System: Build My Own Territory Chapter 856 - 269: The Emperor of the Empire Dies Suddenly (10,000 Words)

Maybe fellow merchants remain unaware of Lynn's genuine identity.

Yet, after deliberately looking into Lynn, he is fully informed.

The Lynn sitting next to him is none other than the bastard child of the previous Marquis Donovan from the Ducas Clan.

If Lynn was merely a petty lord who took over a distant fief and lounged around, that would be acceptable.

He wouldn't bat an eye.

But...

The Lynn in front of him is a trailblazer who has grown and broadened his domain through personal prowess.

Maybe the workforce in Lynn's lands is constrained, numbering just ten or twenty thousand souls.

Maybe the troops under Lynn's command are few, comprising only several thousand well-equipped warriors.

Or maybe the wealth hoarded in Lynn's territory is scarce, demanding more moments for buildup and stability.

However...

Alan grasps perfectly that Lord Lynn's domain boasts salt deposits, iron veins, and coal seams!

Such expansive grounds, with a boundless river flowing behind the territory.

The key point is...

Lynn holds cutting-edge techniques!

Farming implements, soil tilling, crop growing...

Wherever there's fertile earth for sowing grains.

It sustains vast numbers of people and beasts.

Armed with superior methods and sufficient duration.

A boundless destiny awaits!

Would a lord like that content himself with huddling at the Empire's edge as a mere noble?

Lynn swiveled his head, eyeing Alan without replying right away.

Instead, he countered: "Isn't Mr. Alan's ambition to claim the role of Brown Clan Patriarch?"

Alan's face showed a flicker of surprise at Lynn's remark.

Before long...

He recovered and answered, "Naturally, Lord Lynn."

"Not only me—almost all the younger Brown Clan heirs yearn to lead as Patriarch!"

"Certain ones think that only as Patriarch can they craft and enforce clan laws, free from their chains."

"Others aim to scrap the clan rules as their inaugural decree."

"Some crave escape from the Brown Clan's grip, tired of family decrees ruling their destinies..."

Lynn stayed silent, letting Alan press on.

"But I stand apart from those lot!"

"Once I ascend as Patriarch, I'll uphold the Brown Clan's traditions faithfully."

"I'll even strive to refine and elevate them through my insights!"

Lynn arched a brow, gazing at Alan with intrigue.

Alan sensed Lynn's stare without discomfort.

He reclined into the wooden seat, forging ahead.

"The Brown Clan's laws border on merciless."

"True enough, we suffer under these clan edicts."

"But haven't we also reaped their rewards?"

"How does a trade-focused merchant house, devoid of martial might and spanning the continent, safeguard itself?"

"How do Brown Clan offspring thrive free of famine or peril?"

"Clad in fine silks, feasting on luxuries!"

"What we deem commonplace, average households can only fantasize about."

Alan's voice surged with intensity!

"Still, the spoiled heirs, accustomed to comfort."

"Confronted by minor inequities, they seek to overthrow it all."

"They grasp full well that the Brown Clan bestowed every boon we crave."

"It's maddening!"

Right then.

Alan appeared to recollect a memory, his fury gradually fading.

He turned to Lynn nearby, "Apologies, Lord Lynn."

"I got carried away briefly, ranting about minor Brown Clan squabbles..."

Lynn offered a faint smile, "Mr. Alan, you're overly polite."

"This is just idle chat—speak freely."

Alan nodded in thanks.

Lynn went on, "That said, my views might clash with yours, Mr. Alan."

"For I'm no recipient of those laws you praise."

"Had I been a powerless commoner, maybe I'd harbor no grand designs."

"But with power amassed, enough to crush foes."

"I'd smash them without a second thought."

"This reply also addresses your earlier query."

Hearing Lynn's steady words brimming with sheer might, Alan felt a jolt of astonishment.

Smash them?

Implying...

One day, Lynn could settle scores with the Ducas Clan over that banishment 'gift'?

Lynn chuckled, "No need for tension, Mr. Alan."

"Despite clashing ideals, we align perfectly in one vital aspect."

Alan eyed Lynn with curiosity, "Oh?"

Lynn grinned as he clarified, "Profit!"

"At minimum, in transactions, we both embrace the gains we secure."

"I trust that as long as we pursue mutual benefits while tolerating differences, our partnerships can endure forever."

Alan's gaze sparkled, "Lord Lynn speaks wisely!"

His bond with Lynn may fall short of true friendship.

At most, they stand as allies in merchandise swaps and barters.

However, just as Lynn had stated.

Such words were enough to sustain their partnership moving forward.

Lynn stood up from the bench. "Then, Mr. Alan, I won’t accompany you any longer."

"Should you need anything, simply ask a nearby guard to reach out to George for the necessary arrangements."

Alan rose to his feet as well, responding, "Master Lynn, you’re being too polite—this setup exceeds my expectations perfectly."