176: Measure

Chapter 174: Taking Control

The refugees settled in the open space outside Lookout Fort.

Commander Jafar was quite resistant to the arrival of these outsiders.

He specifically sent his adjutant to convey his orders to the group.

Jafar explicitly stipulated that no refugee was allowed to step into the fort without permission and that they must leave the area as soon as possible.

However, the Commander's tough stance actually increased the likelihood of Godwin convincing the refugees to join them.

Godwin seized the opportunity to invite Bart and Gasco to dinner.

Although Gasco was initially unwilling, he eventually accepted due to the other party's warm invitation.

Godwin told the two not to worry about how to enter the fort; he would personally speak with the Commander.

When Godwin knocked and entered the Commander's office, the latter immediately showed an expression of impatience.

“Well, smart guy,” the Commander said irritably, “it seems your ‘picking up people’ operation was quite successful.”

“Now, these refugees have all become my problem.”

“They haven't done anything yet,” Godwin responded calmly.

“That's just for now!” Jafar suddenly raised his voice, “It won't be long before my men come to report to me,”

“Saying things are missing from the warehouse;”

“And then, someone will come crying, saying they were beaten, or even claiming to have been raped;”

“Eventually, these refugees and my soldiers will sooner or later come to blows to the death!”

Godwin skillfully took a bottle of wine from the cabinet, shook it, and asked, “Are you always this pessimistic?”

“Don't be polite with me, just make yourself at home.”

“Damn it, Godwin, what exactly do you want?”

“I really miss Arthur more and more; he would never be as troublesome as you.”

The exiled noble poured himself a glass of wine, then tried to pour one for the Commander as well.

Seeing the other party raise his hand and wave it off, he sat directly on the office sofa.

“Commander Jafar, any news from above?”

“Have they acknowledged your achievements?”

“Dispelling the Night Mist, cleaning up the contaminated land, and combating cultists—every single one deserves a reward.”

Jafar frowned slightly and asked with confusion, “When did I combat cultists?”

“Soon.”

“What are you planning now?”

“For God's sake, just speak your mind. I still have to patrol the fort later.”

Jafar's patience was clearly running out.

So, Godwin told the Commander about the cultists and the intelligence that they would attack a caravan in two days.

After hearing this, Jafar couldn't help but let out a long sigh, his face etched with weariness.

“First the damned Night Mist, then the contaminated villages and Undead.”

“Now these cultists pop up. This damned place never runs out of trouble!”

After complaining, he stood up, took the wine, and poured himself a glass.

After downing the wine in his glass, he asked, “You want me to send people to crusade against those cultists?”

“That's right, and all the credit will go to you,” Godwin said, “My men will also assist from the side.”

“Additionally, a big gift awaits you.”

“What big gift?”

“Ingabado.”

“Who is this scoundrel?”

Godwin briefly described Ingabado's situation, emphasizing that he was now a wanted man in Evil Wolf Earl's territory.

“Just think, if you can capture him, Evil Wolf Earl will owe your Emile a favor.”

The Commander remained silent, clearly weighing the pros and cons of the matter in his mind.

Seeing him still hesitating, Godwin added fuel to the fire: “If you don't believe me, I've already captured a few cultists.”

“My men are interrogating them; you can go and see anytime.”

“So you rushed out of the city this morning for this?”

“I thought you were going on an outing. And incidentally picked up that group of refugees.”

“Since it's such an important matter, why didn't you discuss it with me beforehand?”

“Would you have sent people to rescue those refugees?” Godwin retorted.

The Commander did not directly answer the question, only saying in a deep voice, “I have the right to know about this, do you understand?”

“You and your people are on my territory, so you must follow my rules.”

“Arthur promised to share information before he left, and I have priority in knowing.”

“Am I not telling you now?” Godwin smiled, “Don't mind these details.”

“Cooperate like last time, and I guarantee the benefits won't be few.”

“To get my subordinates to work, there needs to be some incentive.”

“You know, my control over the local area isn't strong.”

“Without giving those soldiers some benefits, they won't work willingly.”

Godwin sneered inwardly.

He always felt that Amn's army was no different from a group of bandits; what drove them to fight was always various interests.

In contrast, he felt that his Lord's decision to “feed everyone” was truly the wisest.

Today, they still strive to maintain such standards.

More importantly, everyone ate the same, even Arthur was no exception.

He rarely sought special treatment like other nobles.

It was this fairness and good food that won everyone over.

This also made Godwin rarely worry about his subordinates slacking off; sometimes, their enthusiasm even seemed excessive.

“Then how about this?” Godwin pulled out a dagger from his Pregnant and handed it over.

The Commander took the dagger, examined it carefully, and looked up to ask, “What do you mean by this?”

“What do you think of this dagger?”

“Well-made, clearly standard equipment, likely uniformly crafted by artisans,” Jafar honestly evaluated.

Godwin poured himself another glass of wine and slowly said, “What if I told you these things were found on those cultists?”

“You damned bastard!” The Commander couldn't help but curse, “You should have told me this earlier!”

“What fun would there be then?”

“Clearly, someone is supplying these cultists with equipment.”

“My Lord, a group of well-equipped cultists are roaming your territory.”

“Once they succeed in their raids and gain a reputation, more and more people will join them.”

Jafar raised his hand to interrupt him: “Tell me everything you know.”

“Damn it, I really don't want to deal with you anymore.”

In the evening, a cargo wagon and two donkey carts appeared in Mist Town.

Along with the convoy came Airo and Iron Shovel.

This convoy was escorted by Night Outcasts throughout, so the journey was relatively peaceful.

This was an agreement Arthur had previously reached with the Night Outcasts.

Because he rescued the trapped Wolf Pack, Arthur's prestige among the Night Outcasts also soared.

He was almost revered by them as a savior.

It was also for this reason that the Night Outcasts decided to stay near Mist Town, responsible for protecting the roads leading to and from the outside world.

They did this also to obtain sufficient supplies from Arthur.

Once their numbers recovered and their supplies were sufficient, they would follow the Wolf Pack's instructions and set off again to hunt.

Stepping into Qingfeng Valley again, Airo's heart was filled with mixed emotions.

But when she saw Arthur, who had come to greet her, a smile still bloomed on her face.

The smooth arrival of supplies also greatly boosted the Townsfolk's confidence.

While Louis led people to unload the goods, Airo found Arthur.

In her hand, she held a holy emblem woven from oak leaves.

“I never thought I'd return here so soon,” Airo said softly, looking at the familiar yet strange scene before her.

“How does it feel to be back?” Arthur asked.

Airo shrugged, her gaze sweeping around, and said, “This place is more dilapidated than when I last came. However,”

“The people here are quite different from before. I guess that's mostly because of you.”

“Come, let's talk as we walk. I have many things I need you to do,” Arthur said.