46: Chapter 46 Welcome to the Inspection: This is a "Blessing" Version You've Never Seen Before

Early the next morning, before the thin mist had fully dispersed, the only dirt road leading out of Blackstone Territory was already covered with a layer of freshly crushed fine sand.

On either side of the road, a militiaman holding a long spear stood every ten paces. Their leather armor was polished to a shine. Though their expressions were tense, they tried their best to stand ramrod straight, attempting to display their best mental outlook.

Levi stood at the castle gate, wearing a simple, faded linen shirt with slight signs of wear at the collar and cuffs.

He wore no ornaments symbolizing his noble status. Even the signet ring representing House Byron had been put away.

A sleepless night had left faint dark circles under his eyes. Combined with his deliberately restrained, somewhat heavy expression, he was the very image of a young lord who had worried himself ragged over his territory.

On the distant horizon, dust kicked up by a carriage train rose like a signal, announcing the arrival of the guests.

The sound of hoofbeats grew from far to near. Finally, the lavish carriage train escorted by silver-armored knights slowly came to a stop on the open ground before the castle.

The leading knight dismounted, his movements as agile as a leopard. His full plate armor reflected a cold metallic sheen in the morning light. The gaze from beneath his helmet was as sharp as an eagle's, scanning his surroundings with vigilance.

Levi's gaze passed over him and settled on the most luxurious carriage.

The carriage door was respectfully opened by an attendant. A slender, jade-like hand encased in a white silk glove emerged first. Then, a young woman in a light golden traveling gown gracefully descended the carriage with the support of a maid.

Her golden hair flowed like liquid honey in the sunlight. Her emerald-green eyes were as clear as lake water, yet held an innate sense of scrutiny and authority.

Her skin was so fair it was almost translucent, her features as exquisite as a divine craftsman's most perfect sculpture.

Even standing simply, she exuded a noble aura that made one unconsciously hold their breath.

The Radiant Empire's legitimate eldest princess, Ella Radiance.

Levi immediately stepped forward, stopping five paces from the Princess. He placed a hand on his chest and gave a deep bow, his voice carrying just the right amount of weariness and apology: 'Levi Byron, Lord of Blackstone Territory, welcomes Your Highness. With the tense military situation on the border, we were unable to prepare a grand welcoming ceremony. I beg your forgiveness.'

His gaze imperceptibly swept towards the south—the direction where the Dwarf Kingdom's Lava Guard was encamped.

Though invisible beyond the hills, that faint, almost imperceptible aura of killing intent hung over Blackstone Territory like a sword suspended overhead.

'Lord Levi need not stand on ceremony,' Princess Ella's voice was cool and pleasant, like a clear mountain spring. 'His Majesty ordered me to inspect the livelihood of the territories. Simplicity is best. However, this 'tense military situation on the border' you mentioned...' She followed Levi's line of sight, a trace of inquiry flashing in her emerald eyes.

'Some... minor friction between neighbors. It shouldn't have disturbed Your Highness,' Levi dismissed it lightly, then made a gesture of invitation. 'Your Highness has come a long way and must be weary. Refreshments have been prepared inside the castle. Please, come in and rest first.'

'That won't be necessary,' Princess Ella gently shook her head, declining Levi's suggestion.

Julius, the silent guard knight beside her, stepped forward and spoke in a cold, hard tone: 'Her Highness's purpose in coming is inspection, not vacation. Lord, we wish to see your workshops first.'

His tone was filled with undisguised suspicion, as if every word from Levi was a carefully orchestrated lie.

Good. The script is proceeding.

'Of course, it would be my honor,' Levi's face showed no trace of panic at having his plans disrupted. Instead, he revealed a hint of pleasure. 'Please, follow me. However... the workshops are rather noisy. I hope it won't disturb Your Highness.'

Passing through the castle's thick archway, a strange symphony immediately assailed them.

It wasn't the clashing of swords, nor the roar of magic. It was a chaotic cacophony mixed with the clanging of metal, the turning of gears, and... the distinctive, loud quarreling voices of dwarves.

Princess Ella's elegant brows furrowed slightly. According to the intelligence, Blackstone Territory was a place cruelly exploited by its lord, lifeless and stagnant.

The people should have labored like numb slaves. The air should have been filled with despair and oppression.

Yet the scene before her, though chaotic, was filled with a certain... peculiar vitality.

The workshops were brightly lit. The high vaulted ceilings and good ventilation design prevented the usual smoky haze of ordinary forges.

