System: Build My Own Territory Chapter 961 - 286: Attack on Morgan Town (10,000) _4

"Adding the free people residing in Morgan Town, the displaced peasants from ruined manors, and the slaves acquired from the Slave Merchant..."

"Land and manpower are precisely the resources you require most!"

The expressions of the manor lords became complicated; they were momentarily at a loss for words.

While they were indeed manor lords, they were certainly not fools!

As soon as Jon Zuck proposed his terms, he intended to claim nearly half of the salt mine’s output.

This would leave a mere forty percent of the profits for the eight of them to divide amongst themselves.

Even if Morgan Town was abundant in labor and land, of what use was that?

To make labor exert itself, one must provide sustenance. To make land yield crops, cultivation and planting are necessary.

Wasn’t it simpler and more efficient for Jon Zuck to directly take the salt mine’s profits?

Observing the silence from the others,

Jon’s eyes narrowed slightly, and he leaned back against his chair.

"Esteemed lords, do any of you have objections to this proposed distribution method?"

As Jon’s words concluded, the atmosphere within the conference room subtly shifted once more.

It became tense, overbearing, and undeniably absolute.

Zock was the first to speak again, stating, "Viscount, Zock has no objections."

"Everything shall proceed according to the Viscount’s arrangements."

A few of the manor lords couldn’t help but roll their eyes, inwardly scoffing with disdain.

Jon pressed on, "If you have any objections, please voice them now."

"If there are none, then we shall move on to the next item on the agenda!"

Sensing the impatience in Jon’s tone, the manor lords finally offered their responses.

"We shall follow the Viscount’s arrangements."

Jon nodded, replying, "Excellent, then."

"Our next topic concerns the timing for our assault on Morgan Town and the requisite number of soldiers..."

"Before we delve into that, I wish to invite Lord Zock, who has undertaken the preliminary investigations of Morgan Town, to brief us on the current situation!"

The gazes of the manor lords turned towards Zock Connally.

Zock, without a moment’s hesitation, rose and inclined his head towards Jon, who occupied the main seat.

He then addressed the assembled individuals.

"Honorable lords, based on the intelligence I have gathered, it appears all the manor lords within Morgan Town have been eliminated by Lynn."

"Morgan Town itself is in a state of desolation, almost entirely devoid of the vibrancy and prosperity that a town populated by thousands of Free People should exhibit; it more closely resembles a ghost town!"

"According to the reports from the spies I dispatched,"

"Currently, only several hundred farmers are engaged in harvesting within Morgan Town."

"Beyond these harvesting farmers, there is an armed guard contingent!"

A hush fell over the room as everyone listened intently.

After briefly observing the other manor lords, Zock continued his report.

"However, unlike ordinary armed soldiers, these are a group of fully armored warriors."

"Based on initial estimates, the number of these fully armored soldiers exceeds two hundred."

"It’s not just Morgan Town; the former Frank Manor is also under the protection of similarly armored soldiers."

"The exact number of soldiers within the Manor Castle remains unknown at this time."

"Judging solely by the soldiers stationed on the Manor Castle walls, their numbers are certainly no less than those guarding Morgan Town!"

Zock concluded his findings with, "In essence, we are likely to face a fully armed contingent of armored soldiers, the precise strength of which is yet to be determined!"

Upon hearing this revelation,

The eyes of all the manor lords widened, reflecting sheer disbelief.

"Fully armed armored soldiers? Over hundreds in number??"

"This... how could such a thing be possible?"

"Hundreds are merely the preliminary count; who can say precisely how many armored soldiers there truly are?"

"The soldiers in my own manor are only equipped with leather and cloth armor; how could they possibly contend against armored troops? Wouldn't that be tantamount to suicide?"

"Such a formidable number of armored soldiers... this so-called Lord must have traded a substantial quantity of high-grade iron ore or armor for fine salt!"

Despite their strong desire for the fine salt,

They were acutely aware of the grave danger involved in confronting armored soldiers.

On open terrain, a single fully equipped armored soldier could easily overcome three to five unarmored combatants!

While the manor lords remained in a state of hesitant contemplation,

Jon addressed them directly, stating, "Distinguished lords, this is precisely the primary reason for convening this assembly!"

"I require the consolidation of all your collective strengths to decisively crush this Lord and eliminate any future threat!"

...

The night deepened considerably.

Manor lords, adorned in opulent silk robes, emerged from the Viscount’s Castle.

Their expressions were varied, and no words were exchanged amongst them.

They proceeded towards the carriages that were lined up in the castle’s open courtyard.

With the assistance of their coachmen and guards, they entered their respective vehicles.

As the coachmen called out to the horses, the carriages began to move away from the Viscount’s Castle.

Within mere minutes,

The previously bustling courtyard, filled with carriages and vigilant guards, fell into a profound silence.

On the third floor of the castle.