Chapter 769: Chapter 355: The Fruits of Necromancy Alchemy

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Many affairs of the territory are confidential, and Luo De listened to their reports one by one in the lord’s reception hall.

Even though the agriculture and forging department chiefs were reassigned, the work did not fall behind at all.

The forging department is managed by Bard, who is responsible for weapon forging, daily item repairs, and cooperation with Senda.

The agriculture department is the foundation of the territory, managed by Lawrence, with Otto’s eldest son executing the tasks.

"Only eight hundred thousand acres of farmland this year?"

After hearing Lawrence’s report, Luo De wiped his mouth, leaned back in his chair, and asked, "This is far from my set target."

Lawrence reported eight hundred thousand and three thousand acres, most of which were newly reclaimed land from the summer and autumn, left for next year’s farming.

Only one hundred and fifty thousand acres were reclaimed and farmed in spring, with a yield of ninety-eight million three hundred thousand catties, which is somewhat of an improvement from before.

However, Luo De set a target of one million acres of farmland.

"Master, ever since the Giant Dragon left, our reclamation speed has still been too slow."

Lawrence explained with a bitter expression, "For the reclamation of this eight hundred thousand acres of farmland, I borrowed three thousand slaves and a hundred oxen from Border Town and Eagle Ridge... I’ve kept a record!"

A million acres of farmland is a breeze for the Giant Dragon, but it’s a large project for the slaves.

Luo De knew they weren’t slacking off, nodding slightly.

"I understand your difficulties, Lawrence, let’s leave it at that for now."

Luo De wasn’t too harsh, speaking slowly, "The land still needs to be continuously reclaimed, and the Northern Wasteland should all become farmland in the future."

"Additionally, build several granaries in the underground and nearby mountains to store food for me."

Winters in the Northern Wasteland are dry and cold, and summers aren’t humid, making it quite appropriate to establish granaries.

Moreover, with only one seaport to the west, there’s no worry of outside robbery.

The major downside is the low population.

Originally, it was possible to "siphon" from the other three provinces, but now that Luo De governs the entire Empire, he can’t recklessly mobilize.

Encouraging childbirth as much as possible and looting from small Western Alliance countries is the only feasible approach.

Luo De suddenly remembered Xue Rui and asked, "Where did Xue Rui go?"

"She’s building lookout towers with her people and searching for herbs with the apprentices of the Magic Potion Workshop."

Lawrence reported, "Whether on Razor Plain or Ice Blade Valley, Xue Rui is quite familiar."

"And when they have free time, the Snow Rabbit People like to wander in the forest."

"Hmm, then discuss the granary construction matters with her."

"Alright, Master."

Lawrence nodded, then cautiously asked, "How much farmland should we reclaim next?"

"First complete one million acres of farmland, and strive to plant all of them in spring."

Luo De thought for a moment and said, "Then reclaim another million acres of farmland, and if there’s not enough land, continue to develop westward."

"There’s definitely enough land, Master."

Lawrence said with a smile, "If you don’t want to preserve some forests, I think our Black Pine Ridge can reclaim three million acres of farmland."

"That’s not necessary now." Luo De waved his hand slightly.

Razor Plain and Ice Blade Valley have more suitable land for reclamation, not needing to drain Black Pine Ridge to the extreme.

The crucial point is that for a long time in the future, the development of the Magic Domain will rely on natural resources, such as Magic Plants and Magical Beasts.

Forests can provide them with a better living environment.

"Alright."

Lawrence nodded and cautiously asked, "Should I report the territory’s expenses to you next?"

"You don’t need to report those; leave the records, I’ll find time to check them."

Despite what Luo De said, he didn’t actually plan to review them.

Like holiday homework during school days, it’s handed in but nobody has the time to look through it carefully.

At most, it’s just spot-checked.

And given Lawrence’s frugal nature, Luo De doesn’t believe anyone can squeeze anything out of him.

"Go call Tyr." Luo De instructed.

"Alright, Master."

Lawrence bowed respectfully and then called Tyr into the reception hall.

Tyr reported on the situation of the breeding farms.

Luo De seized many livestock when he reclaimed the Northern Territory, and the breeding farms are now thriving.

Twenty thousand goats, about three thousand cows, five hundred of which are oxen.

The number of pigs is also about three thousand, and the number of various chickens and ducks is around twenty thousand.

As for the Magical Beasts that Luo De cares about, excluding the Mutated Demon Rabbits, there’s a hundred and forty-five, reaching the limit.

It’s rare to see Mutated Magical Beasts in the Northern Wasteland now, unless they’re newborn.

However, Luo De’s territory is now the entire Empire; this isn’t a problem for him.

"Take good care of these one hundred and forty-five Magical Beasts; we don’t need to capture more Magical Beasts here for now."

Luo De instructed, "I’ll have people continue capturing Magical Beasts from other areas of the Northern Province and send them here for you to breed."

"Besides Magical Beasts, I’ll send more people, and have Slylvia help train them into Beast Tamers."

The Magical Beast breeding farm will inevitably expand, and only three Beast Tamers is surely insufficient; Luo De must train more.

Having been the first to awaken as a Beast Tamer, Slylvia is now responsible for all Magical Beast taming, and leading a few newcomers is completely manageable.

"No problem, Lord."

Tyr replied respectfully.

"Say a few more words, Tyr."

Luo De looked at Tyr and said softly, "Whether it’s you or Slylvia, as managers, you should focus more on nurturing capable subordinates, rather than personally handling everything."