System: Build My Own Territory Chapter 945 - 283: Spy (10,000 Words)_6

The waiting for the wheat straw to dry was for its use in burning the stubble in the fields.

Burning the wheat straw roots not only served to enrich the soil and improve its structure.

More importantly, it acted as a method to eliminate certain germs, pests, and weed seeds that lay hidden within the barley roots.

Furthermore, incorporating an appropriate measure of plant ash into the soil could help in adjusting the soil’s pH levels.

This adjustment proved advantageous for the proliferation of beneficial microorganisms within the soil environment!

Naturally.

He had already given prior instructions to Wilbur, emphasizing the necessity of caution regarding fire prevention while burning the wheat straw roots across the fields!

Enjoying the panorama of the setting sun, Lynn prepared to rise and make his way back to the castle.

Outside the Lord’s Square.

The distinct sound of galloping horse hooves reached his ears.

Lynn turned his head, directing his gaze towards the source of the sound.

Bathed in the sunlight, several cavalry figures were steadily approaching the town along the lime-dusted road that wound between the fields.

A few minutes elapsed.

Accompanied by the 'whoa' of horses halting.

Five cavalrymen drew to a stop directly in the Lord’s Square.

At the vanguard of the cavalry unit.

Earl, a man of shorter stature but possessing an unexpected robustness, dismounted from his warhorse.

He proceeded directly towards Lynn, his footsteps decisive.

Following closely behind him were four soldiers, escorting a stoutly built man.

Upon reaching Lynn, Earl executed a bow and addressed him with deference: "Master."

"Last night, we apprehended a contingent of foreign spies."

"Following an interrogation that spanned the night, the individual finally divulged his confessions!"

With the conclusion of these remarks.

Earl subtly shifted his stance, thereby presenting the burly man positioned behind him into Lynn’s view.

Lynn’s gaze shifted, moving to observe the man.

The burly man, distinguished by a dark beard, was thoroughly coated in blood.

His facial features were rendered indistinct and swollen, a veritable mess.

It would indeed be peculiar if he had not confessed after enduring such brutal treatment, rendering him almost unrecognizable.

Lynn responded, "Narrate the events with thoroughness."

Earl slightly inclined his head, "His designation is Bader Sacks, a resident of the nearby Alba Town."

"He was operating under the directives of Zok Connelly, the Manor Lord of Alba Town, dispatched to conduct espionage within Morgan Town!"

"The suspicious individuals I brought to your attention previously were precisely this group."

"After conducting several observations, they identified vulnerabilities in the patrol routes and opted to infiltrate Morgan Town stealthily."

"Regarding the finer details, I believe allowing him to recount them would provide a more accurate and authentic account."

"I can subsequently compare and verify his statements against the information obtained last night to ascertain any possible omissions or fabrications."

Upon hearing this, Lynn couldn't help but cast an approving glance towards Earl.

It was evident.

Following his previous inquiries and the guidance provided, Earl had indeed grasped the necessity of considering issues from multiple perspectives.

As long as the willingness to learn persists, true unteachability does not exist!

Lynn’s eyes once more pivoted towards the bound, black-bearded man, awaiting his testimony.

Perceiving the black-bearded man's silence, Earl raised his voice, "What is it?"

"Earlier, you were pleading for your life, and now you intend to adopt a defiant stance once more?"

Listening to Earl’s cold declaration, the black-bearded man, Bader, felt a surge of apprehension.

He promptly uttered, "I will speak... I will speak... Please refrain from further assault; I truly... cannot endure any more!"

Earl emitted a cold snort.

From the preceding exchange, Bader had discerned that this young man was indeed the lord of this territory.

Taking several deep breaths, he addressed Lynn: "As this gentleman has stated, my name is Bader Sacks. I serve as a commander of followers under Manor Lord Zok Connelly of Alba Town."

"Acting upon Lord Zok's orders, I was commanded to proceed to Morgan Town for reconnaissance purposes."

Lynn inquired, "What specific intelligence were you tasked with gathering?"

Bader responded without hesitation, "My objective was to ascertain the number of soldiers garrisoned in Morgan Town and the overall strength of its military forces."

