The sky hadn't brightened yet. Amidst the soft purple and white of dawn, the light of dawn slowly washed away the darkness in the sky. A cool breeze blew gently, and the golden sun gradually burst forth with rays of light after a while.
When Han Shuo and Dorcas returned to Brettel City, they were surprised to find that Faulke's group of knights had also just arrived. Han Shuo could see traces of battle on their bodies, some of them even gone forever.
Dorcas rode a weak warhorse that he'd obtained from the bandits, following Han Shuo at a moderate pace as he entered Brettel City. The first thing he saw were the two extremely intimidating magic crystal cannons on the city walls. The previously dilapidated city walls had not only been repaired, but they were now bright and clean. Even the height of the city had been increased. From a distance, Dorcas actually felt that Brettel City was a bit more magnificent.
Nodding inwardly, Dorcas turned his head to look at Han Shuo, who had a somewhat gloomy expression on his face as he quickly entered the city. He understood that the reason Brettel City could have such a change was all thanks to this new city lord.
"What's going on? Did some unforeseen event happen again? Where are the merchants and the war equipment?" Han Shuo floated over like a ghost. His cold voice floated over along with the cool morning breeze, scaring the still shaken Faulke.
When Faulke turned around and saw that it was Han Shuo, he breathed a sigh of relief. He hastily straightened his body and explained, "My Lord, there was indeed an accident on the way. Our torches attracted the attention of the bandits roaming in the night. Fortunately, that area is close to Mount Tali. Before the bandits arrived, the leader of the mountain people, Fulkin, came down the mountain to help us. The merchants and the war equipment are safe and sound, only three knights were killed."
Han Shuo's tense heart slowly calmed down when he heard that the merchants and the city's defense equipment were safe. He looked at Faulke and nodded. His tone softened a bit as he said, "Bury the dead knights. Before the seven grand duchies arrive at Brettel City, our first task is to annihilate all the bandits in the surroundings."
"Rest assured, my Lord. I, Faulke, guarantee that I will avenge my brothers!" Faulke's tone was resolute as he drew his sword and pointed it at the sky, making a solemn vow.
Dorcas rode on a frail warhorse and approached with the sound of clattering steps. He'd already carefully examined the surrounding defensive measures along the way, a pensive look in his eyes. When he arrived in front of Han Shuo, he finally shifted his gaze to Han Shuo and suggested, "Before Brettel City and Seamist City, there were a total of seventeen bandit groups. Apart from the five that you annihilated last night, there are currently twelve groups left. These bandits aren't large, but are as annoying as flies. I think you should eliminate them first. Otherwise, the merchants will be in danger in the future."
"City Lord, are all those greedy bandits dead?" Faulke inquired after hearing Dorcas' words.
Nodding, Han Shuo replied, "That's right, those five bandit groups are finished. Hmm, let me introduce you. This is Dorcas from the Imperial Military Academy. Perhaps you've heard of his deeds before. From today onwards, he's your colleague. No one is allowed to mention his status as a fugitive in the future. "
"Yes, my Lord!" Faulke immediately replied, looking at Dorcas with admiration in his eyes. However, he didn't ask Han Shuo how Dorcas had joined Brettel City. This time, from the robbery to the transaction, it had all been planned by this person. From start to finish, Dorcas had held the initiative, toying with them in the palm of his hand. Even Han Shuo had to hand over fifty thousand gold coins in the end. This person's intelligence was truly outstanding.
"Take out a thousand of the three thousand knights you've trained and give them to Dorcas. Dorcas will be the captain!" Han Shuo instructed Faulke, then stared at Dorcas, "Dorcas, clean up the remaining twelve bandit groups between Brettel City and Seamist City!"
Dismounting from his frail warhorse, Dorcas performed a standard military salute towards Han Shuo, replying succinctly, "Yes."
Nodding, Han Shuo once again looked at Faulke, saying, "I'll hand over this batch of city defense equipment to you and place them in the appropriate positions. During this time, properly handle this matter. In addition, look after Brettel City for me. Prepare to deal with the bandits and the seven grand duchies' attacks at any time."
"Don't worry, my Lord. With this batch of city defense equipment, I'll make anyone who dares to fish in Brettel City pay the price in blood." Faulke guaranteed.
"Mm, right, where did you arrange for the merchants?" Han Shuo suddenly thought of little fatty Jack and Fabian, whom he hadn't seen in a long time.
"I've arranged for them to be in the city lord's mansion. The city lord's mansion is large enough, and its security is second to none in Brettel City. Therefore, I arranged for the noble merchants to be there." Faulke replied.
"Well done. I won't pursue the matter of you neglecting your duties. Dorcas has just arrived in Brettel City. Take him to familiarize him with the various places in Brettel City. Put a thousand soldiers under his command. "Han Shuo instructed, nodding to Dorcas and leaving through the city gates.
