System: Build My Own Territory Chapter 895 - 275: Commander (10,000) (Part 4)

Although war has not yet erupted, even for this brief period, most Lords are still cautiously selling their grain reserves. This cautious approach to selling grain is why some regions have already commenced their summer harvests. Certain fertile lands or those utilizing early-maturing barley and wheat varieties can now be reaped. As a result, an increasing volume of grain will soon flood the market. If this were not the case, the market would never see such a substantial quantity of grain available. Therefore, even with a Lord experimenting by selling grain, the market price will not show a decline!

Lynn nodded and reassured him, "Mr. Boer, there is no need for you to be concerned."

"As long as you transport your goods and grain to my territory, rest assured that I will purchase all of it!"

"For your thirty thousand pounds of barley and twenty thousand pounds of wheat, I can offer you eleven thousand pounds of fine salt in exchange."

Boer bowed deeply with gratitude, "Thank you very much, Master Lynn."

"If it is possible, I would also like to purchase an additional forty thousand pounds..."

Lynn responded affirmatively, "Certainly, Mr. Boer."

Considering the Salt Factory's current daily output of four thousand pounds of fine salt, it would take less than a dozen days to produce the required fifty thousand pounds of fine salt! This is unless merchants are transporting exceptionally large quantities of valuable or luxury items. Items such as those brought by Zod and Alan, perhaps two hundred medium warhorses or magic ore, are sufficient for him to engage in exchange and utilization for other goods! With Master Lynn's confirmation, Boer's anxieties began to recede.

He continued, "Master Lynn, in addition to the grain, I have also secured a group of five hundred Free People for you in Kakasong City!"

"Furthermore, these Free People have been handed over to Commander Earley and Agricultural Officer Gavin in Morgan Town."

"Since I happened to be transporting goods to your territory, they asked me to inform you."

"They mentioned that starting tomorrow, these Free People will be assigned to labor for the harvest."

Hearing Boer's report, Lynn gave a slight nod. He then activated the [Holographic Map] to examine its display. Even now, the scene within Morgan Town remained invisible on the [Holographic Map]. However, as long as no external invasions occur, with Earley and Gavin managing the settlement, Lynn felt he had little to worry about.

Lynn nodded and expressed his thanks, "Thank you, Mr. Boer."

Upon hearing this, Boer responded with another humble bow.

Boer then added, "Master Lynn, there is one more matter, and I am uncertain if I should bring it up..."

Lynn encouraged him, "Mr. Boer, please speak freely!"

Boer hesitated for a few seconds before ultimately deciding to candidly explain his concerns.

"Master Lynn, as I mentioned earlier, everything I possess now is thanks to you."

"As long as Master Lynn requires assistance, I will do my utmost to support you."

"Whether it involves procuring grain and goods for you or hiring Free People, I have never raised any objections."

"However, this time, I feel compelled to remind Master Lynn..."

"Could the large-scale hiring of Free People in Kakasong City potentially lead to trouble?"

Lynn's brow furrowed slightly, and he prompted, "Please elaborate."

Boer spoke directly, without unnecessary words, and continued his explanation.

"Viscount Jon Zack of Kakasong City is a rather petty individual."

"If a significant number of Free People are hired away from Kakasong City, I suspect it won't be long before Viscount Jon takes notice."

"He might decide to lead his troops to threaten Morgan Town!"

"Or perhaps even… advance directly towards the borders of your territory!"

Listening to Boer's detailed account, Lynn's frown deepened. He remained silent for a moment before posing a question to Boer.

"Have you managed to investigate the military strength under Viscount Jon Zack's command?"

Boer's expression conveyed a sense of helplessness as he shook his head.

"Master, upon returning to Kakasong City, the very first actions I took after completing the fine salt trade were to arrange for personnel to hire Free People."

"I also assigned individuals to gather intelligence on Viscount Jon Zack's forces."

"However, Master Lynn, the timeframe has been exceedingly short, and I have not yet been able to collect any concrete information..."

Lynn acknowledged his understanding, "I grasp the situation."

"Nevertheless, the hiring of Free People must not cease!"

The number of Free People recruited in Kakasong City directly impacts the efficiency of the crop harvest in Morgan Town. Furthermore, it is crucial for the subsequent establishment of a garrison at the Manor Castle. Therefore, this operation cannot be halted!

Lynn's mind raced with considerations. After a half-minute pause, he turned to Boer with a direct question.

"Mr. Boer, as a registered merchant in Kakasong City, is there a limit to the number of guards you are permitted to hire?"

Boer appeared momentarily stunned, not quite grasping the implication behind Master Lynn's query.

However, he quickly responded, "Master, according to the regulations of the Merchant Guild in Kakasong City, ordinary merchant caravans are restricted to a maximum of twenty guards."

"However, my caravan, having paid a higher tax this year, is authorized to recruit up to one hundred guards!"

"It should be noted, though, that the guards accompanying the caravan are only permitted to wear chain armor, not the standard issue plate armor.""This rule is in place to prevent merchants from amassing overly strong private armies, which could disrupt the peace in nearby regions." Boer's eyes lit up with understanding at this. Even without a full explanation from Master Lynn, he had already grasped the intention behind the plan. Boer ventured a question, "Master Lynn, are you suggesting we recruit these Free People as guards and move them out of Kakasong City?" Lynn affirmed, "Indeed, that is my intention."