System: Build My Own Territory Chapter 987 - 290: Join Me in the Campaign (10,000 Words)_6

"Furthermore, he possesses sufficient blacksmiths capable of smelting iron ore into iron and subsequently forging it into armor!"

"Otherwise, how could he possibly possess four to five hundred sets of armor?"

Walter immediately fell into silence.

In his capacity as the Guard Captain overseeing the entirety of Connelly Manor,

he was privy to the existence of salt mines within the vicinity of Morgan Town, a fact a man of his standing would naturally be aware of.

This very knowledge constituted the primary reason behind their ongoing investigation into Morgan Town.

Just as Lord Zock had alluded to,

an unfamiliar lord had abruptly emerged onto the scene.

Not only had this newcomer annihilated all the existing manor lords within Morgan Town,

but he also commanded such an extensive number of armored soldiers!

Naturally,

this situation might also present the explanation for how this lord, identified as Lynn, was capable of eradicating all the manor lords in Morgan Town!

However,

insofar as the acquisition of five hundred sets of armor is concerned, this feat remains unachievable!

Even if the territory belonging to this lord, Lynn, were divinely favored by the heavens,

possessing both an open-pit salt mine and an open-pit iron mine.

Yet, from the initial excavation process to the smelting in blast furnaces and the subsequent crafting of armor in the forges...

Which particular step could possibly be accomplished without a substantial labor force?

The most crucial point to consider is this:

Iron smelting and armor forging are far from feats that can be accomplished solely with a large workforce!

They also necessitate advanced smelting and forging technologies!

If, as Master Zock had stated, it was improbable for Morgan Town to harbor four hundred fully armed soldiers...

Then, conversely, one must question:

Were the intelligence operatives he dispatched to Morgan deliberately deceiving him?

Walter deemed this possibility even less likely!

Considering that the previous group, including Bader, had mysteriously vanished, most likely captured or eliminated by Lynn.

He had intentionally dispatched his most trusted subordinates.

It was highly improbable that they would fabricate information regarding the number of fully armed soldiers in Morgan Town, especially when involving figures like Master Zock and even prominent individuals such as Viscount Jon Zuck of Kasong City!

For a fleeting moment,

Walter found himself at a loss for words to convey to Zock, who was leisurely relaxing in his bathtub.

Following a brief period of contemplation,

Walter's eyes suddenly brightened, and he declared with a newfound insight,

"Master Zock, to unequivocally confirm the veracity of the intelligence brought back by our spies, I propose to personally lead a contingent to Morgan Town for a more thorough investigation."

"I humbly request your permission, sir!"

Zock cast a approving glance at Walter, exclaiming,

"That is indeed the most correct and wisest decision you could make!"

"Walter, do you happen to recall the reason I saw fit to promote you to the esteemed position of Guard Captain?"

"And why I entrusted you with the crucial responsibility of the entire manor's security?"

Walter responded with a doubtful shake of his head.

Zock offered a slight smile, explaining his reasoning, "It is precisely because of your meticulous attention to detail and your unwavering commitment to a serious and rigorous work ethic."

Walter inclined his head in a gesture of humble acknowledgment, replying,

"Master Zock, your praise is far too generous."

"Having sworn my allegiance to you as your Guard Captain, it is naturally my duty to strive for your best interests."

"Otherwise, how would I differ from a traitor?"

Zock nodded with evident satisfaction, stating, "Well spoken!"

"Is there any further pertinent information you wish to report?"

Without any hesitation, Walter continued his report,

"The ongoing recruitment of soldiers in Alba Town is proceeding as planned."

"To this date, a total of 150 Free People have been successfully recruited."

"They have expressed their willingness to serve as your soldiers, sir..."

"However, there is one particular point I would like to confirm with you, sir."

"Currently, there is no remuneration offered to these recruited soldiers, beyond their daily sustenance in the form of food supplies?"

Zock, while still comfortably submerged in his bath, responded,

"Indeed, Guard Captain Walter. Do you perceive any issues with such employment terms?"

Walter quickly elaborated, "Sir, in my capacity as your Guard Captain, I personally harbor no objections."

"However, it appears that these Free People seeking employment feel that the absence of any remuneration makes it a less appealing prospect compared to returning to their agricultural pursuits."

"This way, they could earn sufficient pence to adequately support their families..."

"Furthermore, a number of Free People who had initially agreed to employment at your manor have subsequently rescinded their agreements and returned to Alba Town."

Walter adjusted his tone, continuing his explanation,

"Sir, my point is that if this situation of no remuneration persists."

"Not only will it be difficult to recruit additional soldiers, but even those already enlisted may gradually begin to depart."

"Regarding the course of action to be taken, Walter awaits your commands, sir!"

Listening intently to Walter's detailed account, Zock, who was in the bathtub skillfully manipulating a soft, round object in his hands, couldn't help but furrow his brow.

The recruitment of soldiers and the provision of their daily meals already represented the utmost extent of his current capabilities.

Furthermore, the prospect of offering daily wages...

Such additional expenditures would indeed place an excessive burden on his territory's finances.

Nevertheless,

if, under the leadership of Viscount Jon Zuck, they were successful in capturing Morgan Town and securing control of the vital salt mine situated there,

even after the allocated four percent share amongst their eight supporting factions...

The remaining income would still constitute an exceedingly substantial amount!

With this hopeful prospect in mind, Zock addressed Walter,

"Relay this message to those Free People: I, Zock, am willing to offer them a daily wage of two pence."

"Should they dare to demand more, they can simply depart and be on their way."

"And from this moment forward, they should not entertain any hopes of leasing land or obtaining labor from Connelly Manor!"

Walter bowed respectfully in acknowledgment, stating, "Understood, sir."

Zock kneaded the maid's soft form vigorously in his hand, eliciting a pained sound from her.

Zock continued addressing Walter. "Is there anything else?"

Walter replied with reverence, "Sir, for the moment, there is nothing more."

Zock gave a nod. "Then you may depart."

"Oh, and summon the steward, Land."

Walter bowed once more, then turned to leave.

In the very next second, a shy moan from the maid echoed from the bathroom.

He remained unfazed.

Emerging from Zock's bathroom and descending the stairs, Walter arrived in the ground-floor hall.

Without any need to search, Land approached him with a smile. "Guard Captain Walter, can you tell me now what you reported to our master?"

Walter glanced at him indifferently, his voice deep. "The master wishes to see you."

Land's eyebrows rose, immediate curiosity piqued. "Me? Did the master mention anything specific?"

Walter completely ignored Land's inquiry, walking past him and exiting the manor.

Still standing there, a flash of anger crossed Land's features. He snorted coldly, "One day, your authority as Guard Captain will be mine!"

Recalling Walter's words, he didn't hesitate. He strode purposefully up the stairs.