Chapter 91 – Assarting (Start)

Chapter 91 – Assarting (Start)

Rumont’s map was formally acknowledged by the Baron; the outskirts of the forest was officially named.

Rumont was also currently an Esquire. Not a Knight nor a Baronet, which was why he didn’t have a surname. But his territory was being christened as the “Forest Home” territory, and also marked with this.

The early summer of the sixth month, wind and rain would frequently appear.

That’s why on this day, drizzling rain was falling with a pipa¹; weaving about to form a curtain of water, washing all over the forest, placing it into a world of water. Black clouds covered the entire sky, causing it to darken and appear like nightfall. Often, lightning would flash and issue out an ear-deafening boom.

And amidst the rains, a group of sorry looking Adventurers were throwing themselves into Forest Home.

Even though they were amidst rain, the Adventurers could still see the thick and solid fencing enclosure and the vast farmlands that had already started up. They also saw several already built establishments. One of them, was the inn.

At this time, the oil lamp within the inn was already lit, shining the interior space magnificently. This was animal fat. It could be created by simmering fatty meat, which could be bought from the Adventurers with a bit of money. Although it had a slight smell, the Adventurers would neither be bothered by it.

“Boss, bring the meat and liquor!” Commander Bicks² ordered with a loud voice.

He was a middle-aged man who had facial hair, you could vaguely see that he was handsome in his younger years, but his face was already filled with traces of wind and frost.

At this time, the bottom of the inn was already filled with people. There was no place to sit. You might as well just spread a pelt on the ground and sit on the floor. Bustling sounds filled the inn. The heavy aroma of alcohol and meat filled up the air completely.

“Coming!” a busy youth was just wiping his sweat. There was also a maiden that was doing odd jobs. This youth was Fafnir’s younger brother, Vardon. Due to the changes in income, and also because it was just the period of development, in this half a year, he had grown taller rapidly.

The maiden that followed behind him was originally a neighbouring girl from town, Ellie³. They were a couple who had been friends since childhood. Marriage was early in this world; being of marriageable age by 15 years. Currently, the two families more or less treated them as a married couple.

Looking at the bustling scene, although Fafnir’s mother was busy, she still showed a satisfied smile.

Vardon’s body was more frail. The probability of him having a career as a Warrior by learning martial skills wasn’t high. But the family already had 50 mu worth of land, and adding on this inn, they would have properties in the future. They estimated that next year they would be able to let Vardon and Ellie get married.

Meat and liquor was brought forth with a delicious fragrance. The inn only offered cider which was cheap. More importantly was that it wouldn’t be mixed with water. This made it so that the Adventurers tired at the day’s end would be immediately filled with a greater appetite.

Commander Bicks indicated a toast, before then sitting his butt into the wooden chair, drinking a mouthful. A spicy texture then went abruptly from his mouth, flowing into his throat and again spreading throughout the pit of his stomach. Satisfied, he relinquished a sigh, his eyes closed to form two narrow slits.

“I’ve heard……that 7 or 8 tenant families moved from the city today? How is it that there’s anyone willing to come here from the city and not get autonomy?” in the surroundings, there was a man who spoke while eating the roasted meat in big bites, his lips were all covered in oil.

“Mm! When I went out, they had just arrived at the entrance, I even recognized one of the families. It was Fudi⁴, who was once a Commander of an Adventurer’s squadron. He had even greeted me!” an Adventurer placed his cup down and tore off some meat, placing it into his mouth to chew: “as for the autonomy, without any food, even if they’re free they’ll still starve to death. These are all people that couldn’t go on making it in the city.”

“Fudi is a Rank 3 Warrior though, how’d he end up in such a state?”

“What use is a Rank 3, he had an arm bitten off at the shoulder by a wolf, the treatment also costed a fair amount. He’s old, handicapped, and useless. Rumont willing to shelter him is already quite excellent. What’s more, his family also has autonomy; that Rumont is quite courteous. The other families are also of an Adventurer background but without such a treatment, being honest tenants.”

“Hey, Adventurers are exactly such a life. Once they get old and handicapped, it gets difficult.”

Hearing this, Bicks shortly sunk into a mood. His left hand subconsciously grasped tightly into a fist. Though he himself was not handicapped, he was almost 40. How many more years could his Adventure squadron also exist for?

“Commander, drink!” surrounded by old comrades, one of them spoke suddenly. He took the pitcher of wine and filled the half-empty cup of the Commander, who he had followed for 20 years, to the brim. Soon after, he also poured himself a cup.

“Cheers!” Bicks vigorously grabbed the cup, lifted his neck and sculled it clean in one breath. The ice-cold liquor followed the throat down, scorching up his throat and stomach.

You drink to me. I drink to you. Amongst the Adventure squadron, they began to shout about unbridled, greatly chatting and laughing away. Half an hour later, their bodies in a stupor, swayed about as they climbed the stairs. When they entered their rooms, they had just collapsed onto the floor, snoring away.

Close by, Rumont was just chatting with Fafnir, Nick, Sukhar, as well as with the Fudi that was just mentioned.

“Sukhar, how’s it going?” Rumont asked.

“Not that bad, my hand is nearly recovered. In another month, I reckon it’ll be fine.” Sukhar spoke joyously. He looked over his own palm. His originally stiff fingers due to a poison was already quite nimble.

“Then that’s great. Fafnir frequently goes out to temper himself with missions, you can just take charge for the safety of this territory then!” Rumont said.

