Chapter 142
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Translator: Prime Works
Chapter: 142
Chapter Title: Unexpected Synergy Effect (1)
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“Beepung-!”
The morning dawned in Frontera County.
From the high mid-slopes of the Eastern Mountains, Beepung's resounding roar flew out, waking countless people and livestock, sparrows, frogs, and honeybees from their sleep.
Of course, Lloyd was no exception.
‘What the hell is this.'
Lloyd pressed his eyelids firmly once and rubbed them.
It was a morning when he had woken up after a sound sleep, just like usual.
Especially since the previous day had been far more exhausting than usual, he had collapsed onto the bed without even taking off his shoes.
'Is that why? Did I sleep too deeply? I'm not waking up properly, and I'm seeing things in front of my eyes.'
In a somewhat groggy, half-awake state, he furrowed his brow.
And he reread the 'hallucination' in front of him.
[Your existing territory residents and numerous refugees are voluntarily rolling up their sleeves to help you.]
“…….”
What nonsense is this, like getting bonked on the head with the corner of a children's fairy tale book.
Where in the world is there such a thing as voluntary help.
And not just one or two people, but the majority of the territory residents?
I don't buy that crap.
'At the very least, there has to be some freebie like a pack of 30-roll toilet paper, or a coupon book packed with goodies, or at least some sweet incentive guaranteed.'
That's the minimum compensation needed to get people moving.
That's human nature.
No labor without reward.
No kindness without compensation.
So, there's no such thing as free in this world.
And no favors without reason, either.
That was Lloyd's philosophy.
His long, harsh life in South Korea had naturally ingrained that mindset.
So, he rarely allowed freebies to others.
Nor did he hold high expectations of getting something for nothing from them.
This moment was no different.
'But what do you mean they're voluntarily rolling up their sleeves? Come on.'
All he had done was have the Frontera Count post a few official notices around the territory through his authority.
Promising appropriate payment.
Seeking laborers to participate in the grand waterway construction.
He had posted the labor recruitment notices like that, but he hadn't expected much.
'The compensation was just so-so.'
It was springtime, when everyone was busy preparing for farming.
Would many people sign up to be laborers just for a few coins?
He thought not, no way.
'At best, maybe a hundred people? That would be average results.'
So, the rest of the manpower would be hired from Creemo.
As he reviewed that plan, he shook his head vigorously.
He forcibly chased away the sleep that refused to leave.
And a moment later, he looked again.
The message he had dismissed as a hallucination was still there in front of his eyes.
And the additional notifications continuing below it.
[The achievements and praises you have accumulated so far are producing a synergy effect.]
“…….”
What?
Lloyd's eyes froze.
Then they moved slowly.
He selected the message.
Detailed information unfolded wide open.
Ding-dong.
[You once executed the territory's traitor and established discipline, demonstrating the dignity befitting your position. The residents of Frontera County still vividly remember the shock and admiration they felt toward you that day.]
[Praise, ‘Executor of One Strike, Hundred Lessons,’ is drawing out the basic trust your existing territory residents have in you.]
[You took the lead in rebuilding the crumbling territory. Moreover, with remarkable perseverance and planning, you played a decisive role in clearing the family's debts. The residents of Frontera County are witnesses who saw your efforts and dedication.]
[Praises, ‘Builder of the Fallen Territory’ and ‘Frontera Family Eldest Son,’ are greatly influencing the residents' perceptions. No resident harbors any doubt or suspicion toward your construction plans.]
[You spared no humanitarian aid to the refugees even in straitened circumstances. The tens of thousands of refugees have engraved your help and grace deep in their hearts.]
[Praise, ‘Leader of the Weary,’ is evoking steadfast faith in you among the refugees.]
[You stood firm against a massive disaster, willingly becoming a shield to protect the territory residents. Such feats were not just once. You plunged underground to save the workers from the beast ants' invasion. You unhesitatingly entered the dungeon to rescue the soldiers captured by the black mage. You deliberately became bait to lure the swarm of hundreds of thousands of locusts. The territory residents remember all your courage and sacrifices clearly.]
[Praise, ‘Savior of the Bell Sound,’ is spreading from the mouths of existing residents to the refugee camps. The refugees who already saw you as their benefactor are overcome with admiration and emotion upon hearing this astonishing praise.]
[A special effect has been generated due to the synergy of praises.]
[All territory residents and refugees now respect you with one heart.]
