Chapter 313 - 311: Inspecting the Southen Plain

Chapter 313: Chapter 311: Inspecting the Southen Plain

Three days later, Duane set off for the Southen Plain, accompanied by Gaius and others.

Traveling was always a tedious affair, especially through a dense forest.

They were surrounded by towering trees, their leaves interwoven into a canopy that filtered the sunlight into mottled specks, which landed on the thick carpet of fallen leaves below.

Duane recalled the people of the Silver Jade Territory who had been killed by snakebites. Lethal dangers lurked beneath the withered branches and rotting leaves.

Fortunately, venomous snakes posed little threat to a Human Tier Warrior, to say nothing of him, who possessed the Celestial Python Bloodline and its strong resistance to poison.

So, Duane had Clint and Bowen follow with the rest of the party, while he pressed on toward the Southen Plain under Gaius’s lead.

Otherwise, if everyone traveled slowly together, it would waste more than ten days.

After two and a half days of travel through the mountain forests of Thorn Valley, the Southen Plain suddenly unfolded before them.

The terrain here was flat and the view was wide-open, a stark contrast to the dense forests of Thorn Valley.

Waves of gray-green grass rippled in the wind, stretching all the way to the horizon. In the far distance, low-lying hills resembled the spines of sleeping behemoths, giving off a sense of danger.

However, the flocks of birds startled from the nearby reeds seemed to tell Duane that this place was, in fact, teeming with life.

Gaius scratched his head. "Lord, why don’t we start developing the plain from here, instead of from the other end?"

As he spoke, he pointed toward the horizon.

Duane understood that the "other end" he was referring to was the coastal area.

"That’s a very good question."

Duane smiled faintly and explained, "If we were to start here, we would first need to build a road."

Gaius was still a little confused. "It took us some time to get here, but there didn’t seem to be any issues. Once enough people start traveling back and forth, a road will naturally form."

Duane shook his head. "It might be fine for people and livestock to walk, but transporting grain and supplies from the Territory to here, or shipping this area’s produce out, would be a huge hassle."

"Perhaps you don’t understand it put this way. Let me give you an example."

He said pensively, "Let’s say we reclaim ten thousand acres of fertile land and produce over three million pounds of grain. If we wanted to transport all of it back to the Territory, it would take a thousand laborers over half a year, even if they carried it all by hand and on shoulder poles."

Gaius understood instantly upon hearing this example.

Beyond the difficulty of transport, the supplies consumed and lost along the way would also be a major problem.

Not long ago, Duane had earned 750 Gold Coins by selling three million pounds of grain to Viscount Freddy.

It would be a great shame if the grain produced on the Southen Plain couldn’t be shipped out.

"I understand. If we start development from here, we really do need to build a road first."

Duane nodded. "But if we develop from the coast, the grain produced on the Southen Plain can be shipped to the Territory in large quantities by cargo ships. In the future, we could even have outside merchant ships dock directly at the plain’s port to load up and sail away. It would save time and effort."

’In truth, there were other factors besides just this convenience.’

’For instance, the coastal region has a natural harbor, fishing resources, and favorable conditions for maritime trade. Prioritizing its development would yield greater economic benefits.’

’From a strategic planning perspective, the coastal region is also more suitable as a stronghold and possesses considerable military value.’

’Of course, the road will have to be built eventually, but that can wait until development has reached a certain scale.’

A look of admiration shone in Gaius’s eyes. "You’re right, Lord. I was being slow-witted."

"The fact that you voiced your doubts shows you’ve been thinking."

Duane encouraged him as they followed the markers along the path, "Black Forest Island is booming, and I need all kinds of talented people. You’ve been with me for a long time, so I have no doubt about your loyalty."

"So, try to think more deeply about matters and improve your skills in all areas. You’ll be able to go much further in the future."

"I understand, Lord!" Gaius replied solemnly.

’Truthfully, Duane didn’t have high expectations for Gaius.’

’After all, he was a newly promoted Human Tier Warrior already in his thirties. His aptitude was far inferior to that of Raymond or Simone, and his way of thinking was rather mediocre.’