“You can relax, leave it to me.” Sukhar stroked the long bow that was never a moment apart from himself and displayed a smile. Once he was recovering, the kind of excellent sort of Archer temperament had then appeared.

“Fudi, later when everyone begins to cultivate the land, I’ll then hand it over to you. Oh, you also have to take care of the 6 farming cattles.”

“Sire, be at ease. I can manage this minor affair.” clearly being allocated a house and 30 mu of private farm lands, Fudi felt he was correct in his selection this time: “with the farming cattle, turning over the entire soil within the enclosure will not be a problem.”

Rumont nodded. Fudi was originally a squadron Commander. Even though he lacked an arm, he could still manage to develop 100 mu of soil completely, which was practically all of the territory within the enclosure.

The total population of the Forest Home was 11 households, several dozens of people. Furthermore the place was remote and with rough roads. However, as the central hub for Adventurers, at least in this short period of time, it was presumably operating without any problems.

Speaking a few words, Sukhar and Fudi then departed. Rumont directed Fafnir and Nick the two to remain behind, discussing together the relevant arrangements of the territory.

“A tax of 10 percent, is overly favourable to the autonomous and the tenants!” Nick had crammed a lot of knowledge, as well as independently managing a drugstore; he was considered to have matured: “without an established standard, what’s the point of a Lord. Even if it’s my family, we also have to be in accordance to this.”

“Mm, it’s fine if you have this kind of thinking.” Rumont spoke: “10 percent for those with autonomy, 30 percent for the tenants, this is already not bad.”

Sometimes in the long run, reducing the taxation may not be a benevolent policy.

“Rumont, I wish to assume position as an Internal Affairs Official for your territory.” Nick recorded roughly and said.

“Oh, then what are you going to do about the store in town?”

“We can give it to Rolak, he’s already familiar with the work in the store, and he knows how to read.” Nick said: “in addition, I would be clear on how much profits the store ought to have.”

“This……” Rumont felt faintly uneasy towards Rolak. Yet after a careful ponder, Nick’s idea wasn’t bad, he’ll just go with the flow; Nick had also improved his thinking. Furthermore, the business within the store in town was indeed relatively stable; there wasn’t much margins for fraud. He then didn’t persist and spoke with agreement: “okay then, we’ll give the store to Rolak. We can also consider him to be a companion of our younger times. You can stay here then!”

Nick immediately smiled. He wrote on the paper, recording down the command just a moment ago. He wasn’t wrong, Rumont was indeed someone that took care of others.

Fafnir who sat on the chairs by the side, broke into a yawn from boredom. He had no interest whatsoever. Furthermore, he had quickly promoted to a Rank 3 Warrior, he had already proved he was a gifted Warrior scion. Assuming the both the roles of Peace Officer and as the new Territorial Captain was inevitable and a rightly matter.

All of a sudden, thinking of a certain matter, Fafnir immediately interrupted: “Rumont……how come I haven’t seen you go to the Shrine lately?”

Rumont was stumped and gave a few low coughs. The transaction between the Baron had not been leaked out and neither could it be divulged. He could only go over it vaguely, speaking of a new topic: “how much provisions is currently in the warehouse?”

Nick lowered his head and estimated a bit within his mind: “there’s still sufficient provisions, it can last for another month. After that, we’ll need to replenish it. However, Merchant Banner is also due to arrive, he’ll bring a batch of provisions, saving us the troublesome procedure of stepping out; merely the road is still not that great to travel eh……only, I’ve heard that 4 Daylight Crystals are being delivered, do we still have enough money Rumont?”

Speaking to this point, Nick flipped the account book: “the cost of building the enclosure, building the houses and buying the cattle was more than projected. We’ve already used up 411 gold coins. Last time you spent 1000 gold coins to buy those Druid textbooks, the accounts only have 89 gold coins left. Currently, the store is relatively stable, each month the maximum is about 600 silver coins of profits……”

Three thousand gold coins, Rumont had taken half out. The accounts truly did not have much money left. Rumont spoke: “Banner agreed to lend me it.”

“Even though Banner agreed to lend it, he still needs an interest. Additionally, if the time comes that you can’t pay it back, he can then mortgage our territory. I’m just planning for the worst case. Just to be sure, it’s best to return as much as possible.”

“Mm, it’s not that serious. I’ll solve this issue……” when Rumont heard it, he also felt that clearing it as fast as possible would be good. Thinking of the new batch of herbs had already matured within the Shennong Horn spatial region, his mood then calmed downed. This batch of herbs was an uncommon, relatively expensive and superior variety. If it was to be sold off, there would be at least 300 gold coins.

The problem was that harvesting a 5 mu medicine field all by himself was a truly a cumbersome task!

Currently, toiling away was still manageable, tired is was tired as.

Only, after harvesting the herbs this time, he estimated that the Shennong Horn could once again be promoted. In accordance with the prior patterns, this time the area would possibly expand to about 25 mu. Deducting the original 5 mu worth of fruit trees, then there would be 20 mu of land. Needing to manage so much farmland was not at all easy!

It also wasn’t possible to call people in for work. Thinking of this, Rumont was unexpectedly worried.

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<sup>1. [劈啪]↩
2. [比克斯 – Bi Ke Si]↩
3. [艾莉 – Ai Li]↩
4. [富迪 – Fu Di]↩</sup>