Chapter 25: The Lord is Hiring
Enthusiastically taking the items, after just a glance, Adams Smith's face changed, and with a tone of disbelief, he said excitedly:
"This is... a space belt? And it's of medium capacity, worth at least 5000 gold coins!"
"And this one, Swift Boots, with blue-green scales and a faint aura, likely infused with the silk of Roc Feathers, valued at 800 gold coins…"
"Huh, and there's an enchantment? A highly practical one like 'Assault'? Its value reaches at least 8800 gold coins!"
Seeing Adams Smith reveal a bit of expertise, Matthew knew he had come prepared, clearly a merchant with a story. Matthew smiled faintly:
"Sell these two items, but keep it confidential."
"The 1960 gold coins owed for the goods will be deducted from the sales."
"I don't care how much you profit, but I expect the goods I want to be ready."
Pushing a badge of the Ser family across the table, Matthew gave Adams Smith a deep look and said calmly:
"Don't disappoint me!"
Holding the white mage tower insignia in both hands, despite all his preparation and confidence, Adams Smith still felt like he was in a dream after getting it so easily.
"From now on, I'm a merchant with backing!"
At the same time, Adams Smith felt an indescribable awe for the mysterious lord.
The identity of an arcanist, the Ser family background, and the suspected alchemy skills all pointed to his bet being successful.
Adams Smith also knew that all of this came with conditions.
He would only enjoy such protection if he met the lord's demands and completed his tasks.
When Adams Smith looked up again, he found that Matthew had disappeared from view, and standing before him was the smiling Steward Ralph.
Adams Smith's heart raced, his ability to read people as well as situations was quite accurate.
He could see that the lord didn't particularly care whether he completed the task or not, which was common among many spellcaster lords.
But Steward Ralph was entirely different. One glance was enough to tell that he was sharp and not easy to deal with.
Taking out a notebook from behind him, Ralph handed Adams Smith a piece of parchment, his eyes polite yet his tone serious:
"These are the items the lord wants. Most you should be able to bring, but keep these few secret."
Adams Smith's heart tightened as he took the parchment, his face subtly changing as he quietly read:
"2 million pounds of wheat, 1000 gold coins!"
"100,000 pounds of high-quality rice seeds, 200 gold coins!"
"10,000 chickens, 50 gold coins!"
"10,000 ducks, 50 gold coins!"
"1000 pigs, 500 gold coins!"
"500 oxen, 250 gold coins!"
"50 warhorses, 500 gold coins!"
"Crossbows x20, 400 gold coins!"
"250 pounds of casting materials, 50 gold coins!"
"100 magic crystals, 500 gold coins!"
"Recruitment: Mid-level blacksmiths, mid-level tailors, mid-level leatherworkers, and other manufacturing talents."
"Work in Bay Village for 5 years, each receives 50 gold coins, high-level talents 1000 gold coins, master-level talents 5000 gold coins."
"Recruitment requirements: willing to train apprentices, provide knowledge transfer, sign work contracts."
"Participation in production and manufacturing is not required, after evaluation, they may manage the production plant."
"Recruitment: Mid-level chefs, mid-level breeders, mid-level caretakers, and other livelihood talents."
"Every mid-level talent working in Bay Village for 5 years will receive 20 gold coins, high-level talents will receive 200 gold coins, master-level talents will be rewarded 2000 gold coins."
"Recruitment requirements: willing to train apprentices, provide knowledge transfer, sign work contracts."
"Participation in production and manufacturing is not required, after evaluation, they may manage the production plant."
From the diverse range of goods requested, Adams Smith realized that Matthew was not like other spellcaster lords, solely focused on spells and mage towers.
This meant he had more room to operate!
At the same time, Adams Smith was astonished by Matthew's enormous appetite and felt the pressure mounting.
"Wheat and livestock are easy to acquire, but high-quality rice seeds are rare and will require some maneuvering at the southern ports..."
"Basic weapons and equipment are also abundant, even if the quantity is large, I can trade for some from others, but crossbows pose a bit of a challenge..."
"Magic crystals aren't expensive, but the volume needed is significant, and gathering them in a short time won't be easy either..."
"Recruiting all sorts of talents—this is a test for me? Or is he trying to accelerate the development of the territory?"
"The cost of purchasing all these supplies totals only about 3000 gold coins, but the remaining funds are to recruit talent?"
"The prices he's offering are extremely tempting. It might be tough to get those currently in demand, but slaves or those nearing retirement..."
After a brief moment of thought, Adams Smith quickly weighed the pros and cons, determining that the task was achievable, even if it required considerable effort. He felt it was worth it.
The more relaxed Matthew appeared, the more Adams Smith trusted him!
His changing expressions did not go unnoticed by Steward Ralph, who was slightly surprised but showed no change in his demeanor. Instead, he smiled and said:
"The lord said time is of the essence, the quicker the better, and also, be cautious. Avoid the road to Sweetwater Town when you return..."
Adams Smith was shocked. He hadn't thought much of the news of Sweetwater Town's destruction by the black dragon; instead, he had felt quite fortunate.
Now, hearing Ralph's words, he realized there was more to this story, and he gratefully nodded repeatedly:
"Thank you for the warning, Steward Ralph. I'll complete the task as soon as possible, and next time, I'll be sure to bring you a gift..."
Ralph nodded noncommittally and said nothing more as he left with the documents, heading out of the manor.
Adams Smith carefully placed the parchment into a silk pouch, then stored it in his space belt as he followed Ralph outside.
As soon as he stepped out the door, he suddenly saw twenty or thirty ragged children, their clothes patched, excitedly waving another parchment while shouting in their young, clear voices:
"The lord is hiring! The lord is hiring!"
"Repair the village walls, five copper coins per day, lunch provided, enough to eat, wages paid daily!"
"..."
Before long, these nimble little rascals had spread the word throughout the entire village.
Sitting in his carriage, Adams Smith watched as adults emerged from their homes, grabbing the children and asking them questions, marveling at Ralph's clever promotion tactics.
He immediately thought of various ways to use children for spreading messages...
At the same time, he gained a clearer understanding of Ralph's statement that time was precious.
Adams Smith quickly returned to a two-story wooden warehouse.
He gathered his men, ordering them to quickly transport the goods to the lord's fortress and then return to Bloodmoon City as fast as possible.
"The lord's orders come first. Follow the instructions of Steward Ralph and the others."
"Remember, don't cause any trouble, or I'll have your hide!"
After giving harsh orders, Adams Smith tore open a life-saving teleportation scroll.
A flash of azure spatial distortion appeared.
Adams Smith vanished from sight, enduring the nausea and distortion of the spatial transfer, and within seconds, he quickly returned to Bloodmoon City.
He had to hurry!