Chapter 198 - 197: The Caravan

The rising sun brought fresh vigor to the new day.

Wilson, the Civil Servant—no, the newly promoted Civil Affairs Chief—rose early.

After quickly washing up, he grabbed just two pieces of bread and hurriedly left Swamp Castle with his assistant, ready to start another busy day.

The air was damp, with the faint, pungent scent of mud, yet Wilson found it exceptionally refreshing.

He took a deep breath, letting the Swamp Town air fill his chest. It was truly intoxicating.

"Good morning, Civil Servant!"

Sailin, who was waiting outside the castle gate, came forward and greeted Wilson respectfully.

Several days ago, Ronin had dismissed Sailin from his post as Swamp Town’s Civil Servant, and was preparing to make him an ordinary subject.

However, as Ronin later inspected the territory and learned more about Swamp Town’s administration, Sailin’s professionalism began to win back his favor.

Furthermore, he had diligently helped Wilson take over the local administration in the past few days, earning Wilson’s praise. As a result, Ronin allowed him to continue handling official matters.

However, Sailin was not reinstated to his original post. He was temporarily assigned the role of "Political Clerk," a position one rank higher than an assistant, with his specific duties to be assigned by Wilson.

"Mr. Sailin, Mr. Wilson is no longer a Civil Servant."

The assistant at his side reminded him in a low voice, "Yesterday evening, the Lord appointed Mr. Wilson as the Civil Affairs Chief of Wubei Territory."

’Civil Affairs Chief?’

Sailin was taken aback. He had never heard of this official title, but based on the assistant’s words, he understood it must be an upgraded version of a Civil Servant.

"Congratulations, sir!" he quickly composed himself and offered his congratulations.

Wilson gave a modest smile. "This is all due to the Lord’s great favor. His mercy and trust have made me who I am today!"

He turned and bowed toward the castle. "Praise the Lord!"

With their superior taking the lead, the others also bowed.

’Wilson was actually enjoying this feeling. He never thought he’d have his own followers one day. Mustering the courage to apply for the Civil Servant position at Mountain Forest Castle was truly the wisest decision he had ever made in his life.’

Coming back to his senses, Wilson led his subordinates away from Swamp Castle at a slow pace, speaking as they walked:

"Sailin, you are quite capable and very familiar with the administration of Swamp Town. Although you’re only a clerk for now, as long as you serve the Lord with all your heart, it’s not impossible for you to become Swamp Town’s Civil Servant again."

Sailin shook his head bitterly. "The Lord won’t make me a Civil Servant. After all, I once served Baron Reisen."

"The Lord is merciful!"

Wilson stressed, "Sailin, don’t judge Lord Ronin by worldly standards. Do you know of Tom Knight, the one who went to Pasture City?"

Sailin thought for a moment, then nodded. "I remember him. He was one of the first Knights to come to Swamp Town with the Lord."

"That’s right!"

Wilson said, "Tom once worked for Reisen, too. He even drew his sword against the Lord. But not only did the Lord spare his life, he gave him a chance to follow him."

"Now, Tom has not only earned the Lord’s trust but is even highly regarded by him."

At this point, he looked at Sailin and said earnestly, "So, work hard. The opportunity is right in front of you. It’s up to you whether you can seize it."

’Sailin’s eyes flickered. He hadn’t expected Tom’s story to be so remarkable. And isn’t my situation similar to his?’

’If Tom could be entrusted with important responsibilities, why couldn’t he?’

"I will!"

He believed Wilson’s words.

"HAHA, good!"

Wilson laughed heartily. "Then today, let’s assign the artisans in Swamp Town according to the list!"

Meanwhile, Ronin, having woken up and washed, was enjoying his breakfast.

Bread, milk, accompanied by boiled prawns from Swamp Town and fresh vegetables. Though the taste was average, it was well-balanced nutritionally, and he was used to it.

"My lord, should I have someone notify Gallon and Bella in Mountain Forest Town to come over?"

Chahar asked softly as he respectfully handed over a towel to wipe his mouth.

Although Swamp Castle had recruited new servants, no personal manservants or maids had been hired, which was why Chahar had been the one waiting on him for the past two days.

But Chahar was often busy with other matters during the day and was frequently absent. He was worried there would be no one to take proper care of the Lord.

