The cultivation of Cordyceps sinensis was extremely successful. Because I had it made into a single ring by a craftsman, its effect was even better. I think it was because it didn't have any impurities like scorpion skin and was much richer. It seemed that what Princess Justia had discovered was the optimal condition.
"The base is oats. Low temperature, high humidity. That's the key."
Now, all that was left was to make the dry ring, but there was something else that had to be done first: the ultimate craftsman competition. As the days passed, the finished products began to arrive one after another.
The judges were officials from the Government-General.
To increase reliability, I conducted a blind test.
It consisted of three married men, each testing the products by age.
The competition lasted for a full ten days.
The plan was to take the pill once every two days and write down a review.
"What's the difference, really? It's all about the effectiveness of the raw materials."
But surprisingly, the judges' choices were concentrated in a few places.
This meant that one single ring stood out among them. After a fierce competition, the winner was decided by just one vote.
"The first-place winner of the artisan selection contest is Artisan Quaitun! The second-place winner is Artisan Raglas!"
"Wow!"
When the results were announced, cheers erupted everywhere.
The craftsmen sat still, clenching their fists to maintain their composure. However, one disciple couldn't contain his excitement and shouted.
How could one not be happy when one's teacher is acknowledged as the best?
I gave a large plaque to both Quaitun and Raglas.
"Thank you all for your hard work."
"You're welcome."
"Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity."
The two craftsmen smiled brightly, delighted at the prospect of receiving a large bag of gold coins. But I didn't give out the prize money right away.
"The final step is to disclose the technology to me and cooperate in improving it."
"What? Was there such a condition?"
"This is the first time I've heard of this."
Of course, everyone was tempted by the sum of 100 golden coins and didn't listen properly.
They probably didn't even read the terms and conditions on the application form.
I took out two pieces of paper and held them up with both hands, pointing out the conditions I just mentioned. The craftsmen glanced at each other with uncomfortable expressions.
It seems they were not happy about their know-how being leaked.
It couldn't be helped; it's a family business that has been passed down for generations. If anyone could learn it easily, why take on apprentices?
But there was no need to worry. I knew they would hesitate.
"I will give you a share of the Danhwan factory. You will be able to make a living from now on without any problems."
I could probably make a lot of money, a huge amount on a different level from what I've earned so far.
When I explained the business structure and vision, the craftsmen's expressions changed. Then, out of the blue, one asked:
"After giving all this away, what will Your Excellency the Governor gain?"
It was a valid point. On the surface, it might seem like I wasn't taking anything. But Quaitun's question was misplaced.
"First, gain His Majesty's trust. If we normalize the Deliat Autonomy, Emperor Charon's trust in me will increase even more. Because I always get what I want."
Moreover, my influence here would grow.
I already had enormous power in the public sphere.
As the Governor, who could resist my authority? However, deep distrust existed among the public due to the previous governors' mismanagement.
The Cordyceps sinensis extract business was expected to be the driving force behind Deliat's transformation.
Based on this, I must continue to invest in various areas.
Besides, it wasn't like I couldn't make money. To begin with, I would own most of the shares of the Danhwan factory. But now was not the time to explain in detail.
It may sound like a scam, but this was a time when words were absolutely necessary.
"Do I look like someone who needs money?"
The two craftsmen's expressions became distorted.
They finally remembered who I was: the Emperor's cousin, Duke of the Empire, and Governor of the Dominion.
Various titles and positions that described me came to mind.
"I see."
"I want Deliat to return to its former state as soon as possible. His Majesty the Emperor sent me to achieve this."
"Ah! Your Excellency the Governor!"
The two craftsmen hugged the plaques tightly with expressions of admiration.
Judging by the tears welling up in their eyes, they seemed quite moved. Of course, my true feelings were a little different from what they thought.
'I have a lot of wealth. But I won't push away the compensation that should have come to me.'
Isn't that obvious? No matter how indifferent you are to money, how could you possibly hate it?
Quaitun and Raglas' attitudes changed positively. It wasn't just because they received the award, but it seemed to be due to what I said. It's a famous quote that really hits deep.
