Even though mining involves digging into rock mountains, it’s not as simple as just digging recklessly. There are techniques to master and precautions to be aware of.
The most frightening aspect is collapse. Not only can a tunnel collapse catastrophically, but even a slight fall from the ceiling can be fatal if it strikes you on the head.
That’s why Noein decided to have Viscount Keinitz introduce him to a mining engineer. Even though the mining is on a small scale, advancing without professional judgment poses significant risks. It’s not acceptable to have the locals work in such a hazardous environment.
About a week after meeting with Viscount Keinitz, a group of mining engineers introduced by the Viscount arrived at the Earlkvist territory.
Leading the group was a burly middle-aged dwarf, followed by a well-built human and a young lionman. The dwarf stepped forward, presenting a letter with the Viscount’s seal to prove his identity.
“I am Victor, the mining engineer introduced by Viscount Keinitz. The two behind me are here to assist—my apprentice, who is a human, and the lionman, who is a slave.”
“I am Noein Earlkvist, the lord of this territory. Thank you for coming all the way to this rural area.”
“No, it’s all part of the job,” Victor replied with a restrained but pleasant tone.
“I’ve heard you’re here to instruct on mining vein extraction for the locals?”
“Yes. Although the mining will be on a small scale, the tunnels will still reach a considerable depth over time. We lack the technology and knowledge to prevent collapses…”
“I understand. For small-scale mining, installing timber supports to prevent collapses should be sufficient. I don’t think the instruction will be too difficult.”
Noein knew that timber supports were used to prevent tunnel collapses, but lacked detailed knowledge on how to properly construct and support tunnels. This was precisely why he wanted the engineers’ expertise, and hearing that the instruction wouldn’t be too difficult was reassuring.
“I’m glad to hear that. We’ve secured a campsite in the Restio Mountain Range for your stay, so I’d like you to depart tomorrow. Yuri, the chief knight, will guide you and supervise the locals.”
Noein pointed to Yuri, who was standing to the side. Yuri bowed his head, and Victor returned the gesture.
They then discussed and confirmed the detailed conditions and contents of the contract, and the next day, guided by Yuri, Victor and his group, along with the locals who would start mining operations, departed north.
With the start of lapis lazuli mining and the sale of raw stones to Miles Trading Company, the Earlkvist territory rapidly began to develop.
Every month, a large sum of 1 million Lebros from 1 ton of lapis lazuli raw stones flowed in. What had been a struggle before could now proceed without financial worries.
The first thing Noein did was to start building houses within the territory, including his own mansion. He sought out a major construction company recommended by Benedict of Miles Trading Company and placed an order for houses for all households.
In large transactions like this, it’s usual to pay half upfront and the rest later, but Noein paid the entire amount of the first month’s earnings from lapis lazuli sales as an advance. This quick payment was driven by the desire to build proper houses as soon as possible and to avoid leaving too much cash on hand.
The news that the Earlkvist territory had discovered a lapis lazuli vein and was generating significant profits would eventually spread throughout the northwestern part of the kingdom. This could lead to thieves or even large-scale bandits coming to the area.
Therefore, Noein used the entire first month’s profit to pay for the houses, aiming to spread the word that the Earlkvist territory was in a construction rush and releasing a lot of cash. Observing the construction materials and the movements of the workers, merchants would naturally come to realize this.
Once the cash in Earlkvist territory was converted into tangible assets like houses, the likelihood of unsavory individuals coming would significantly decrease.
Soon after ordering from the construction company, a team of carpenters and workers arrived at the Earlkvist territory. Additionally, some of the local men who were free joined the construction as laborers. This was similar to the previous labor duties, with food provided to the locals in exchange for their work.
The settlement, which previously had only fields and tents, now saw the foundations, frameworks, and brickwork of buildings emerging gradually.
The first building being constructed was Noein’s mansion. Due to the unanimous voice of the locals that “We cannot let the lord who provided us with a new home live in a tent any longer,” the mansion construction was prioritized.
“That’s quite a pace. It might be finished in just a few weeks, don’t you think?” Noein remarked, looking up at the construction site.
The head carpenter, Dmitri, replied from beside him, “The lord provided us with local laborers, so we managed to secure more workers than we expected. That allowed us to advance the work rapidly. Also, having a large amount of timber available locally was a big help.”
Dmitri, a burly and sun-tanned beastman with a muscular build reminiscent of a large fighting dog, was a self-made man who rose to become an executive in a major construction company despite the social disadvantages of his race.
With him leading the team, the construction progressed at an astonishing speed.
Satisfied with the progress on the mansion, Noein decided not to disturb Dmitri further and left the site.
Next, he visited the fields where the locals were farming.
“Hello, Edgar. How is the farming going?”
“Oh, Lord Noein. Everything is going well. It’s thanks to the good soil quality of the land you provided.”
Edgar, who was diligently tending to the fields, responded cheerfully.
“Moreover, this crop called potatoes grows quickly. I tasted some given as labor compensation, and the taste and satiety are excellent… It feels like a dream to have such a crop.”
It was the end of August. The former refugees’ fields were growing autumn-planted potatoes, which were sprouting well.
“Potatoes are still mostly unknown in the Lordberg Kingdom. I hope to spread them throughout the kingdom from the Earlkvist territory. While they can’t replace wheat for making bread, if they spread well, they could improve the overall food situation in the country and reduce hunger.”
It would take some more time before production reached levels suitable for shipment to other territories, but Noein believed potatoes would significantly transform agriculture in the country.
“To think you have such plans… Lord Noein, you truly are an outstanding lord.”
“Ah, thank you,” Noein replied with a smile, though he swallowed the words about how stabilizing the country’s food situation would also benefit the economy and security.
Not wanting to disrupt Edgar’s work with too much conversation, Noein wrapped up their chat and left the field.
