178: New Maid (4,000)

Chapter 176: New Maids (4,000 words)

Dinner with the two Pioneer Group leaders went relatively smoothly.

At least the bandit who called himself the King of Scavengers displayed proper etiquette.

Bruce also attended dinner with Godwin.

Philip was originally supposed to attend, but he preferred to mingle with the refugees.

After dinner, Godwin had a small glass of wine served.

Gasco swirled his glass, unable to resist asking, "Sir, I am very grateful for your dinner.

"However, don't you think there's a bit too little wine?"

Godwin instructed his subordinates to leave the bottle of wine.

"Apologies, we operate on a rationing system here," Godwin explained. "Our meal standards stipulate that we can only drink this much wine daily.

"Of course, if the two of you feel it's not enough, I can have more brought out."

The two refugee leaders exchanged glances, looking confused.

Gasco said again, "I don't understand this.

"Are you some kind of ascetics?

"I see that your supplies are completely sufficient, so why do you still need to ration?

"Furthermore, aren't you two the leaders?

"Surely this so-called rationing system doesn't apply to you."

Godwin replied, "We are no different from anyone else.

"Unless the situation is special, all of us must adhere to this standard."

"Why?" Bart asked.

Bruce explained, "Sufficient supplies do not mean we are out of danger.

"Our goal is to develop Qingfeng Valley, and until we establish a stable base there, we will maintain the rationing system."

"Heh, old friend, I appreciate your honesty," Gasco chuckled. "But haven't you considered that this makes it even less likely for us to join?

"Neither the rationing system nor developing Qingfeng Valley holds any appeal for us."

"So you'd rather go to Taeser?

"A kingdom that has just experienced civil war and has no good feelings towards the Amn people.

"Can your supplies sustain you until you reach that place?

"I hear you are short on clothes and food, and have many sick people.

"Is it worth risking the lives of so many people for a slim future?"

Bart was clearly wavering.

However, Gasco spoke before him, "That's better than going to that damned cursed land with you, isn't it?"

Godwin and Bruce exchanged smiles.

Gasco disliked their smiles.

It made him feel like a mouse walking into a trap.

"Just a few days ago, Lord Arthur already established a base in that cursed land."

Godwin announced proudly, like a victorious general.

This was the second time Gasco had heard the name Arthur.

He hadn't met this person, but it was clear that these people held a terrifying reverence for him.

Gasco took a sip of wine and said, "No one can survive in that place.

"If you've heard those stories, you should understand. Any victory is temporary."

"Why don't you go see for yourself?" Godwin asked, "Instead of relying on rumors to guess.

"And I am trying to retain the refugees, not you and your Scavenger Army.

"With all due respect, sir, you have no right to make decisions for the refugees."

Gasco raised his hands in surrender, "Old friend, there's no need for this.

"I'm just telling my friend the truth, hoping he makes the right choice."

Everyone's gaze turned to Bart.

The fate of the refugee group was in his hands.

"I want to ask," the dwarf began, "if we join, will we only get this much wine every day?"

"That's right," Bruce replied. "I have seen people mess things up by drinking on more than one occasion.

"Even during wartime.

"A small communication error, a failed night watch, a strategy made while drunk.

"Controlling alcohol intake makes people more reliable."

Bart finished the wine in his glass, nodded, and said, "Alright, we'll join."

"Hey, friend, have you thought it through?" Gasco asked.

The dwarf stood up, took the bottle of wine, and said, "All of us are grateful for the Scavenger Army's protection.

"But honestly, mate, this is the first sip of wine I've had in so many days.

"That horse piss doesn't count. I have no choice. If this continues, we'll all starve, get sick, and die of thirst."

Gasco sighed and nodded, "I respect your choice.

"In that case, I can only leave with my people."

"Why leave, Gasco?" Godwin asked. "You despise nobles, but I can tell you were once a noble yourself.

"That can be seen from your dining habits; some details cannot be changed.

"I don't know what made you resent nobles so deeply.

"But I can tell you, here, everyone is not a noble."

Gasco laughed, "What? Are you all slaves?"

Bruce frankly revealed his identity.

