System: Build My Own Territory Chapter 948 - 284: Gold Pounds Paving the Way (10,000) Part 3

Standing as the personal guard captain for Bishop Simo of the Kakasong District Church naturally meant many people sought his assistance. However, the overwhelming majority offered only empty promises. Master Lynn, who stood before him now, was an exception. Without even stating his needs, Lynn began by offering Fifteen Gold Pounds! It’s important to realize that the tithe for the latter half of July only amounted to Fifteen Gold Pounds!

While Lynn was conversing with Samuel, the guard who had departed moments earlier returned to Lynn’s side. Under Samuel’s watchful eyes, the guard presented a leather pouch filled with coins to Lynn with both hands. Lynn, however, did not accept it, instead instructing, "Give it to Captain Samuel." Upon hearing this, the guard moved forward without hesitation and stood before Samuel. Observing the lowered head and the pouch presented before him, Samuel offered a slight smile. He then turned and addressed a Church Guard standing behind him. The guard understood immediately, stepped forward, took the leather money pouch from the presenting guard, and began its inspection. A few seconds later, the Church Guard reported to Samuel, "Captain, the pouch contains Thirty Gold Pounds." Samuel turned his gaze towards the Church Guard, then shifted it back to Lynn.

"Lord Master Lynn..." Samuel began.

Lynn promptly cut him off. "Just call me Lynn." Samuel inclined his head slightly and respectfully continued, "So, Master Lynn, what is it you require of me?" Hearing Samuel’s question, Lynn smiled with satisfaction. Indeed, using Gold Pounds as a means to gain favor was the most effective method for gathering intelligence! Even when approaching the personal guard captain of the Church Bishop, this strategy proved highly successful! If Fifteen Gold Pounds were insufficient, then Thirty Gold Pounds would be offered. If Thirty were not enough, then Sixty, or even One Hundred Gold Pounds! As the sum increased, it was bound to sway the recipient and ultimately achieve the desired outcome. This was precisely why, whenever Gasper returned to the territory to relay intelligence, Lynn instructed him to collect the Gold Pounds from Kuisi.

Lynn leaned back slightly, settling comfortably against the bench. "I need to know absolutely everything about Viscount Jon Zack of Kakasong City!" Samuel’s brows furrowed slightly. "Everything?" Before Samuel could respond, Lynn continued, "Captain Samuel, you needn’t rush to refuse or feel uneasy. Just tell me all the information you possess." "Of course, if you are amenable to continuously gathering intelligence for me within Kakasong City, serving as my informant and transmitting information promptly..." "I am prepared to offer you, Captain Samuel, an monthly compensation of... Thirty Gold Pounds! As a gesture of my gratitude!"

Upon hearing the doubled amount of Gold Pounds, Samuel’s eyebrows rose once more. Simply by becoming Lynn’s intelligence informant, he could earn Thirty Gold Pounds each month? Samuel glanced at Lynn, who remained seated on the bench. A subtle smile played on his handsome, wheat-complexioned young face. It was a warm, steady smile, exuding an undeniable aura of superiority. Samuel gave a slight bow without further contemplation. "As Master Lynn wishes. Samuel is willing to become your intelligence collector." Lynn offered Samuel an approving nod. Unlike those who required constant deliberation, he appreciated Samuel’s promptness and decisiveness. The ability to agree or refuse in an instant was a quality he valued.

Noticing Lynn’s silence, Samuel bowed his head again and commenced his report. "Master Lynn, Viscount Jon Zack’s title is hereditary. The Viscountcy of the Zack Clan was bestowed by Marquis Duca." After Samuel concluded, Lynn interjected, "Bestowed by Marquis Duca?" Samuel elaborated, "Yes! It was the former Dukes of the Marquis Duca!" "When I first learned of this, I was as surprised as you are, Master Lynn. Although Duca, as a Marquis, is a Great Lord, the authority to bestow a Viscountcy typically rests solely with the Emperor of the Empire." Lynn nodded, and Samuel continued, "This was because the former leader of the Zack Clan had once saved the life of the leader of the Duca Clan! However, the specific details of that event are no longer discernible." Lynn frowned slightly. If Samuel were not standing before him, he would never have known that the Viscount in Kakasong City, so proximate to his own territory, had been appointed by the Duca Clan! Was this an attempt to assert greater control over the remote regions of the territory? Or perhaps the Zack Clan of Kakasong City held unwavering loyalty to the Duca Clan? Lynn could conceive of no other plausible explanations.

Observing Lynn’s contemplative silence, Samuel shifted his tone. "There is one matter you may find pertinent, Master Lynn..." Lynn responded, "Please, elaborate."

Without preamble, Samuel began his report.

"You must be aware that the Ducas Clan recently convened the vassals under their dominion."

"Whether it was in deference to the former Marquis Duca's esteemed reputation, or perhaps a demonstration of fealty towards the new Marquis by these vassals, the result was the same."

"This gathering saw a considerable number of response, not only from minor lords residing in the outer territories but also from many influential vassal Lords."