large number of slaves. With these almost free sources of labor, failing to make good use of them would be a waste.

“Fine, go ahead with your plan.”

“Very well, my lord,” Emon nodded, before adding, “As for the second task, the water conservation project, my plan is to divide it into two phases. We can finish the first phase in three to four months. The primary task is irrigation for the upcoming spring farming.”

In the long term, efforts such as river dredging, dam reinforcement, and irrigation system expansion  these tasks will require three to five years to complete, and they are quite costly.”

Colin scanned the short-term and long-term water conservancy construction plan handed over by Emon and nodded seriously: “This is worth doing; water conservancy is the foundation of agriculture; it’s a necessity no matter the price.”

“Yes, sir. In addition, the Half-Elf Kingdom has many agricultural experts. I want to hire some of them to come to Ice Rock City to guide the slaves. I wonder if you could help me with some referrals.”

“Of course, I can. I will write a letter to Queen Isa, asking her to send some personnel over.”

“Thank you, sir.” Emon, putting away the sheepskin scroll, hesitated for a moment and then added, “Sir, there have been more and more rebels gathering in Ice Rock City recently. Although they are vulnerable in front of the Dark Cavalry, I am worried about so many slaves gathered in the city.”

With his eyes half-closed, Colin casually inquired, “How many slaves have we gathered now?”

“As of the day before yesterday’s census, we have gathered over 85,000 slaves.”

“Hmm, that’s quite a lot. Nevertheless, it’s not a big problem,” Colin waved his hand unperturbedly, “as long as we provide the slaves with a meal to eat and let them see the hope of becoming freemen, they won’t rebel.”

Still looking concerned, Emon said, “Sir, there are so many slaves, with complex backgrounds, it’s impossible to check them one by one. I’m worried that someone with ill intentions might infiltrate and intentionally incite the slaves to cause trouble.”

It was then that Colin opened his eyes, a serious expression on his face.

“Let’s do this. Two measures.” After thinking for a moment, Colin instructed, “First, mix and house the slaves. Don’t let those who knew each other before continue to stay together, to prevent collusion.

Second, implement a reporting system. If anyone is found suspect in the slave residential area or attempts to mislead the crowd, they should be reported. If the report is successful, the reporter will be rewarded ten silver coins.”

“Yes, sir.”

Colin picked up his coffee and took a sip, then asked, “Have there been any movements from Marquis Dawson and Count Uman?”

“No.” Emon shook his head, “Sir, I guess they are waiting for winter to pass. After all, it’s not a good time for war now.”

“Hmm.” Colin nodded, agreeing with Eman’s judgment, “Besides, they are probably waiting for the effects of the famine to further ferment.

It is still more than half a year until the next autumn harvest. Right now, it is only the lowest-level slaves who can’t eat, but once there are no more reserves in commoners’ homes, I’m afraid the North Territory will plunge into even more chaos.”

“Sir, the rumor you asked me to monitor has also grown more intense. Even many residents in Ice Rock City have begun to believe that the successful invasion of the North Territory by the Trolls was the disastrous result of Duke St. Hilde’s failed lure strategy.”

“Has there been any response from Winterfell City?”

“Not yet.”

Colin frowned, somewhat puzzled as to why Duke Hilde didn’t refute and let this rumor that seriously damaged his prestige spread wildly in the North Territory.

Could it be that the Duke was severely injured in his previous duel with the Holy Warrior?

Seeing Colin’s face change, Emon asked, “Sir, should we take action to stop this rumor from spreading in Ice Rock City?”

“No need.” Colin shook his head with a smile, “Our most important task now is to develop and grow ourselves, we shouldn’t bother with other storms, we can just sit back and enjoy the show.”

“Yes, sir.” Emon nodded in agreement.

Then the old butler glanced at the clock on the wall and reminded, “Sir, today is the last day of the Winter Festival, midnight is approaching. The Angler family’s vigil ceremony needs you to preside over.”

Only then did Colin remember such a thing, he sighed helplessly, stood up, and started to walk out as if he was dealing with a bother.

Ding dong dong

When the clock struck twelve, Colin, who was presiding over the vigil, finally stopped praying, raised his head, and looked out at the pitch-dark night sky.

The stars were lonely there, and the crescent moon was dim.

A new year had arrived quietly.