'My head hurts a little, but it's not difficult.'
Learning the single-ring production process was not a big problem.
Anyway, I wasn't going to make it myself; I just needed to understand the overall framework.
As expected, the most time-consuming part was the refining process. Both craftsmen boiled the ingredients to remove impurities and combined the essence with a herb called 'poro.' Searᴄh the nôᴠel Fire.nёt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.
"Captives are key medicinal herbs that enhance the effect."
"Oh! You use that too. What's the percentage?"
"It's half and half."
"I put less than that, so I guess I got second place. Ugh!"
"Your Danhwan has something to learn too. It tastes much milder. What else did you put in it?"
"I put the poro in with the roots. It tastes sweet."
"Ohh?"
Quaitun and Raglas shared their secrets and complemented each other's weaknesses.
We created a pill that was both effective and delicious. Additionally, I introduced a production process and a drying process that involved the division of labor.
"Are you saying that you completely dried the single ring?"
"If there's moisture, it will rot quickly. Let's just make it once."
"Yes...."
The two craftsmen looked uneasy but did as they were told.
After all, I was the owner of the single-ring factory. Moreover, they promised to actively cooperate. How could skilled craftsmen speak two words at once?
But the results were surprisingly good. It even became easier to eat because its size was reduced.
"Hmm? This is better than I thought."
The students who volunteered for the experiment were very enthusiastic about it from the first bite, even though they hadn't experienced the full effects yet.
"Don't judge before it works."
Although Quaitun reprimanded him politely, the disciple continued to voice his opinion.
"No, it's really different. I used to be a little put off by the richness of it. Now, it's like eating a well-baked cookie."
"Are you saying it's delicious?"
"Not to that extent. I mean, it's much more edible."
"Hmm."
Honestly, I felt that way too.
It was true that it was very tasteless if eaten as regular food. Since it was a health supplement, I just swallowed it without thinking about it.
Anyway, a day passed like that.
Quaitun's disciple returned with a pale face.
"No! I took that precious medicine, so why did this happen?"
"Huh! That's right. That's really strange. It would be normal if you were still in good health."
The two surprised craftsmen peppered him with questions. Then Quaitun's disciple weakly raised his thumb and said:
"I… I couldn't sleep a wink."
That meant the effect was enormous. I clapped my hands with a satisfied expression.
"Okay. Then let's proceed with production like this."
---
There was an unprecedented event taking place near the Government-General building. Propagandists started walking around, shouting loudly:
"The best craftsmen of Deliat are establishing a single-ring factory. We are hiring workers, so come for an interview!"
There was also a large poster, but the content was nothing special. In fact, there wasn't a single word written on it. Instead, there was a map of the Danhwan factory and some drawings.
The content was that if you did a rough job, you would be paid. However, people's gazes were cold.
"Aren't those the Governor-General's officials?"
"That's right. Everyone ran away, and only a few people remained, so why are you working so hard?"
"Anyway, it's true that this time too, things are not going well. How much has the Governor-General exploited us so far?"
"Oh my! Instead of paying me for the work I did, they just took my money, saying it was taxes."
"How many people have died from forced labor? It is a hundred times better to just stay still and starve."
Deep-rooted distrust was not easily resolved.
People shook their heads and dispersed.
I promise to never be fooled again.
But the propagandists didn't give up.
Later, even Quaitun and Raglas' disciples were mobilized.
Then, more and more people started to become interested.
They was so hungry that they had to jump into the scorpion zone.
Moreover, there are conditions that make such people vulnerable.
"Just for the interview, we'll give you a meal."
"Huh? Is that true?"
"Of course. Since you have nothing to lose anyway, consider it a scam and give it a try."
"hmm...."
The worry didn't last long.
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People who had been scattering gathered in groups of three or four, and soon formed a large group.
Towards the Q&L single-cycle factory.
But, an unexpected problem occurred.
The point is that a crowd driven by hunger is extremely dangerous.
"Hey, it's bread!"
"Give it to me first! I feel like I'm going to die right now!"
It was like dog fight....