63: My father's 10 billion subsidy (thank you for your recommendation and monthly tickets))

He first instructed Vanka to submit the settlement personnel allocation plan to Godwin.

Then he asked her to retrieve the pardon statement from Catherine, and finally arranged for her to notify Newt to prepare the carriage.

After breakfast, Arthur took the orcs and Vanka, and rode a carriage towards the docks.

Those refugees had set up a temporary camp in front of the dock warehouse.

Arthur had already asked Old Joe to greet the dock manager yesterday, and now that he was famous, his words carried considerable weight.

The manager not only gladly allowed the refugees to camp there but also thoughtfully provided many pickled fish as ingredients for their dinner.

Upon learning of this, Arthur had Newt send some money to the manager as a token of appreciation.

As Bruce said, the refugees had varying attitudes towards their new lord.

Some were fearful, some were respectful, but most yearned for his blessing.

Just like in Red Maple Village.

The half-elves who believed in Mother Earth almost immediately knelt and bowed upon seeing him, praying and chanting scriptures.

The dwarves' attitude was more cautious, with a hint of fear mixed with respect.

There was no need to mention the halflings; these naturally timid variant humans probably only felt no fear when facing gnomes.

Shortly after Arthur finished inspecting the camp, Godwin and Catherine arrived on horseback.

Catherine's face was wrapped in white cloth, with ointment prepared by Old Hutu underneath.

She looked quite comical, but she didn't mind in the slightest.

After bowing to Arthur, the two nodded to Jessica and Bruce.

"Give each of them a set of thick clothes and two pairs of boots, made of good quality fabric," Arthur instructed Godwin.

"This should have been my responsibility," Catherine interjected at the appropriate moment. "My Lord, I have no issues; please do not exclude me.

"I want to work. Time is short, and there is still much to be done. I cannot just handle documents indoors."

Godwin shrugged: "I advised Lady Catherine, but she insisted on coming."

"Alright, it's always good to have an extra person working," Arthur said. "Go purchase ten more riding horses.

"Take out the fabric given by the Council and distribute it, having people make clothes and bedding. Additionally..."

He looked at Godwin, "What do you think of the daily meal standards?"

Godwin took out a document from his files and handed it to Jessica: "My Lord, I believe it would be more appropriate to hear Lord Jessica's opinion.

"He has experience leading troops, so he should have more insight in this regard."

Jessica took the document and replied after reading it carefully: "It's... very reasonable, My Lord, even a bit too high.

"Even during our mercenary days, we never ate so well when on the road."

Arthur waved his hand and said, "This is just an ideal standard. When the journey truly begins, ensuring even half of it would be a success."

"Regarding the horses," Jessica suggested, "If you intend to provide each of us with a horse, My Lord, there's no need.

"The convoy won't move very fast, and we can easily keep up on foot. There's no need to waste money."

Godwin countered: "Qingfeng Valley is a long journey and the route is not peaceful.

"Horses can not only improve mobility but also be used for perimeter security, detecting enemy situations in advance. Equipping horses is absolutely necessary."

Arthur took over: "It won't cost much, just consider it buying peace of mind."

Jessica nodded, saying nothing more.

"Oh, by the way, you mentioned that there's still a group of old subordinates who refuse to come?"

Arthur asked Jessica.

"Yes, My Lord."

"Are they all combat personnel?"

"Yes, My Lord. Most of the civilians are here; the rest are people who are determined to seek revenge."

It was Bruce who answered Arthur.

"Alright, contact them and try to keep them stable.

"If they intend to seek revenge against the Falcon Family, perhaps I can lend a hand," Arthur said.

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

The Earl, supported by his youngest son, arrived at the castle's rear garden with Sheriff Adelaide.

"How are your preparations coming along?" he asked his youngest son.

"Personnel recruitment is almost complete," Arthur replied. "The missing supplies are also being procured, and it's expected to be mostly done today."

"We've delayed your time; we must compensate you," the Earl took out a parchment scroll from his Pregnant. "This is two thousand five hundred gold coins, deposited in the Calimshan bank.

"It will be safer to withdraw it when you reach the Great Arasin City."

"Thank you, Father." Arthur did not decline much and accepted the scroll.

"I know this amount of money is far from enough. But... as you can see, the Family is currently facing both internal and external troubles..."

The Earl stopped speaking at this point, reaching out to point at the green corridor not far away.

