After the snowstorm subsided a little, Derek mounted his horse and began inspecting his territory. Adrian had done an excellent job; he was an outstanding executor. Everywhere in the new city, there were wooden stakes marking boundaries, which would serve as reference points for the future city’s construction. Derek believed that, in the end, the city would become a shining gem of this era.

Because of the snowstorm, almost all the common folk stayed inside their homes. The sound of horse hooves crunching on the fluffy snow was the only noise, while a few brave people peered out from behind doors and windows, trying to catch a glimpse of the passing noble lords. Derek made a full round, gaining a better understanding of the current state of the city.

“I still need a tax collector,” Derek said as he dismounted after completing his round. “Perhaps my second uncle could give it a try if he’s willing.”

Adrian hesitated. He knew what kind of person his father was, and he understood Derek’s character as well. The two had a good relationship, but they maintained some distance. If they were too close, it might create trouble.

Derek walked a few steps and, noticing that Adrian hadn’t caught up, turned around and saw his hesitation. “What? Do you think your father is not up to the task? Adrian, don’t underestimate your father.”

Derek was fully aware of his second uncle’s nature. Over the years, he had benefited greatly from the family’s estate, and that vast fortune couldn’t have been accumulated easily. But Derek did need a tax collector who understood the ins and outs of the system. His second uncle was well-versed in these matters, having also served as the sheriff and tax collector. Derek didn’t expect him to be particularly brilliant, just competent enough to do the job without causing too much trouble.

Adrian knew there was no turning back now. “I’ll send a letter to my father. I’m sure he’ll be happy to take the position.”

In contrast to the cautious approach he took with military matters, Derek was more open to giving his subordinates opportunities in civil administration. He was bolder and more willing to give people a chance. After finishing his inspection of the city, Derek made rounds through the several towns, with the final two stops being the most important: the horse farm and the military camp.

At the horse farm, there were currently over a hundred people working, consisting mostly of trusted soldiers and slaves. Large numbers of northern horses were being bred here, with specialized staff to care for them and experiment with the most efficient training methods. For most people, improving the quality of the horses through training might seem like a pipe dream, but for Derek, it was a powerful weapon.

Of course, in order to maintain a low profile, Derek chose to train smaller ponies. By the time they matured, they would be of the desired quality. He summoned the farm’s manager, a slave with Derek’s noble brand burned into his face. This man, Philip, had been carefully selected by Derek and would remain a slave to the Augusta family for life, with no possibility of pardon. In exchange, Philip would be allowed to own property and have descendants, one of whom would become a retainer of the Augusta family. This was an exchange, and Philip had proven to be quite capable.

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“Lord, the warhorses you requested are ready. They’ll be usable in about six months.”

At least three hundred excellent-quality warhorses and over a thousand good-quality ones. Derek’s ambitions required these horses to support a small-scale heavy cavalry, which would be sufficient to intimidate most enemies. In Derek’s eyes, the primary role of this military force was to serve as a deterrent.

Surrounding the horse farm were tall watchtowers, and the military camp was nearby. Piles of freshly inserted wooden stakes indicated that the area had only been developed recently. In the distance, several high crosses were visible, and a few dark figures moved with the wind.

“I heard there have been some problems recently?”

“Yes, some troublemakers tried to escape, so I had them executed.”

Philip’s response was calm, as if he had merely put down a few cattle or horses. In his eyes, a warhorse was far more valuable than any runaway.

“Have you identified who’s behind it?”

“No, they were cautious. The people who appeared only used money to bribe these traitors.”

Derek didn’t have much hope of uncovering the mastermind. He knew not to underestimate other nobles. While these nobles might appear foolish on the battlefield, small conspiracies like this were simple tricks for them. Beneath the surface of the Augusta territory’s apparent prosperity, there were always spies and conspiracies lurking. But Derek’s success had managed to overshadow these darker elements.

Of course, if anyone made a mistake and showed their hand, they would regret it, as Derek could be ruthless when necessary.

“We need more manpower. Our greatest advantage in the North is cavalry, and I need more riders.”

Derek gave his orders. His investment in training warhorses had been minimal, and not taking full advantage of this would be foolish.

After leaving the horse farm, Derek headed to the military camp. This was not the Saint-Miller Legion’s camp; it was the private military camp of the Augusta family. A large number of private soldiers were training here, all recruited from the serfs in the territory. Derek had granted their families some land to ensure they had enough to eat, while also giving them a chance to rise above their station.

With the help of the system’s interface, they had managed to train a usable force in just a few months. This was the foundation of the Augusta family’s power. Of course, Little Truel, the blacksmith, was also here. The war had not caused the blacksmiths' fires to die down, but rather made them burn even hotter. In their own domain, the blacksmiths could finally showcase their skills.

In the future, Derek would choose reliable blacksmiths to continue improving the weapons, rather than promoting all of them blindly. Loyalty was just as important as skill. With adequate ability, the system’s elite policy would be implemented.

Derek’s main goal in this era was not to improve productivity or free the serfs. To be selfish, he was aiming for the crown and a better life for himself.

Little Truel had been very well-behaved lately. As the first subordinate to be trained, Derek had made his expectations clear. Little Truel had not been mistreated, and without the system, he would still be repairing farm tools on the Ferreira family’s estate. He certainly wouldn’t have the current glory. Therefore, when he saw Derek, he bent low and humbly reported.

“Lord, the armor you requested is ready. As for the crossbows, progress is slow, as you mentioned.”

Derek didn’t have much knowledge of crossbow construction, and had merely mentioned it in passing, so Little Truel had been working his head off, but the progress was slow. However, Derek’s main goal this time was not the crossbows. As the strong-armed blacksmith brought forward a heavy set of armor, the eyes of the attendants seemed to glow.