Chapter 29
“The method used long ago though effected was incomparable to now,” I replied softly as the car finally passed the orchard and appeared in an area where vegetables were grown and people wearing wide brim hats and sunprotecting cloths, boots and gloves with their desired tools were tending to them.
“The tools I had asked to be prepared and stored, have they been delivered?”
“Yes, Miss Mi, they have been stored in the side storage rooms. There are also duplicates as well as a separate set for you if you wish to use them,” Miss Su replied, her tone always professional.
“En, how many have I employed here?” I inquired, eyes scanning the fields of green.
“At the moment there are over two thousand people residing within the estate, the majority being locals who have lived here for generations, the rest hailing from the surrounding villages, some as far as fifty kilometers away,” she replied, her tone precise and informative, “They have been meticulously divided into specialized groups based on their individual knowledge and skill sets. Many of them adhere to their own time-honored methods they have developed to meticulously care for their designated areas; orchard tending, responsible livestock management, including mustering practices perfected over generations, efficient loading and even humane slaughtering techniques, seasonal fruit picking, proactive disease treatment for both flora and fauna, careful pruning, nutrient-rich soil management, and diverse vegetable cultivation, all handled by their own dedicated and experienced teams.”
I hummed thoughtfully, “We can delve into the specifics of their roles and responsibilities later. Tell me first about the livestock situation?”
“The livestock are generally free to roam within the larger, designated pastures, with a few clearly marked, smaller safety zones to prevent any unfortunate incidents with delicate vegetable crops. Of course, we adhere to a careful rotation schedule to promote healthy grazing. The specific breeds and quantities you had requested during our initial correspondence have been kept segregated in a separate paddock, awaiting your explicit approval. Any additional livestock purchased to meet your desired levels is currently being held in quarantine, and Curren can provide a more detailed explanation of their acquisition and health records.”
I nodded slowly, processing the information. “For this amount of sprawling land, two thousand people seems like a relatively modest number, yet everything appears to be in perfect order thus far. However, first impressions can be deceiving, and my initial assessment might change once I’ve had the chance to thoroughly review all the pertinent information again. With this many inhabitants, establishing my own clearly defined territory will be essential, but it must be carefully planned and strategically implemented. Most of them might not even pass my rigorous screening process.”
As we slowly passed the vibrant rows of the vegetable fields, the old house finally came into breathtaking view. It was… undeniably breathtaking. It truly looked like it had been plucked straight from the set of a meticulously crafted historical drama. Two stories high, the structure boasted intricate carvings depicting ancient mythical creatures and auspicious symbols, all surrounding a grand courtyard paved with meticulously arranged stones. The entire estate was enclosed by a formidable stone wall, providing both security and an air of timeless elegance. The roof tiles were a deep, dark grey, almost black, providing a striking contrast with the cream-colored walls, which seemed to glow softly in the afternoon light. The roof itself curved elegantly upwards at the corners, and the windows were artfully latticed with delicate wooden patterns, filtering the sunlight into dappled patterns.
The sleek black car stopped smoothly and silently in front of the massive, exquisitely carved wooden gates, which were easily ten feet tall. Men in impeccably tailored black suits immediately and efficiently stepped out, their eyes constantly scanning the surroundings, their hands hovering near concealed weapons with practiced ease.
Rekuren, his face betraying no emotion, opened my door with a respectful bow. “Miss Mi, we have arrived at the main residence.”
I carefully picked up the little thing, cradling him close to my chest. He was still sound asleep, his tiny face peaceful and unblemished.
“The main courtyard house has been thoroughly prepared according to your specifications, Miss Mi. The various items and supplies we acquired during our journey are still being meticulously organized within the hundred-kilometer square area of the estate.” Rekuren continued, his voice a low, professional murmur.
My parents were somewhere far away, but as a now mature, independent thirty-two-year-old adult woman, I was perfectly fine with being alone for the time being. I walked forward with purpose, taking the few deliberate steps towards my new domain.
I paused, took a deep breath of the crisp, clean air, and finally stepped out of the car. As expected, the air was refreshingly fresh and clean, carrying the subtle scent of pine and damp earth. “I will dedicate today to relaxation and acclimation. As for the temporary housing arrangements for those currently residing here, please locate an empty house or suitable dwelling for them to spend the night,” I informed Rekuren softly, careful not to disturb the little thing who now slept peacefully in his car seat, he has been such an obedient child. “Yes, Miss Mi, I will immediately relay your instructions and oversee their execution.” Rekuren said with a slight, respectful bow, turning and striding off with brisk efficiency.
I looked around, taking in the full grandeur of the old house. It was even more impressive up close, the craftsmanship even more detailed than I had imagined. It is hard to believe that this is the twenty second century.
The massive doors were constructed from richly polished wood, featuring a double-panel design. They had intricate carvings depicting fierce lions facing due south, guarding the entrance. I paused to admire them for a moment, tracing the delicate details with my fingers, before continuing forward into the main courtyard, which, though it appeared historically authentic, I knew had been modernized and reinforced in such a way that it could be easily dismantled without damaging the original structure. After all, this home carried a deep and resonant history, one that needed to be carefully preserved. The muted sound of construction drifted from not too far away, a subtle reminder of the ongoing renovations.
It would be somewhat annoying to endure the noise, but it was a necessary inconvenience for what was to come.
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