"This is impossible," Gasco said. "A noble, a noble would actually accept the fanatical people."

"You'll understand when you meet him," Bruce said. "Stay, Gasco.

"You have nowhere else to go anyway; we can provide food and wine.

"If you truly care about your friends, then stay until they can live stably here."

Gasco pondered for a moment, finished his wine, and nodded in agreement.

Arthur collapsed onto the large bed in the haunted house's master bedroom.

He was tired, but in a good mood.

Everything in Mist Town was proceeding in an orderly fashion.

Arthur, following the advice of his subordinates, was slowly accustoming the Townsfolk to military management.

So, until everything was ready, life continued as usual.

He called Iron Shovel because he wanted him to return to his old profession—a stonemason.

More precisely, an architectural engineer. Arthur wanted him to build a large mess hall as soon as possible.

At that time, everyone in the town would dine there.

In addition, Arthur also needed a blacksmith shop, a tailor shop, a hospital, stables—

There were too many things to build, too much work to be done, and too many vacant positions.

He was severely short-staffed now, because most of the people in town would first be selected to join the army, and then be assigned other jobs.

After all, external threats were their primary concern.

Only by repelling those external enemies and fully occupying Qingfeng Valley would his rule be complete.

As he closed his eyes in contemplation, Vanka walked in from outside.

"My Lord, the bathwater is ready."

Arthur thanked her and got up to walk to the bathroom.

This was one of the privileges he had, having his own bathroom.

In this not-so-large room, there was a claw-foot bathtub.

A kettle sat on a small iron stove, and a bucket was beneath a faucet on the west wall.

There was a water tank on the roof for collecting rainwater, with pipes leading the water to the faucet.

This way, bathwater didn't have to be carried up from downstairs.

Arthur was lucky; the water tank was full.

After he cleared out the monsters that had infested the haunted house.

This originally burnt-down house was restored to its original state.

Everything inside was like new.

Arthur lay in the bathtub, feeling the warm water envelop him.

To prevent himself from falling asleep, he began to mentally plan his next steps.

There were four days left until the ancient tomb closed.

They had to defeat Isgrasa before then, completely eradicating him and his undead.

He had confidence in Airo's abilities, and since she was already acquainted with the Lovich siblings, there would be no friction in the team.

He didn't need to worry too much about the land, as Brussian's production of the map was enough to prove his understanding of the area.

His biggest concern was the Chamber of Commerce.

If Catherine and Paul were there, he would be very relieved.

Arthur didn't know much about Louis and his people.

Arthur was unsure how far they could go, and couldn't confirm if his orders would be carried out.

"My Lord, is the water temperature alright?" Vanka asked from outside the door.

Arthur opened his eyes, "It's fine, go rest. I'll rest by myself in a bit."

Vanka did not respond immediately.

"What's wrong?" Arthur asked when he received no reply.

"My Lord, I—I want to ask, your sword—"

"It's yours," Arthur said.

"Wh-what?" Vanka was flattered. "No—no, My Lord, this is too precious for me."

"It's just a sword, Vanka.

"In my hands, it is at most an ornament, to prove that I am a noble.

"But in your hands, it can serve a real purpose, slaying enemies and protecting the weak.

"I saw your performance on the battlefield; you deserve it."

Silence fell outside again.

Arthur then added, "Of course, you'll need to practice your swordsmanship more."

A soft laugh came from outside the door.

"My Lord, may I ask you one more question?"

"Of course." Arthur adjusted his posture.

"Why do you want me to manage those fanatics?"

Arthur thought for a moment and replied, "I noticed they respect you very much."

"No, they respect you and this sword," Vanka denied. "They see you as a savior sent by Heaven.

"They treat everything you've used as a holy relic."

"Then make good use of that."

The Lord's words exceeded Vanka's expectations.

She had originally thought her Lord would say a lot of obscure words and make her think for herself.

She didn't expect such an answer.

"Look, little girl. Since those fanatical believers acknowledge you wearing a holy relic.

"Then they should also acknowledge you.

"And I need a trustworthy person to lead them. Flora is indeed a good choice.

"But the doctrines she accepts differ greatly from those of Mother Earth.

