I'm the King Of Technology Chapter 4 Baymard

Landon let out an involuntary gasp as the city loomed closer. Its scale was nearly comparable to the Capital. Despite the rumors labeling these lands as 'barren,' only a fool would truly abandon such a place. 'My father likely just heard reports of the crises here and never bothered to visit... what a complete idiot,' Landon mused.

Massive city walls, standing approximately 16 meters tall, encircled Baymard. Entry and exit were restricted to a single outer gatehouse, giving the place the distinct look of a medieval fortress from a movie. People watched with curiosity as they drove through the streets, their whispers almost audible over the engine.

"Is that our new lord and his family?"

"Do you think they’ll actually help us?"

"Word is the new lord is an outcast in the empire."

"Truly? Aiiiiiiiiiiy.... Does that mean we’re doomed?"

Landon began evaluating the state of his new kingdom as they passed by. The populace was destitute, lacking the funds to afford even basic necessities. They survived primarily on fishing and the occasional hunt. To govern this territory effectively, he was going to need money—and lots of it.

Fortunately, both his mother and the previous Landon had been prudent. His mother had been hoarding coins since his birth, while Landon himself started saving at the age of seven. In the empire, Royal Princes receive a monthly allowance starting at seven, marking the beginning of their knighthood training as a Page.

Back in the Capital, while the King's other wives received 500 gold coins monthly, Landon's mother was only given 200. Recognizing she would eventually be cast out once she became pregnant, she lived frugally and saved every possible coin. She never spent more than the bare minimum.

Landon’s situation was similar; as a Page of the royal bloodline, he received 50 gold coins a month—whereas a commoner would get 700 copper coins—while his brothers were granted 300 gold coins. He handed all his earnings to his mother for safekeeping. Their needs were few.

By living and eating in the secluded rear of the palace, they managed to amass a significant amount of gold. However, their financial situation was about to face a major shift.

In the past, they only had to provide for themselves. Now, the responsibility of feeding an entire kingdom and paying the wages of Knights and servants rested on Landon’s shoulders. Previously, these people were paid by the empire, but now Landon had to take charge.

A quick calculation told him their savings could sustain everyone for roughly six months. (The currency exchange stood at 100 copper coins to 1 silver, and 100 silver coins to 1 gold). A standard worker’s salary was about 250 copper coins, while a knight earned a minimum of 700 copper coins, scaling with their rank.

He also factored in the costs of constructing new buildings and equipment. The starter pack he had received crossed his mind. Until his crops could be harvested, the kingdom would have to rely on the sea for food.

As they reached the city's lone castle, a group of maids hurried out to meet them.

"Greetings, Your Highness and highnesses," they greeted while curtsying.

"At ease. I am Landon Barn, your new Lord. This is my mother Kim, my friend Lucy, my devoted retainers, and my staff.... Now, shall we inspect our new residence?" he said, a smile gracing his lips.

After the introductions and a tour of the fortress, Landon gathered the entire staff for instructions. The group consisted mostly of people in their early twenties, with several teenagers among them.

"What is the total headcount of the castle staff?" he inquired.

A young woman in her twenties stepped forward. "Answering the lord: 30 in total. We have 12 gardeners, 4 stable hands, 3 cooks, and 11 maids."

"Very well..... Nathan, Daniella, step forward," he commanded.

"My lord," they answered, moving to the front.

The pair had served his mother faithfully for years. Nathan was a 47-year-old butler, and Daniella was a middle-aged woman; the two were married, and Gary was their only child.

"Nathan, you will oversee the training of the men, and Daniella, you will handle the women. Everyone will receive their wages at the end of the month. Your salary is set at 350 copper coins. Use this to support your families. Should you encounter any hardships, do not hesitate to speak with us.... After all, we are a family now."

The servants were stunned into silence before being overcome with excitement. In a place where money for food was non-existent, their families had suffered greatly. They knew the standard wage was 250 copper, yet His Highness was offering an extra 100.... 'His Highness is so merciful. We must give him our total loyalty,' they all thought.

After dismissing the servants, Landon turned to his retainers.

"You have all stood by my house for years. This is our new beginning and our new home. The empire has discarded us for good....."

He observed his retainers, seeing the simmering anger in their eyes. He continued:

"They likely believe they've won... they probably expect us to perish without their support. They view us as weak, helpless burdens. I disagree. We will transform this land into a paradise and bar them from ever entering."

The knights' excitement peaked as he spoke, their blood boiling with resolve. Many had been labeled worthless or "trash" back in the Capital. Even Lucy and his mother felt their spirits soar.

"Are you with me?"

"YES!" they shouted back.

"I said, are you with me?!"

"Good. I require elite knights who train with purpose, so I shall pay the wages of elite knights. Monthly, a Page will receive 1,000 copper coins, a Squire 2,000, a Lieutenant 3,500, and a Captain 6,000. Majors will earn 9,000, Commanders 12,000, Master Commanders 15,000, and finally, a Provost will receive 18,000 copper coins."

The room was shell-shocked. These figures were astronomically high for their respective ranks.

"This is a new age, a new home, and... a new King."

"Long live the King!"

"Long live the King!"