62: My concerns (thank you for your monthly tickets and recommendation tickets)

When Godwin and Philip returned to their residence, laden with captured supplies, they happened to see the last family of refugees walking towards the dock warehouse.

Godwin inwardly cursed and quickly jumped out of the carriage, rushing into the house.

As soon as he stepped inside, he ran into Airo.

He quickly asked her what had happened.

After the female rogue meticulously recounted the whole story,

Godwin let out a long sigh and asked, "Is the Lord in?"

"He's in the room at the end of the second floor."

The exiled noble didn't have time to thank her, taking two steps at a time as he hurried upstairs.

The door to the end room was open.

Even though he was extremely anxious, Godwin still stopped at the doorway and knocked, indicating his arrival.

Arthur, who was behind the desk, looked up and then showed a pleased expression.

"You're back. Come in and sit down. Have you eaten yet?"

Godwin had no mind for food. He quickly walked to the desk, about to speak, but then noticed that the maid Vanka was also there.

"Feel free to speak your mind. Vanka is not an outsider."

Hearing Arthur say this, the exiled noble asked, "Lord, I heard that the pioneering team has already been assembled?"

Arthur put down the documents in his hand and nodded in response, "That's right, and it's all thanks to Jessica.

"In just one day, she solved our most troublesome personnel problem."

"Lord, then I'll be direct. Jessica is currently still a wanted criminal.

"And most of the people she recruited are also on the wanted list. These people pose a great hidden danger.

"I know you have the power to grant pardons, but for the sake of your future reputation, pardoning too many criminals is ultimately not a good thing."

Arthur acknowledged, "I've also considered this issue. Pardoning ordinary criminals is acceptable.

"But continuously pardoning people like Jessica, who are on the national wanted list, will likely invite hostility from the nobles.

"If that happens, even if we can establish ourselves in Qingfeng Valley in the future, we will be isolated."

These words were half-truths.

Before making these decisions, Arthur had carefully studied the areas around Qingfeng Valley.

From a geographical perspective, Qingfeng Valley bordered the territory of the Calimshan remnants to the west.

To the east was the Snowpeak Mountains, to the south the Shadow Forest, and to the north the Giant Plains.

It was a transportation hub for Amn and the various kingdoms to the southeast and north of Faerun. Just collecting tolls could earn a fortune.

Even if he couldn't achieve this, Arthur could still foster good relations with those Calimshan remnants.

These people were also ostracized and isolated by the Amn people, and only due to historical reasons did they acquire a territory in the east.

Because their territory was located on important trade routes of the southern Tethyr Kingdom, Calimshan Kingdom, and Amn, these Calimshan remnants were all incredibly wealthy.

Therefore, Arthur was not afraid of being isolated by the Amn high command.

Godwin analyzed seriously, "Things haven't gotten that serious yet.

"Even if the Amn high command is displeased with your pardoning of wanted criminals and secretly isolates us,

"We can also befriend the Calimshan remnants.

"They have long been rejected by Amn society as a whole, and they would surely be happy to have another political ally like us.

"Moreover, the entire eastern Amn region is currently in turmoil. In my humble opinion, some weaker families,

"Such as the Bull family, as long as we can meet their demands, they would be very happy to befriend us."

Arthur feigned an expression of being greatly enlightened, repeatedly praising Godwin's analysis.

The exiled noble's initial anger immediately subsided by more than half with this praise.

"Lord, you flatter me. I..."

Before Godwin could finish speaking, Arthur instructed Vanka, "Go, get some food and drink for Godwin.

"Oh, and remember to prepare a portion for Philip as well."

Vanka nodded, turned and left the room, closing the door behind her.

Seeing Arthur's demeanor, Godwin's anger dissipated even further.

He pulled out a chair and sat down, then continued, "I speak quite directly, Lord, so please don't take offense.

"Jessica is already well-known, and these refugees have mostly come here out of admiration for him.

"Now that his influence is so great, that's not a good thing.

"If he reneges halfway and leaves with his people, we'll be in trouble."

"Are you saying I've put my trust in the wrong person?"

"No, no, Lord, I mean that people's hearts are unpredictable, and one must be wary of others."

Arthur nodded thoughtfully.