"This would cause her to act too forcefully and excessively.

"And you can just neutralize this point.

"Since that sword can bring you their respect.

"Then use this to quickly establish your prestige among them."

"But—but I'm just a—" Vanka said uncertainly, "just a maid."

"You stopped being one the moment you stepped onto the city wall.

"Or would you rather be a maid?"

Vanka blurted out, "No, of course not."

However, she quickly realized her mistake and hastily added, "My Lord, I mean, as long as I can stay by your side.

"Whatever it is, I'm willing, and you only have me as a maid right now."

"Haha, Vanka, I'm not disabled; I don't need special care.

"Rather than taking care of my daily life, I'd rather see you playing a role in a suitable position."

Vanka was silent for a moment, then said firmly, "I understand, My Lord.

"However, you still need a maid.

"At least you need to find a messenger.

"Otherwise, you'd have to run around doing everything yourself, which would really diminish your prestige.

"I will lead those fanatics according to your wishes until they can do things.

"At that time, I will return to continue serving as your personal maid. I hope you can agree."

Arthur didn't expect this little girl to be so persistent about staying by his side.

He granted her request but didn't quite understand it.

That night, after Arthur had fallen asleep, Vanka went to the fanatics' residence.

They had moved into houses near the church, according to Flora's instructions.

Vanka knocked on a missionary's door and asked him to gather all the women.

Her words were like a holy decree, and in a short while, all the women among the fanatics were gathered in the missionary's house.

Vanka first eliminated those who were too old and too young.

She also eliminated those who were not presentable.

Finally, she selected a pair of well-behaved sisters.

She dismissed the others, kept the sisters, and asked them, "Where are your parents?"

The older sister replied, "They're dead."

"Do you know how to read?" she asked again.

Both shook their heads, but then added, "We are learning to read.

"The missionaries are teaching us the content of the doctrines."

Vanka thought for a moment and decided not to dwell on this issue.

Because she herself could only read and write some simple words now.

"Alright then, I have a—no, Lord Arthur has a task for you to complete."

Upon hearing this, the two sisters immediately showed expressions of ecstasy.

The younger sister couldn't help but ask, "What does Saint Lord need us to do?"

Vanka warned, "I know you are very devout, and also extremely loyal to Lord Arthur.

"But please rein in your fanaticism.

"What you are about to do is very important; it represents the Lord's prestige."

The two sisters reined themselves in a bit.

"Lord Arthur needs new maids; can you handle it?"

Vanka received no reply.

Because the two of them seemed to still be savoring her words.

The younger sister reacted, quickly nodding, "We can do it.

"This is a great honor for us!"

The older sister also began to nod frantically.

"Don't get too excited yet," Vanka said in a deep voice. "I will train you in the coming days.

"If you pass and receive the Lord's approval, you can permanently hold this position."

"We will not disappoint Saint Lord!" the two sisters said in unison.

Arthur slept very soundly, only waking up when the sky was bright the next day.

Not long after he woke up, Vanka came in with two women.

One of them was about her age, with a face full of freckles.

The other was older, about Arthur's age.

Both had yellowish hair and thin bodies, signs of malnutrition.

Arthur could tell from their expressions that they were fanatics.

"Who are these?" he asked Vanka.

Vanka replied, "The new maids I found for you.

"They are still learning skills and relevant knowledge.

"Give them some time, and they will satisfy you."

"I told you, little girl, I don't need someone to take care of me."

Vanka insisted, "No, this isn't taking care of you.

"It's about giving you more time to do other meaningful things.

"Instead of wasting it on various chores.

"Just as you said, rather than me wasting my time taking care of you—though I don't consider that a waste of time—I should be playing other roles.

"Then the same applies to you; I cannot let you waste your time on washing clothes, heating bathwater, and traveling."

Arthur pressed his forehead and asked, "I guess if I don't agree, you'll argue with me all day?"

"I'm prepared for that, and are you planning to refuse two devout believers?" Vanka asked.

Arthur raised his hands in surrender. Arthur could see Vanka's upturned lips and the excitement on the two girls' faces.

He sighed, deciding not to dwell on the matter any longer.