System: Build My Own Territory Chapter 887 - 274: Summer Harvest Begins (10,000)

Lynn’s eyebrows involuntarily shot up in surprise.

A sliver of the worry that had been weighing on his heart began to dissipate.

His territory would no longer necessitate the previous, inefficient methods.

He wouldn't need to siphon off a significant portion of the workforce from other essential industries for the demanding task of planting.

This constant reallocation had previously stifled the productivity of other sectors and, ironically, slowed down planting itself due to the townsfolk's unfamiliarity with the agricultural work.

Now, a different reality had dawned.

He possessed a sufficient labor force at his disposal.

It was now entirely feasible to designate the townsfolk engaged in the current harvest as permanent, skilled farmers!

Whether for future planting endeavors or the ongoing grain harvest, these eight thousand individuals would be more than capable.

Lynn’s gaze drifted towards the tools clutched in the hands of the assembled farmers.

The predominant farming implements were still the traditional, sharp-edged scythes used for harvesting.

The efficiency of harvesting with these older tools simply couldn't compare to the superior Serrated Scythes expertly crafted by the blacksmith workshop.

This discrepancy arose from the blacksmith workshop’s current limitations in producing the advanced scythes.

Their daily output was capped at merely four hundred units.

After three full days had elapsed, the blacksmith workshop had only managed to forge twelve hundred Serrated Scythes.

This number fell drastically short of what was needed to equip the farmers tasked with gathering the barley.

However, Lynn did not allow himself to be consumed by anxiety.

The apprentices at the blacksmith workshop were diligently forging the Serrated Scythes primarily to expedite the farmers' barley harvest.

His ultimate satisfaction lay in ensuring the barley was successfully harvested and securely stored before the month of July concluded.

A short while later.

Wilbur, with his sleeves and pant legs neatly rolled up, approached Lynn, a hint of breathlessness accompanying his arrival.

He bowed respectfully and inquired, "Master, did the guard mention you were seeking me?"

Upon observing Wilbur, whose cheeks bore traces of sweat and whose clothes were speckled with dirt and bits of grass, Lynn responded with a question.

"Were you participating in the harvest alongside the farmers?"

Wilbur answered without the slightest hesitation, "Yes, Master."

"Their harvesting pace is no match for my own!"

Detecting the undertone of pride in Wilbur's declaration, Lynn offered a slight nod and stated, "Wilbur, as you are aware, Gavin is scheduled for a transfer to Morgan Town in the near future."

Wilbur affirmed immediately, "I am aware, Master."

Lynn continued, "You are currently overseeing five thousand farmers as their foreman."

"Perhaps, in your current capacity, working directly alongside the farmers allows you to foster a stronger connection with them."

"However, from my perspective as your lord, I expect you to solidify your authoritative role as the farmers' foreman!"

"You are managing a force of five thousand farmers!"

"Regardless of how diligently you toil, can your individual efforts truly surpass the collective output of five thousand individuals?"

Wilbur paused for a moment, contemplating Lynn's words before shaking his head.

Lynn then posed a rhetorical question, "Then, for what reason did I appoint you as their foreman?"

Anticipating Wilbur's potential confusion, Lynn elaborated directly, bypassing the need for a verbal response.

"It is precisely because you, along with Gavin, possess the most intimate knowledge of the cultivation and planting techniques I have imparted!"

"Morgan Town boasts an extensive expanse of farmland, necessitating Gavin's leadership to guide the Free People through the harvest."

"Consequently, the fields within our own territory can only be entrusted to your capable management."

"Your primary responsibility is to leverage your authority as foreman and manage with utmost proficiency; that alone is sufficient!"

"Your duties will encompass directing the captains overseeing various labor squads, issuing clear directives, and ensuring consistent progress."

"Subsequently, you will instruct each captain to relay your commands to every team of townsfolk, thereby accelerating their collective harvesting efficiency!"

"This is the very essence of management skill that a true foreman should possess!"

Wilbur’s eyes widened in realization.

He remained momentarily speechless, his mind racing to process and internalize the profound wisdom in Master Lynn’s pronouncements.

Observing Wilbur's thoughtful reflection, Lynn advised, "Take your time to consider my words carefully."

"Furthermore, given the current intense heat, it is imperative..."

"Ensure that designated personnel are dispatched to fetch refreshing peppermint water from the kitchen to rehydrate the workers and help them beat the heat."

With these final instructions,

Lynn commenced his walk towards a sprawling barley field stretching out before them.

Rolling up his sleeves and securing his pant legs, he stepped directly into the field.

To the utter astonishment of the farmers present, he took a Serrated Scythe from one of them and joined the laborious task of harvesting the barley himself.

Lynn adopted a slight stoop, leaning forward as he grasped a bundle of barley stalks with his left hand. In his right hand, he wielded the Serrated Scythe, bringing its sharp, ground-level blade swiftly towards the barley stalks.

With a decisive pull of his right hand, the meticulously crafted serrations of the Scythe cleanly severed the barley stems.

Indeed, when contrasted with the conventional sickles, the Serrated Scythe offered a noticeably more effortless harvesting experience!

Lynn smoothly shifted his body, placing the harvested bundle of barley behind him.

[Collection Experience +1]

Instantly,

A translucent text panel materialized directly in his field of vision.

After discreetly dismissing the panel, Lynn advanced a small pace, resuming the familiar sequence of bending, cutting, and gathering stalks.

He continued his methodical harvesting of the subsequent barley bundle...

Both the prior cultivation of the barley and the current harvesting operation were, by their nature, repetitive cycles for the farmers.

Yet, upon deeper contemplation,

This inherent repetitiveness seemed to characterize all forms of labor.

As a lord, his days were either spent accumulating experience through such tasks, orchestrating the townsfolk's collective efforts,

or engaging in the continuous cycle of trade with the merchants who frequented his territory.

The day concludes, and upon returning to the grand castle, the protagonist savors a delightful dinner prepared by Kuisi.

In the privacy of his quarters, he revels in a soothing soak followed by a relaxing massage, finally drifting off to sleep embraced by the gentle Janet.

Thus, a full day concludes.

While each passing day might appear uneventfully routine.

Nevertheless, the advancement within his domain proceeds at a remarkable pace.

The careful cultivation and subsequent harvesting from the fertile fields.

Furthermore, the steady accumulation within the workshops, yielding handcrafted articles, finely forged armor, potent weaponry, intricate crossbow mechanisms, and a plethora of other goods, continues to flourish.