Even though I've been here for a month, I feel like things are progressing too slowly.Sigh. Maybe I should launch an attack on the beastkin tribe soon — just to shake things up.
As we rode our horses around the village, Allia turned to me.
"My lord, what's on your mind?"
"Nothing serious. Just bored, I guess." I looked around. The village was starting to look like a proper settlement now. "Did you call the families that were fighting over land? Oh, and has anything happened lately?"
"I did call them, my lord. They should be waiting at the manor soon. As for recent events... nothing too exciting."
She giggled, flashing a smile. Over the past few weeks, I'd definitely grown closer to the sisters.
"Alright then… How are the beastkin doing?"
"My lord, as you know, we've likely been spotted by them already. Our hunters continue to find signs of their presence nearby. Do you think they might become a threat?"
"I doubt they'll attack us. We're stronger, and they gain nothing by starting a fight. But still — better to be cautious. Tell the guards to stay alert and rotate shifts more often."
As we passed by the fields, I watched women and young ones working hard under the morning sun.
"Hmm... I should start training the younger ones. Open some basic combat classes. Also, have the carpenters, blacksmiths, tailors, and other trades set up shop yet?"
"Not yet, my lord. We're still constructing their workshops. Once they're ready, they'll be assigned to families with skilled workers to operate them. Everything is almost in place."
"Good. Let's head to the manor and talk to the people."
I spurred my horse forward, riding toward the manor. When I entered, a group of villagers was already gathered. They bowed the moment I stepped in.
"Get up," I said, taking my seat. "Let's begin. Ellia, explain what's going on."
"Yes, my lord," she began. "These two families own fields next to each other. One of them dug a small channel to redirect water for irrigation, but it seems to have drained part of the other family's field. Now, both are accusing each other of sabotage and demanding compensation or more land."
I leaned forward, eyes narrowing slightly.
"Is that so..."
"You two. Explain what's going on."
Both of them started talking at once.
"My lord, he—"
"This man—"
"Alright, shut up."I slammed my palm on the table."One at a time. You—" I pointed to the man on the left. "You go first."
He stepped forward, clearly angry, but trying to stay respectful.
"My lord, I dug a canal to bring water to my field. But this morning, the water wasn't flowing. I followed it upstream and saw that it was redirected—split off halfway and flowing straight into his land."
He took a deep breath, frustration in his eyes.
"And he won't even admit to it. He just stood there and acted like it was nothing."
I nodded. "Alright. I understand. Now you—what do you have to say?"
The second man looked a bit caught off guard. I doubted they even tried talking to each other before coming here.
"My lord, I saw a small stream of water and redirected it to my field. That's all. I didn't steal anything."He looked me in the eye as he said it.
How should I put this politely...Let's just say, this man didn't seem like the sharpest sword in the armory.
I let out a sigh. "Let me guess—you two didn't even try to talk it out, did you? Are you both stupid or what?"
They looked embarrassed, eyes downcast. I motioned to Ellia.
"Ellia, go check the farmlands. I want you to start designing a proper canal system—something that works for everyone. Once you figure it out, start building it. Use as many people as you need."
She nodded. "Yes, my lord."
I turned back to the two men.
"As for you two... if you'd just talked like normal people, you could've solved this yourselves. Ellia will help divide the water fairly. If necessary, put up a small dam or gate and split the flow."
The slower-looking one tried to speak up."But, my lo—"
"That's it." I cut him off. "Unless you have something useful to say, don't cause more trouble. Next time, talk before you come crying to me."
The second man looked satisfied, while the first one just stood there, mouth slightly open. I waved a hand dismissively and rubbed my forehead.
"Go. Do your work. Get out of here."
"Yes, my lord!"
They bowed quickly and rushed out of the room.
I sighed again. "Ellia, take care of that canal issue."
"Yes, my lord. I'll go right away."She left with purpose.
Not long after, Allia came up behind me and started massaging my shoulders.
"My lord... is there anything you need?"
The situation was getting a little... suspicious.I turned to look at her, and she gave me a sweet, almost teasing smile.
This race really is something else...Golden hair, golden eyes, flawless pale skin...Sigh.
"Yeah. Set up a meeting with your father. And did you find the people I asked you about?"
"Yes, my lord. I've gathered ten women. They'll act as both maids and guards. Ellia and I will command them directly. They're all trained soldiers and will begin working at the manor tomorrow."
"Good. Let me know if you need anything for them."
She leaned a little closer."My lord... it's getting late. Do you need help preparing for bed?"
It wasn't even close to sundown yet...But if I think about it, finishing up early and getting some rest wouldn't hurt. Smart move.
She locked eyes with me again.Sigh. I guess being too handsome is a curse.
"Ahem... yeah. Let's go. I'm tired anyway."
She took my arm."Yes, my lord."Another sigh escaped me.
That night, I slept like a king.