[For a certain period henceforth, everyone residing in Frontera County will absolutely trust, support, and follow your plans and actions.]
[All residents, including refugees, have resolved to voluntarily provide unpaid labor for you.]
[Praise Synergy Effect Target: All members of Frontera County]
[Praise Synergy Effect Duration: 3 years]
“……Holy shit.”
Is this for real.
Lloyd swallowed dryly.
He reread the message once more.
No choice but to believe it.
Yeah, this is definitely real.
“Jackpot.”
The explanations were so overwhelming in succession that it was hard to fully grasp.
In a bit of a daze, he got out of bed.
Maybe some fresh morning air would calm his excited mind.
He drew back the curtains and opened the bedroom window.
And he froze solid once again.
“Waaaaah-!”
The moment he opened the window, enormous cheers and shouts flew in.
Before he could even breathe the morning air, they pounded his eardrums and his entire body mercilessly.
Countless people.
And people.
Crowds of people.
Beyond the mansion's inner courtyard.
From right outside the front gate fence all the way down to the distant entrance road.
Even a rough count showed over a thousand people gathered in front of the mansion early in the morning. They were cheering and shouting toward him as he appeared at the bedroom window.
'Uh. Hold on a sec.'
Honestly, he was flustered.
Realization hit a beat late.
'It's real. That message just now.'
He tried to regain his composure and assess the situation.
So, this is it.
The achievements and praises built up so far.
They've produced a synergy effect.
He's become the territory's number one celebrity(?).
Thanks to that, countless people are coming to the mansion from early morning, volunteering for the grand waterway construction.
'Whoa.'
At this rate, he might get crowned king later.
Then he'd never get to suck honey leisurely for the rest of his life.
Might need to stay on his toes to avoid that.
He steeled himself, straightened his clothes and hair, left the bedroom, and encountered the flushed count couple.
“Did you happen to look out the window? They've been gathering like that since earlier, making a huge fuss. They're all begging for work, saying they don't need pay. Just from those few notices posted yesterday... I never imagined this reaction.”
“It's because you're such a renowned figure, my lord. Everyone must have been deeply moved by the words in the notice.”
“I-Is that so?”
“Yes, probably.”
Lloyd smiled brightly.
Toward the Frontera Count, buoyed by the sudden praise for his writing,
“It's a very welcome situation. No need to bother hiring workers from Creemo separately. So, shall I go out and face them now? Is that alright?”
“Of course. Aren't they gathered to work for you?”
“Thank you.”
The count patted his shoulder.
Lloyd returned the smile and headed out of the mansion.
He stood before the gathered territory residents and refugees.
He didn't bother with any grandiose, cringy speeches.
Instead, he quickly set up a table.
A contract table.
“Alright! Everyone, form lines, lines!”
When the water comes in, the sails must go up.
Big sails spread when the fair wind blows.
Laundry gets hung on a sunny day.
Same with labor contracts.
When people's motivation is high.
When they're fired up to do something.
That's when you swiftly seat them at the contract table.
Just like right now.
Lloyd plastered his face with titanium-thick cheek and looked across the contract table.
“Alright, write your name and address. Age, gender, height, weight.”
“Pardon? My age? Why gender and height...”
“Everyone has different strength and stamina. Recovery varies by age too. You think it's okay to just work them blindly without considering that? Really?”
“Ah, of course not.”
“Right? Forcing them when they're exhausted. Docking pay if they don't show. Ordering overtime on days they want rest. Sounds nightmarish, doesn't it?”
“Y-Yes...”
“So, you'll get paid daily. No such thing as free.”
“Pardon?”
“Didn't hear? Paid daily based on work done.”
“Um, but Young Master Lloyd, we don't really need compensation...”
“Tsk. Take it so we don't get rumors later. Just accept what's given.”
“Ah, yes. Understood.”
“Good. Once construction starts, we'll send work schedule notices, so focus on farm prep meanwhile. How's the Marez Reclaimed Land going? These days?”
“Ah, how did you know I'm at the Marez Reclaimed Land?”
“Why wouldn't I. We signed the land division contract, remember.”
“We did... right.”
“How are the kids growing? You're saving up to send them to school in Creemo.”
“How do you even remember that...”
“Want me to forget?”
“No, sir. No, sir. Just amazed you remember a guy like me...”
“Why be surprised over that. Anyway, head back well. Prep your farms good. Read the work schedule notice when it comes.”
