System: Build My Own Territory Chapter 974 - 288: Swearing Allegiance (10,000 Words) Part 5

His words shifted, "However..."

Ehrelo's smile faltered immediately as he inquired with a touch of bitterness, "Master, however what..."

Lynn paid no further attention to Ehrelo's emotions and stated calmly, "I require one thousand apprentices to construct six Double-chamber Reflector Furnaces!"

"Furthermore, you must personally oversee and direct the operation on-site!"

His initial plan was to repurpose the six existing blast furnaces into Double-chamber Reflector Furnaces.

However, he soon realized that the internal designs of blast furnaces were vastly different.

Attempting to modify them presented a challenge akin to completely dismantling and rebuilding them from scratch!

Sensing the composed yet resolute tone of Master Lynn, Ehrelo's complex expression gradually settled.

As the foreman of the Blacksmith Workshop, he inherently grasped the significance of upgrading the blast furnaces, as articulated by Master Lynn.

This endeavor was intrinsically linked to the future evolution of Master Lynn's entire territory!

Ehrelo affirmed, "Understood, Master."

A look of approval crossed Lynn's face as he addressed Ehrelo once more.

"This is just the first part."

"Upon the completion of the new Double-chamber Reflector Furnaces, a portion of the workforce from the Blacksmith Workshop will be reassigned to join the armed forces!"

"This affects not only your blacksmithing operations but also Yimini's textile workshop."

The combined personnel from both workshops, totaling five thousand individuals, was indeed an excessive number!

Ehrelo slightly bowed his head, responding, "Ehrelo shall obey your commands."

Lynn nodded, "Then, you may commence the personnel arrangements."

"Allocate one thousand laborers for the impending construction; the remainder may be dismissed to rest."

"During their respite, they are permitted to engage in any activities as long as they do not contravene territorial laws."

"Once the Double-chamber Reflector Furnaces are operational, the workers will be summoned back to their duties."

After receiving Master Lynn's directives, Ehrelo bowed once more and withdrew.

Yet, mere minutes later.

Resounding cheers emanated from the depths of the Blacksmith Workshop.

Evidently.

Ehrelo was relaying his recent instructions to the blacksmith apprentices.

This was followed by exclamations of bewilderment and surprise.

But soon.

Through Ehrelo's explanations and reassurances, the uproar was gradually quelled by him.

Minutes passed.

Ehrelo, accompanied by a contingent of apprentices, traversed the Blacksmith Workshop and approached Lynn.

Lynn directed his gaze towards Ehrelo's retreating form.

From a distance, numerous blacksmith apprentices fixed their wide-eyed gazes upon him.

While their eyes conveyed profound reverence and admiration.

A distinct undercurrent of disappointment was perceptible on their countenances.

Clearly.

They would have readily undertaken overtime to construct the blast furnaces for the Blacksmith Workshop.

However, their preference was for additional rest.

Ehrelo inclined slightly, stating with a hint of helplessness, "Master, the thousand workers have been assigned."

"However, they..."

Before Ehrelo could finish, Lynn interjected directly.

"I am aware."

Lynn's gaze swept past Ehrelo, once again settling upon the apprentices.

He commenced, "I understand that you all believe I, your sovereign, have reneged on my promise to you."

The blacksmith apprentices averted their eyes from Lynn, lowering their heads in unison.

Lynn continued his address: "But you must comprehend the significance of the tasks that lie before you!"

Upon hearing this, the apprentices, filled with doubt, raised their heads, anticipating further pronouncements from their lord.

Lynn declared with a deep voice: "This concerns the future prosperity of the entire territory!"

"The Blacksmith Workshop is destined to forge steel of superior quality, enabling the production of more refined steel products!"

"With armor and weaponry crafted from superior steel, soldiers will more readily achieve triumph on the battlefield."

"Utilizing tools made from higher-grade steel will accelerate the development of the territory!"

"Although to external observers, you are merely shaping iron, or derisively termed 'a mere bunch of iron-beaters'!

At these words, the apprentices displayed expressions of indignation, as if struck by a sharp arrow.

Lynn proceeded: "In my estimation, agricultural output forms the bedrock of all advancement."

"However, through your artisanal forging and production, agricultural yields are enhanced."

"If soldiers are the heroes who safeguard the territory, then you are the veritable warriors who ensure its flourishing!"

"Your role is of paramount importance, both to the territory and to myself!"

Listening to Lynn's impassioned words, the apprentices, who had initially harbored reluctance and a sense of obligation, were now filled with burgeoning excitement.

As their lord had rightly stated.

Despite receiving double military merit bonuses daily.

Due to their tireless overtime efforts in forging and production each day.

They had been subjected to ridicule from laborers in other sectors of the territory, who labeled them as 'mere iron-beaters'.

Little did they know just how much their presence meant to Master Lynn and this budding territory.

They were even bestowed the esteemed title of 'warrior' by their lord!

Not long ago, they were nothing more than the lowest of Free People or simple Peasants.

How could they ever have imagined receiving such direct commendation from a lord?

In that very moment, any lingering hesitation or reluctance completely evaporated.

Gazing upon the eager eyes filled with newfound Power among the apprentices before him, Lynn continued his address.

"Even while dedicating yourselves to the construction of the Double-chamber Reflector Furnace, you will still accrue double military merit."

"Furthermore, there will be no need for the grueling overtime that was required during Forging."

"You will follow a dining schedule, similar to the other workshops, and can rest when your allotted time is up!"