’But not every position is decided by strength. The General Affairs Consultant, Julian, for instance, is just an ordinary person.’

’Gaius has a certain degree of strength, and he can also be counted on to steadfastly complete any task I give him.’

’So, even if he could never become a brilliant commander, he could at least remain on Black Forest Island and be responsible for maintaining order in the Territory.’

The two of them moved forward, following the trail markers Gaius’s party had left behind (mostly swaths of chopped-down reeds and trees).

In some areas, the soft earth would give way underfoot, and mud would swallow their feet past the ankle, making every step a struggle.

In other places, the dense reeds formed a high wall, making it impossible to discern any direction. A damp, cold mist carrying the stench of rotting vegetation filled their nostrils, making each breath feel sticky and heavy.

From a travel perspective alone, the environment here was atrocious.

’But from a development perspective, if this area were converted into rice paddies, the soil would surely be fertile. It would definitely yield good harvests within a few years.’

Two days later, after pressing on nonstop, the pair finally reached the coastal region. They saw the Slaves toiling away with great fervor to reclaim the land, as well as the Guards patrolling the perimeter.

The Slaves had never seen Duane, but seeing Gaius accompanying him, they knew he was no ordinary person.

It wasn’t until Haien, who was supervising the work by the riverbank, shouted "Lord," that the Slaves realized this young man was their mysterious and powerful Lord.

"Lord, what brings you here?" Haien asked as he ran over.

His pant legs were rolled up, and his body and face were spattered with mud. He was clearly a hands-on man.

Duane was reassured by this sight. Ralph’s son had both excellent skills and a great attitude.

"You’ve worked hard, Haien. Once things are stable here, you can return to Broken Wave City and rest for a while."

Haien laughed. "The living conditions here are much worse than in Broken Wave City, but I feel a great sense of accomplishment when I see new, fertile fields emerge from this desolate land!"

The first time Ralph introduced his son, he had mentioned that Haien loved Planting.

’It’s a shame Black Forest Island only has one Haien.’

Duane said with praise, "How wonderful it would be to have a few more talented people like you."

"I’m sure there will be soon!"

Next, Haien led Duane on a tour of a newly reclaimed half-acre plot of fertile land.

Haien explained as they walked:

"I’ve carefully surveyed this area. For the past month, we’ve focused most of our manpower on widening the nearby river and creating a simple diversion to allow it to irrigate a larger area."

"This half-acre plot is several miles from the coastline. The soil has very little salt content, making it perfect for growing rice."

"Also, Michele and Benur are guarding a group of Slaves up ahead who are digging ponds to store water..."

The more than 2,700 Slaves were divided among different tasks: some handled logistics, some reclamation, and others surveying and digging ponds.

"I thought you were only skilled at Planting, but I didn’t realize you were also so experienced in managing personnel, making use of talent, and overall planning."

Haien scratched his head bashfully. "Speaking of which, the Population Registrar, Liss, deserves some of the credit for that."

"Oh?"

Haien explained, "In addition to registering the names and ages of the Slaves, Liss also took note of their individual skills. I asked her for those records when I first arrived."

’Duane had paid little attention to the Slaves, leaving their management to his subordinates.’

’The fact that Liss went the extra mile to keep detailed records of the Slaves while also managing the Territory’s population issues was truly commendable.’

’Most of the Territory’s officials were quite diligent. It seemed he would need to improve their compensation before he set out again.’

Next, Haien led Duane to inspect the living quarters of the reclamation workers.

But as they approached the living area, a foul odor assaulted their nostrils.

The sight that met their eyes was one of complete disarray.

The living conditions here were incredibly crude, and the environment was appalling.

No wonder Gaius had said back in Forest Castle that the sight "was an offense to the eyes." And no wonder Haien had so strongly advised Duane not to come here just moments ago.

"Haien, you’re a capable man in many respects."

Duane’s tone suddenly shifted. "But you lack attention to the details of daily life, and that is not a good sign."