System: Build My Own Territory Chapter 903 - 276: What Daydreaming?

Their actions ceased, and they straightened up, facing each other. A tall, burly middle-aged man among this group of Free People turned around, his gaze sweeping over Gavin once more. "Are you the lord of Morgan Town?" he inquired.

Gavin met the middle-aged man's gaze. "I am not," he replied.

As soon as Gavin finished speaking, the middle-aged man pressed, "If you aren’t the lord, why interfere?"

"We've been hired to work!" Gavin stated. "The Boer Merchant, acting on behalf of the lord, made the terms quite clear to us. The lord hiring us won't provide food or shelter. However, we are entitled to one-tenth of the crops harvested daily as payment." He continued, "Furthermore, the Boer Merchant never stipulated any restrictions on our working hours! Therefore, as long as we are willing, we can work for as long as we desire!"

Gavin's eyes narrowed, his gaze drifting to scan the Free People standing behind the middle-aged man. He observed that their faces were etched with amused mockery.

His attention returned to the middle-aged man, their eyes meeting directly. Gavin declared loudly, "The lord requires only farmers who dutifully follow orders and work diligently. As for those who shirk their duties or laze about, they have always faced severe punishment." Gavin's tone shifted. "Even though I am not the lord, I am the foreman, entrusted by the lord to manage the harvest and planting in Morgan Town. I possess the authority to hold you accountable! If Free People disobey orders, I can dismiss them at any moment!"

The middle-aged man's expression darkened slightly, and he fell silent. The mocking smirks on the faces of the Free People behind him had vanished at some point.

Gavin pressed on, "The harvest in Morgan Town has only just commenced! Do you truly believe that with the strength of five hundred of you, you can possibly harvest all the crops in Morgan Town? What a foolish notion!" He gestured broadly. "The cultivated land area in Morgan Town spans at least over one hundred thousand acres! The yield from one hundred thousand acres of crops... you, who are engaged in agricultural labor, understand this better than anyone. Even if you work yourselves to the bone, how much can you harvest in a single day? One acre, a hundred pounds? Or perhaps two acres, two hundred pounds? Hmm?" he demanded, his voice rising. "Answer me!"

Under Gavin's encompassing gaze, the Free People dared not meet his eyes, all lowering their heads.

Seeing that no one offered a response, Gavin turned his attention back to the middle-aged man. He elaborated, "Even if each of you could harvest two acres daily, or even three, what difference would that make? Five hundred people could only reap one thousand five hundred acres in a day. Morgan Town boasts over one hundred thousand acres of cultivated land!" He paused, letting the numbers sink in. "Calculating this, for the five hundred of you to complete the harvest, how long would it take? Sixty-seven days! More than two months!"

Gavin continued, his voice sharp. "Even if you feel invigorated now, brimming with boundless energy. But how long do you honestly believe you can sustain such a pace? Three days? Five days? Or can you truly persevere for a few months?"

Silence enveloped the Free People; none dared to utter a word.

Gavin advanced a few steps, his voice intensifying, growing colder. "If you do not adhere to my work plan and arrangements... even if you possess endless stamina and are willing to toil through the night... I apologize, but you will be dismissed today, not even tomorrow!"

The eyes of the Free People widened in alarm. They understood perfectly that Gavin was issuing a threat. Although only Gavin and three farmers stood before them, Gavin projected an imposing aura. He represented the lord of Morgan Town, wielding his authority over this land. His command meant immediate dismissal for these newcomers to Morgan Town!

They were powerless against Gavin. Moreover, this outcome was far from what they desired. Had it been before their arrival in Morgan Town, before witnessing the vast expanse of land awaiting harvest, and before being certain of receiving one-tenth of the crops as their reward, they would have scoffed and departed upon hearing Gavin's words. But now, having seen everything firsthand, they understood the lord's promised reward of one-tenth was a tangible reality! They absolutely did not wish to be dismissed!

Noticing the middle-aged man had lowered his head, Gavin proceeded. "As it is getting late, I shall not prolong this discussion. Those willing to follow my work plan arrangements should return to the town now. Food and accommodation have been prepared for you in the town for your rest." He added, "Of course, as this gentleman rightly pointed out, the lord did not promise you any accommodation or food. If you desire these provisions, you may exchange them for the crops you have harvested today."

"One day of food and lodging will cost... just one pound of wheat!"

"Eat and sleep well tonight, and we'll continue the harvest tomorrow."

After speaking, Gavin's gaze swept across the Free People once more, observing the changes in everyone's expressions.

Upon looking around, he noticed no one among the Free People displayed any drastic emotional shifts.

Gavin's heart eased slightly.

This plan was, of course, directly advised by Master Lynn himself.

It was only natural that the Free People, who were hired and seeking work in Morgan Town, would not wish to depart.

Furthermore.

Even though they had journeyed from afar and brought provisions, the amount would undoubtedly not be substantial.

Added to this was the lack of safe havens from the harsh weather conditions.

Considering the considerable rewards they could now earn for a day's labor.

Using one pound of wheat to exchange for a day's worth of sustenance and shelter seemed...

Fair and entirely reasonable!

Seeing that no one immediately stepped forward, Gavin's tone shifted subtly.

"Those who are unwilling to follow my directives..."

"You are free to leave now!"

"The path lies before you; you can depart Morgan Town whenever you please and venture wherever your heart desires."

"Any encounters with wolves or bandits on your journey back will be entirely your own concern and have no relation to us!"

Upon hearing this, the Free People couldn't help but exchange glances once more.

It appeared they were searching for a desired response within each other's eyes.

Gavin paid them no mind, walking ahead and making his way into the town.

Only his words drifted through the air, reaching the ears of the Free People.

"Everyone, the time has come to make your choice!"

As they watched Gavin and the few farmers depart, the crowd's faces were etched with hesitation.

Several minutes later.

A man's reluctant voice broke the silence.

"Everyone, my child at home is ill; I truly need this job to earn money and take him to the doctor. Forgive me..."

As his words concluded.

The man stepped forward and resolutely followed Gavin.

"I will too. My wife and children depend on me to earn money to support the family."

"Although he is limiting our working hours... on second thought, he's actually looking out for our best interests, isn't he?"

"Reasonable work hours, adequate rest; we can actually sustain this for longer periods..."