blueteamnovel Chapter 27 A One-Day Trip to a Model Worker
Chapter 27 A One-Day Trip to a Model Worker
As Madale made rapid progress, the newcomers to Thornholde were also quietly changing.
The local people no longer refer to these people as defeated soldiers, but instead use the term "labor reformers"—a somewhat awkward word invented by Ronan, but one that is surprisingly well-received.
"Next, Fermi!"
"arrive!"
Hearing his name called, Fermi stepped out of the crowd and, feeling flattered, approached the large cauldron in the open space.
Chief Knight Batty nodded and recounted Fermi's deeds to the other laborers:
After arriving in Thorn Territory, he actively used labor to repent for the mistakes he had made against his will, and took the initiative to encourage other labor reformers around him to participate, showing a good attitude.
According to the rules set by Ronan, Fermi became the model worker of the 32nd labor camp and was rewarded with a bowl of egg drop soup. Other laborers were to actively learn from him!
"Thank you, Lord! Thank you, Chief Knight!"
Amid applause from the local residents and some of his fellow laborers, Fermi, bowing repeatedly, accepted the egg drop soup offered by the chief knight, his eyes welling with tears.
Even ten bowls of egg drop soup might not yield a single egg, but for him, who was constantly on the run, this was a rather blissful experience.
What surprised him even more was that the local people who had previously kept their distance from them were now congratulating him—this was the first time since Fermi was born that he felt valued, and the happiness he felt was far greater than the bowl of egg drop soup in his hand.
The thought that I had almost hurt these people filled me with an indescribable sense of guilt.
"Thank you everyone! I... I will definitely reform myself and repay you all! Repay the Thornhold!"
Fermi started crying as he spoke.
Bart was surprised to find that this man was a man of character; he smiled, patted Bart on the shoulder, and encouraged him to do well in the future.
After finishing his egg drop soup, Fermi received another reward for being a model worker: the lord allowed fifty model workers to visit and learn throughout Thornlands, led by militia representatives!
Fermi never dreamed he would receive such treatment.
Since being taken in by the Thorn Territory, they have been placed in labor camps in the reclamation area, and all their activities are subject to strict supervision and restrictions.
Let alone entering the Thorn Territory, even leaving the area of their assigned labor camp would result in a warning from the militia on duty.
Fermi had no objection to this, and even agreed with and defended Ronan's approach—he didn't want his hard-won peaceful life to be ruined by a few troublemakers.
At this moment, Fermi felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and honor upon receiving special permission to visit the territory.
Only one thought remained in his mind: I can never repay the lord's kindness in this lifetime!
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"That's the reclaimed land area, and that's where you usually do most of your work. Next spring, the lord will lead us to plant crops, which will solve the food problem for many people."
"That's a market over there. It used to be rather deserted, but thanks to Lord Lord, more and more caravans are stopping here, and the prices are cheaper than in other territories."
"This large building under construction is the school planned by the lord, and it's expected to be completed in the next couple of days. The lord says he wants every commoner to attend school, especially the children, which is something unthinkable in other territories. Although I don't know what use education is for commoners, the lord must have his reasons. Anyway, we've got nothing else to do, so this is a good way to pass the time!"
"We're passing through the military district now. Our militia usually trains here. Being a militia member is the most honorable profession in Thorn Territory. We bear the responsibility of protecting our homeland and fighting against dangerous beasts and enemies, so our treatment is the best..."
Fermi followed the other forty-nine model laborers, looking around as they went; the militia representative in charge of leading them was called Payne, a very talkative veteran who could tell stories vividly wherever they went.
"Because so many people want to join the militia, we will only select the best. Only the most outstanding individuals can become part of us!"
"Report--"
Fermi raised his right hand; one of the rules of the labor camp was to raise your hand beforehand. "Do we also have a chance to become militiamen?"
Payne laughed heartily: "Of course you'll have a chance! You're all top performers; graduating from the labor camp is only a matter of time. Then you'll receive the same treatment as other citizens. Besides, you're all veterans with extensive experience; the militia needs people like you!"
The model labor camp members laughed sheepishly—the veteran was making fun of them; it was more accurate to say they were experienced in escaping.
Fermi kept these words in mind: as long as one is good enough, even a laborer can become a member of the militia.
Not only will we have eggs and meat to eat and money to receive, but we'll also have a good reputation!
