Chapter 114: Chapter 113: Bathing Together and Discussing Matters

Jon wrapped an arm around Rosalind’s slender waist, pulling her into his embrace. At the same time, his hand swept through the water and playfully teased the sensitive skin beside her navel—it was her weak spot, and her reactions were always amusing.

"You’ve worked hard, going above and beyond."

"Ah—"

The simple words of concern and the intimate touch made Rosalind let out an involuntary soft cry, a sound uncharacteristic of her, and her body tensed for an instant.

But just as quickly, she slowly relaxed again.

She gently lowered her head, resting her cheek against Jon’s chest. Closing her eyes, she felt the strong, steady beat of his heart and the warmth of his embrace.

The stress from days of travel, the constant fear and anxiety, and the exhaustion from caring for Reya and managing the trading post’s complex affairs—it all quietly melted away in the warmth of their embrace and the soothing caress of the water.

"Thank you... Master..."

"Mm..."

Time flowed by silently amidst the swirling steam.

After some time, Jon finally spoke again, his voice back to its usual calm and steady tone.

"Rosalind, regarding the next step—establishing our own faction—recruiting our core personnel is key."

He spoke slowly, his gaze fixed on the rising steam.

"We need reliable young people with potential, and preferably those with some foundational skills."

"The Workshop, guards, future Alchemists, Mechanicians... they all need new blood. We can’t rely solely on the Golden Maple Leaf’s network. What are your thoughts?"

Rosalind, long accustomed to Jon’s sudden shifts in thought, lifted her head. She sat up straight in the pool, revealing an upper body as perfect as the Goddess Venus, and her once-hazy silver eyes sharpened with the light of cool-headed contemplation through the mist.

She turned slightly to get a better look at Jon’s profile.

"Master, you’ve considered this very thoroughly."

"Directly recruiting established, highly skilled craftsmen or Warriors would be expensive and attract unwanted attention. Plus, we couldn’t guarantee their loyalty in the short term."

"I also lean toward finding young people who have some basic skills, are eager to learn, and are either still apprentices or have just completed their training and haven’t found a permanent position yet."

She paused for a moment, as if organizing a more concrete plan in her mind.

"But to do this properly, it would be best to go to Heta City."

"As the capital of Heta County, Heta City has a significant number of workshops and factories. It’s a hub for apprentices, especially in areas like basic mechanical component manufacturing and the processing of raw alchemy ingredients."

"These young people are often underpaid and overworked, with limited room for advancement. They’re desperate to learn more advanced skills and achieve a better life."

Rosalind looked at Jon, her cool expression filled with the shrewd pragmatism of a veteran administrator.

"If we can offer them compensation in Birch Town that’s slightly better than what they’re making now, but still far less than a master craftsman’s wage, while also promising systematic Advanced Skills training—whether in Engineering or alchemy—"

"As long as we give them a clear path for growth and a sense of belonging, I believe it will be a powerful draw for those ambitious apprentices who are struggling to find opportunities."

she added.

"You said before that our initial production scale will be small, so we won’t need many people. That makes ensuring loyalty and adaptability even more important."

"Therefore, we can focus our recruitment efforts in Heta City’s factory district and outer city, and we should do so discreetly."

"We can bring the chosen apprentices to Birch Town and train them in our own Workshop. This will build a solid, reliable foundation and ensure they are fully integrated into your system, Master."

Jon listened intently, his fingers unconsciously tracing patterns in the water.

As a former ordinary player who had never held a management position in a major guild, he naturally didn’t know much about administration. He could only make high-level decisions based on his modern-world knowledge.

Rosalind, however, was different. As a professional administrator, she not only fully grasped his intentions but also offered suggestions that aligned perfectly with his goals, all while formulating a practical plan based on the reality of their situation.

The pool of apprentices in Heta City was indeed an excellent starting point.

As long as they followed her plan, there would be almost no problems.

So Jon had no qualms about being a hands-off manager.

"Let’s do it your way."

"Draft a preliminary proposal. Include recruitment standards, compensation details, an outline of the training curriculum, and your initial thoughts on how to screen candidates and ensure their loyalty."

"Once this current trouble blows over, and after we’ve chosen a location for our base and started setting up the Workshop, we can launch the recruitment plan."

"Yes, Master."

Rosalind gave a slight nod.

"I will draft a detailed plan as soon as possible to ensure we recruit talent that meets your requirements, Master."

"There’s no rush. For now, let’s focus on dealing with our enemies. There’s no telling what those ambitious schemers might pull..."

With the business talk concluded, it was time for other, less proper, matters.

Jon’s hand on Rosalind’s waist began to roam, causing her pretty face, already flushed from the warm water, to blush an even deeper crimson.

Having been intimate with Jon before, she naturally knew what this meant.

But this time, she wanted to serve her gentle master in a different way—just like she had read about in certain books.

Rosalind looked at Jon, gently took his hand, and met his gaze with her silvery, steam-kissed eyes.

Then, under Jon’s astonished gaze, her entire body slid down into the water like a graceful serpent.

This time, even with all his theoretical experience, he couldn’t help but be astonished.

"Oh... my god... where did you learn this..."

—

「The next morning.」

Rosalind still wasn’t ready to tell Reya about her relationship with Jon, so after their wonderful shared bath last night, she had left his private room, still shrouded in steam.

As for Jon, after organizing his Engineering materials and crafting a few Crystal Energy Equipment components that were useful for his current level, he planned to go train his newly acquired mount. He also considered sparring with Evans to farm some experience.

However, just as he stepped out of his room, he ran into someone unexpected.

It was the Shadow Mage, Ivory—Reya’s supposed "aunt."

The Official Level Mage looked no different from when they first met. She still wore a figure-hugging black Magic Robe, and with her enchanting makeup, she looked every bit the witch emerging from the Shadow.

She was leaning against the far wall of the hallway, gazing at the snowy scenery outside the window, seemingly waiting for him specifically.

So, Jon didn’t pretend not to see her and simply raised a hand in greeting.

"Good morning, Lady Ivory."

"Good morning, Mr. Jon..."

The woman replied, her dark violet eyes scanning Jon from head to toe before a slight smile played on her lips. She spoke in a leisurely tone.

"The intelligence report on that Priest, Ingram, you mentioned has arrived. Let’s go to the council chamber."

Unfazed by her appraising gaze and smile, Jon gestured for her to lead the way.

"My pleasure."

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