MCG Tent, Amethyst Merchant Camp.

Kaiel was the commander of the Construction Platoon in Tuscan Guard. Last night, he received a direct order from Viscount Rattel to join the project that Amethyst Merchant was working on and gauge their technological level.

And usually, a Region would hide their level of technology. Considering that it was closely related to military capacity. However, the Construction Unit called Mobile Construction Group or MCG received them with open arms.

Who would have thought that MCG personnel would be very happy, when they found Tuscan Guard's Construction Platoon coming to help.

"Well, the bonds between construction workers are very close wherever we are. Bro, let's build Magwurt City wholeheartedly."

Kaiel felt deeply moved every time he remembered the remarks uttered by Lt. William, the Commanding Officer of MCG. At the same time, he was embarrassed by having prejudice when he and his team were treated to a bitter black drink.

'I thought they were planning to poison us. Who would have thought that a black drink called coffee was a mandatory drink for construction workers, and after adding sugar and cream, it turned out to be extraordinarily delicious,' muttered Kaiel inwardly.

Moreover, the MCG personnel were not stingy when giving explanations.

After inspecting the clean water tower that MCG personnel built last night, and finding the water could be drunk directly, Kaiel immediately asked if a similar water tower could be built at Tuscan Guard HQ, and Lt. William happily agreed to the request.

Kaiel attentively studied the blueprint presented by Lt. William, starting from the pump system, the tower that supports the storage tank. Until finally, a question arose when he studied the piping system in the blueprint.

"Water is obtained after placing the pipe to a depth of 35 meters?"

Lt. William smiled before answering, "The depth is different, the selection of the location also uses a special technique, you will understand it when the construction is carried out later."

"I see, and the pipes are not made of metal, with a diameter of only 2 cm."

"Yes, metal pipes carry the danger of lead and rust, while the small size pipes will make the pump work less."

Kaiel nodded before asking another question. At the same time, at a different table, Construction Platoon's personnel were discussing with other teams from MCG.

"I understand we have to rebuild the west gate so that heavy vehicles can pass it. I also understand regarding the paving of the road or making drainage channels, but why do we have to make a separate road for pedestrians on each side of the main road?"

"First, for the safety and comfort of road users, both pedestrians and vehicle drivers. Second, traffic will be smoother if pedestrians and vehicles use separated roads."

Tuscan Guard Construction Platoon personnel nodded slightly before asking another question.

"What about piping networks for water and... E-electricity?"

"We will not use the water pump forever. At a later date, the water pipe will be used to flow the water from the water purifier facility, as well as electricity that will be generated by the hydropower plant."

The Construction Platoon personnel did not understand what electricity was and how it would be generated. So he chose to ask the next questions on the part that its basic principle he could understand.

Meanwhile, in one corner two MCG's engineers discussed a temporary source of electricity that would be used until the hydropower plant was built.

The older engineer said, "We have enough panels for solar power generation. But we need additional substations that will be used as power storage and the basis for the distribution system."

The younger engineer frowned before saying, "Old man, haven't you made the calculations. If it's only to power the water pump and night lighting without the use of electric tools, then three substations are sufficient?"

"Indeed, unfortunately the construction on the Herron Mountain Ranges has to be postponed. So we will need additional substations to get through the winter, when room heaters are massively needed."

"MCG has sufficient resources to build a water purifier facility, hydropower plants, and other facilities. So why is the construction delayed?"

"According to XO, assets that will secure the construction process must be transferred to the southern tip of Southeast Triangle. In exchange, he agreed to add more substations, including substations to support the factory and tramcar network."

The young engineer pondered for a moment before speaking, "Shall we build a Dynamo Tower then?"

The old engineer immediately shook his head, "The delay is only for one year. So as long as the Solar Power Plant can meet the demand, we will not build a permanent facility such as Dynamo Tower."

The young engineer nodded slightly before continuing the discussion with the old engineer.

- - - - -

Main Square, Amethyst Merchant Camp

0800, 16 Feb 2025

Over the past few days, the residents of Magwurt City had continued to wonder. How the famine which had befallen the Tuscan Region for so many years suddenly disappeared without any trace?

The residents did have to live in a tent for a while, but they didn't mind at all because the tent was much better than their huts. It was able to withstand the wind and was very warm at night.

Magwurt City's residents also didn't have to worry about food, clothing, clean water, and other basic things. The only thing that bothers them was how long this joyous thing would last.

Moreover, they had already seen the various constructions that Amethyst Merchant was running, and wanted to know if they could be involved in order to earn some income.

Luckily, Magwurt City's residents didn't have to wait long for the answer. Starting today, Amethyst Merchant would be giving a briefing about manpower recruitment, where each briefing would be attended by 5,000 residents.

