Chapter 97

Farming has reached the high-level tier of Level 9.

Though I suspected it would level up quickly, I never imagined it would reach such a masterful stage this fast. The lingering buffs I gained from my trips to the Dragon Ruins are paying off in spades.

Honestly, I don’t do much manual labor anymore—just smell the earth while supervising. These days, I mainly harvest and collect produce.

Since farming is my main livelihood, I have this small desire to gradually expand operations. Now that I’m a noble, some ideas naturally come to mind.

Being in a position of power means leveraging subordinates for labor—but thinking about it, I’ve been so absorbed in industrial automation systems that I overlooked human resources.

Labor… Human labor…

Especially since everyone in the Valley of Starwind already has their own responsibilities, I haven’t had much cause to think about expanding our workforce.

However, if we can recruit externally and provide jobs to those who seek them, we could establish a pretty decent semi-automated system. Considering industrialization consumes massive amounts of gold, hiring people at reasonable rates might be an excellent compromise. It’s especially efficient when balancing industrialization with manpower.

Creating jobs is also a great side benefit, especially in a medieval setting where I’m a noble who can command cheap labor. Industrialization becomes less valuable when manual labor is dirt-cheap here.

My modern-day minimum-wage mindset melts away when I realize how inexpensive labor is in this world.

Of course, late-game industrialization will eventually lead to incredible automation after pouring in astronomical amounts of gold. But reaching that point requires such an immense investment—it’s understandable why I feel hesitant.

Using the advantages of nobility to leverage my abilities seems like a smart move. There’s no need to strictly adhere to the game-like systems I’ve grown accustomed to within the Valley of Starwind.

“Hmph…”

The problem lies here.

Where should I recruit workers?

Potential job opportunities exist in mining, logging, and farming—but sourcing the actual labor force is another matter entirely.

Should I ask around the village first?

I head to Rossu’s house, where he previously served as the village elder. Though the authority naturally transferred to me upon becoming a noble, the villagers’ trust doesn’t shift so easily. Naturally, they still approach Rossu for issues instead of me—and I don’t find that inconvenient at all.

“Is anyone home?”

“What brings you here, my lord?”

Even his language exudes wisdom and refinement—a weighty calmness that commands respect.

Seeing Rossu gently stroking his silvered beard with a benevolent smile reinforces one’s trust in him. His years of experience make him seem like the ultimate sage to those who value wisdom.

“Do you know if there are any villagers looking for work?”

“Work, you say?”

“Yes. I’d like to hire some people.”

“Hmm… What kind of tasks do you have in mind?”

“Manual labor like farming, mining, or logging.”

“We’ll need strong men for that.”

“That works.”

“How many do you require?”

“The more, the better.”

“Understood. I’ll try to gather as many as possible.”

I nod at Rossu’s reply. I don’t know exactly how many he’ll bring, but testing the waters before making estimates seems like the right approach.

“And what salary do you have in mind?”

I planned to offer generous compensation. Reflecting on it, hiring ten able-bodied men for a day’s work costs less than a single logging machine. Had I realized this earlier…

Certainly, I wasn’t a noble back then, but regardless…

“Would 100 gold coins suffice?”

“Is that monthly?”

“No, weekly. Would 100 gold coins per week be insufficient?”

“It’s more than enough! People will line up for that!”

Rossu grins reassuringly. His confidence puts me at ease.

Even if the standard rate is lower, it doesn’t matter. I can afford to pay generously because I believe they’ll work hard in return.

Weekly: 100 gold

Monthly: 400 gold

Per season: 800 gold per person

For ten people: 8,000 gold

For a hundred people: 80,000 gold

Considering I earn millions every two weeks, even hiring a hundred workers is manageable.

If they’re local villagers, there’s no need to feed or house them. That’s only necessary when recruiting external help.

Though I don’t aim to drastically expand the village, development isn’t bad either.

While I don’t claim to be an economic expert, I understand that circulating gold stimulates market growth and gradually develops the village. That’s good enough for now.

With a larger workforce, we can expand material collection and potentially scale farming operations significantly to maximize profits. While greenhouse fruits remain limited luxury items (already covered by spirits), staple crops like wheat and rice can expand without issue.

We can sell raw materials directly, craft equipment to sell, or use them for construction and other needs. Whatever the case, acquiring materials through labor is far more cost-effective than buying them with gold.