Lynn proceeded with another question: "Beyond that?"

Bader continued, picking up on Lynn’s query: "Beyond that... Beyond that..."

"The matter of why merchant caravans were transporting refined salt to Kakasong City."

"He instructed me to lead my men in a covert infiltration to conduct a thorough investigation into this matter."

Hearing this, Lynn exhibited no surprise whatsoever.

The frequency of merchants from Kakasong City visiting his territory had noticeably increased.

In total, there were already five or six such visits.

Apart from Hunter from the tavern, who required gin and beer, and Grayson, who sought glazed glass products.

All other visiting merchants were engaged in exchanges for the refined salt.

Indeed, the trade of refined salt was a matter of considerable significance.

Lynn persisted with his questioning: "Was the sole motivation behind this investigation the desire of your Manor Lord Zok to scrutinize Morgan Town?"

"Or was there an external party directing his actions?"

"For instance, Viscount Jon Zack from Kakasong City?"

Bader appeared perplexed and shook his head, "My apologies, Lord, but I possess no knowledge of such matters."

"I am merely a commander of followers, albeit one of some capability."

"My superiors include the chief attendant, the manor steward, and ultimately, the manor lord."

"I carry out their commands without deviation..."

Lynn offered a slight nod, sensing no deception or hidden feelings in Bader's demeanor and words.

Shifting his line of questioning, Lynn further inquired of Bader, "How many soldiers does your manor lord command within his territory?"

"And what about the peasants?"

As Lynn's inquiries continued, Bader showed a flicker of hesitation, but the Earl's pointed gaze prompted a swift response.

He hastily disclosed, "There are five hundred soldiers in total. Of these, eighty are cavalry, outfitted with chain and leather armor."

"Additionally, there are fifty archers; the remainder are standard infantry."

"The manor holds over a thousand peasants, including household staff, though the exact number I'm not entirely certain of..."

Lynn acknowledged this with a simple sound, refraining from further questioning on that point.

Five hundred soldiers, eighty cavalry, fifty archers, and the rest infantry. Such a military strength mirrored that of several manor lords Lynn had previously encountered in Morgan Town.

However, when contrasted with the fully equipped soldiers he currently commanded, he mused.

He entertained the thought that eight hundred archers unleashing two volleys.

Would suffice to decimate five hundred soldiers not clad in heavy armor.

In comparison to Zok Connelly, the Manor Lord, Lynn's focus remained on Viscount Jon Zack, the individual capable of uniting these manor lords!

Lynn pressed on with his questions.

"Aside from Zok Manor Lord, how many other manor lords reside in Alba Town?"

"And what is the strength of their armed forces?"

Bader responded without much deliberation, stating,

"My Lord, there are three additional manor lords. Their soldier numbers are not substantial, only two to three hundred each."

Lynn acknowledged his reply and posed another question.

"Beyond this information, is there anything else you wish to voluntarily share with me?"

Bader's brow immediately furrowed.

The Earl, standing nearby, observed with a knowing glint in his eyes.

Internally, he couldn't help but admire Master Lynn's exceptionally astute question.

Master Lynn had already elicited the information he sought.

Yet, this did not preclude Bader, as a spy, from possessing further intelligence. He was cleverly using this question to extract more valuable details!

Secretly committing Master Lynn's words to memory, Bader resolved that if a similar opportunity arose, he would endeavor to do the same.

Sensing the young lord's potent aura directed towards him, Bader experienced a moment of nervousness, his thoughts racing until a realization dawned.

"My Lord, if we remain absent for an extended period, it will undoubtedly raise suspicion and alertness from Zok Manor Lord."

"And besides that... My Lord, I truly cannot think of anything else I can disclose."

Lynn emitted a soft sound and glanced towards the Earl.

The Earl, quick to understand, clarified for Lynn, "His statements align with the information obtained during the rigorous interrogation."

Lynn nodded. "Escort him back to the Manor Castle. Detain him under guard and provide him with daily sustenance and water."

Eliminating a spy was as simple as drawing a blade.

However, holding him in detention might prove advantageous at a crucial juncture.

Given his current provisions, maintaining a single prisoner was a manageable task.