Dozens of dwarven craftsmen, bare-chested and with bulging muscles, were gathered around several large iron tables, arguing vehemently about something.

'Nonsense! The energy conversion rate of this runic circuit can only reach seventy percent at most. My new design can boost it to seventy-three percent!' A red-bearded dwarf slammed a piece of parchment covered in complex diagrams onto the table, his roar like thunder.

'Bullshit! You sacrificed stability for that! What if it backfires on the battlefield? Do you want our warriors to turn into roast suckling pigs?' A black-bearded dwarf retorted without backing down, grabbing a newly formed component and pointing at its intricate patterns.

They argued until their faces were red. In moments of heightened emotion, they would even grab nearby tools to gesture at the models, as if they were about to pick up hammers and start fighting the next second.

Both Ella and Julius were stunned.

This didn't look like oppressed laborers at all, but rather a group of mad scholars arguing over an academic problem.

'This is...' Princess Ella looked at Levi.

'Oh, this is the daily routine of our 'technical seminars',' Levi's expression was calm and natural, as if introducing the most ordinary thing. 'I've always believed that the collision of ideas sparks innovation. So, I encourage them to debate freely. Any novel idea, no matter how heretical, can be brought up for discussion here.'

Julius snorted coldly, clearly unconvinced by this explanation.

His gaze swept through the workshop, finally locking onto a corner.

There, a thin, frail-looking young human was sweating profusely as he wiped a newly assembled mechanical part with a cloth. He was alone, seemingly detached from the excited dwarves.

This must be the most oppressed and ostracized one, Julius thought with certainty.

He strode over with large steps, looming over the young man and asking in a deep voice: 'You, what's your name? What are you doing here? Has that lord forced you to do things you don't want to do? How long do you work each day? Do you get enough food?'

His voice was stern, carrying an interrogative tone, attempting to overwhelm the other's psychological defenses with his presence.

The young worker named Tom was startled. He looked up, saw the imposing, martial figure of Julius, and a flicker of fear crossed his face, soon replaced by a strange expression.

He blinked in confusion, as if hearing some outlandish tale.

'Sir... what are you talking about?' Tom answered cautiously. 'I... I'm Tom, an apprentice here. Lord hasn't forced us to do anything... I... the thing I'm happiest about every day is seeing the parts I'm responsible for pass quality inspection and then exceeding the quota... That way, I can get an extra twenty silver coins in performance bonus this month.'

As he spoke, a flush of shy yet eager hope rose on his sun-darkened face: 'Chief Steward Evelyn said if I can maintain this pace, I might be nominated as 'Outstanding Employee' by year-end... then... then I could get a year-end bonus worth three months' salary! I'm saving up to bring my mom and sister from the town here...'

All the prepared interrogation Julius had in mind was choked in his throat.

Performance bonus?

Outstanding Employee?

Year-end bonus?

These unfamiliar terms, coming from the mouth of a plainly dressed worker, seemed so absurd, yet so real.

He couldn't find the slightest trace of coercion in Tom's clear, hopeful eyes.

Princess Ella also walked over. Having heard Tom's words, a thoughtful light flickered in her emerald eyes.

She walked past the dumbfounded Julius and entered a large room next to the workshop.

This was the workers' canteen.

It wasn't mealtime, so the canteen was empty. However, a huge chart posted on the wall instantly captured her full attention.

The chart's title read: 'Blackstone Territory Employee Point Redemption System'.

Below were densely listed various clauses:

'Complete daily extra work quota: +5 points.'

'Propose a reasonable suggestion that is adopted: +10 points.'

'Help a colleague solve a technical problem: +3 points.'

'Full attendance for one consecutive month: +20 points.'

On the other side were the rewards redeemable with points:

'1 point: Redeem one loaf of rye bread.'

'5 points: Redeem one portion of roasted meat (one pound).'

'10 points: Redeem one pitcher of rum.'

'100 points: Redeem one extra day off.'

'500 points: Apply to have one immediate family member move into the territory, with provided housing and basic work.'

The complexity, precision, and fairness of the entire system far exceeded Ella's understanding of a border territory.

This didn't seem like a lord's management of his people. It was more like... more like the incentive schemes the Gold Coin Chamber of Commerce devised internally for its shrewd merchants.

Using the most direct benefits to tightly bind each person's desires to the territory's development.

'This... is your management method?' Ella turned to look at Levi, who had somehow appeared behind her, her tone carrying a hint of complexity. 'Using profit to drive them, making them exhaust their strength for extra bread and drink. With such high-intensity labor, aren't you worried their bodies will break down?'