"Also, Lord, with the sudden increase in numbers, the things that need to be coordinated will also increase.

"And we have little time left; we must depart in two days.

"To coordinate everything in such a short time, everyone must work together wholeheartedly.

"But right now, people are not united."

"So you intend to eliminate some people?"

"If that were truly possible, it would naturally be for the best," Godwin said, "but that would damage your relationship with Jessica.

"It would also affect your credibility, giving you a reputation for being untrustworthy. This is a last resort and not feasible."

Arthur smiled slightly and said, "I originally thought you, in your anger, would agree to this method."

Godwin heard this and gave a bitter smile, "Lord, I am indeed angry, but I haven't lost my head.

"If every time you and I disagree, I throw a tantrum, then I am not worthy of following you.

"As a subordinate, shouldn't one's duty be to salvage the situation and prevent future troubles?"

Just then, the door opened, and Vanka entered, placing food and drink in front of Godwin.

Godwin's mind wasn't on the food; he just mumbled a thank you.

Vanka discreetly left the room, closed the door, and waited outside.

"The previous batch wasn't made very well, but it was still quite popular." Arthur pointed to the bowl of meat soup, "I had some free time this afternoon and adjusted the ingredients again. Why don't you try it and see how it tastes?"

The exiled noble broke off a piece of bread, dipped it in the meat soup, and took a bite, nodding in praise, "Very good, very good.

"But Lord, kitchen matters can be left to the women and servants; why bother yourself?"

"What? I've been working non-stop for the past few days, and now that I finally have some free time, I can't enjoy myself?" Arthur asked.

"This... this... I truly didn't know you had this hobby, Lord."

Arthur waved his hand, "Enough talk. Don't speak while eating. We can discuss anything else after we finish."

With that, he picked up the documents again and began to review them.

Hearing Arthur mutter to himself, Godwin couldn't help but ask, "Lord, what are you looking at?"

Arthur poked his head out from behind the documents and replied, "A list. The list of forty people that I asked Jessica to record in detail.

"Including name, gender, age, and background. I need to write all of these down."

Godwin was deeply puzzled by this and bluntly asked, "Why is that?

"These ignorant people are not worth strategizing with; you only need to command them. There's no need to waste time on them."

"Let them know they are being noticed, let them know they are valued." Arthur explained, "Let them know their Lord cares about them.

"Instead of treating them as golden geese for taxes, oxen and horses in the fields, or pawns on the battlefield.

"This is how I communicate with these newcomers. Everyone said the meat soup at noon was good."

Godwin was extremely intelligent and immediately understood.

He stopped speaking and calmly ate his meal.

After finishing his meal, the exiled noble finally spoke, "Please forgive me, Lord.

"I shouldn't have been so rash in criticizing you. The meat soup is very good, excellent.

"Please give me a list. I will go and discuss with Catherine immediately to arrange these people as quickly as possible, so that they can each fulfill their duties."

"No rush." Arthur waved his hand, "You haven't slept since yesterday. If you keep this up, you'll work yourself to death.

"Go rest. Also, don't trouble Catherine in the coming days.

"She suffered a minor injury, and I've assigned her to some lighter tasks."

Godwin still wanted to argue, but Arthur raised a hand to interrupt him, saying, "You're a smart man. I don't need to tell you that haste makes waste, do I?"

"Lord, please allow me to finish reporting the remaining matters to you."

"Go on."

"The captured supplies have been sent to the backyard. The inventory list is with Philip; please review it.

"Farda and his son, and the two Cyric sect leaders, have died in the mob attack.

"I have written a report detailing the specific events; please also review it..."

Upon hearing this, Arthur raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

"And those five mountain folk who swore to follow you, I took the liberty of bringing them along too.

"Each of them is literate, and I thought they could be of great help."

Arthur nodded, "You've worked hard."

"Then I shall take my leave." Godwin bowed and exited the room.

However, he did not go to rest, but went directly to the kitchen and found Philip, who was still eating.

"This meat soup is fantastic, sir." The young river pirate said, "Aren't you having some?"

"I've eaten. Listen, Philip, do you remember what I told you?"

Philip understood and quietly asked, "Someone wants to harm the Lord?"

"No, no, no, just being prepared."

"What do you mean?"