Both were soldiers, but the difference between Thorn Territory and the North was like heaven and earth. He now deeply realized what it meant for choice to be more important than effort.
After this visit, he planned to privately seek advice from Pine or other militia members. It would be even better if they could recommend him or share some of their experience…
As Fermi pondered, she saw a striking figure approaching from a distance: she wore a deep purple, fitted short dress paired with thick black stockings and leather ankle boots, exuding both girlish beauty and warrior-like agility. Her waist-length deep purple hair and pale pink eyes contrasted sharply with the surrounding crowd, like a figure in color suddenly appearing in a black and white photograph.
"Devil, witch!"
Fermi's eyes widened as he recognized her as the ruthless character who had summoned the Heavenly Iron Sword in the Fulong Valley.
Gods above, shouldn't witches be locked in attics and kept under strict guard? How could she break free and appear on the street alone?
Could it be that the Thorn Lord has met with misfortune?
Unlike the terrified labor reform model workers, Payne showed no nervousness whatsoever. Instead, he greeted them warmly, "Miss Madonna! How are you today?"
"Very well. Mr. Payne, is that pastry caravan still in Thornlands?"
"Yes, they're leaving tomorrow. You want to buy their mille-feuille, right?"
"Yes, I'd like to prepare some snacks for Ronan so that he won't go hungry if he forgets to eat. Thank you, Mr. Payne."
You're welcome! Goodbye!
Watching Payne wave goodbye to the girl, Fermi was completely bewildered: "You...you're not afraid of that witch?"
"Of course not. Don't let Miss Meidel's extraordinary abilities fool you; she's actually very approachable and a very gentle girl. Everyone here likes her, especially the children."
"But aren't witches a symbol of bad luck...?"
"Watch your mouth, kid! In Thorn Territory, you'll easily get beaten up if you talk like that."
Payne rolled his eyes at Fermi, who immediately covered his mouth, before earnestly beginning to tell his story.
From initially harboring the same prejudice, to witnessing Maddale's contributions, to being personally saved by Maddale when the evil beasts attacked, and later experiencing what he truly saw and felt when he came into contact with her.
"As you can see, Miss Medale is not an ominous sign at all; on the contrary, she is recognized as a lucky star in the Thorn Territory. The lord often says that without her, the Thorn Territory would not be what it is today. We country bumpkins may not be very educated, but we know the importance of gratitude."
Pine concluded.
Fermi nodded repeatedly, feeling as if he had just woken up from a dream—no wonder the wise lord treated them so well; it turned out that this witch had contributed to their success!
Thinking about his attitude just now, he couldn't help but want to slap himself: what's the difference between this and cursing someone after putting down their bowl?
At the same time, he also had a sudden realization: so this was the purpose of bringing them here to visit.
There are still many people in the labor camp who are blinded by prejudice, so he must play a good role as a role model and absolutely not let down the lord's high regard.
When he gets back tonight, he'll tell his fellow soldiers what he saw and heard today...
As the tour drew to a close, the assembly bells rang out in the square. This was just as most residents were finishing work, and the square quickly filled with a crowd.
Surrounded by the crowd, Ronan walked to the center of the square and delivered three messages to the crowd:
His first message was that he had invited two powerful witches who would be arriving in Thorn Territory soon.
These two witches are Meadow's good friends, and their purpose in coming is to support the construction of Thorn Territory. To welcome them, the entire Thorn Territory will have a day off. Official citizens can also register to participate in the welcoming ceremony; selected participants will not only receive work points but also enter a raffle to win roasted meat and eggs! Places for the welcoming ceremony are limited, first come, first served!
The second piece of news is that the militia will conduct a special recruitment drive for former labor camp inmates. Those selected will not receive the benefits and perks of regular militia members, but will live, eat, and train alongside them. If they pass subsequent assessments or demonstrate significant meritorious service, they may be granted regular status.
The third piece of news is that, effective immediately, the lord will no longer personally read out the weekly work schedule. All tasks will be posted on the notice board, where citizens can read and choose their tasks. Those who do not make a choice will be assigned tasks one hour after the notice is posted.
As a model of labor reform, Fermi was fortunate enough to participate in this gathering, which was only open to formal citizens.
But unlike his colleagues who were cheering over the lottery chance and the special expansion of enrollment, his attention was mainly drawn to the third piece of news.
His intuition told him that this seemingly insignificant piece of news was actually the most complicated...
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