Chess Mage of Faerûn

Chapter 381 Moving to the Golden House
Even Zhang Yuan, who almost never drinks alcohol as a mage, made an exception and had a few drinks. After getting Kegan and Bard half-drunk, he beat them up to settle an old score.

However, the request that Master Zhang made privately at the party was rejected without hesitation by Chief Balenda. Regarding his new trading partner's suggestion to erase old debts from the stone scrolls, the old dwarf stated that there was no room for negotiation.

“Our clan’s history and past are as immutable as the rocks of a mountain. Their deeds can be forgiven, but cannot be ignored.”

Having said all that, the mage had no choice but to shut up and steer clear of the topic. He then made up an excuse to teleport away, leaving Bardkegan and the other two lively characters to deal with the aftermath.

Of course, the magical imprint version of the Stone Contract was also taken with it.

"That's the current situation. What are your thoughts?"

It was late at night when they returned to the squad's camp. The three members of the Canaan squad sat around a table and discussed the progress of the matter. After the mage finished recounting his experience in the dwarven clan and showed them the copy of the contract, he asked a question.

"The dwarves are just as stubborn as the rumors say. If you hadn't gone yourself, boss, Bard and the other two might not have made it..."

Lawrence was interrupted by the female thief before he could finish speaking:

"You can save the flattery for tomorrow, Chanem. Did these dwarfs really agree to your sixty-year contract? Just for a formula? Are they crazy?"

Nancy's face was filled with disbelief, mixed with a sense of uncertainty:

"What if they get the secret recipe for sweet rice wine and then change their minds? What if they use ordinary people to fill the quota? Won't it be dangerous for Bard and the others to stay there?"

The mage's lips twitched as he listened to this series of questions. Not to mention which clan would dare to violate this magical contract and detain their own people to threaten and extort outsiders.

If word got out that the Sweet Wine Clan could be disbanded on the spot, and they might even face less contempt and scorn; in fact, they would be practically socially dead.

After explaining and dispelling the team members' doubts, the group discussed matters concerning the recruitment of wanderers and the Grand Duke before dispersing to rest.

"How long are you going to stay in Gaolibao this time? Don't forget to go out for months again!"

Nancy asked with her hands on her hips, while Lawrence nodded repeatedly. They had experienced firsthand the fervor with which mages became engrossed in their research, and a month or two of seclusion was perfectly normal for them.

"What am I thinking? I have a ton of things to deal with, where would I find the time to pursue further education?"

Zhang Yuan waved his hand impatiently, gave a few instructions, and then used a teleportation spell, disappearing from their sight.

When he reappeared, Master Zhang was not venturing into the woods near Highhold or Belgorst, but rather...

"Master~ I've finally met you!"

With a sweet and melodious call, the eldest sister of the sea siren, who had received the message, quickly came forward with her two younger sisters and escorted Master Zhang into the small house.

The mage, who was originally in excellent physical condition and had strong legs, was now leaning against Sir like an old man, pulling and tugging at his arms, hugging him from both sides. This made Jady, who was standing to the side, put her hand to her forehead, feeling both annoyed and amused.

The little tree spirit Alair on the other side watched with great interest, his big eyes blinking with curiosity.

It wasn't until they sat down and started discussing serious matters that Mr. Zhang became serious. He rested his elbows on the table, interlaced his fingers, and supported his chin, striking a pose like a commander with his buttocks raised high.

"Oh, our lord, the territory you mentioned earlier is indeed real?"

The female druid asked with some surprise, as the things the mage had told her through the message earlier seemed somewhat unreliable, especially the speed at which this guy's spellcasting level was increasing...

Just one year later, the already slim lead was wiped out and even reversed. Although Jedy was not particularly resentful, she couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. In comparison, the title of a lord was nothing.

"Yes, I was granted the Northwest region of Gaoya as my territory due to some opportunities. However, that place is desolate and remote with a sparse population, and nearly half of the land is hilly and mountainous."

The monk sighed softly, appearing distressed.
"This field is not easy to cultivate."

"Tsk, so there's something else that gives you a headache?" Jady looked at the mage's pretentious performance with amusement, already having a pretty good idea of ​​his intentions:

"So this is why you came to me? You want me to help solve your farming problems?"

"That's right. There are less than two months left until the spring planting season. Given the current state of agricultural production on High Cliff, it is definitely not enough to meet the needs of population growth brought about by the development of the territory."

The monk made no attempt to conceal his intentions, and there was no need for it, as they were all old acquaintances who knew each other inside and out.

“Helping you is no problem, but time is indeed a bit tight. The spring planting season is very precious, and the villagers along the Chongsa River also need my help. I can only try to finish my work here as early as possible before rushing over to you.”

After thinking for a while, Jady shook her head, overturning her previous consideration:

"No, I know nothing about the situation on your side. The reclamation and cultivation of land is not something that can be accomplished overnight. Acting hastily will not yield any good results."

Zhang Yuan pulled his chin out of the shape his fingers had created, and raised an eyebrow:
"Do you have any other ideas?"

"I will set off with you to the North, the sooner the better, to complete the survey and preparation of your territory before the start of spring planting, and to arrange the planning and reclamation of the fields as soon as possible, so that I can have the remaining time to come back and deal with the farming affairs of the local villagers."

“No,” the mage shook his finger. “I came to Baldur’s Gate for more than just this. At best, I can only set off a month from now.”

"There's simply not enough time for that. Your plan is too far-fetched. Why don't you let them continue farming as usual? You can make up for this year's food shortage by purchasing from outside."

"Food is the foundation of a territory, and it is inappropriate to rely too much on external sources."

Zhang Yuan still harbored a self-sufficient and steady development plan, which inevitably made him a bit too calculating.

"That's why I said it's just a temporary measure. I can go to your place early next spring to make preparations. Besides, do you have enough manpower?"

The female druid looked somewhat helpless.

"I'm not a legendary druid who can sprout a vast fertile field by scattering a few seeds. The key is having the labor force to farm."

"You're a mage lord, surely you don't even have the money to buy grain? The villagers in Riverside Village still have some stored grain. Shall I go and discuss it with them?"

Jadi's words were quite practical, but Master Zhang's calculations were even more elaborate.

"I do have money, but I don't use it to buy food."

What do you want to buy?

"Buy people!"

Thank you Wanliutongyuan and Aireikejin for your monthly tickets!
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(End of this chapter)