63: Unexpected visitor

"Lord Lister, you are well."

The construction of the new school was primarily Brutus's responsibility; no one was more suitable for this task given his experience.

After inspecting the construction materials and finding no issues, he looked at Brutus and said, "Hobbes, while faster construction is better, the prerequisite is to ensure quality.

After all, the school will mostly house children, and they are the future of our Ironthorn Territory."

"Rest assured, Lord Lister," Brutus said solemnly. "I will personally oversee and inspect the construction of the new school every day, and I have arranged for others to take my place when I am absent."

Seeing Brutus's thorough arrangements, Lister nodded in approval and said, "I trust you with your work. I have another task for you."

"Just now, at the Workshop construction site, I appointed Gimel Arnold as the Head Blacksmith and tasked him with establishing the Weapon Development Department."

"This department reports directly to me. While Gimel will select the blacksmiths, the selection and appointment of all other staff members are your responsibility."

"Discuss the details with Gimel, but once the selections are finalized, submit a staff roster to me. They can only officially start after I have approved it."

From Lister's few words, Brutus immediately understood the immense importance of the Weapon Development Department. He straightened his expression and said, "Lord Lister, rest assured, I will strictly conduct the personnel selection and submit the roster to you as soon as possible."

Lister nodded slightly, lingered for a while, then concluded his inspection and left.

Just as he reached the castle gates, he saw two somewhat unexpected people: Kim Cole and his nephew, Jacques.

Walking closer, Lister asked, "Deacon Kim, are you looking for me?"

"Greetings, Lord," both respectfully saluted, then Kim replied, "Yes, Lord, I have something to discuss with you. Do you have time?"

"Then let's discuss it inside the castle." Lister handed his horse to the Soldier guarding the gate and led the two into the castle... Out of respect for Kim and Jacques, Lister brought them to his usual office on the third floor of the castle.

They couldn't help but feel flattered, as this was their first time entering a noble's private office.

Although the room wasn't very large or luxurious, the significance it represented was extraordinary to them.

Even though they could earn a lot of money selling Slaves and had extensive connections, the title of 'merchant' was only something they used to sound good; in the eyes of most people, they were merely Slave traders.

In the Pedan Kingdom, Slave traders were not a beloved or respected identity. Apart from nobles, most commoners disliked them.

Of course, this doesn't mean nobles liked them; on the contrary, in the eyes of nobles, Slave traders were merely inferiors who could bring them profit—useful when needed, discarded when not.

He observed the two, who looked nervous, constrained, and somewhat at a loss.

Inside the room, Lister, seated at the head of the table, smiled gently and said, "Don't be so stiff, please sit."

"...Thank you, Lord." The two hesitated, then gratefully sat down in the chairs.

Before Lister could say more, Kim, looking a bit reserved, began, "Lord, what I wish to discuss with you this time is about trade caravan cooperation."

Seeing Lister's intrigued expression and gesture for him to continue, Kim proceeded, "I have already conducted two Slave transactions with you, Lord, and I sincerely admire your generosity."

"Through my observations, your territory, the Ironthorn Territory, is not developing well in terms of trade."

"In my humble opinion, this is largely due to the Ironthorn Territory's small population, poor geographical location, and rugged roads."

"These various negative issues combined make the people and trade caravans from other territories reluctant to engage in trade within the Ironthorn Territory."

"This situation also means that goods produced within the Ironthorn Territory cannot effectively circulate to other territories, naturally preventing you from earning money from outsiders."

"Conversely, for goods that the Ironthorn Territory lacks, its residents need to travel to other territories to purchase them. Besides the difficult roads and arduous transportation, there's also the risk of encountering bandits along the way, leading to more losses than gains."

"Under such a vicious cycle, it is difficult for the Ironthorn Territory to establish a long-term, stable, and profitable trade environment."

After a dry swallow, Kim continued, "Therefore, I wish for my family's trade caravan to become your Lordship's vassal caravan."

"Anything the Ironthorn Territory needs to sell can be sold to other territories through our family's trade caravan, and similarly for purchasing goods."

"Because our family's trade caravan has developed for many years, we have established trade routes and relationships with many territories, including some bandit groups."

"So, compared to the Ironthorn Territory establishing a new trade environment and system connecting to other territories, it would be much easier."

"As for sales profits, our trade caravan only requires two tenths, just enough to cover transportation and labor costs."

"These are my humble thoughts. I wonder if your Lordship is willing?"

Lister lightly tapped the table with his index finger, surprised by Kim's proactive request for his family's trade caravan to become his vassal.

To become a Lord's vassal caravan meant being completely controlled by the Lord and having to make annual offerings without compensation.

Of course, with disadvantages come advantages; they would also receive the protection of the Lord's power.

But why would a trade caravan seek protection from a Baron Lord who has no background, little power, and is still in the early stages of development?

Thinking this, Lister asked, "Deacon Kim, though it may sound self-deprecating, my conditions as a Lord are not sufficient for your family's trade caravan to become a vassal. Can you tell me why?"

Seeing Lister's still calm expression and his ability to maintain composure, Kim's admiration grew even stronger.

He sincerely replied, "Indeed, as your Lordship said, we could choose noble Lords with better conditions."

"But I believe none of them compare to you. From these two transactions with you, and from my many years of experience selling Slaves, your future is surely not limited to this."

"Of course, the most important reason is what I witnessed last night: anyone who has dealings with Lord Golden Knight Ellis Clifford must be extraordinary."

"Although my family's trade caravan has developed well over the years, compared to those family caravans protected by noble forces, we face much greater pressure."

"If we don't seek change soon, it's very likely that in a few years, we will be squeezed out, decline, or even be swallowed up by those noble-backed caravans."

At this, Kim's eyes showed boundless worry for the future, revealing how much he valued his family.

The next second, he and Jacques stood up and knelt before Lister...