Chess Mage of Faerûn

Chapter 414 Small Problem

"Your Excellency Chanem, Francis and Brown, after careful consideration, have decided to accept your kind invitation to migrate to Neverwinter Highlands as your subjects."

Jady's expression and tone were quite serious, but the occasional mischievous wink revealed her true thoughts.

Just as the monk had predicted, for these farmers, a little bit of nostalgia for their homeland was not enough to offset the cold reality. After a little thought, they exclaimed that it was really delicious.

“It’s good that you trust and follow me. You will understand that I am not one of those stingy scumbags. I will keep every single thing I promised you.”

As he spoke, Master Zhang patted the newly made noble badge of the High Cliff title, which had been in service for less than two months, and said solemnly:
"I swear on the honor and emblem of my family!"

Francis and several other village representatives were overjoyed. After all, these noble gentlemen valued their family name and reputation above all else, and now they could finally put their minds at ease.

After a flurry of nodding and bowing, and showering Zhang with praise and flattery, the latter transformed in the blink of an eye from a tyrant who had seized their Druids and forced them to migrate to a harsh land into a kind-hearted nobleman.

"Go back and hurry up and pack your belongings, we don't have much time."

"Your Excellency, our belongings have already been packed under Lady Jady's guidance, and we can depart tomorrow."

Francis puffed out his chest and bulged out his belly, looking quite proud.

"So good."

The mage nodded to the female druid, then looked back at the villagers:
"That's how it is. Tomorrow, bring your respective land deeds. As proof, each person will receive a subsidy of five gold coins, and children will receive two. Each household will receive twice the amount of farmland reclamation certificates you currently possess."

"Ah, thank you so much, sir!"

"The master is kind."

Another wave of flattery followed, but Master Zhang maintained a righteous demeanor, stating that it was the lord's duty to seek benefits for his people.

After continuing to discuss the trivial details of loading and transporting the goods with Captain Lars, Jadi led the villagers back to share the good news and set off.

And what about the monks?

Eager to do good deeds, Mr. Zhang couldn't bear to see the fertile land of Riverside Village abandoned after the villagers relocated, so...

In the center of the living room of Grand Duke Iltan's mansion, across the round table, the Grand Duke calmly sipped his red tea, looking at the weary, travel-worn mage lord before him, and quipped:

"Looking like you, you could be mistaken for one of those adventurous people who are always on the go to make a living. Where did that composed and dignified mage go?"

"It's a long story, so I'll leave it for now. There are other important matters to attend to right now."

Zhang Yuan gave a wry smile, forcing himself to be serious, and said:

"Your Excellency, there is a major transaction involved this time, and it has many implications."

The Grand Duke, who had some understanding of the monk before him, immediately became serious. Anything that would warrant such solemnity from the other party could not be trivial or insignificant.

“My esteemed mage, I am listening.”

"What is Your Excellency's opinion of that village on the banks of the Chowssa River?" "Oh?"

Zhang Yuan had naturally informed others beforehand about such a major event as relocating villagers, so Iltan didn't find it abrupt. He simply put down his teacup, looked at the other man, and slowly began to speak:
"My main responsibilities are the management of the Flamefist Guild and the defense of Baldur's Gate. I shouldn't be interfering too much in these matters. I've already done my best to speak up for you in the city council's discussion about the relocation of villagers, Lord Chanem."

Seeing that the other party only mentioned difficulties without mentioning anything about whether they were true or false, the monk smiled upon hearing this, having roughly figured out the situation in his mind:
"Your Excellency, why make things so difficult for me?"

"The village on the banks of the Chongsa River has convenient water resources and roads. In addition, the soil is very fertile due to the previous management and cultivation by the Druids. The pest infestation in the past has been eliminated after several cleanup operations."

After launching into a lengthy advertisement, Zhang Yuan made no mention of its drawbacks, concluding his speech with a single sentence:

"If it weren't for managing my territory in the High Cliff region, I would never have given up ownership of this village. Even turning it into a private estate would have been excellent."

The prosperity of the world is for profit; the hustle and bustle of the world is for profit.

Even if there is some affection between them, it would be short-sighted and reckless to take advantage of it and keep squandering the relationship.

Although it was indeed a request for Iltan's mediation, wasn't it also a tempting offer?

Despite Iltan's feigned reluctance, he was actually quite astute. He knew perfectly well that this land, especially the cultivated arable land, was worth so little.

Even if he didn't concern himself with city affairs, Iltan, a high-ranking duke, wouldn't be so lacking in vision. Besides, he had learned about the riverside village when he dealt with the relocation.

Other things can be falsified, exaggerated, or boasted about, but the data on agricultural taxes and grain collection over the years cannot be falsified, or rather, no one is so foolish as to deliberately overreport the harvest and pay more grain.

This is a piece of fat meat, Iltan thought to himself, but his tone remained calm, his emotions unreadable.
"If that's the case, then I can manage to do something about it. It shouldn't be too difficult to make a move. Just wait for my news."

It's more than just not difficult.
Never underestimate the nobles' desire for land; often, this desire even surpasses their pursuit of treasure.

It's fortunate that Baldur's Gate is a coastal trading city-state rather than a traditional inland territory; otherwise, it would be a pipe dream for Zhang Yuan, a local outsider with no connections, to come and buy land from an entire village.

Even the Bode upper class, who valued trade, could find no reason to refuse such a fertile field with a clean provenance.

Grand Duke Iltan could not be found either, so his so-called operation was just a pretext. This transaction commission probably wouldn't have left this place without a word.

As for the monk, since the matter was settled through a visit, there was no need to create any further complications.

It doesn't matter who he sells it to. As long as a good price is offered, Zhang Yuan doesn't care whether the Grand Duke keeps the land for his own estate or uses it as a bargaining chip to win over allies.

The two finalized a business deal amidst their laughter and conversation. Time was of the essence, and the monk, not wanting to linger, was about to leave when, as if suddenly remembering something, he casually mentioned:
"There was a minor incident earlier, but it's nothing serious. We just encountered a hunting party of drow, but it's all been resolved. No need to worry. Farewell."

"In that case, it's alright."

The Grand Duke initially dismissed it, putting down his teacup and preparing to see the guest off, but then he suddenly realized something was amiss…

"Lord Chanem, don't you owe me an explanation before you leave?"

Thank you to Wanliutongyuan and hawkhand for your monthly ticket support!

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(End of this chapter)