Sorcery Monarch

Chapter 32: Motivation Comes from Comparison

"Why do they get to sit at a separate table and even have fresh grilled meat?"

"They won!"

"Why do they have brand new training uniforms?"

"They won!"

"Why do they get Old John's guidance? We need to improve our skills too!"

"They won!"

"..."

One response silenced the complaints of over eighty soldiers. Though they were dissatisfied, a loss was still a loss.

Every soldier redoubled their efforts during training, determined to improve.

Angela's team, having received privileges, also felt the pressure to keep their newly won status.

They trained just as hard, not wanting to lose their newly elevated "privileges" and pride.

"By ensuring a certain level of fairness, using simple comparisons can motivate most soldiers and improve training results, thus enhancing combat effectiveness."

Matthew thoroughly discussed this with Angela, sharing all of his experience. Ralph, standing nearby, felt both pleased and resigned.

Angela, gradually understanding more, nodded with determination and confidence. She saluted Matthew and returned to the training grounds to drill the soldiers even harder.

"If we want to ensure effective training, we need plenty of meat. Also, some magical creature meat will be required to replenish their energy."

Ralph calculated the costs, seemingly discussing the current difficulties but subtly reminding Matthew:

"Raising these professional soldiers requires considerable resources. With the current conditions in Bay Village, supporting both Matthew and the soldiers’ consumption isn’t sustainable."

Did Matthew understand?

Of course, he did!

However, he wouldn’t tell Ralph that training more capable subordinates would significantly reduce the time Matthew needed to grow stronger.

"No problem, we’ll buy from the villagers. Everyone here is too poor, and once they have money, they’ll be able to pay taxes."

Seeing that the lord understood the underlying meaning, Ralph nodded silently and then sought out Old Village Chief Field, who was supervising the villagers’ construction work.

"Everyone should have had enough to eat this afternoon! Work harder and live up to the lord’s rewards!"

"Carpenters, hurry up and process the delivered wood! The tools are ready, so work faster!"

"Don’t just dump the excavated dirt! We’ll need to fill it back into the wooden walls later..."

"And you lazy boy, don’t slack off, or I’ll come over there and give you a whipping..."

Ralph, walking along, was surprised to see how diligently the villagers of Bay Village were working. He could tell they were genuinely giving it their all.

Ralph’s past experiences taught him that even though the Netheril Empire wasn’t as exploitative of the commoners as other kingdoms, peasants rarely had good feelings toward nobles.

Even when nobles summoned peasants to work, paying more than this, they could never extract this level of effort.

Ralph still didn’t quite understand the difference between working for themselves and working for the lord.

Although the villagers of Bay Village were not well-educated, they clearly understood that building new wooden walls meant they would be safer and better protected.

"It looks like the digging is ahead of schedule, by about four days. Everyone seems quite motivated."

Village Chief Field, unsure of Ralph’s intentions, spoke with a slightly deferential tone as he tested the waters:

"It is an honor to work for the lord. Everyone will do their best to meet your expectations..."

Ralph gave him a knowing smile and shook his head, reassuring him:

"Whatever the lord promises, he will deliver. Completing the task with quality will only make him happier, and he will invest more resources and plans."

He paused for a moment before patting Field on the shoulder:

"Currently, the number of soldiers is too low. The lord intends to increase the count to 200."

"Except for those too old or weak, all professionals must enlist. Ordinary soldiers receive 20 silver coins a month, and each level a professional gains adds another 10 silver coins."

"Other people will be selected based on the average test scores for soldiers. Those who meet the requirements can join; those who don’t will have to keep trying."

Upon hearing this, Field’s eyes flashed with concern but also a great deal of excitement.

This was Matthew’s most crucial move to gain full control of Bay Village—it was open and aboveboard.

Ralph’s approach was to probe and inform Field ahead of time, giving him a way to negotiate and set terms.

Any concerns or demands could be discussed openly.

Once everything was decided, Field would have to fully support it.

Field understood the situation well. Considering Matthew’s background and abilities, the fact that he was willing to discuss matters so amicably was beyond what Field expected of most lords. He readily nodded and patted his chest in reassurance:

"That’s wonderful! On behalf of the village, I thank the lord! We’ve been worried about having nowhere to grow..."

Ralph, satisfied with Field’s cooperative attitude, hesitated before revealing another part of Matthew’s plan:

"There’s one more thing: any older or experienced professionals willing to share their training methods and help the lord train more professionals will also be given work and paid the same as soldiers—without having to fight."

Even though Field had mentally prepared himself, Matthew’s grand vision still stunned him. His mind raced with various thoughts:

"Is the lord truly planning to stay here and develop the place?"

"Training more professionals? That requires a huge investment of resources!"

"Could this be part of some magical experiment the lord is preparing?"

"No, that’s not it... Is the lord simply doing this for our benefit?"

"That can’t be! The lord must be preparing to cultivate more professionals..."

"But even if I object, others will agree. The lord’s money is too tempting—no one will resist..."

"..."

Gathering his complex thoughts, Field nodded in agreement. Ralph, pleased with his understanding, smiled and instructed:

"Persuade the others. Let me know how many people are willing, and tell me what you need."

"However, keep in mind that while the lord is kind and generous, he has no tolerance for failure or wasted efforts!"

Without waiting for Field’s response, Ralph turned and left.

He had to calculate how much it would cost to support an increasing number of professional soldiers each day and month.

The sun began to set.

The crimson evening sky shifted into various shapes—some resembling horses, others like snakes—before blending into a sea of red under the gentle breeze.

Across the wildlands, kobolds barked as they scurried past, disappearing into the distance, leaving only the sound of their calls.

Leon, standing on guard, exhaled in relief. As night approached, the dangers outside the village multiplied.

Although he didn’t fear battle, he still preferred that the villagers didn’t face unnecessary danger.

Old John strode over with several dejected-looking soldiers in tow. As their deputy, he scolded them while they marched:

"You messed up on your first day of training, so you’re punished with extra guard duty! I’ll send someone to relieve you later tonight."

"Come on, let’s head back for dinner. The old steward made some cod—I’ve heard the fish here is a local delicacy, really delicious..."

Old John’s attitude toward Leon was different. This wasn’t just due to Ralph’s instructions; Leon’s honest and kind nature made him quite likable.

Especially since Leon’s training progress had been excellent under John’s guidance, showing steady progress every day.

John estimated that in less than six months, Leon would likely become a Level 2 warrior.

Leon was the kind of talent that, with just one look, made you realize his potential shouldn’t be wasted.

The other soldiers, filled with envy, continued their guard duty while sneaking in some extra training.