What I truly hope for is sufficient materials to craft equipment. To protect the Valley of Starwind, I’ll need to hire guards and equip them properly. That’s something I eagerly anticipate.

“Hmm…”

Thinking further, there’s no rule stating I must rely solely on humans. Gazing distantly toward the forest…

What motivates fairies to work?

That simple curiosity lingers.

* * *

“Fairies?”

“Yes. Is it possible?”

“You can achieve anything, but…”

The Fairy Captain gives Minho a slightly awkward smile upon hearing his request for labor. Though she knows he wouldn’t treat them like slaves, old traumatic memories resurface involuntarily—even if Minho saved them.

Suppressing any rising discomfort, she acknowledges him as someone worth considering seriously. Besides, it’s always wise to entertain requests from such a benefactor.

“What kind of work do you have in mind?”

“Fairies might struggle with heavy labor, but farming should be manageable, right?”

“Not at all difficult. In fact, it’s our specialty.”

Farming would be warmly welcomed. Many fairies actually long for such tasks. The term “Fairy Farm” didn’t appear out of nowhere. Tending and cultivating farms falls under fairy jurisdiction. Though motivation drops when working on others’ land, this situation differs greatly.

As Minho’s farm, the fairies would undoubtedly rally enthusiastically, possibly leaving their current duties behind. The captain might even need to forcibly reserve some fairies to maintain the Fairy Farm.

Minho holds such influence over them.

He saved their lives.

Provided them with homes and land.

And promised protection.

Adding enjoyable work opportunities might elevate his status among the fairies to rival the Fairy King himself. The captain sincerely believes this, knowing how rare it is for fairies to follow humans willingly.

“Alright, let’s start by creating large fields at my farm.”

“Hmm…”

“What compensation do you desire?”

“Well, as long as the fairies enjoy themselves, that should suffice.”

She speaks genuinely. Fairies aren’t motivated by material rewards.

“Really, is that enough?”

“Fairies don’t operate based on compensation.”

“Would offering delicious fruits attract more volunteers?”

“Even without that, plenty of fairies would volunteer…but those tasty fruits from before, perhaps?”

“Yes.”

“Our farm won’t lose all its fairies, right?”

“Hehe. Of course not.”

Does he think this is exaggeration? This is genuine concern.

The captain contemplates how to delicately inform the fairies of this opportunity. However, her worries dissipate instantly as one eager fairy bursts forth.

“Humans need us!!!”

“Really?”

“A human is here?”

“I want to help too!”

“Me too!”

Chatter explodes throughout the space as fairies emerge from hiding places everywhere.

“Human!”

“Hello!”

“Do you need me?”

“I can help!”

Their lively chatter resonates through the forest. Their candid excitement pleases Minho, reinforcing their trust in him. He intends to utilize their love for fun tasks and their affection for him.

“I want to work there too!”

“I’ve been waiting for this!”

Perhaps this was secretly desired by many fairies who envied spirits tending farms. Should we commend fairies for exercising restraint despite their natural inclination to meddle in human lands?

These playful fairies, suppressing their urges to playfully till fields and laugh gleefully, prove their remarkable patience.

This demonstrates just how special Minho is to them.

“I’ll explain what to do.”

“Okay!”

“Great!”

The captain chuckles wistfully. Watching the majority of fairies flutter excitedly with winged enthusiasm reminds her of human fairy tales she once read.

In those stories, fairies following humans never returned.

Though this scenario differs, it feels unlikely these fairies will return to the farm after following Minho. Perhaps she should petition the king for additional fairies later.

Will the king approve?

Uncertain. Fairies can’t be controlled so easily—they follow their whims, pleasures, and pure intentions to achieve efficiency and create something special.

Even the captain isn’t exempt. Her subtly trembling wings and twitching lips reveal her true nature.

“Can I help occasionally too?”

“Whenever you’d like.”

The farm can wait a little longer.

Closing her eyes, the captain steps toward the lively scene.

* * *

An unexpected bounty.

Numerous fairies—more than I anticipated—trail behind me, chattering animatedly as they flutter around.

Initially considering only human labor, I realize this outcome might be even better.

Assigning physical labor like logging and mining to humans while entrusting farming to fairies creates a perfect balance. Imagining this automated system operating smoothly brings a natural smile to my face.

How diligently will the fairies work?

That anticipation fills me with excitement.

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