System: Build My Own Territory Chapter 904 - 277: Wildfire (10K)
Previously on System: Build My Own Territory...
Amidst the clamoring sounds, figures emerged from the farmlands, following Gavin’s lead.
As they departed, the lively harvesting scene rapidly transformed into a desolate expanse.
The middle-aged man’s grip tightened on the sickle he held, remaining stationary, his gaze lingering on their receding backs with a sense of uncertainty.
Just then, another farmer approached the middle-aged man and spoke.
"Norman, since everyone else has returned to town to recuperate, why don’t we head back too?"
Norman, the man addressed, looked at the somewhat emaciated farmer without uttering a word.
The gaunt farmer continued, "I believe what that gentleman said holds significant truth."
"It appears to me that instead of rushing the harvest in a short period, a more extended and consistent labor approach is more sensible and will yield greater rewards."
"As we've observed, expansive farmlands stretch out before us."
"Even if the Lord continues to recruit Free People, it would be an insurmountable task to complete the harvest in such a brief timeframe..."
Absorbing the gaunt farmer’s words, Norman’s gaze swept across the surroundings once more.
Beneath the nocturnal sky, he could discern the crops obscured by the deepening gloom.
Norman responded affirmatively, "Shall we return to rest?"
The gaunt farmer, upon hearing this, flashed a broad smile.
With a casual gesture, he took the sickle from Norman’s hand.
"Let’s go back; we can put the farm tools in my basket together, as they’re in the way."
Norman gave a slight nod.
The two then moved forward, traversing the harvested fields, making their way toward the town.
Leading the procession of over five hundred individuals.
Gavin cast a backward glance at the straggling group, a sense of relief washing over him.
When contrasted with the number of farmers within Master Lynn’s domain.
This contingent of merely five hundred Free People represented less than a tenth of that total.
Yet, he, alongside Wilbur and a few veteran farmers who had long served Master Lynn, managed to orchestrate the gathering of four to five thousand townsfolk in an orderly fashion.
It appeared as though hardly any errors occurred.
However.
That was within the confines of Master Lynn’s territory!
Master Lynn made frequent appearances, visible to the farmers.
The living conditions Master Lynn provided for the townsfolk, coupled with a labor system that harmonized compassion and authority.
This had effectively subdued everyone who entered his domain.
Appointed as the foreman by Master Lynn, he could effortlessly direct and command without expending much effort.
Presently, he was outside Master Lynn’s territory. The Free People under his charge were not the farmers from Master Lynn’s land.
Instead, they were newly hired Free People in Morgan Town.
Not yet accustomed to Master Lynn’s influence.
He could only depend on his own capabilities to manage and control these Free People.
The speech he had just delivered was, naturally, inspired by the numerous addresses he had heard Master Lynn give.
Confronted with the preceding circumstances, he had nearly exhausted all his energy.
By emulating Master Lynn’s demeanor and presence when speaking to the townsfolk, he had managed to quell the situation.
Whether through intimidation and deceit, or by leveraging authority as a facade.
Even by utilizing the soldiers under Centurion Earl for forceful enforcement...
These were all mere stratagems.
As long as these Free People adhered to his labor arrangements and followed his directives.
Successfully completing the harvest of Morgan Town’s farmlands would be sufficient.
To this moment.
Gavin had gained a profound realization.
Standing upon the platform in Lord’s Square, under the scrutiny of thousands, even tens of thousands.
Master Lynn had endured immense pressure.
Yet.
Master Lynn could confront all gazes with unwavering composure.
Articulating with clarity, precisely conveying tasks and instructions to everyone.
Effortlessly stirring the emotions of the crowd.
Igniting their excitement and filling them with anticipation!
Gavin conceded, believing he could never achieve such a feat as Master Lynn.
Grave, tranquil, and self-possessed!
While Gavin was lost in thought.
Up ahead, at the town's egress.
Cavalrymen on horseback, brandishing torches, charged forth.
The impact of their hooves on the dry, hardened earth produced a deep, resonant thudding sound.
Due to the encroaching night, the sky was excessively dim.
The Free People could not discern the exact forms of the cavalrymen.
However, they could estimate their numbers from the torch lights forming a near-perfect line.
This cavalry force numbered at least over a hundred!
Apprehension and worry flickered in the eyes of the Free People.
Should this cavalry decide to attack them.
They would possess absolutely no means of defense.
Their fate would be nothing more than succumbing to a massacre by the cavalry!
Under Gavin’s watchful eye, the cavalry continued their advance towards them.
In less than half a minute.
At the very vanguard of the cavalry, astride his horse, Centurion Earl raised his right hand.
The cavalrymen following him understood the signal and began to reduce their warhorses' pace.
Bringing their horses to a halt, Centurion Earl remained mounted.
He cast a glance at Gavin, then shifted his gaze towards the Free People arrayed behind him.
Centurion Earl immediately grasped the situation.
He inquired of Gavin, "It appears Agricultural Officer Gavin has managed to resolve the matter through his own capabilities?"
A slight smile graced Gavin's lips as he replied, "Yes, Centurion Earl."
"The matter has been settled. I appreciate you escorting the soldiers on this journey."
"Please, just call me Gavin. That's what Master Lynn calls me."
Centurion Earl gave a nod. "Now that everything is concluded, shall we make our way back to town?"