After a while, Han Shuo appeared in the city lord's mansion. He'd arranged for a few dozen people to stay in the mansion. The merchants had all fallen into a deep sleep like dead pigs after the fright. Occasionally, one or two would be awakened by nightmares in broad daylight, their bodies drenched in cold sweat.
Little fatty Jack from the Boozt Merchant Guild was desperately hugging a pillow, drool dripping from the corners of his mouth as he slept soundly. Han Shuo silently arrived in front of little fatty Jack, revealing a knowing smile as he looked at his unsightly sleeping appearance.
In the necromancy major of the Babylon Academy of Magic and Force, Han Shuo still remembered how he and little fatty Jack had swiftly swept the floor with a broom. He still remembered that little fatty had secretly hidden some black bread for him to eat when he'd been weak and had yet to master his magical arts. He still remembered how they'd fought together against the other necromancy students …
After more than two years, little fatty Jack hadn't actually changed much. He was still as simple and honest as ever, except that the fat on his body had increased. The one who had changed was Han Shuo himself. In the span of two years, Han Shuo had grown from an errand boy in the necromancy major to the point where no one dared to look down on him, be it in terms of intelligence or strength.
In one dangerous battle after another, his magical arts and mental strength had rapidly grown. Han Shuo, who'd hovered between life and death many times, had broken through again and again to become a city lord with the title of count. As for that little fatty who'd been gluttonous and greedy all day, he was still working as an accountant at the Boozt Merchant Guild.
"This kid eats and drinks well in the Boozt Merchant Guild and won't encounter any danger. Phoebe even takes special care of him for my sake. Although his life isn't exactly exciting, it's probably quite comfortable!" Han Shuo looked at the little fatty who was drooling in his sleep and smiled as he muttered to himself.
Without waking up little fatty Jack, who was sleeping soundly, Han Shuo looked at Jack through the window for a while and prepared to leave for now. He'd talk again after they'd slept.
Han Shuo had only taken a few steps when he suddenly heard a loud yell from Fabian's room. Han Shuo entered Fabian's room like a ghost and suddenly found Fabian sitting up on his bed, drenched in sweat. His face was full of lingering fear. It turned out that he'd had a terrifying nightmare.
When he saw Han Shuo suddenly walk in, Fabian, who'd just woken up from his nightmare, cried out involuntarily again. He only abruptly stopped his panicked yells when he saw that the person was Han Shuo. He flashed an ugly smile at Han Shuo and said a bit embarrassedly, "I've been too used to following the Miss these past few years. I've only discovered that I'm more and more afraid of death now that I've suddenly encountered danger. Perhaps it's because I'm old and no longer yearn for grand adventures. I just want to live a peaceful life in peace!"
Han Shuo recalled the scene of their first meeting after Fabian's words and revealed a relaxed smile. Han Shuo found a chair for himself and sat down, saying to Fabian, "This is how life is. If you want to obtain more wealth and a more illustrious position, you must pay greater risks. Heh heh, it's because of my negligence that you've met with such an accident this time. It's a good thing that no one's hurt, otherwise I really wouldn't be able to forgive myself. "
Apart from Fabian and Jack, the rest of the merchants were only doing this because they were beneficial to Han Shuo. If those merchants had died, Han Shuo would only feel regret and immediately think of ways to make up for the crisis of trust that might arise from their deaths with the other merchants.
However, Han Shuo had feelings for Jack and Fabian, especially Jack. He'd been Han Shuo's best friend when he had nothing. If he lost his life because of Han Shuo's negligence, he would never be able to forgive himself. Perhaps he'd be crushed by self-blame in a short period of time.
Fabian looked at the imposing youth in front of him who was more than 1.9 meters tall and tried to merge him with the thin shadow in the Dark Forest. However, he discovered that he couldn't merge the two even though they were clearly one person. This wasn't because of the difference in body size and height. Time could change everything. Fabian couldn't help but lament that he was becoming more and more timid as he grew older. However, the Han Shuo in front of him had grown from a youth to a youth that no one dared to look down on.
Han Shuo's strength was growing stronger and stronger, and he was gradually making a name for himself in the upper class of the Empire. His Majesty the King had dared to let him take over the terrible mess that was Brettel City. This was definitely not a demotion, as outsiders who didn't understand the situation would think. This should be the sharpening of an unstoppable sword. Fabian looked at the youth in front of him whose eyes were deep and whose thoughts were becoming more and more indecipherable. He suddenly had a flash of enlightenment.
"This is a letter that Miss Phoebe asked me to personally deliver to you." Fabian took out a letter with the color of roses on it and a faint fragrance curling around it, handing it over to Han Shuo in a slightly respectful manner.
"Alright, old Fabian, you can continue to rest. Those frightened merchants still need you to wake up and help pacify them! Brettel City has a hundred businesses waiting to flourish. Our cooperation with the major merchant guilds will definitely become closer in the future. Apart from weapons and equipment that we currently lack, we will also need an unending supply of food and medicine in the future. We will still need to trouble you for this. "Han Shuo put away the fragrant letter and said to Fabian with a smile.