Arthur understood and turned to walk towards it.

"If it weren't for the pressure, I wouldn't send you to Qingfeng Valley," the Earl continued. "The Falcon Family has been making things difficult for us at the noble alliance meetings.

"These damned sissies, relying on the Supreme Council's backing, are becoming more and more presumptuous."

Arthur understood that his being sent to Qingfeng Valley was partly due to his predecessor's lack of humanity, and partly due to the Family's political compromise.

Therefore, he also had a surge of anger in his heart.

"What noble alliance? I think it's long been a name in vain," the Sheriff suddenly interjected. "They're already stepping all over us; are we still going to endure it?"

The Evil Wolf Earl retorted: "Then what do you propose? Our army has been sent to the front lines, and our allies are all struggling to protect themselves.

"Even if Richard revealed many inside details, this is still a family scandal. Do you expect him to accuse the Falcon Family?

"He's a good-for-nothing, unable to see the situation clearly, letting outsiders manipulate him, and even believing in Cyric.

"Such a person on the public stage is nothing but a clown; it will only bring shame to us.

"Furthermore, do you think the other party would leave any evidence? They use intermediaries precisely to hide themselves, don't they?"

The Evil Wolf Earl, growing angrier as he spoke, shook off his son's hand and walked towards the green corridor by himself.

Arthur and his aunt exchanged glances and quickly followed.

"Then let's make things difficult for them too," the Sheriff suggested. "It's not just the Evil Wolf Family that has dispatched troops; other families have done the same.

"This also means that the territories of various lords are sparsely guarded.

"Let's imitate them and form a raiding party to plunder the Falcon Family's trade routes."

The Earl smiled and asked, "It would naturally be best if someone were willing to do it, but to hire a mercenary group disguised as bandits?

"But where would the money come from? If the war on the front lines continues to drag on, we won't even be able to pay our soldiers."

"Only travel expenses and a batch of weapons are needed," Arthur interjected.

His words immediately drew the Evil Wolf Earl's attention.

The Earl's eyes were sharp: "What do you mean by that?"

"I have some people. If Father is willing to provide them with some funding, they would be very happy to cause trouble for the Falcon Family."

"Tell me in detail."

Arthur thoroughly explained the situation of Jessica and her followers to his father.

After listening to Arthur's account, the Earl looked at the Sheriff: "You know all about this?"

Adelaide explained: "I just found out too. But I agree with Arthur's approach: a little money plus some equipment.

"We can even have our allies fund these things, after all, we suffered no small losses this time."

"Then you should know who Jessica and her people are, right?" The Earl's voice deepened. "If this gets exposed, we will be completely isolated."

"It won't be a problem under my name," Arthur interjected. "Don't forget, Father, as Baron of Qingfeng Valley, I have the right of pardon.

"I can pardon them, and naturally, I can also employ them. So even if things are exposed, it can be pushed onto me."

The Earl narrowed his eyes, "Why do you want to do this? I don't see any benefit for you in this.

"Don't tell me foolish things like 'for the Family,' Arthur; I'm not that stupid."

"Pardoning wanted criminals requires witnesses, especially for people like Jessica.

"Usually, a regional high judge can fulfill this duty, but if a high-ranking and powerful noble can be invited, that would be even better."

"I see, you want me to be that witness. This way, we'll be tied together.

"Tell me, son, what exactly do you want behind this farce?"

People said the Evil Wolf Earl was just a brute with only strength.

But in reality, few knew that he was sometimes as perceptive as a wolf.

Even Arthur had never realized this.

Arthur often forgot that ever since his father became a lord, his battlefield had shifted to the negotiating table.

"I need your support and the support of the Family's allies.

"Once I establish a foothold in Qingfeng Valley, I need to open up external trade routes.

"I also need political allies so that I can have a voice in the Council."

"The location of Qingfeng Valley..." The Evil Wolf Earl pondered for a moment, "Your location is far from the central government, Arthur, and it's easily accessible from all directions.

"You don't need to risk getting involved in Amn's political situation; you should explore outwards instead."

"To be an enemy of the entire Amn for this?" Arthur shook his head. "I don't think so.

"Qingfeng Valley is a piece of prime real estate; otherwise, successive high-ranking officials of Amn wouldn't send colonial barons—or governors, as they are called in the West—every year to claim ownership.

