However, the situation was not so simple. Even if Gwynnis kept his promise and readily released the subjects, how would the nobles smoothly find their own subjects and bring them back? At this point, the nobles had generally accepted Gwynnis's explanation, and the next step was to negotiate the details.
The nobles understood that leaving their subjects here was the only option. Gwynnis's words weren't entirely unreasonable. Since he wanted to earn some war money, let him do it. The nobles only wanted to minimize their losses and preserve the lives of their subjects.
Later, both sides discussed the details, such as how to avoid confusion when so many subjects from various noble territories were mixed here. They agreed to use each noble's family symbols and letters as markers, using dye on the subjects to differentiate them. When the agreed time came for the nobles to come and take their subjects, they would need to identify them based on appearance, markers, and recognition by the subjects. Through these three methods of confirmation, mix-ups and mistakes should be avoided.
During the negotiation, everyone was very engaged, especially Gwynnis, who proposed many constructive suggestions, addressing practical problems and pointing out some easily overlooked details. By the end of the discussion, the nobles had started to trust Gwynnis somewhat. His attitude was genuinely sincere, and he approached the conversation with the mindset of problem-solving, respecting the interests of each party. Some people had already nodded in approval secretly.
Finally, to ensure that everyone felt at ease, Gwynnis suggested that all present nobles sign a contract outlining the cooperation agreement and specific details. He emphasized that, to ensure fairness and impartiality, he wouldn't even be present at the mining site when the nobles came to retrieve their subjects.
"Do we really not need to pay anything extra?" a noble confirmed repeatedly.
"No need. As the newly inherited lord, I want to show some sincerity to all of you, my seniors. After all, in the future, when I sell weapons, I'll need everyone's support," Gwynnis modestly replied.
The nobles nodded in agreement. Before signing, they gathered again to confirm and discuss the final details.
"Are there really no hidden pitfalls?"
"I've examined the contract repeatedly; it should be fine."
"What if he doesn't return the people?"
"I've thought about that too. He can't sustain so many people. Besides him, who among us can long-term support several thousand people? There are almost three thousand people here, and he probably has over a thousand in his castle and estate, totaling nearly five thousand. Who among you can support five thousand people long-term? Not to mention, more people might join later."
Everyone nodded.
"But he's mining iron, so he should make quite a bit of money. At that time, he can buy food from the outside; he doesn't have to rely solely on the black wheat he grows on his land."
Some were still hesitant.
"If he dares not to return the people, then all of us can unite and block him. Where could he buy food if we all refuse to sell to him? Even if he tries to buy from far away, just the transportation of the grain will give him a headache. As soon as we make a move, we can easily cripple him."
"So, the more people join, the safer we become, and he'll be less likely to embezzle."
"Exactly, and we'll also sign a contract. If he dares not to return the people or obstructs us, we can easily complain to the Earl. I've heard that the Earl isn't pleased with him; he even wants to deal with him. At that time, he might even beg us not to expose the matter."
A light laughter followed.
"After we go back, we can also bring in more people, have them send their subjects here. The more people involved, the stronger our influence, and the safer we are. It will also increase his food consumption, preventing any thoughts of embezzlement. Besides, those introduced by us will be grateful for finding a way to keep their subjects from starving. I think I can sell them a favor."
Hmm, hmm, hmm, everyone nodded in agreement.
During the conversation, someone sneaked a glance at Gwynnis not far away.
"I even feel he's quite sincere. We might be the ones setting traps for him."
"Cough, okay, okay, let's stop talking. Let's sign the contract; he might not be happy if we continue."
Another round of laughter ensued.
In the end, all the nobles involved returned to Gwynnis, serious-faced and earnest.
"Is everything discussed?"
Gwynnis clasped his hands together, earnestly asking.
"We're ready to sign."
The leading noble replied confidently.
And so, Gwynnis signed the agreement with the surrounding nobles, allowing him to recruit a significant number of subjects from their territories for the cost of two meals a day. Moreover, the nobles promised to show gratitude to Gwynnis by introducing other clients and gathering more subjects lacking food to his mining site.
Seeing Gwynnis hesitate, the nobles felt like they held Gwynnis's lifeline.
"Sorry, allow me a moment to calculate."
Gwynnis stepped aside, muttering to himself, and began mental calculations.
In the end, Gwynnis returned to the negotiation scene and confirmed, "I'm sorry, but I can only accommodate about four thousand people at most. Any more, and I'm afraid I won't be able to bear the burden."
With the exact number, the nobles rushed to introduce this opportunity to their close friends, bringing them into the deal. Watching relatives or friends urgently gathering subjects in their territories, preparing to join, these nobles who led the introductions felt very proud. After all, without them, other nobles might have missed this excellent opportunity.
Soon, the reserved quota of four thousand was filled, but the persistent nobles, from somewhere, learned that Gwynnis had previously exchanged grain with Baron Evans for a batch of subjects. They seized this information like a life-saving straw, constantly persuading Baron Evans to return the grain to Gwynnis, tirelessly urging and reasoning, showing even more urgency than Baron Evans himself.
Of course, when Baron Evans heard this news, he regretted falling for it so early and hurried over to Gwynnis, saying he wanted to tear up the agreement. He would return the grain, and Gwynnis could return the subjects.
Gwynnis didn't oppose this, but he made a new request. All subjects participating in the mining activities must come as family units. A man alone without his wife and children at home would affect his work efficiency. Given the current volatile situation, asking men to leave their families several kilometers away for work was indeed unsettling. The nobles readily agreed to this explanation.
Thus, Baron Evans returned Gwynnis's 70 tons of grain, and both sides began recalculating the number of subjects.
In the end, Gwynnis successfully obtained a total of six thousand hungry subjects, most of them in family units, occasionally interspersed with some bachelors. With the agreement settled and the nobles sent away, Gwynnis's smile disappeared momentarily. However, it quickly reappeared, even more triumphant than before.
And so, under the guidance of experienced workers, the production and construction at the iron mine began in full swing.