King of the North: My Lord's Diary Weekly Summary

He thought for a moment and then added, "Archery is also an option."

If there are any young people who are willing to learn, I can teach them while I'm at it.

However, I must make my own bow and arrows—I don't find it easy to make them myself.

Wayne looked at him.

This person speaks slowly and deliberately, without making exaggerated promises or showing any deliberate modesty—it's comfortable.

He was simply stating what he could do, what he needed, and what he could bring.

Unlike Raymond's composure, Sean's "steadiness" is a kind of steadfastness within his easygoing nature.

Very good, he suits Wayne's taste perfectly.

"it is good."

Wayne said, "From today onwards, the livestock on the ranch are yours to manage."

If you need anything, just ask Emma—she's in charge here.

I will talk to her.

If you have any specific needs, feel free to contact me directly.

Sean nodded, offering no further thanks, but simply said earnestly, "I will do my best, sir, please don't worry."

Wayne turned to leave, then stopped.

"Oh, right."

He turned to look at Sean.

"Was that bow you made yourself?"

"Um."

"Could it penetrate leather armor within fifty paces?"

Sean thought for a moment: "If it's ordinary leather armor, yes."

If it's two layers of hard skin, it depends on luck.

Wayne nodded: "Very good. You should take care of the herding and guiding the herders first. Your archery skills will also be very useful later."

……

night.

Wayne called the three men into the hall of his house.

Ronald, Wright, and Raymond.

The first two were his brothers whom he absolutely trusted, while the latter was his absolutely loyal follower.

After having the three check the surrounding area and confirm that there was no possibility of information leaks, Wayne got straight to the point and brought up the main course of tonight's secret conversation.

"Across the Ice Scar River—on that 'wasteland' located in our territory—there is a very large iron ore vein, probably over a hundred meters long."

The room fell silent for a moment.

The only response Wayne received was the wide-eyed stare of the three men.

Especially Ronald and Wright, they've been following Wayne around almost every day, how come they haven't seen any iron ore veins?

Even if we speculate based on Wayne's previous words—that Wayne had previously sought out people with mining experience or familiarity with underground engineering—but…

How did he know there was a large iron ore vein here?!

Furthermore, they hadn't mentioned it before, nor had they sent anyone to confirm it, but now they're making such a definitive statement?!

Wayne watched the three men's shocked reactions—their attempts to respond but their inability to find the words—as he had expected.

A vein of iron ore over 100 meters long is an absolute goldmine in the North, where blacksmiths are not in short supply.

But in fact, Wayne underestimated the truth—according to the previous exploration using a treasure-hunting pickaxe, the vein was a full three or four hundred meters long!

However, even though all the similar mountain mines that Wayne saw on the way to the territory were iron ore, it was hard to guarantee that this large vein wasn't entirely iron ore, so it wasn't wrong to say that it was less.

I know you have doubts.

His voice was calm: "But I have specific channels to confirm this."

He paused for a second to allow the three to better follow his pace: "Also, regarding my assessment of the iron ore mine, absolutely no fifth person must know."

Wayne's expression was serious, and his tone was heavy—at this moment, facing his most trusted subordinates, Wayne's aura as a lord was fully displayed.

Ronald and Wright, facing this imposing older brother, even unconsciously rolled their Adam's apples.

Raymond didn't react much, but simply thought and waited for Wayne to say something next—he soon realized that Wayne was about to assign them a key task.

Wayne continued.

"Secondly, I plan to tap into this iron ore vein."

He looked out the window—though the window was covered by a thick cloth, his gaze seemed to penetrate the obstruction, allowing him to see the river and the iron-rich mountain on the opposite bank.

"Those ships, those stones, those craftsmen, those tools—they were all made for this from the very beginning."

These words were like a bomb, and Ronald and Wright's breathing immediately quickened.

Following Wayne's words, they recalled Wayne's arrangements over the past few days:

Shipbuilding, quarrying, or even earlier, buying two blacksmiths, purchasing fewer iron resources, and securing the carpenter's support...

At the time, he thought it was just normal territory development, but now that he put these things together, he suddenly understands.

This is not just about saving money or attracting key talent; it's a well-planned, pre-planned effort!

"When cutting iron, you should let someone you trust do it."

Wayne's expression was serious: "The matter was accomplished in secrecy."

After those words were spoken, the room fell silent once more.

Although Wayne's words were short, they required considerable thought from the three, including Raymond, to understand their meaning.

Wayne is preparing to open an iron mine—a very risky undertaking. As the two knights who have followed Wayne in building the territory and participating in diplomatic work, and Raymond, who has a spirit of 15 and experience in managing the territory, they naturally understand what an iron mine means.

Iron is a versatile and precious material—its individual value may not be that high, but it is the foundation of almost all powerful forces!

Iron ore veins, especially large-scale ones, are likely to attract the attention of not only other lords... but even dukes!

After they deeply understood this point, when they carefully considered Wayne's words, they were immediately terrified and broke out in a cold sweat!

Wayne's operation—wooden boats, stone materials? And he wants the miners to keep it a secret?

What does he want to do?!

Ronald and Wright exchanged a glance.

They both saw the shock in each other's eyes—not shock at the iron ore, but shock at the meaning behind Wayne's words.

Ronald took a deep breath.

He recalled his interactions with Rachel these past few days, the rules of the Dukes' Union, and the metal armor worn by Rachel's knights...

Iron is a strategic resource.

It is no exaggeration to say that a medium-sized iron ore vein is enough to increase the value of a baronial territory fivefold.

That's enough to make a baron a target for a larger lord.

But the lord in front of me actually said that he wanted to open it!

And it had been in preparation from the very beginning...

Moreover, important matters are accomplished in secrecy...

He had already cultivated a deep relationship with two blacksmiths in his territory, and even placed one of the blacksmiths' daughters in an important position in the territory!

Upon closer reflection, it's clear that he had already foreseen and planned this all along, as soon as he arrived at the Duke's Manor!

What does this mean?

Does he intend to monopolize all the profits from this iron ore vein?!