The carriage rolled through the narrow, filthy alleys while the knights at the front forced their way forward with roughness. They shouted at passersby and drove them off the path. If anyone was too slow to move aside, they were kicked without hesitation. It didn't matter whether it was a child or an elder—everyone was treated with the same harshness.
Arthur watched it all with a complicated expression, unable to tell them to stop. He wasn't supposed to show mercy. After a short moment of inner conflict, he ordered the driver to slow down further, hoping it would give the townsfolk enough time to move aside.
The village was considered a small town by medieval standards, but by modern ones, it was no more than a village of around two thousand people. The total population of the barony was about five thousand, most of whom were concentrated in this village and the castle itself, which housed around three hundred people—including slaves, servants, and soldiers. The castle was designed to hold even more, built as a sturdy fortress to shelter the people in case of enemy attack.
The rest of the population had built their homes near the barony's widespread farmlands. At the center of the village was a modest market where all sorts of basic materials and goods were sold. The main currencies in this world were gold, silver, and copper coins. One gold coin was worth a hundred silver, and one silver coin equaled a hundred copper. In their daily lives, commoners mostly used copper coins. Silver was rarely seen due to its scarcity, while gold coins were considered so precious that most commoners had never seen one.
After briefly surveying the village, Arthur instructed the driver to head toward the farmlands. Once they left the stinking village behind, he stopped the carriage and stepped out. No one expected him to do so. Chadwick hastily dismounted his horse and stood behind him, asking hesitantly:
"What are your orders, my lord?"
Arthur paid no attention to their tense expressions. He took a breath of the relatively clean air, free of the stench of human waste. Calmly, he walked through the crops and inspected the plants. Using the *Plot Savant* skill, he discovered that the entire harvest was infested with toxic pests and parasitic plants. He already knew this year's yield would be bad, but seeing it with his own eyes made him upset.
'If I'm still alive by next season, I'll completely overhaul their farming system. They don't know how to properly harness the land's value. In fact, they don't understand the value of anything. I need to spread my civilized knowledge among them.'
Lost in thoughts from his more advanced world, a sudden idea struck him with such brilliance that his face froze. He quickly asked the system:
'Can you assess the potential of others to become mages or Boundless?'
[Yes, I can, but they must be within your field of vision.]
He smiled strangely, a rush of delight surging through him as he read the system's reply. He immediately felt better.
His followers trembled involuntarily at the strange expression on his face, thinking he had come up with something evil.
'Alright, tell me the potential of the soldiers around me.'
He looked sharply at the soldiers, scanning them with piercing eyes, which only increased their unease.
[Physical Potential: Low]
[Magical Affinity: None]
[Physical Potential: Low]
[Magical Affinity: None]
[Physical Potential: Medium]
[Magical Affinity: None]
Above each soldier's head, a screen appeared displaying their physical and magical potential. As Arthur expected, all of them had weak talents—except Chadwick, whose physical potential was rated medium. Based on what he knew from the novel, anyone with low physical potential would struggle to surpass D-rank in their lifetime. Those with medium potential could reach C-rank, but rarely exceeded it without rare techniques or talent enhancements.
This explained why there were no C-rank individuals in the barony. People of that level were strong and would never agree to serve a weak noble like the Baronet. Moreover, this world was extremely backward and full of social injustice. Even if a commoner had great talent, they likely wouldn't know it—simply because they couldn't afford a mage with Appraisal magic to assess them.
But this limitation didn't apply to Arthur. With the system's help, he could learn everything without the need for Appraisal magic or any magical scanning tool. After a brief moment of silence, he gave a firm, unquestionable command:
"Chadwick."
"Yes, my lord. What are your orders?"
"Tomorrow at noon, I want you to gather every person in the town between the ages of thirteen and twenty. Bring them all—girls and boys alike. Do not forget a single one."
Chadwick and the other soldiers were stunned by the strange order. After a brief pause to process it, he replied:
"Your wish is my command, my lord. Where do you want me to gather them?"
"Bring them to the castle."
Without saying another word, Arthur boarded the crude carriage, which rattled with every wheel turn, and returned to the castle. Octavia greeted him at the gate.
Back in his room, he sat on the bed, bored and unable to find anything to pass the time. He was still sick, so it wasn't wise to train and risk worsening his condition. After a short period of reflection, he realized he had overlooked something—his breath had become horribly foul. But due to the ever-present stench in the area, he hadn't noticed until now.
It didn't take him long to recall how to make a basic toothpaste and a simple toothbrush. Then he called for Octavia. As soon as she entered, she bowed.
"How may I serve you, my lord?"
Arthur looked at her and was about to ask for some ingredients—but then, a thought struck him. He ordered the system to scan her potential.
[Physical Potential: Low]
[Magical Affinity: Medium]
The words froze in his throat. She had magical potential. That was completely unexpected. The shock made him forget what he wanted to say, and he fell silent for a long time.
Octavia had no idea what he wanted, but his strange gaze, fixed on her, made her tremble. She feared he might assault her. But contrary to her expectations, Arthur suddenly spoke—saying something that made her heart race wildly in confusion.
"How is your mother?"
That simple question made the world spin around Octavia. She was terrified that Arthur might harm her beloved mother. In a trembling voice, she replied:
"S-She's fine…"
Arthur realized she had misunderstood and, in a cold tone, said:
"You're lying, but that's not important. Listen closely—I have a proposal for you."
"A proposal?" Octavia's emotions swirled. She couldn't understand Arthur's intent. If he wanted something, he only needed to command it. It would be done, whether she agreed or not. The idea of a proposal seemed completely out of place.
After a short silence, she asked fearfully:
"What is it you want from me, my lord?"
"Simply put—I want you."
Octavia's heart pounded, unable to process his words properly.