Chapter 6: Reward And Punishment System

I was smiling with satisfaction: "It seems like things are going a little better now."

To make people work hard, motivation was needed.

So far, I've been using the carrot-and-stick approach as much as I can, so it's time to present the carrot. That's why I said I would raise their salaries.

But it was difficult to just give money.

Things work properly only when supported by an appropriate system.

Maybe it's because I have some experience as a public servant, but that's what I thought about as soon as I saw the workers.

"Responsibility becomes clear, and performance indicators can be created."

Since the existing system was so old-fashioned, implementing a work schedule was a huge improvement.

Of course, there was dissonance at first.

The initial problem was that the exact time was not known, and the handover did not proceed properly.

So I established a system of two days on and one day off. In addition, the scope of work was made clear.

Then the response came immediately.

"Does it feel like work is easier than before?"

"Of course. You can rest twice a week."

"I'm not saying that."

"Ah, you mean the rule that you can go back when you're done with your work?"

"That's right. Because I rest well, I can move energetically the next day."

"After all, a person must meet his master well."

"No problem! This is all thanks to His Highness Carriers."

"Please live long and rule for a long time."

"What are you doing? Don't worry; just pray."

"Well, I guess so."

The voices of praise grew louder day by day.

Even Deacon Miller Xavier, who had been hesitant, had no choice but to admit it.

Work efficiency had definitely increased.

Doing something by force and doing it voluntarily—it was natural that the latter worked better.

"I can't believe it. People who only pretended to listen are working so hard..." I lightly shrugged my shoulders.

The labor cost for them wasn't much money anyway.

The Carriers family is a historic ducal family.

If I can gain loyalty with a few gold coins, I will have a lot of money left over.

Plus, I can increase production.

"Anyway, I want to check how much it has gone up."

I thought it would be a good idea to interview the workers in the future. But suddenly, Deacon Xavier suggested an opinion.

"Your Highness, I have something to tell you."

"What is it?"

"We will be cheering for the improved environment now, but there will be people who abuse it."

I nodded. It was the most appropriate advice at this time. There are bound to be people who think that if favor continues, it is their right.

"That's okay. We will take action right away."

"Can I know what it is?"

"We will introduce a reward and punishment system."

The answer was simple.

Praise if they do well; warn if they don't. Sёarch* The NôvelFire.nёt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Then, if they cross the line, they'll be dismissed.

Ah, this might be misleading.

This did not mean separating the head from the body, but rather that the person would be dismissed.

"From now on, if anything deviates from the standards, just give a warning and report it."

"Are you saying I shouldn't correct it myself?"

"Yes, just letting them go is enough. There is no better job than here anyway."

This world was an extremely dark fantasy.

A beautiful and prosperous life is given only to those of high social status. For the rest, every day is like hell.

The biggest fear is losing what I originally enjoyed.

"It's a sure punishment. I have learned a lot from His Royal Highness the Duke over the past few days."

"Hehe! It was nothing."

"Okay then, I'll just go back to work."

"Oh, wait a minute."

I added one more command: the content was so surprising that Deacon Xavier's eyes doubled in size.

"Is there an empty land between the wheat field and the mansion?"

"Yes, this is where we were planning to create a new garden."

"Build staff accommodation there. Make it big and strong so that all workers can live there."

"…"

He really seemed very surprised. It's not merely a servant's house; it's a house for wage earners? It was an expression of sincere incomprehension.

But Deacon Xavier could only bow his head. Didn't he witness the workers' enthusiasm boiling over in just a few days?

"Here are the details. It must be a building that satisfies these conditions."

"Yes."

I turned around while watching the workers in the field.

Today was Monday.

Because it was the day I had to go to court.

"Oh, I don't want to work."

As I made my way toward the courthouse, my mind buzzed with thoughts about the events of the past few days.

Implementing the new work schedules and systems had yielded positive results, and it was satisfying to see the workers responding well.

The newfound motivation and increased productivity were encouraging signs, but I knew I couldn't become complacent.

Arriving at the courthouse, I was greeted by the usual somber atmosphere.

The courthouse, an imposing structure of stone and wood, seemed almost oppressive compared to the fields where the workers were now bustling with energy.

I steeled myself for the day's tasks. Although I didn't enjoy the legal work, it was a necessary part of my duties as Duke.

As I settled into my office, a stack of documents awaited me.

Legal disputes, property issues, and requests for my judgment: each case required careful consideration.

I sighed, anticipating a long and tedious day.