Chapter 177: The First Decree of the New Territory!

The second day arrived, and Gervas returned to the Baron of Cain's territory.

Today, this land would be formally incorporated into administration.

Immediately, Gervas issued his first decree: all subjects must gather in Cain Town.

The Baron of Cain's territory consisted of one town and seven villages.

After nearly a decade of cultivation by Baron Cain, the population had reached seven thousand.

This scale had reached the normal level for a border barony, far surpassing Gervas's Stormhold by several times.

"Your Lordship!"

Over seven thousand serfs gathered on the open ground outside the castle; as Gervas ascended the castle wall, they all knelt and bowed, having already heard the news.

Of course, the numbness on the serfs' faces revealed they cared nothing for who their lord was.

The only emotion they showed was a faint unease.

They feared their new lord might exploit them even more harshly!

"Rise, my subjects!"

"I know you're anxious now, unsure whether I can lead you to a better life!"

"And I, Gervas Gail, can solemnly tell you: becoming my serf is your fortune."

"You will live a life envied by all serfs in other domains!"

"Of course, many of you surely disbelieve me after hearing so many fine words."

"Therefore, I, Gervas Gail, have decided: today, three hundred pots of meat broth will be boiled outside Cain Castle, so every one of my serfs may taste the broth!"

"Additionally, each serf will receive one black bread!"

"And most importantly, all of this is free—my gift to you!"

Hum!

The serfs had long been immune to Gervas's earlier flowery words, dismissing them as mere empty boasts from this new lord.

But when they heard of the meat broth and one black bread per person, all the serfs erupted in shock.

There were seven thousand of them here!

One black bread per person—how many loaves would that require?

Could it fill the entire castle?

And three hundred pots of meat broth—each pot must contain at least a whole ox leg's worth of meat!

…

Seven thousand black breads could not possibly fill the entire castle.

They couldn't even fill a small storage room.

The total value of these black breads was merely ten or so gold coins.

But the immediate effect made Gervas feel it was worth every coin.

In an instant, he established his authority among the serfs of the Baron of Cain's territory.

Three hundred large pots were set over fires, and smoked meat chunks were dumped in!

Meanwhile, the black breads arrived continuously from Stormhold's carts.

As the serfs ate the broth and bread, the new lord's words of benevolence echoed through the crowd.

Of course, transforming the Baron of Cain's territory was not merely about bestowing favors.

First, Cain Town must be renamed; Gervas waved his hand and changed it to Wheatfragrant Town.

One wheat field, one wheat fragrance—henceforth, it would be the Twin Wheat Town.

Besides renaming, the castle's disposition and the former Cain family's assets also needed arranging.

A territory did not need two castles.

Thus, Old John and the others proposed demolishing the Cain Baronial Castle.

Of course, it was not to be torn down without reason.

The castle's blue stone materials would be used to expand Stormhold Baronial Castle.

After all, Gervas was now a viscount; failing to build a viscount's castle would no longer match his rank.

Fortunately, Stormhold Castle had been constructed with ample space reserved for future expansion.

Thus, simply moving the materials there would accelerate construction.

This was at least ten times faster than quarrying new stone and at least ten times cheaper.

"Fine! Tear it down!"

Hearing his subordinates' proposal, Gervas nodded in approval.

As for the Baron of Cain's assets, they were numerous livestock farms.

As previously mentioned, the Baron of Cain's territory, blessed with abundant water systems, had thrived in animal husbandry, especially duck farming—the backbone of Cain Baronial Castle.

But half a month ago, Ironwolf City had sent officials to seize and haul away all chickens and ducks.

After all, the Baron of Cain's assets had already been liquidated into one hundred gold coins.

"Old John, handle this—replenish these farms as quickly as possible!"

"Yes, my lord!"

…

【Ding! Daily intelligence has refreshed…】

【Intelligence One: Your new territory contains seven lakes, the smallest of which is Silverlight Lake.

Legend says a serf once saw a school of beautiful fish emitting silver light in the lake.

After the tale spread, the lake earned its name.

Yet the legendary silver fish never appeared again, so most believed it a false lie.

But in truth, the serf did not lie—he had seen a rare sea fish called Lightning Silverfish.

Lightning Silverfish are migratory, their bodies saturated with potent magic, rivaling third-rank beast meat.

They once reached Silverlight Lake via the river mouth.

But later abandoned it due to the lack of suitable spawning grounds.

Now, another batch of Lightning Silverfish will migrate to Stormhold's waters, and some will again attempt to reach Silverlight Lake.

Their preferred spawning environment is a clear lake rich with aquatic plants.

Thus, if large quantities of aquatic plants are now introduced into Silverlight Lake, the Lightning Silverfish will recognize it as an ideal migratory site.

Thereby turning it into a precious lake visited annually by Lightning Silverfish!

After spawning, their lives end; they drift to shore, awaiting predators to consume them, preventing decay in the water and preserving water quality.】

【Intelligence Two: The two iron-armored lizard hatchlings you brought back from Blackpine Forest are now ready for bonding.

If you wish to tame them as magical beast mounts, now is the perfect time to have them sign master-servant contracts with your knights.

This benefits both sides, accelerates their cultivation, and fosters early emotional bonds, making them superior battle companions.】

【Intelligence Three: Slave trader Cooper will return from the Chaos Wastes this morning, bringing fifty barbarian warriors among his new slaves.

Yet, because he still believes trading with you carries financial risk, Cooper has chosen to detour through Stormhold.

Thus, he will pass through the Baron of Cain's territory…】

【Intelligence Four: The House of Austin, a coastal family, lacks the overwhelming heritage and power of the Duke of Hernand.

But their naval strength remains formidable within the kingdom.

For instance, just days ago, the Austin family's fleet annihilated a pirate group with seven warships.

Most pirates were killed in the raid.

Yet some non-combatant pirates were captured and brought back.

Among them were three blacksmiths, eight carpenters, two stonemasons, and several tailors, leatherworkers, and basket weavers.

Including their families, this group totaled eighty-five people.

Normally, such craftsmen would be best kept or sold.

But to demonstrate the Austin family's zero tolerance for pirates who dared attack their merchant ships, these craftsmen will be executed in two days.】