"Hehe, with your and Miss Phoebe's light attribute, the Boozt Merchant Guild will definitely support Brettel City with all its might." Fabian understood the relationship between the two and winked at Han Shuo, teasing him without losing his sense of humor.
"Of course, I won't mistreat the Boozt Merchant Guild. Uh, including your President Phoebe!" Han Shuo said with a smile and walked out of Fabian's room with a cheerful expression. The opened door was slowly closed by a force after Han Shuo's figure had gone far away.
"He's becoming more and more powerful. Miss is indeed a true merchant, knowing to invest everything in him before he succeeds. It looks like the Boozt Merchant Guild will definitely become even more glorious in Miss's hands!" Fabian murmured thoughtfully as he watched the door close automatically despite the lack of wind.
"Phoebe, oh Phoebe, I've received your longing!" In Han Shuo's own room, Han Shuo muttered to himself with a doting smile after he finished reading the fragrant letter.
* * *
Three days later, Brettel City was brimming with a joyous atmosphere. The city lord's mansion at the center of the city was filled with laughter and chatter.
The Food Festival wasn't a big festival in the Lancelot Empire. However, since the merchants had safely arrived in Brettel City, and Han Shuo wanted to spread some information through their mouths, the Food Festival was treated with great importance.
Long tables over ten meters long were put together in front of the city lord's mansion. All kinds of exquisite desserts and delicious, steaming hot food were sent out from the mansion's wide open doors. Any commoner in Brettel City could freely enjoy these free foods and gorge themselves to their heart's content.
The civilians who heard the news went from doubtful at first to frenzied. The transition time did not take more than ten seconds. The knights in shining armor maintained the order with a polite smile on their faces.
Within the city lord's mansion, even more exquisite delicacies were placed on the luxurious sandalwood round tables. The merchants who'd escaped death enjoyed the food to their heart's content under Han Shuo's hospitality. Fabian of the Boozt Merchant Guild seemed to have become half the host, helping Han Shuo entertain these guests who'd come from afar. Amidst laughter and chatter, he stuffed the gold coins they deserved for the war chariots and equipment into their palms.
The merchants who'd received their rewards were beaming with joy, praising the refined and smiling Han Shuo endlessly. They declared that this business was only a good start. As long as Han Shuo needed anything, it would be delivered to him in an endless stream.
"Ladies and gentlemen, ladies and gentlemen …" Han Shuo's loud and clear voice reverberated through the entire hall, holding a crystal cup of red wine in his hand. The mercenary merchants were in a good mood after receiving their rewards. One by one, they stopped their cheerful chatter and looked at the extraordinary bearing of Han Shuo with smiles, waiting for Han Shuo to continue.
When the clamor gradually died down, Han Shuo smiled and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, this business is only the beginning. Brettel City needs an endless supply of goods. The ores mined from the surrounding mountains and rivers are also priceless. In the future, everyone will definitely be able to obtain even more wealth in the city."
After a pause, the smile on Han Shuo's face receded. He raised his voice somewhat solemnly and said, "As a city that's been ravaged by bandits and foreign countries for many years, Brettel City has experienced too many hardships and sufferings. There's never been a city in the Lancelot Empire that has endured more pain and humiliation than Brettel City.
His Majesty bestowed Brettel City to me. While my heart is heavy, I also bear the mission of making Brettel City prosper once again. However, my strength alone is limited. I will create good conditions for everyone so that everyone can obtain what they need in Brettel City. "
The merchants weren't stingy with applause that didn't cost them money. After the rain-like applause, the banquet that wasn't too sumptuous continued.
Little fatty Jack and Fabian walked together in front of Han Shuo. Jack raised his head to look at the imposing Han Shuo and said, "Brian, I don't want to stay in Ossen City anymore. That's too boring and unexciting. Let me stay in Brettel City, I can help you."
Han Shuo was stunned. He subconsciously raised his cup and clinked it with Jack, draining the last drop of wine in his cup. He hesitated for a moment before slowly saying, "Jack, only the two of us know how deep our relationship is. It's not that I don't want you to stay, but Brettel City is a dangerous place. Your life may be in danger at any time. As a true friend, I advise you to stay in the Boozt Merchant Guild. At least you'll always be safe and worry-free. "
The fat on Jack's face shook as he shook his head. He glanced at the equally surprised Fabian beside him and said, "The Boozt Merchant Guild is too dull. I'm still very young. Miss Phoebe and you have always taken care of me, and I'm very grateful. However, Jessica said that the person she likes should be a knight or a noble with rich experience. I also feel that I should work harder. Miss Phoebe can't make me a knight or a noble, but perhaps Brian can. "
Han Shuo was speechless. He hadn't thought that because of a girl, this usually cowardly little fatty Jack would actually have a dangerous item called "ambition" in his heart.
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