System: Build My Own Territory Chapter 947 - 284: Gold Pounds Pave the Way

With a touch of apology in his tone, he said, "My apologies, Lord Lynn."

"There have been a few too many matters within the Church, which has led to a delay in my visit to your territory."

"Once my urgent tasks were concluded, I made sure to come at the earliest opportunity."

"From this point forward, I will be the one liaising with you for tithe collection, taking over from Bishop Semo."

Lynn simply nodded and inquired,

"So, Captain Samuel, how much is the tithe I'm required to pay this time?"

Upon hearing Lynn's question, Samuel responded directly.

"Lord Lynn, you had previously agreed to remit the tithe by mid-July."

"You are permitted to pay half of the monthly tithe."

"Your Salt Factory produces three thousand pounds of salt daily, resulting in a monthly output of nine thousand pounds of fine salt. One-tenth of this amounts to nine hundred pounds. Therefore, with the half-payment stipulation, the sum is four hundred and fifty pounds."

"Calculating based on the current market rates... that comes to Fifteen Gold Pounds."

Hearing the amount of Gold Pounds Samuel stated,

Lynn's eyebrows involuntarily rose.

Were it not for Samuel's composed demeanor,

he might have suspected the Captain was jesting with him.

Fifteen Gold Pounds!

For a common Free People, this sum could indeed be considered substantial.

It would be sufficient to purchase seven thousand two hundred pounds of barley!

However, for someone managing a domain that produces fine salt, gin, and glazed glass, it was merely a pittance!

Even when engaging in trade with other merchants, simple rounding of figures often involved several Gold Pounds!

Yet here it was.

Semo, the Bishop of the Kakasong City Church, had personally journeyed to Morgan Town for a mere monthly tithe of Thirty Gold Pounds.

He even ventured into Lynn's territory to discuss this matter, undertaking significant personal risk.

Furthermore, he required Captain Samuel to make this trip every month.

Fifteen Gold Pounds for half a month, and Thirty Gold Pounds for the entire month.

Even for Bishop Semo of the Kakasong City Church, this represented a considerable income.

Simply by visiting Lynn's territory and engaging in a brief conversation, he could secure additional revenue.

Moreover,

Lynn found it difficult to believe that Semo would utilize this extra income for the operational needs of the Kakasong City Church.

It was almost certain that these Gold Pounds would ultimately line Semo's pockets!

Thirty Gold Pounds each month equated to Three Hundred and Sixty Gold Pounds annually.

Lynn mused internally.

He also recognized the reason behind his perception of Fifteen Gold Pounds as a small sum.

It was due to a fundamental shift in his own mindset.

From the initial days of

catching river fish to produce smoked fish, selling it for two pence per pound,

to the present juncture.

Where transactions involved tens of thousands of pounds of grain or merchandise.

Or perhaps,

deals encompassing hundreds of warhorses and slaves in a single transaction.

The total value of these dealings reaching thousands of Gold Pounds!

Lynn had never attempted to resist this evolving mentality or his expanding capabilities.

This confidence stemmed from his current capacity to undertake large-scale transactions and exchanges with the merchants who frequented his domain.

Lynn let out a warm breath and addressed Samuel,

"There are absolutely no issues, Captain Samuel."

Receiving Lynn's confirmation, Samuel displayed no surprise.

For a Lord possessing an Open-pit Salt Mine, Fifteen Gold Pounds was indeed negligible.

However, the young Lord's subsequent words caused his eyebrows to arch.

Lynn turned towards a nearby Guard and issued an instruction,

"Please find Steward Kuisi and arrange for Thirty Gold Pounds to be allocated for the tithe payment."

The Guard, positioned a short distance away, immediately bowed in acknowledgment and quickly departed towards the distant castle.

Listening to Lynn's command and observing the departing Guard, Samuel felt compelled to remind him,

"Lord Lynn, only Fifteen Gold Pounds is required for the tithe payment."

Lynn calmly nodded and met Samuel's gaze, stating, "I am fully aware that only Fifteen Gold Pounds is necessary."

"The additional fifteen Gold Pounds is because I wish to request a favor from you, Captain."

Samuel offered a smile, "Lord Lynn, you are far too courteous."

"Simply state your request, and if it falls within my capabilities, Samuel will undoubtedly oblige."

"After all, you are currently a friend to the Bishop."

"The Bishop specifically instructed me to encourage you to voice any needs freely."

Lynn shook his head, clarifying, "Captain Samuel, that is not quite the same."

"While Bishop Semo and I may share a degree of friendship, I am also considered a subject under his and the Church's jurisdiction."

"Our interactions are largely professional."

"However, my relationship with you, Captain Samuel, is different. As you mentioned earlier, you will be responsible for collecting the tithe moving forward."

"Being a friend of the Bishop does not preclude me from forging a friendship with you, the Captain."

Samuel's expression shifted into a smile.

Lynn continued, "In my view, even when seeking assistance from friends, it is customary to demonstrate goodwill."

"This is because, even if a friend agrees to help, they will still expend their time and effort, and perhaps even incur some personal cost in the process."

While he could indeed leverage his acquaintance with Semo Bishop and his standing as a Lord to solicit assistance from Samuel.

However, without any tangible benefits or compelling incentives to act as a catalyst.

Even should Samuel consent, simple requests might receive adequate attention.

For undertakings of a more intricate nature, Samuel would inevitably approach them with a degree of indifference.

Consequently, rather than risk such a scenario.

He found it preferable to lay the groundwork with Gold Pounds!

It is often said that money moves the world.

And indeed, there is wisdom in such a maxim.

As Lynn finished her explanation, Samuel's heart swelled with profound admiration.