Godwin's mouth twitched, "You've seen it. Our personnel here are a mixed bag now; we need to be cautious."

"Oh~" Philip nodded, "Have you warned the Lord?"

"The Lord is handling it in his own way."

-----------------

"I can't say." Bruce followed beside Jessica, "This is too strange."

The two were patrolling the temporary camp outside the warehouse.

Jessica did not respond, simply walking forward silently.

"I mean, damn it, I never thought in my life that I'd ever eat food made by a noble.

"I don't think anyone here ever thought that. Brother, is he really a noble?"

Jessica's lips curved slightly upwards as he asked, "What do people think of him?"

"Confusion? Doubt? Respect? Fear?" Bruce shrugged, "All sorts of emotions. It's hard to say clearly.

"But whether it's the divine magic he cast or that pot of meat soup, both are quite brilliant.

"If all of this is an act, then I can only say that this Lord is definitely a superb actor.

"The expression he showed after seeing us eat our fill, I will never forget it."

"This is certainly not a pretense." Jessica said seriously, "Go and understand him more, my friend. He is absolutely worth your allegiance."

"How unusual, for you to have such a high opinion of someone."

Jessica picked up a small piece of bread from the ground, wiped it, and put it in his pocket.

"Because he's worth it. Bruce, if I die one day, I hope you will wholeheartedly assist Arthur."

"If that is what you wish, I will."

-----------------

Late at night, there was a sound from the window.

Arthur turned his head to look, only to see Airo climbing in through the window from outside.

"Normally, we use the door."

The female rogue stretched her limbs and said, "I saw that only your room in this house had a light on, so I came in to check."

As she spoke, she sat on the desk and casually picked up a document from it.

"Did you go hunting?" Arthur asked.

"Uh-huh. A thief, a robber." Airo licked her lips, "There's a secret city-wide manhunt going on.

"I think it has something to do with the case you were investigating earlier."

"Indeed, I suppose my foolish brother revealed many truths, or perhaps lies.

"In any case, after the inauguration ceremony, Wolf Den City will only become more chaotic, but by then we will have already left."

Airo put down the document, "I heard Catherine say you're going to write down the names and backgrounds of all the newcomers?"

Arthur corrected, "Not everyone. There are also those five mountain folk; I haven't had a chance to learn about them yet."

"Can you remember that many names?"

"Of course, I've remembered more." Arthur yawned, "Hmm, yes, more."

Airo asked softly, "Why do that?

"Writing down their names, cooking for them, that's not something a leader would do."

Arthur smiled and asked in return, "What is a leader?

"My people once suffered deeply, but countless ancestors exchanged everything for my... uh... my family's current life.

"In the countless stories I've heard, a leader is not out of reach; he is always by the people's side.

"As for cooking? I just like to see people full."

Airo was speechless for a moment. She reached out and placed her hand on Arthur's shoulder, saying, "Go to sleep."

"I still have a little something here..."

"Personnel and material allocation?" Airo asked.

"Yes."

"Leave it to me."

Arthur asked, puzzled, "Are you sure?"

"I'm not just good with a dagger." Airo rolled her eyes, "Leave the rest to me. I don't need much rest."

"Alright, it'll have to be reviewed by Godwin and them anyway."

Arthur got up and gave up his seat, then walked to the bed and collapsed straight down.

-----------------

The next morning, when Arthur opened his eyes again, Airo was gone.

The documents on the desk were neatly stacked.

Arthur walked to the table, picked up the top personnel allocation sheet, and began to examine it.

"What excellent handwriting."

Then, he put down the document and opened the intelligence panel.

Today's intelligence has been updated:

1. Blue Intelligence: Your attendant Flora Menolia is an Asmodeus.

2. White Intelligence: Godwin's favorability towards you has increased, and his loyalty has improved.

3. White Intelligence: Jessica's favorability towards you has significantly increased, and his loyalty has significantly improved.

4. White Intelligence: Your deeds are being spread throughout Wolf Den City, local prestige has significantly increased, and public favorability towards you has increased.

5. White Intelligence: After witnessing you cast divine magic and distribute food, the morale of newly joined members has improved, and their favorability towards you has risen.

Two more days. Arthur closed the panel, thinking, after attending the inauguration ceremony tomorrow, he would have to embark on his journey.