A month had passed.
The nobles who had been greedy and jealous of Moonshadow City were no longer present.
The deaths of a few tier 3 and tier 2 nobles had caused quite a stir, making Moonshadow City famous.
While there were now fewer nobles envious of its territory, there were more invitations.
After all, they had only been vying for benefits, not to the death.
...
Outside the castle:
"How is the business caravan, my lord?"
"Is there anything you'd like to add?" Andre asked.
Andre was the leader of this newly formed caravan.
"Nothing. However, to ensure your safety, General Smith and a few soldiers will accompany you."
Even with mechanical weapons as backup, the caravan still needed a guarantee.
"Thank you, My Lord!" Andre said excitedly.
He was still worried about his safety, he didn't think his lord had already thought of a solution.
"By the way, My Lord, what should we name our caravan?"
"Just name it Aetherium Caravan," Maximus said after some thought.
"What a great name, my lord!"
"Go, I expect you to have a great harvest!" Maximus patted him.
"Leave it to me, my lord!"
...
After receiving instructions from Maximus.
The caravan was quickly filled with food supplies, clothes, and locally crafted products.
Once the supplies were loaded, a thousand-caravan formation domineeringly left the city.
"We have our own caravan now."
"Moonshadow City is improving every day!"
"That's right. I heard that other places are still in chaos."
"It's not just chaos; I heard that many have already died of hunger due to the lack of supplies."
"We can consider ourselves lucky to live in Moonshadow City."
"No, living under the rule of Lord Maximus is our greatest blessing!"
The people in the city chatted as they watched the Aetherium Caravan depart in a grand manner.
...
A few days later, they arrived at Stonebridge City.
This city was the closest one to Moonshadow City.
As the Aetherium Caravan approached the city, the people inside it seemed to glimpse hope.
"What is that?"
"I think I see food."
"Could it be the supplies sent by our new city lord?"
"Don't joke. I'd rather believe you're a hidden powerhouse than believe our lord would give us something."
"It seems like you're right."
These people looked like withered individuals, barely able to walk.
Several months of hunger and rationing their supplies had taken a toll on them.
They held onto the hope of surviving until the farms produced food.
As the Aetherium Caravan entered the city, the people finally saw that it was a business caravan selling food.
Even the guards didn't bother to inspect the caravan and allowed them to enter the city.
"Food!"
"Fresh food!"
The people erupted in excitement as they swarmed the caravan.
"Back off!"
The soldiers accompanying the caravan formed a neat line to maintain order.
"Aren't you selling food?"
"That's right! Let us buy some!"
"Hmph!" The soldiers didn't reply and just stood in line.
The people quickly became disappointed, realizing that the caravan was not selling food.
"Tsk, what a letdown!"
"I thought I could finally eat to my full."
One by one, the people left as the caravan slowly made its way into the city.
Although they were tempted to force themselves and loot the caravan.
The sight of energetic, fully armored soldiers standing in order quickly erased that thought.
Andre finally noticed what was happening and approached the people.
"Relax, folks. Just wait for our caravan to set up."
"We welcome anyone to our business,"
Andre's plump face jiggling was particularly appetizing to these people that they gulped.
"Is that true?"
"Of course. Please be patient as we set up the caravans."
"This... Do you accept anything other than money?" the people couldn't help but ask.
Many of them didn't have money, as it had either been taken by their lord or other greedy merchants.
Their wallets were probably cleaner than their faces at the moment.
"Of course, we accept wood, minerals, herbs—anything of value," Andre said.
Maximus also knew that money was mostly in the hands of powerful people, so he accepted anything for food.
As long as it could be used, he wasn't picky.
As for those with money, there were potions, weapons, and high-quality products available for them to purchase.
Soon, people began to purchase food using both money and materials.
As for the wealthy individuals, after securing enough food, they turned their attention to the potion section.
"What kinds of potions do you sell here?"
"It's just healing potions, training potions, and auxiliary potions."
"You can look at the list here for specific potions," the staff said, handing over a list.
"These are so affordable! Give me ten!"
"Oh, you still have these potions!"
"What a rich variety of products."
The wealthy customers appeared to regard money as dirt as they purchased potions like there was no tomorrow.
There was now a severe shortage of potions in the market.
As the people responsible to go in Berrun city to replenish supplies were fighting for territory.
Although the Caravan potion price was higher than the usual market rate, it's understandable.
After buying enough potion they came to the weapon section.
"So much supply,"
"I can finally arm my guard. It's too chaotic now"
While the people were having a carnival, shopping for goods.
The Lord of Stonebridge City finally noticed the situation.
However, before he could approach, General Smith spotted him.
"Who are you?" the city lord asked.
"We are just merchants conducting a business."
"Merchants?" The city lord looked at Smith warily.
Sensing that even as a fellow tier 3 knight, he was no match for Smith.
"Are you from?"
"Moonshadow City. This is our first destination."
"Moonshadow City?! That incredibly wealthy city?"
"Ahem! Please excuse my rudeness," the city lord apologized upon learning their origin.
Realizing they were from Moonshadow City, everything made sense.
"In that case, since this is a business caravan, may I also be welcomed?"
"Sure, just be sure to follow the rules," Smith made way.
The city lord laughed, "Hahaha, don't worry, I'm a law-abiding city lord."
He excitedly lined up like any law-abiding citizen.
Despite his status as a city lord, even he was in need of supplies.
For food, he had been eating preserved rations that nearly made him vomit.
His potion supply was also running low.
Additionally, his soldiers were still equipped in ragtag gear.
After his turn on the line, the city lord opened his wallet to buy food in mass.
Soon a few carriages worth of food was bought.
Following that, he replenished his potion stock and acquired weapons for his soldiers.
Seeing his empty wallet, he left somewhat unsatisfied.
Unfortunately, the majority of his money was not with him.
Otherwise, he could have purchased at least half of the caravan's supply.
As people bought food, the sounds of cooking and a jovial atmosphere spread throughout the city.
Gazing at the freshly prepared food coming out of the pots, many couldn't help but shed tears.
Thinking about the one who had provided them with sustenance.
Moonshadow City, which they had heard was a paradise, made them dream.
"It would be wonderful if Lord Maximus became our King..."