System: Build My Own Territory Chapter 841 - 266: Help Me Dress (10,000)_4

In other words, George had kept the salt factory's production volume hidden from Samuel.

Samuel's voice carried a hint of thrill.

"Lord Master Lynn, the moment I pass this news to Bishop Semo, he'll be absolutely delighted!"

Through his latest tour, Samuel had plainly grasped the existence of an open-pit salt mine within Lynn’s domain!

Furthermore, squads of miners were busily hauling out the salt with great efficiency.

He had witnessed enormous equipment in the making!

With those hefty machines, just a handful of laborers could team up to lift salt blocks tipping the scales at thousands of pounds.

Tools of that immense size were a total novelty even to him.

And that wasn't all.

Not too far from the mining area, three salt factories stood operational!

Every one of those factories churned out a thousand pounds of premium salt each day.

Adding up, that's three thousand pounds!

Tax collection follows a one-tenth levy.

That equals three hundred pounds daily, or nine thousand pounds monthly.

Based on prevailing market rates, it converts to no less than three hundred and thirty-seven gold pounds.

Over a year, it surges to four thousand gold pounds.

This represents tremendous riches!

Yet upon noticing Lynn’s composed expression.

Samuel reined in his enthusiasm swiftly.

At this point.

Samuel at last comprehended the reason behind Lynn’s territory's explosive growth.

Featuring a salt mine as lucrative as a gold vein, with factories tirelessly processing the yield.

Development could hardly crawl at a snail's pace!

Samuel drew a steadying breath, striving to steady his tone.

"Lord Master Lynn, going forward, you'll owe a one-tenth tithe on three thousand pounds of fine salt."

"That's three hundred pounds of fine salt each day."

"Payment gets valued at market rates."

"Church clergy will visit your lands at month's end to gather it."

"Does that suit you?"

Lynn gave a nod, "No issue at all, Guard Commander Samuel."

With Lynn’s agreement secured, Samuel grinned.

He eyed the sinking sun and added, "It's growing late; I won't impose on Lord Master Lynn further."

Lynn stood from his seat, politely offering, "If Guard Commander Samuel wishes, feel free to remain in the territory for a few days."

Samuel replied with a smile, "My thanks for the gracious invitation, Lord Master Lynn."

"But I must head back to Kasong City right away to update Bishop Semo."

Lynn nodded, "Safe journey then, Guard Commander Samuel."

Samuel offered no extra chatter, simply bowing in farewell to Lynn.

He strode toward the church guard cavalry waiting behind.

Amid watchful eyes from Lynn and his people, he climbed onto his mount.

Flanked by Rose and the soldiers' protection.

The riders spurred their horses, thundering away from the Lord’s Square.

Lynn shifted his attention to George at his side.

Before a word escaped him, George spoke first.

"Master, as per your orders, Samuel received ten gold pounds."

Lynn nodded approvingly, commending, "Excellent work."

No matter that Samuel was a formidable Temple Knight of exceptional skill—what of it?

So long as he remained mortal.

So long as mortal cravings stirred within him.

He'd crave the temptations of this world...

In this realm.

It's not solely about battles and bloodshed; bonds and schemes hold sway too!

As twilight deepened the sky, Lynn sent George away.

He headed toward the castle.

Returning inside.

Kuisi had dinner all set.

Served by Kuisi and a few maids, Lynn savored his evening meal.

While beyond the castle walls, night fully cloaked the heavens.

...

At the same time, in Bordeaux City.

Territory physician Hewitt navigated the hallways, eyed by patrolling sentries.

He arrived at the guarded entrance.

The guards shot Hewitt a brief look before ignoring him.

Noting their disinterest in questioning, Hewitt lifted his right hand to rap on the double doors ahead.

Knock~ Knock~

The raps echoed with measured force.

Yet.

After repeated knocks.

Silence lingered from within.

Hewitt's brow furrowed; respectfully, he announced.

"Lord Donovan, this is Hewitt—time for your medicine change."

His words hung unanswered.

A daring thought crossed Hewitt’s mind.

Right as he moved to shove the door open, Donovan’s frail voice emerged.

"Enter."

With permission granted, Hewitt acknowledged.

He thrust both hands against the door, stepping into Donovan’s chamber.

Once inside, he shut it behind him.

A stench like decaying flesh wrinkled his nose once more.

Despite incense smoldering in burners throughout the room.

Its fragrance failed to mask the foulness.

Hewitt advanced to the grand bed holding Donovan.

Arriving bedside.

Gazing at Donovan’s ashen, hollowed face and the drool seeping from his lips.

A heavy weight settled in Hewitt’s chest.

Evidently.

Donovan’s condition was deteriorating swiftly.

As the longtime healer tending Donovan.

He knew full well this stemmed from the drugs supplied by Marquis Mark!