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...

"Perhaps we should try next year to see if we can cultivate some sweet potatoes."

In the manor's main hall, by the fireplace, Luo De murmured to himself while roasting potatoes.

The eastern continent originally didn't have sweet potatoes; they came from the Land of the Gods where the Holy Council is located.

According to the Church, sweet potatoes, potatoes, peppers, and tomatoes, crops not found on the eastern continent, are all blessings from the gods.

Luo De didn't care where they came from, as long as there was something to eat.

The current variety of crops at Black Pine Ridge is too limited, and this problem must be solved next year.

However, for large-scale planting, many seeds need to be planned and prepared in advance.

Especially since potato and sweet potato can produce starch, more food can be made from them.

Thinking of this, Luo De simply took out the map of Black Pine Ridge and started planning more farmland.

Five thousand acres is a very large area, and now the farthest farmland is three kilometers away from Frost Leaf Town, which takes a lot of time to travel back and forth.

After all, farmers are not those trained soldiers, and three kilometers is a long way for them.

Luo De stared intently at the map, murmuring to himself, "Perhaps we can start from Black Stone Stronghold and open up some farmland in other directions."

After opening up the land, it cannot be left unchecked, especially after crops are planted.

Regular patrols and monitoring are necessary.

Now, although there's no need to guard against robbers in the territory, wild beasts still need to be handled promptly.

Luo De calculated, planning a few watchtowers appropriately around each farmland, using brick as the material.

The watchtowers can provide accommodations for patrols and occasionally shelter farmers who can't return home during the autumn harvest.

Watchtowers can also be built into beacons to let messages spread faster in Black Pine Ridge.

This way, with the continuous increase in farmland, watchtowers will be gradually established, and the entire territory will slowly come under Luo De's control.

As the population gradually increases, not everyone can live in Frost Leaf Town, and some villages will need to be established in the surrounding areas in the future.

Just as Luo De was drawing on the map, the Guard respectfully reported, "Master, the blacksmith Hammer requests an audience with you."

Luo De snapped back from his thoughts and said softly, "Hmm, let him in."

"Yes."

The Guard responded and went out, bringing Hammer in shortly after.

"Good day, esteemed Lord."

After bowing, Hammer reported, "The standard plate armor you asked for has been initially forged, and you can check it at any time."

"If it's inconvenient for you, I can move the plate armor over."

"No need, it's more convenient to go and see."

Luo De got up, "Let's go."

Hammer nodded, giving way to let Luo De go first, then followed.

Soon, Luo De arrived at the Blacksmith Shop.

The blacksmiths bowed respectfully, and then an apprentice carried a box in, carefully placing it on the ground.

Beduo was also waiting nearby.

Luo De opened the box and took a look.

Except for not being polished, it was already a complete set of plate armor.

Luo De gestured for a Guard to come over and said to Hammer, "Ace seems to have a relatively standard and upright figure, let him try it on."

"Come, help him take off the chain armor he's wearing."

"Yes, my lord."

Two blacksmiths stepped forward to help quickly remove the chain armor and put on the plate armor.

Luo De looked at the Guard encased in metal plates and couldn't help but nod.

Even without the polish, the plate armor added a touch of valiance to the Guard, making him look more formal.

One must admit, only with such Guards by his side could Luo De's noble status be emphasized more prominently.

"How does it feel?" Luo De asked the Guard.

The Guard moved his body left and right, lifting his arms to test flexibility, and honestly replied, "The lower part of the chest armor is a bit loose, and the shoulders feel a bit narrow, but other than that, it's fine."

The Guard thought for a moment, then added, "The back... the lower back is a bit narrow, nothing else beyond that."

Luo De nodded slightly and stepped forward to take a closer look.

The shoulder armor was indeed somewhat narrow, and the lower chest armor was already tightened to its limit.

Luo De pondered for a moment and instructed, "Actually, being a bit bigger isn't a problem, it can be resolved by thickening the lining, making it more comfortable to wear."

Under normal circumstances, plate armor has linings too, with some soft leather or fabric stuffed inside.

Otherwise, wearing a piece of iron on the body, no one could endure that.

"Understood, my lord," Hammer responded.

"The shoulder armor can also be adjusted this way,"

Luo De continued, "You might not be able to perfectly fit everyone's body shape, but you can make it downward compatible so more soldiers can wear it."

"And then, through straps and lining, or detailed adjustments, make it fit the body better."

"Master, may I make a suggestion?" the Guard suddenly asked cautiously.

"Of course, feel free to speak."

Luo De gestured with his hand.

The Guard thought for a moment and said, "I think most of the brothers in the team can wear this set of plate armor, but not Hein and Oliva; one is too thin, the other too fat."

"Hmm, you're right,"

Luo De nodded slightly, realizing that his previous idea was somewhat simplistic, and there was indeed a gap in practice.

He thought for a moment and then instructed the Guard, "Go get Lawrence for me."

"Yes, Master."

The Guard quickly ran out to notify Lawrence.

With the Lord's summons, Lawrence naturally couldn't be lax; he swiftly twisted his body and ran over.

He hadn't caught his breath yet: "Master, what are your commands?"

Luo De stared at Lawrence, "You must immediately spare some time to measure the height, weight, waist circumference, chest circumference, hip circumference, and shoulder width of all regular soldiers in the territory, and record them in detail."

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