Michael was disappointed but not entirely surprised by the lack of skilled individuals in the village. He knew that free persons—those who owned land or possessed specialized skills—were rare in such remote areas. According to the empire's laws, free persons were registered and afforded certain protections, but most villagers were tenants. They lived on land owned by nobles and farmed solely to survive, with no ownership or rights to their own property. Without land or skills, they were trapped in a cycle of poverty and dependence.
After asking a few more questions and observing the lifeless, zombie-like state of the villagers, Michael dismissed Village Chief Coby and returned to the carriage to inspect the next village. The second village was led by Chief Tom, and the third by Chief Stone. The responses were largely the same, though Michael was pleasantly surprised to find a carpenter and a blacksmith in the third village. However, his excitement quickly faded when he realized their skills were rudimentary. The carpenter had only basic knowledge, and the blacksmith could do little more than repair simple iron tools.
Despite the disappointment, Michael gained a clearer understanding of his land and its challenges. He also learned that the farming season had just ended, which meant there would be no savage invasions for the next six to ten months. The savages typically attacked only when the crops were mature, and they raided once a year.
By evening, Michael and his group returned to the castle. They had dinner as the sun set, and Michael retired to his bed. The castle was dimly lit by a few candles, and the village outside was silent, with no nightlife to speak of. The villagers went to bed early and rose with the sun to begin their day.
The next morning, after breakfast, Michael visited the barracks with Uncle Sam. What he saw was disheartening. The guards were lazing around, many of them not even at their posts. There was no discipline or sense of urgency. When they noticed Michael approaching, they hurriedly stood up, trying to appear alert, but their resentful looks and hidden hostility were impossible to miss. Michael counted roughly seven guards, but their lack of spirit and professionalism made him give up on them almost immediately.
Uncle Sam, embarrassed by the state of the guards, quickly followed Michael and tried to explain, "My lord, give me some time. I will train them to become qualified guards."
As they walked back to the castle, Michael shook his head and said, "Let's discuss this in the meeting room, Uncle Sam."
When they reached the study room, Michael invited Uncle Sam to sit down. He took his seat at the head of the table and asked, "Uncle Sam, you've been here for a few days now. What do you think we need to do to secure and develop this land?"
Uncle Sam thought carefully before replying, "My lord, we should start by taxing the villages and training new guards. Security is our biggest problem."
Michael nodded. "You're right. How do you propose we proceed?"
Uncle Sam outlined his plan: "We should hire young people from the villages and train them. We'll also need to buy weapons from the city, though that will cost a significant amount of money."
Michael agreed with Uncle Sam's approach but had his own ideas to add. "I agree, but instead of training adults, we should focus on teenagers. They're easier to teach, their minds are still active, and they haven't been worn down like the adults. We'll train them to knight standards."
Uncle Sam was taken aback. "My lord, that would be too expensive. Training just ten people to the lowest knight standard would cost at least 10 to 15 gold coins per person. Over six months, that would amount to around 100 gold coins just for food, training, and weapons. And even then, there's no guarantee they'll become knights."
Michael, however, had made up his mind. Security was his top priority, and he was willing to bet all his resources on it. "We'll do it. And we'll decrease the tax rate by 10 percent, making it 70 percent instead of 80."
Uncle Sam didn't argue this time, knowing that Michael had already decided. He simply nodded in acknowledgment, ready to carry out his lord's orders.
Here's a rewritten version of the passage with improved grammar, spelling, and structure:
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After digesting the news, Uncle Sam voiced his concerns. "My lord, reducing the tax may significantly decrease our income. I'm not sure we can sustain it."
Michael looked at Uncle Sam confidently and replied, "Don't worry, Uncle Sam. I've already calculated everything. With a 70 percent tax rate, we can expect around 1,000 gold coins per year from each village. That's roughly 3,000 gold coins annually, or 300 gold coins per month."
Uncle Sam still looked uneasy. "Even so, my lord, we have many expenses to cover: the kingdom's taxes, castle maintenance, salaries for servants and maids, guards' wages, weapons purchases and upkeep, and the import of goods like oil, sugar, furniture, and clothes. It adds up quickly."
Michael reassured him, "Don't worry. It will all be covered. Next time, we'll also buy farming tools from the city to increase productivity. And we'll train 30 guards to strengthen our defenses."
Uncle Sam, though still concerned, decided to trust Michael's judgment.
"Uncle Sam, do you know of any place where we can borrow money if needed?"
Uncle Sam, realizing the financial challenges ahead, seeing Michael's determination, made up his mind to support him fully. Even if they failed, they could always flee and live as commoners. At least they would be alive.
"Don't worry, my lord," Uncle Sam said. "I have some savings—around 250 gold coins. This should help us get started."
Michael was embarrassed to take Uncle Sam's money, but he knew no one else would lend to him. He decided to accept the offer, promising himself to repay Uncle Sam as soon as possible.
Their first major challenge would be dealing with the savages. From what Michael had learned from the villagers, the savages numbered between 100 and 200 and typically came in smaller groups of 20 to 30. They belonged to different tribes and were a constant threat, raiding the villages for food and supplies.