How to acquire the iron ore, Thor had considered many methods. The simplest one was to return to the Dressrosa Family and request help from his father. The value of a large iron ore deposit is significant enough that even a typical Count would be tempted, and Thor believed his father would be very willing to secure the mining rights to such a deposit.
However, this thought only flickered in his mind for an instant.
It was quickly suppressed.
This was not because he was reluctant.
There were many reasons.
For one, as a Pioneer Knight, he was not supposed to return to his family before becoming a Baron, and the family would not provide further support.
While Count Engel Dressrosa would indeed offer support for a large iron ore deposit,
it would unquestionably diminish his father's assessment of him.
On the other hand, it was merely a large iron ore deposit; it wasn't something he couldn't handle. The only issue was how to deal with those thousands of goblins. If he had to seek his father's help for such a minor problem, how would he manage the subsequent development of his territory?
Relying on the family every time an issue arises, what kind of leader would that make him?
Count Engel Dressrosa had already given him a lot, and this time, he wanted to resolve it through his own abilities.
However, solving it was not without its problems.
As mentioned before, figuring out how to capture or eliminate most, if not all, of the thousands of goblins was a significant challenge.
Cowardly goblins typically have a very timid nature.
His Knight Order of over four hundred members could surely defeat thousands of cowardly goblins, but it was evidently impossible to capture all of them, and even capturing most of them was unlikely.
As long as enough goblins escaped, the information about the large iron ore would inevitably be leaked. Being near Loren City, even though the large iron ore wouldn't attract High-Level Orcs, some Low-Level Orcs or other Goblin Tribes would be enough to give him a headache.
Only by eliminating a large number of goblins and minimizing the number that escapes, thus reducing the chances of information leakage, could he ensure a stable development period.
But figuring out how to do so was certainly troublesome.
Thor pondered for a long time but couldn't think of a good solution.
Until he looked at the frenzied peasants, a thought inevitably struck him.
Yes, the peasants.
Cowardly goblins are the lowest-tier beastmen, the weakest even within the Goblin Tribe, essentially serving as food for other goblins. Such beings can even be dealt with by a typical adult man armed with a weapon, handling two or three at a time.
Since there are so many goblins, why not mobilize enough peasants?
Thousands of goblins.
If he had thousands of peasants, combined with four hundred Knight Order members, they could completely annihilate these goblins.
Maybe not even that many, perhaps just five thousand, or even three thousand would be enough to confidently obliterate them.
And the price for three thousand peasants would require only three hundred Gold Coins.
This value was undoubtedly bearable for him.
Although he'd spent a large amount of Gold Coins on resources and territory development, he still had several thousand Gold Coins left, more than sufficient for the purchase.
With this thought in mind, he hesitated no more.
Steve was summoned once more.
Even Reine was called over.
"Sir!"
"Sir!"
Both swiftly saluted, their expressions respectful.
"Reine, prepare to select a few Official Knights and bring all Apprentice Knights. I plan to make a trip to Loren City to purchase some materials. You will accompany me."
"Steve, while I'm away, the territory's construction will be entrusted to you."
With these words, Thor swiftly conveyed his command.
"Yes!"
"Yes!"
Steve and Reine nodded promptly.
They didn't question or oppose it.
"Oh, Steve, find Alice and have her fetch something from the second cabinet in my room for you. I hope that when I return, you'll have become a Great Knight."
Just as they were about to leave, Thor seemed to recall something and added.
"Yes!"
"Thank you, Sir!"
"I won't let you down!"
Steve responded quickly, unable to suppress a hint of excitement.
Although he didn't know what the Lord intended to give him, the Lord's words made him realize it must be something valuable, potentially aiding his breakthrough.
Indeed, that was the case.
During this period, thanks to the daily information system, Thor had collected quite a few valuable items.
Like his father, he stored them one by one.
The so-called second cabinet contained a Divine Wood Fruit.
Obtained by him over ten days ago.
With this Divine Wood Fruit, Steve had a high chance of breaking through to become a Great Knight before Thor's return.
If he could breakthrough into a Great Knight, it would undoubtedly increase their odds considerably.
As for Alice, she had become a qualified "maid," and Thor had no intention of uncovering her guise, allowing her to continue the charade.
After all, the Half-Elf maiden's transformation over this month was quite satisfactory to him.
Thor believed it wouldn't be long before he completely won over her heart.
He wasn't in a hurry.
Thoughts circling.
Steve and Reine quickly departed.
Half an hour later.
The group was assembled.
Thor, accompanied by Reine and a hundred Knights, set off grandly once again.
Destination: Loren City.
This time, Thor intended not only to purchase peasants but also some supplies.
After a month, substantial resources had been consumed, requiring some replenishment.
The grand procession.
Departing from the Maine River Valley, heading towards Loren City.
Compared to the journey there, which took about ten days, the return to Loren City was considerably faster.
On the fifth day, the group already spotted the outline of Loren City.
Previously, they were traveling with five hundred peasants and a large amount of material, which significantly slowed their pace. This time, without those burdens, their speed was a different matter entirely.
If they had wanted to accelerate, they could have made the journey in about three days, crossing the distance to Loren City.
But there wasn't a need for that.
The sixth day.
The group entered Loren City.
Compared to over a month ago, Loren City appeared increasingly bustling.
Whether due to an increase in the number of Pioneer Knights or some other reason.
These factors didn't concern Thor much.
The only difference was that his presence attracted more attention.
Under the dusk, various gazes gathered.
"My god, that's the emblem of the Dressrosa Family!"
"Yes, I recognize it, the eagle emblem."
"As expected of a Count's family, their Pioneer Knight Order has so many Knights accompanying them."
Voices rang in his ears, mixed with exclamations of awe.
Of course, amidst the admiration, there was also indifference and opposition.