As soon as the 5,000 residents of the first group gathered at the main square, Viscount Rattel immediately climbed onto the podium with a man.

The entire residents in the main square were simultaneously prepared to salute on their knees, but Viscount Rattel prevented it.

"You don't need to kneel, from now on a small bow is more than enough when you meet me."

The residents in the main square were dumbfounded. First, because only nobles were allowed to pay their respects to other nobles with small bowings. Second, because Viscount Rattel's voice sounded loud and clear enough that the residents in the rearmost row had no trouble hearing it.

"I'm sure all of you are wondering where the food we've been enjoying the last few days comes from."

Seeing Magwurt City's residents before him nodded in unison, Viscount Rattel smiled before continuing,

"All the foodstuffs were brought in by Amethyst Merchants, who intend to lease the entire farmland in Tuscan Region."

Viscount Rattel then pointed to the man beside him.

"And Ser Slane, the leader of Amethyst Merchant intends to convey a thing or two to all of us."

Lt. Col. Slane immediately cleared his throat before saying, "As Viscount Rattel said, my name is Slane, the leader of Amethyst Merchant.

On this occasion, I would like to explain the purpose of Amethyst Merchant's arrival. Apart from renting all farmland in Tuscan Region, Amethyst Merchant also intends to build factories, hotels, shopping centers, restaurants, marketing offices, and various other businesses that require large manpower."

Lt. Col. Slane then paused for a moment to let Magwurt City's resident digest his explanation, but one of the residents in the front row suddenly raised her hand and asked a question.

"Does Amethyst Merchant intend to cultivate farmland in the Tuscan Region, because as far as we know the farmland cannot be cultivated anymore?"

Seeing one of the residents asking a question without introducing herself or asking permission first, Viscount Rattel immediately turned towards Lt. Col. Slane with a worried face, but his anxiety evaporated as soon as he saw Lt. Col. Slane smiled cheerfully.

"Yes, Amethyst Merchant intends to grow Nouel, barley, and certain types of legumes."

In an instant, whispers and expressions full of doubt filled every corner of the square, but Lt Col. Slane ignored it and continued.

"Amethyst Merchant has confirmed that the farmland in Tuscan Region can be restored. We've even conducted small-scale experiments and the results have been very satisfying."

While most of the residents in the field were stunned, Rutim, who happened to be part of the first group, raised her hand before asking.

"For the required labor, are there any conditions that must be met?"

Lt. Col. Slane nodded slightly. "Yes, and we have prepared a selection mechanism that every candidate must go through. For example, outside of character, personal skills, and individual capacities, some jobs also have attractive appearance as the requirements."

Lt. Col. Slane's explanation regarding the requirements for an attractive appearance, made Rutim tilted her head before asking the next question.

"For a job that requires an attractive appearance, does the worker have to be ready to do sex in carrying out her duties?"

Lt. Col. Slane immediately answered, "No, the requirements for attractive appearance are needed because the worker will become the face of the place where she or he works. For example, personnel for reception, information center, or public relations. Not because he or she has to use his or her body for sex.

Of course, Amethyst Merchant will also open a business where workers are required to provide sexual services, for example a nightclub. However, apart from these places, sex and similar things are not included in the tasks that must be done by workers."

As soon as Rutim sat down, a middle-aged woman immediately stood up before asking a question.

"Is there a boundary between jobs for women and men, considering that most men in Tuscan Region have to join Tuscan Guard?"

"Before I answer that question, allow me to ask. Does the gardener have to be a man?"

The middle-aged woman who asked the question immediately answered, "Isn't that a natural thing that has been going on all this time?"

Lt. Col. Slane smiled a little before saying, "Now let me ask the second question, does the gardener need his genitals when sweeping the garden or mowing the lawn?"

"Pfffttt...!"

The residents in the main square who were mostly women tried desperately to hold back their laughter, while Viscount Rattel gasped for a moment. But Lt. Col. Slane leisurely continued.

"If sweeping or mowing the grass does not require a specific gender, why should we limit the two jobs by gender. One of the philosophies adopted by Amethyst Merchant is, if a woman is able to do a job as well as a man, then the woman is entitled to the job."

Instantly, all the women in the main square nodded firmly as a form of approval for Lt. Col. Slane.

Question and answer between Lt. Col. Slane and the residents of Magwurt City lasted longer than planned, but Lt. Col. Slane did not mind in the slightest. He cheerfully answered all the questions.

The session was then closed with an explanation regarding the selection and training mechanisms to be used, as well as the function of the Job Fair Tent which would be open starting today.

Magwurt City's residents were also required to obtain a Social Security Card, which would be used as the basis for many things related to Amethyst Merchant and status as a citizen of Tuscan Region.

*****