"No need. I’ll be returning to Mountain Forest Town in a few days anyway."

Ronin took the towel and wiped his mouth. "I heard you say that there’s been progress with Carlos’s iron smelting techniques and Jim’s kiln. I haven’t even had a chance to see them yet."

He handed the towel back. "Has that man, Pearson, arrived?"

"He arrived a while ago. I’ve had him waiting in the reception hall for some time now," Chahar replied.

Pearson, a lean, tall middle-aged man, was waiting anxiously in the reception hall.

Although a servant from Swamp Castle had poured him a cup of water, he didn’t dare drink it, as he had no idea why the new Lord had summoned him.

’Was it to hold him accountable for his past service to Reisen?’

’Or, like Sailin, would he be allowed to continue serving Swamp Castle?’

Pearson hoped for the latter.

Over the years, he had grown accustomed to traveling and trading with the Swamp Castle caravans. To be honest, he wouldn’t be able to adjust if he were forced to give up this life and pick up a hoe to farm the land.

Footsteps sounded, and Pearson sprang to his feet. He turned his head, looking with a mixture of nervousness and anticipation at the young man approaching him.

’Silver hair and black eyes—the mark of the Wushan Clan.’

He bowed deeply. "Greetings, Lord Viscount!"

"It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Pearson."

Ronin raised a hand. "Please, sit."

Pearson sat down hesitantly, his back ramrod straight. He asked cautiously, "May I ask what orders you have for me, my lord?"

"There’s no need to be nervous."

Ronin’s tone was very gentle. He knew that many of the townspeople felt pressured in his presence; after all, he hadn’t replaced Reisen through peaceful means.

"I hear you were the one leading Swamp Town’s trade caravans. I’d like to hear about your experiences."

’Pearson breathed a silent sigh of relief. It seemed the Lord wasn’t here to cause him trouble. In fact, he thought he could smell an opportunity.’

Pearson then began to describe his work over the past years.

Swamp Town essentially only sold two types of goods externally: Black Water Buffalo and aquatic produce.

The sale of Black Water Buffalo was generally handled by Reisen, since only nobles could afford to buy them in bulk.

Pearson was mainly responsible for the transportation and care of the animals, ensuring they reached the clients safely.

The sale of aquatic produce, however, was different.

The high-end fish and prawns were monopolized by the Green Clan of Lake Town, so Swamp Town’s aquatic goods were generally sold to the common folk living in towns.

’Ronin couldn’t help but wonder if Reisen’s previous move against the Green Clan had been motivated by business considerations.’

Pearson was primarily responsible for this area of aquatic produce sales. According to him, he had established partnerships with many merchants from other places over the years.

Swamp Town was able to sell all its aquatic products, whether fresh or dried.

"My lord, according to past records, Swamp Town brings in three to four hundred Gold Coins annually from the sale of fish, prawns, and other aquatic goods."

After finishing his introduction, Pearson decided to recommend himself. "Swamp Town needs a trade caravan, and I am willing to serve you!"

Ronin nodded, very satisfied.

’Although he had a lot of money on hand now, not much of it had been earned through legitimate business.’

’Swamp Town alone brought in three to four hundred Gold Coins annually just from selling aquatic produce. For a Baron’s Domain, this was a very respectable sum.’

This was an income stream Ronin had no intention of giving up.

"I do indeed need a trade caravan."

Ronin looked at Pearson. "I also recognize your capabilities, so I think we can now discuss the compensation for you and your caravan members."

’The man had existing sales channels. There was no need for Ronin to discard Pearson and build a new caravan from scratch.’

’As for whether the man might embezzle sales funds, that wasn’t a major concern.’

’Every shipment would be recorded beforehand. Even if he managed to skim a little extra on the side, that would be a testament to his own skill.’

’Business and sales were never completely clean.’

’For Ronin, all that mattered was that enough money made it into his accounts.’

However, there was one more thing to consider.

Pearson was just a commoner, and so were his men.

If they were transporting valuable goods, like selling Black Water Buffalo in bulk, or later, things like silk and Porcelain, it would be problematic not to have Knights escorting the caravan.

’When the time is right, I’ll need to find a Professional Knight to serve as a Transport Officer or a similar role.’