"Once I establish a foothold there, those lurking beasts will come sniffing around.

"I am confident that the Falcon Family will never miss this opportunity.

"When that time comes, I am very sure I will need allies."

The Earl burst into laughter, "Hahaha, you're starting to sound more and more like a Baron, my son."

"I already am, Father."

Father and son looked at each other and smiled.

The Earl extended his hand to his youngest son and said, "Then welcome to this pigsty of power, son."

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

After leaving the castle, Arthur headed to the warehouse with a pile of signed documents.

These documents included proof of pardon for Jessica and her followers, as well as alliance agreements and trade agreements.

Now all he had to do was have Jessica contact Eileen.

Provide them with funds and equipment, and then cause a ruckus in the Falcon Family's territory.

This would undoubtedly accelerate the collapse of the noble alliance.

But even the most foolish noble should have realized that the alliance's breakdown was only a matter of time.

Internal conflict would eventually erupt in eastern Amn.

In any case, this was an opportunity for him; the more chaotic the situation in Amn, the more time he would have to grow and expand.

Thinking of this, Arthur couldn't help but laugh.

Things were progressing too smoothly; he was getting a bit carried away.

He hadn't even reached Qingfeng Valley yet, and he was already fantasizing about future events.

This was truly ridiculous.

He collected his thoughts, looked at the dire wolf lying in its small wooden box nest, and began to ponder how to unite the hearts of his people.

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

There was a great advantage to taking in these refugees: they were not as destitute as other refugees.

These people, organized by family units, each brought their own daily necessities.

So Arthur didn't need to procure too many things for them, only providing some warm clothing, shoes, and other miscellaneous items.

Of course, Catherine told him all these details.

The noblewoman Catherine reported the current material situation to Arthur while directing personnel to sort and organize the supplies.

Godwin followed alongside, promptly supplementing any information Catherine missed.

"My Lord, including the funds given by the Earl, we have a total of 5449 gold coins in available funds.

"Aside from these, we also have about 1700 gold coins worth of Chult artifacts, about 500 gold coins worth of jewelry, and 200 gold coins worth of miscellaneous items.

"As per your instructions, we have already exchanged the sheep and a dairy cow for more easily preserved food ingredients.

"So far, we have spent nearly 340 gold coins, so we now have 5109 gold coins remaining in available funds.

"Also, I had Iron Shovel and the new carpenter..."

Catherine had not finished speaking when Iron Shovel drove a covered wagon in front of Arthur.

"Hey, My Lord, look at our new toy," the dwarf shouted excitedly. "This way, the things inside won't get wet from the rain."

Arthur walked around the wagon once and asked, "Are you planning to convert all three flatbed carts into covered wagons?"

The dwarf replied: "That's the plan, My Lord. We intend to convert all flatbed carts into covered wagons.

"However, there's only enough time to convert the three largest carriages; the donkey carts can only be converted on the road when we have spare time."

"Very good," Arthur asked again, "Is there enough material?"

"Plenty, My Lord. Thanks to your good information, Newt and I acquired a lot of good stuff from that bankrupt workshop."

Arthur smiled and patted the wagon, "It's looking more and more impressive, isn't it?

"Alright, I've heard all the good news, Godwin, I guess it's time for you to tell me the bad news, right?"

Catherine looked at Godwin sympathetically and said, "My Lord, I'm almost done here; please allow me to go and get busy."

Arthur nodded.

Godwin cleared his throat and said, "As Lady Catherine said, these refugees saved us a lot of money.

"But they are all variant humans, My Lord. I don't need to remind you that variant humans are not very popular in Amn.

"We might encounter some trouble on the way because of this; many towns do not readily accept variant humans."

"Then you must have already studied the route, right?" Arthur asked. "Have you marked all the exclusive towns?"

"Yes, My Lord," Godwin nodded. "Lord Bruce and I planned the route together, and I can see he has very unique insights on this.

"So I estimate the travel time will increase a bit more than expected."

"Jessica's new deputy?"

"Yes."

"You said before that you had to be wary of them."

Godwin smiled and replied: "My Lord, things in this world are never black and white.

"Armed force is like a sharp blade; you must ensure it is always pointed at the enemy."

Arthur smiled and patted Godwin's arm, "I think you'll ensure that, right?"

"Of course. Oh, by the way, the people are very grateful for the clothes you distributed."