Overgeared

The Overgeared Empire had always been rich, so rich that it was hard to find a poor person in the empire. This was because the first thing Lauel had done after politically subjugating the Saharan Empire was to secure distribution channels by clearing roads and expanding warehouses.

This way, the large quantities of food harvested by Piaro and the farmers were quickly transported to various parts of the country without wasting anything. This resulted in a thorough reduction in food prices.

The empire had made it too easy for the people of this era to live comfortable lives. Their only goal had been not to starve. This had been done through the joint efforts of Lauel, who had modern knowledge, and Piaro, the God of Farming. Thanks to their efforts, the population of the empire had grown rapidly.

However, this had many side effects. People started avoiding hard work. Those who could eat their fill with minimal labor didn’t feel the need to work hard. The population was increasing, but the labor force was decreasing.

In other words, the burden on the empire had increased. This was a very serious situation, especially considering that the level of education in the Overgeared Empire was very high. Education was free and academies had been established in every region. People had been honing their skills smoothly, but they were standing locked in a corner of their houses, playing around and sleeping.

Peak Sword frowned and clicked his tongue before focusing on a section of the papers. “In any case, young people these days have bulging full stomachs. This is a problem... Huh? The application rate for enlistment has actually increased? Forget what I just said. There are so many great young people in the empire! They are genuine patriots who avoid trivial things and are full of devotion to serve their nation!”

“Nothing in the world is trivial,” Rabbit replied coldly. “Hey, can’t you check the statistics properly? Don’t just skim through the papers.”

Surprised, Peak Sword reviewed the papers once again. The sharp increase in the enlistment application rates had occurred in the last month. Prior to that, there had actually been a decline compared to the previous year.

“...This happened right after the public realized that eradicating the cultivators was certain.”

“On top of that, it happened after His Excellency the prime minister announced that new soldiers won’t be sent to war against the cultivators.”

“That’s because new recruits wouldn’t have been effective against the cultivators... Wait, then what is this? Are you saying that these people volunteered in the army to only suck up the benefits?”

“They probably thought the war would be over once the cultivators disappeared. Who would oppose the Overgeared Empire, which has become even stronger than before?”

Peak Sword wailed. “After teaching them so much, they are only good at being lazy. In any case, young people these days don’t have any conviction. Absolutely no conviction. They are just trying to earn money. So we have to be careful when increasing the people’s welfare, don’t we?”

Taking South Korean society as an example, Peak Sword argued that people should be pressured by adopting a more resolute and harsh policy.

Pon clicked his tongue. “Are you sure you’re not from North Korea?”

“...What? North Korea? You bastard…!”

Peak Sword was the president of the Korean Patriotic Association. He hated the Kim family in the north more than anyone else. It was hard for him to dismiss Pon’s words as a joke. His face turned so red, he was about to raise his voice.

Lauel interrupted him. “I don’t like saying this, but I agree with Peak Sword. It’s true that I gave too many benefits because I was focused on raising the standard of living and the education of the people. This is clearly my fault. I will swing a scalpel and operate on the comfort of the people, making their lives more difficult so that they can regain the passion they have lost.”

“Uhm... I know what you mean, but is this the right thing to do? Does it make sense to deliberately ruin the lives of our people?”

never said this would be devastating for them. I am saying that I will give them appropriate ordeals so that

that the same

covered half his face

welfare? If you can do it in any other way

“......”

competitive world, so they sensed that Lauel was taunting them. This was an obvious challenge. Unlike the usual confrontation between everyone’s armed forces and

than anyone else. But now the conditions were different. Lauel was in

way smaller compared to Lauel’s. Lauel didn’t just manage his own territory. He also managed the

different method than you. I’ll also do it faster than you. My lion heart was honed in the war! I shall make the people in my territory feel rejuvenated! I will restore the labor force of my territory

“Rejuvenated...?”

declaration. They realized

his teacup leisurely and snorted. “Your spirit is admirable. Having confidence isn’t bad in

flatten that arrogant nose of

fell for Lauel’s taunting even though they knew better. Unless something important was at stake, like the safety of their colleagues or the

how it used to be a few years ago. The people’s level of education in the cities is incredibly high. There will be many people who will oppose Lauel’s coercive policy rather than respond to it. However, the people in my territory will listen to me if

rankers predicted their chances of winning in any adverse situation. They based these predictions on their experience, information,

a chance of winning as long as my

why they had fought against Absolutes

“I also accept the

“Me too,” Yura interjected.

two of them were smiling

nervousness. “The two of you...

his territory. His people revered him as more than a lord. He was the Sword Saint. Anyone who walked the path of the sword inevitably admired him.

from those on the surface. There was still a tendency to follow the logic of the law of the jungle in hell, so they obeyed the orders

was nervous. He whispered

voice.

“...Well...”

couldn’t argue with Lauel. The real reason for this challenge was to revive the competitiveness of the territories and rebuild the finances of the empire. Regardless of who won, Rabbit would just be grateful

the victor! I’ll boost the economy of my

“Me too!”

“Me as well!”

“......”

other members of the Overgeared Guild seemed to have forgotten their original purpose. All of them were excited as they left except for

Lauel began laughing eerily.