System: Build My Own Territory Chapter 950 - 284: Gold Pounds Paving the Way
Previously on System: Build My Own Territory...
Observing the gradual departure of the onlookers.
Lynn turned his gaze and admired the sunset, which was slowly sinking below the distant horizon.
Along the limestone road traversing the farmlands.
A group of townsfolk, concluding their day's labor, cautiously made way for the procession.
Samuel, with his four Church Guards in tow, finally navigated through the most densely packed area.
Catching sight of the long line of figures trailing behind him.
Samuel let out a sigh.
The population within Master Lynn’s territory is quite substantial, wouldn't you agree?
With just a cursory glance, he estimated the number of people in this procession to be no less than two thousand!
And that's not accounting for.
The additional figures still toiling in the distant farmlands.
However.
Upon further contemplation, Samuel found this situation to be entirely normal.
It is widely known.
That Master Lynn is the one responsible for the downfall of all the Manor Lords in Morgan Town.
The considerable number of peasants and captives subsequently acquired, combined with the existing populace of several thousand residents in Morgan Town.
It is only natural for Master Lynn to possess such a large population under his domain.
Even more so than the population size.
Samuel's thoughts were more occupied by the leather pouch of coins Master Lynn had just bestowed upon him!
The five Gold Pounds contained within were designated for settling Bishop Semo’s tithe payment.
The remaining five Gold Pounds were, quite rightfully, his reward for serving as Master Lynn’s informant!
From their preceding exchange, Samuel had grasped the essence.
Master Lynn commands significant military might and possesses an abundant labor force within his territory.
Furthermore, production and construction endeavors are progressing at a swift pace.
Nevertheless, Master Lynn faces evident deficiencies in controlling and accessing intelligence beyond his territory's borders.
The territory boasts open-pit salt mines, a vast workforce, and extensive fertile land.
This presents a tempting target for other lords, much like a plump prey!
Should they manage to seize it, they could indulge in a substantial feast.
If this territory lacks adequate military strength or diplomatic acumen to seek external support and protection.
The more prosperous the territory, the greater the temptation for other lords to covet and attack!
No lord can afford to ignore a defenseless yet exceptionally rich quarry.
Master Lynn has clearly recognized this inherent risk.
Otherwise.
Master Lynn would have no reason to offer an additional fifteen Gold Pounds specifically for his intelligence gathering services.
Even if Master Lynn possessed alternative methods for acquiring information.
Such as through the merchants visiting his lands, or by organizing his own expeditions for intelligence gathering.
Regardless of the volume of information obtained through these means, it wouldn't be as convenient or efficient as that provided by him, the Bishop’s personal Guard Captain!
And given his consistent adherence to Bishop Semo’s directives.
He frequently gains access to information at its source.
Relative to the paramount importance of firsthand intelligence, a fifteen Gold Pound reward is a modest sum.
Moreover.
When he arrives within Master Lynn’s territory to collect tithes.
He can opportunistically leverage information asymmetry to accrue additional Gold Pounds.
Why wouldn't he seize such an advantage?
Despite his current esteemed position as the Bishop’s Guard Captain.
Who among us doesn't aspire to build more substantial financial reserves?
To utilize Gold Pounds for procuring nourishing sustenance to enhance the health of himself and his family.
And to purchase suitable weaponry for his maturing children...
As for the reason Master Lynn sought information regarding Jon Zuck...
Samuel remained indifferent to such motives.
Jon Zuck, as the reigning Lord of Kakasong City, has consistently maintained an adversarial stance against the Church.
This opposition stems not solely from the Church's intent to levy tithes upon all inhabitants of Kakasong City.
Encompassing both the city's residents and even Lord Jon Zuck himself, a Viscount!
Rather, it is rooted in their assertion of an independent judicial system, separate from the Church's authority.
Both the Church and the Lord lay claim to governance over Kakasong City and its surrounding territories.
While the Church endeavors to shape the populace's thoughts and actions through its sermons and religious observances.
The Church wields this influence to scrutinize and potentially interfere with the policies enacted by Lord Jon Zuck.
Concurrently, Jon Zuck harbors the ambition of integrating the Church into his own administrative framework, thereby curtailing and overseeing its operations.
This sentiment is not exclusive to Jon Zuck.
Nearly every lord harbors similar aspirations.
No lord who holds a position of authority within their domain willingly submits to the Church's oversight and established protocols.
It is precisely due to this underlying tension.
That immediately after Bishop Semo officially declared Morgan Town's ownership to belong to Master Lynn.
Jon Zuck promptly requested and held a meeting with Bishop Semo.
The outcome of this encounter was a significant dispute between the two, culminating in a period of icy relations.
Regarding the intelligence he has just divulged to Master Lynn.
And upon his return to Kakasong City, wherein he will provide Master Lynn with the city's detailed defensive schematics.
Whether Master Lynn will subsequently decide to dispatch his forces to assault Kakasong City...
Samuel is equally unconcerned by this prospect!
Even if a shift in leadership were to occur within Kakasong City.
As long as the successor lord refrains from maintaining a rigid opposition and does not seek the Church's abolition.
The Church can anticipate continued stability and existence within Kakasong City.
The most crucial factor remains.
That even should a lord harbor intentions of dismantling the Church, the undertaking would prove exceedingly difficult.
Out of Kakasong City's estimated fifty thousand inhabitants, a significant portion, at least thirty thousand, profess adherence to the Church!
Amidst escalating prices triggered by the winter snowfall and the commencement of the Imperial Authority War, an increasing number of individuals are finding solace and purpose by joining the Church and embracing its doctrines. As the daily hardships intensify for residents, the weight of their circumstances presses down upon them. In these trying times, a profound need emerges for a compassionate presence, someone to offer a listening ear and gentle guidance.