Elda.

Although it has acquired a name full of expectations, this place so far can barely be called a settlement, at most it's a base.

Well, don't worry too much about the house construction.

No matter what it ends up like... whether it will be abandoned, if it can't be finished, or if it'll be abandoned halfway through.

The name for the development was already chosen long before it even resembled a rough construction.

Those large developments with special meanings in their names have already attracted countless consumers to invest their money... cough.

Luckily, Herbert doesn't need to attract investments, nor does he need funds from residents to support operations.

Herbert thought for a while and confirmed the next steps.

"The foundation is laid, and the name is chosen, so the next need is for residents."

He can do without funds, but he absolutely needs a population.

Population carries a profound significance that's hard to ignore for a new territory.

Population is the source of vigor for the development of a new territory, with different individuals bringing their own skills, knowledge, and creativity.

Diverse human resources are like fresh blood injected into a newborn organism.

Herbert can't do everything by himself; he can't assume he can instantly become a jack-of-all-trades.

Architecture, agriculture, commerce... these basics might be manageable in the early stages with few people, but certainly need specialized talents once development begins.

With talents proficient in architecture, they can further plan and perfect the design and public facility construction of the new territory.

Those with agricultural knowledge, like Druids, can cultivate land to develop suitable agriculture ensuring food self-sufficiency.

Commercially adept talents can ensure fairness in internal transactions and engage in trade along external routes.

"So the question arises, where exactly can these talents be found?"

These talents, aside from personal abilities, have a crucial prerequisite — they must be able to keep this place's secrets or be a part of the secret themselves.

Preferably an Alien Race or Demon, the next best would be a half-breed, and worst case scenario... someone like Steven who has no ties to the outside world.

Although Steven hasn't awakened yet, nor can he express whether he has ties to the outside world… he's already seen by Herbert as someone unrelated to the outside world.

If Steven becomes unruly, insisting on ties with the outside world, that's fine.

He could passively become unrelated, as it makes no difference.

In this wilderness, getting shot in the back for 'suicide' doesn't really matter to anyone.

As Herbert worried, Nenasha spoke: ["Regarding this, I have a suggestion."]

"Oh?"

Herbert chuckled, remarked sarcastically: "You've finally decided to speak."

The reason he insisted on involving Nenasha earlier was for this moment.

He needs more help.

Even if that help has a certain cost, he would gladly accept it.

Since everything inherently requires a cost, it's like there is no cost.

If the commodities of fate already secretly collect taxes, it's akin to no tax at all, isn't it?

["Before, I didn't want to get too involved here, but since you insist I participate, I won't stop you."]

Nenasha laughed, asked: ["By the way, what do you think of Sofia?"]

"Great, she's obedient and loyal."

Herbert looked at the centaur Heroic Spirit, diligently following orders to cut more trees, and nodded satisfactorily.

Excellent.

Sofia is truly excellent!

She doesn't need food, rest, or wages... simply the heaven-sent construction worker!

Since I haven't offered her any compensation and it's all voluntary, we don't have a labor contract between us.

In other words, I, Herbert, am not exploiting her as a capitalist!

She obeys instructions completing tasks, I'm satisfied, she realizes her value, this is a win-win.

It's a blessing!

Perhaps sensing Herbert's shameless thoughts, Nenasha's laughter turned more sinister:

["So, do you want more Heroic Spirits like her?"]

"Oh!!?"

Herbert's eyes lit up, revealing an ugly smile: "Explain this matter in detail!"

I may not be a capitalist... but on second thought.

Such employees shouldn't be declined for free!

Rather than letting them be exploited by worse capitalists with worse behavior, let them enjoy blessings under my leadership.

Yes.

I'm rescuing them!

"Nenasha, quickly tell me, how can I rescue them!?"

["Rescue?"]

Even the Harmonious God's thoughts seemed too sinister to follow this ally's erratic thinking.

Where is this coming from?

How did rescue come into play all of a sudden?

"Don't ask too much, just tell me!"

["…Fine, I'll tell you."]

Nenasha poked Herbert's hand stretched into the spring with a tentacle, pushing the impatient dude away.

["This is my Divine Kingdom wreck, and you guessed right, there are indeed many Heroic Spirits like Sofia lost and bewildered in this mist."]

["Ninety-nine percent of the Heroic Spirits in the Divine Kingdom have been destroyed, but the remaining numbers are actually still considerable."]

["Most of them are not powerful enough, forced into a dormant state, with Soul Cores scattered throughout the misty mountains."]

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