'Your Highness, you misunderstand,' Levi shook his head, a bitter smile appearing on his face.

He took a small booklet from his robe and handed it over. 'Please take a look.'

Ella took it, puzzled. The cover read: 'Blackstone Territory Labor Protection Regulations'.

Opening the first page, she saw 'Work Injury Insurance Regulations': For anyone injured at work, the territory covers all medical expenses and provides a one-time compensation payment or lifelong support based on the disability level.

The second page was 'Mandatory Rotation and Rest System': All craftsmen and workers must take a mandatory rest day after six consecutive days of work.

No manager may deprive workers of their rest days for any reason.

Each regulation was detailed and comprehensive, everywhere reflecting 'humanistic care' for the laborers.

Levi's voice sounded beside her at the right moment, carrying a hint of helplessness and candor: 'Your Highness, I care about their health more than anyone. Because I know very well that only a healthy, motivated employee can create more value for the territory. They are not consumables, but my most valuable assets.'

This cold, capitalistic statement left Ella momentarily at a loss for how to refute it.

Dinner was arranged in the castle's small dining room. There were no extravagant dishes, just simple roasted meat, vegetable salad, and fresh bread, but the ingredients were fresh and cooked perfectly.

After an afternoon of 'inspection,' the prejudice in Ella's heart had been shattered by the reality before her.

She set down her knife and fork, her emerald eyes looking seriously at Levi: 'Lord Levi, I admit your method of governing the territory is completely different from the rumors I've heard. However, this management style where everything is measured by profit, points, and value... forgive my bluntness, it... lacks the sense of honor and responsibility befitting a noble, and is filled with a mercenary, money-grubbing air. I don't believe this is the tradition of House Byron.'

Her words were sharp, pointing directly at the core of Levi's management style.

Levi did not refute directly. He merely fell silent for a moment, then gave a slight nod to Evelyn beside him.

Evelyn understood. She turned and left. Moments later, she returned carrying a heavy, dust-covered wooden chest.

Following her was a bespectacled, timid-looking middle-aged man—the financial officer of Blackstone Territory.

The chest was placed beside the dining table and opened. Inside were yellowed, musty-smelling old documents.

'Your Highness,' Levi's voice grew low, carrying an indescribable heaviness. 'You are right. This is not the tradition of House Byron. But, it is the... fate of House Byron.'

He gestured to the financial officer, who tremblingly took out the thickest ledger from the chest and respectfully presented it to Princess Ella.

'This is the list of debts owed by House Byron, starting from my great-grandfather's generation.'

Princess Ella, puzzled, opened the ledger. With just one glance, her beautiful eyes widened in shock.

It listed staggering figures, one after another. The creditors ranged from the Gold Coin Chamber of Commerce to major nobles of the North, even a few mineral loans from the Dwarf Kingdom.

The total sum of all principal debts plus accumulated interest was enough to buy three, no, five Blackstone Territories as they were now!

'House Byron was once one of the wealthiest families in the North,' Levi's voice was like he was telling a distant, sorrowful tale. 'But my ancestors, in defending the Empire's glory during the century-long war against the orcs, exhausted the family's last gold coin. They won honor, but left behind for their descendants this crushing, suffocating shackle.'

He smiled self-deprecatingly, the smile full of bitterness: 'Your Highness, these mercenary, profit-driven systems you see are not my original intention. Everything I do is, first and foremost, to prevent my territory from going bankrupt, to prevent my people from being taken as slaves by creditors because I cannot repay the debts.'

'I must use every means possible to squeeze every bit of value from this barren land, just to barely pay the astronomical annual interest. I have no right to talk about elusive honor, because survival is the most realistic problem my people and I face the moment we open our eyes each day.'

His words held no impassioned rhetoric, no complaints about fate—only a calm and frankness borne of being bent by reality.

He had crafted himself into a tragic hero, burdened with the family's original sin, forced to do whatever it takes for survival.

The atmosphere in the dining room instantly grew heavy.

Princess Ella closed the heavy ledger. Looking at this young lord of similar age to herself, she could no longer see the slightest trace of mercenary cunning on his somewhat weary face—only a maturity and resolve that didn't match his years.

The last trace of doubt in her heart seemed to waver.

Could it be that everything he did was truly just to... survive?

Watching the Princess's ever-changing expression, Levi's hand, hidden beneath the table, gave a slight flick of his fingertip.

This act was about to enter the next scene.

He just didn't know if this Princess would follow the script he had prepared and seek out the 'truth' he had long since readied.