Building a Modern Nation in a Fantasy World-Chapter 52: Recruitment

"Honey!" A woman in her late thirties rushed toward her husband, her voice brimming with excitement.

"Maria? Slow down." Elric set down his wooden mug, raising a brow. "What’s the rush?"

"There’s another recruitment notice from the palace!" Maria said, breathless but beaming.

"Again?" Elric’s expression darkened with curiosity.

For the past few months, Arthur had been recruiting hundreds—nearly a thousand—skilled workers for KTO and other department. Blacksmiths, non-ranking mages with decent proficiency, scholars who could read and write, and various other talents had been hired under strict selection. But this time… something was different.

Maria straightened with confidence. "I heard the requirements this time aren’t as strict as before. They’re looking for people who can handle heavy lifting and bad smells." Her eyes glimmered. "Doesn’t that suit you? Your current job already has you hauling heavy loads—and the stench… I can’t even get near you until you wash up."

Elric winced, the bluntness of her words hitting harder than expected. But she wasn’t wrong.

He was no stranger to foul odors. As a tanner, his days were spent soaking hides in harsh solutions, scraping away fat and flesh while enduring the gut-wrenching stench of rotting animal remains. The acrid cocktail of urine, lime, and decay clung to his skin no matter how hard he scrubbed. It was honest work, but grueling—and most people couldn’t bear to stand near him. To add more, the pay was so low that even his wife had to work to support their family.

During theses few month, everyone in Keldoria realize that working for King Arthur meant generous pay—better than any noble or merchant could offer. The working conditions were fair, and unlike most lords, the palace ensured proper treatment for its laborers.

But there was always one condition.

"Is there also a magic contract we need to sign?," Elric questioned.

Maria nodded. "Same as always. No one can reveal what they’re working on. People say it’s to protect the kingdom’s secrets."

Elric stroked his chin thoughtfully. "With how much Arthur pays… I doubt anyone complains. The last batch of recruits? They’re living comfortably now."

Maria’s grin widened. "So? Will you apply?"

Elric let out a heavy breath. Tanning was all he had ever known. But if Arthur was looking for people who could endure hard labor and foul smells… maybe—just maybe—this was his chance to escape the tanner’s pits for good.

"Well… it’s not like I’ve got anything to lose."

"Great! The recruitment is tomorrow at 9 a.m. near the Keldoria Tax Office in Eldoria’s central square. Get there early—everyone’s going to want a shot at this."

"But… I have work tomorrow," Elric hesitated.

Maria crossed her arms. "This could be your only chance to leave that miserable job behind. Take a sick day or something—if you get hired, we can finally start living better."

Elric hesitated, uncertainty flickering across his face. But after a moment, he nodded.

"Alright… I’ll go."

"Good, go rest now, I will take care of the children tonight." Maria replied

…

Elric awoke before the first light of dawn, the sky outside still cloaked in midnight’s shadow. The air was cold, biting at his skin as he hurried through his morning routine. He splashed his face with icy water, ate a quick piece of stale bread, and dressed in his sturdiest clothes—nothing fancy, just enough to keep him warm and presentable.

By the time he stepped out the door, the world was still and quiet, save for the crunch of frost beneath his boots.

Four hours early, he muttered, clutching his coat tighter against the chill. That should be more than enough.

Or so he thought.

When Elric arrived at the recruitment site near the Keldoria Tax Office, his heart sank. A sea of people had already gathered, stretching far beyond the square, wrapping around buildings like a living tide. It wasn’t even five in the morning.

"By the gods," he whispered, joining the end of the endless line.

As the minutes dragged into hours, the cold settled into his bones. He shifted from foot to foot, trying to stay warm. That’s when a voice behind him broke the monotony.

"Long morning ahead, huh?"

Elric turned to find a man standing beside him—a stout fellow with a friendly face and sharp eyes, bundled in layers of worn but well-kept clothing. He smelled faintly of spiced meats and baked bread, a welcome change from the usual stench Elric carried from the tannery.

"Looks that way," Elric replied, offering a tired smile. "Didn’t think I’d be showing up early just to stand at the end of a parade."

The man chuckled, holding out a hand. "Name’s Bram. I run a food stall over by Eldoria’s west gate. Fried meat skewers—best you’ll find in the city, if I do say so myself."

Elric shook his hand firmly. "Elric. Tanner by trade. Can’t say I’ve tried your food, but it sounds better than anything I’ve had lately."

"A tanner, huh? Tough work." Bram grinned, then shrugged. "Funny, though. You’d think a man running a good stall wouldn’t need to be here, right?"

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Elric raised a brow. "Yeah, why are you here? Sounds like you’re doing well enough already."

Bram’s expression turned thoughtful. "Aye, I earn a decent amount, no doubt about it. But decent doesn’t mean steady." He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Bad weather, poor harvests—it can all go south fast. But working for Arthur? That’s different. Steady pay, fair treatment, and from what I’ve heard, you get respect. Not like the nobles who toss you scraps and expect you to grovel for ’em."

Elric nodded slowly. "Yeah… I’ve heard the same. Folks who got in last time—some of ’em used to be worse off than me. Now they’re living like kings compared to what they had before."

"Exactly!" Bram leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "And have you heard the rumors? Some say Arthur’s working on something big—bigger than just hiring smiths or scribes. Something that could change the whole kingdom."

Elric’s curiosity sparked. "What kind of ’something big’?"

Bram shrugged. "No one really knows. Magic contracts keep everyone’s lips sealed tighter than a dragon’s hoard. But if Arthur’s recruiting folks like us—laborers, vendors, common folk—it’s gotta be something."

Elric let the thought settle in his mind, the weight of possibility pressing on his shoulders.

"Well," he finally said, glancing toward the front of the ever-growing line, "whatever it is, I just hope it’s better than the stench of rotting hides."

Bram let out a hearty laugh. "With how you’re talking, Elric, I think you’re more than ready for something better."

As they talk the sun began to rise, painting the sky in hues of orange and gold, the line crept forward, and for the first time that morning, Elric felt a spark of hope stir within him.