“Understood. Thank you, Young Master Lloyd.”
“Okay. Next person.”
...And so on.
In other words, he personally wrote contracts with the volunteers.
He had them fill in gender, age, height, weight, and such conditions too.
There were far more volunteers than anticipated.
More than needed for the work.
So, conditions were ripe for ample work rotations based on physical conditions.
'Rotations, gotta do them. Who'll farm and raise cattle otherwise.'
No matter how urgent the construction, farming was crucial too.
So, he planned meticulous rotations to minimize impact on their farms.
'And daily pay. Must give it.'
He didn't skip daily pay either.
Didn't want to exploit volunteers for free.
Because he had money to burn?
Sudden welfare awakening?
Neither.
For the future.
'Working people for free always leads to scandals later.'
Right now, everyone fervently trusted and followed him.
But no guarantee it'd last forever.
Today's cheers could turn to jeers tomorrow.
'So, give proper rewards from the start to ingrain the perception. Ah, working with him means no skipped pay. Gets paid properly. Can work worry-free. That kind of thing.'
Once that perception forms, it's easier to assign work ongoing.
Easier to gather hands when needed.
Trust forms, literally.
And so, Lloyd spent the whole day contracting with thousands of volunteers.
He grinned ear to ear throughout.
Volunteers beamed with pride.
A heartwarming sight to any onlooker.
Except for one person beside Lloyd, Haviel.
'Whew. People really don't know what Lord Lloyd is truly like.'
Haviel was carrying the contract papers beside him.
He let out heavy sighs now and then.
How could people be so naive.
What aspect of Lloyd made them cheer like this.
From his position always watching closely, it was utterly incomprehensible.
'Get to know him, and he's stingy and petty as can be.'
He wanted to shout if possible.
This guy's a con artist.
Everyone, run!
Of course, cool-headed and composed, he successfully bottled his outburst inside, and the volunteer contracts concluded successfully.
But Lloyd didn't stop there.
There was still work left.
'Not just leftover—it's a mountain, a freaking mountain.'
After contracts, Lloyd stretched, loosening his stiff body.
Solving manpower didn't end it.
'After manpower, materials.'
People alone don't make work happen.
Structures need materials.
The grand waterway especially would require massive stone.
“So, yeah. Let's go eat dinner.”
“Pardon?”
Haviel, finishing the contract paperwork, tilted his head.
“You say dinner, but where are you headed?”
Sure enough, Lloyd looked ready to head out.
Draping his overcoat, Lloyd grinned.
“Follow and see.”
“…….”
What mischief is Lord Lloyd plotting now.
And dinner was still a ways off.
What on earth was he thinking.
Feeling dubious, Haviel followed him out of the mansion.
Mounted horses.
Rode side by side.
Under the sunset beginning to spread.
Lloyd's horse headed south.
'No way, to the Rionero Racona Viscounty?'
Meaning dinner at the viscount's mansion.
No, not just dinner.
Probably squeezing something out again.
'Lord Lloyd's just the type.'
Once he takes a dislike, he keeps stomping them.
Sucks them dry till the end.
That's Lloyd.
And his guess was spot on.
Soon, hooves crossed into Rionero Racona Viscounty.
Passed villages and fields, arriving at a luxurious mansion.
The Rionero Racona Viscount's mansion.
But a small commotion brewed in the front yard.
'A fight?'
Two men were trading punches.
From attire, likely mansion servants.
The issue: a flashily dressed young man watching their brawl amusedly.
“Punch straight, you bastards! Huh? Loser sleeps in the warehouse tonight. No dinner, obviously. Got it?”
Fairly burly build.
Sleazy glinting eyes.
Seeing him, Haviel realized the youth's identity.
'Son of the Rionero Racona Viscount.'
Diego, was it.
Heard he went to the capital academy like Young Master Julien.
When did he return home.
As Haviel pondered,
“Hey.”
Lloyd strode up behind Diego.
Slung one arm over his shoulder, chin-rest style, as he was engrossed in the fight.
“Huh? Who?”
Startled, Diego whipped around late.
Made eye contact with Lloyd.
That instant.
A smile bloomed brilliantly around Lloyd's eyes, one that would make even Satan shake his head.
“Who else. Me. Got business today, so long time no see—been a while. What's your old man up to?”
Rionero Racona Viscount's son, Diego, answered reflexively.
Not with his mouth.
With his Adam's apple.
Gulp.