Pioneer Lord: A Leisurely Imperial Life

Chapter 226 I Refusal to Cooperate

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The Thorn Territory has a total population of just over 50,000.

Richard estimated that the number of infected people was around 20,000, and even if each person received ten copper coins, it would only amount to a few dozen gold coins.

Therefore, he preferred to discuss with Baron Thorn the establishment of Chiffon Trading Company and the exchange of goods.

This is far more valuable than earning those few dozen gold coins for treatment.

But right now, Baron Thorn is filled with resentment towards the Church of Light.

Clenching his fists and cursing incessantly, his fat body trembling with excitement, he clearly had no interest in discussing any business cooperation.

Since that's the case, then drink a few more sips of the rare wine they're serving as a treat to make up for it.

Baron Thorns was very generous, actually bringing out a bottle of ten-year-old Silver Star wine, which is quite rare!

My rose, come, let's touch.

Ding!

...

Because it was a small area, the rain was falling in bursts, and the assembly and rescue work was carried out very quickly.

The Thorn Soldiers were responsible for maintaining order, the Frost Knights for registration, and the Life Apostles provided treatment first and charged later.

However, after each group of people was healed, the Apostle of Life would add a sentence to the crowd of people who were full of gratitude:

"I will only charge ten copper coins per person. This is the treatment fee that Chiffon charges. I will not ask for more."

This needs to be made clear.

Because Richard knew all too well the nature of certain noblemen.

If it's not pointed out in advance, after Chiffon's people leave, some nobles might try to squeeze more money out of them.

Then they'll throw this dirty water on Chiffon's head, ruining his reputation. It's disgusting, but they're absolutely capable of doing it.

But he never expected that there would be an even more ruthless lord!

...

Having healed the thorns, the group bid farewell to the enthusiastic Baron Thorn and continued their journey toward the next territory.

Ironwater Territory is not far from Thorn Territory; it takes just over an hour to get there by fast horse. It's also a baronial territory, with a population similar to Thorn Territory.

Ironwater Territory was also a baronial territory with a population of around 60,000, but Richard sensed something was wrong before he even reached the city gates.

The city gates were tightly closed, and many soldiers stood shadowy figures on the city walls, their eyes warily fixed on the group of people outside the city.

"Halt!"

From within the city, faint sounds of wailing and crying could be heard, as if many people were wailing and weeping.

...

A Frost Knight stepped forward and announced loudly, "Frost Lucy and Baron Chiffon have come to visit Baron Ironwater. Please announce their arrival."

The wall fell silent for a moment.

Before long, a thin figure appeared behind the wall. The man was about forty years old, with a neatly trimmed mustache.

It was none other than the Iron Baron.

He didn't come down from the city wall; he just looked down at the people below.

His gaze lingered on Richard's face for a moment, then swept over Lucy and the Frost Knight behind her, a slight twitch appearing at the corner of his mouth.

"Miss Lucy?"

Baron Ironwater, in a high-pitched voice and with an extremely perfunctory tone, asked, "Why are the Frostborn people not staying in their own territories to fight the plague, but instead coming to my Ironwater territory?"

Lucy frowned slightly, but maintained her politeness and quickly explained the purpose and terms of cooperation.

Logically, at this point, even if Baron Ironwater wasn't extremely grateful, he should have politely invited them into the city for a detailed discussion.

But the rat's face on the wall didn't show the slightest ripple; instead, it gradually grew impatient.

"No need."

He actually refused?

Lucy was taken aback, thinking she might have misheard, and instinctively asked, "What did you say?"

"I said it's unnecessary," Baron Ironwater repeated, raising his voice slightly. "I will handle the matters of Ironwater Territory myself; there's no need for you two to trouble yourselves!"

...

Richard narrowed his eyes, looked up at the city wall, and his voice deepened.

"Your Excellency, as far as I know, there are no war mages at the Iron Mine. Aren't you worried that excessive serf casualties will affect the autumn harvest?"

He simply couldn't understand why the Iron Baron would refuse such a mutually beneficial arrangement, without even offering any room for negotiation.

Lucy was also very confused. Even if nobles were selfish, they would never joke about their own territory and foundation. The other party's actions were simply incomprehensible.

...

However, the Iron Baron's expression darkened further. He stared at Richard and replied in a sarcastic tone:

"It's my business how I deal with my territory, Chiffon's family. But you, you're just wandering around with your magician, offering both free and paid services. You're quite busy, aren't you?"

After he finished speaking, he looked at Lucy again.

"Miss Lucy, didn't Viscount Brad teach you that forced transactions are a shameful act? I don't welcome you, please leave."

Lucy's expression changed.

How rude of you to say that!

While Frost Rose may not be as powerful as Frostfox or the Wolf Heir, she still commands some respect in the North. How dare they!?

Just as she was about to say something...

"Lucy."

Richard gently pressed down on her wrist.

Lucy turned to look at him, but saw that he had no expression on his face. He was just looking up at the Iron Baron on the city wall for several seconds.

Then, Richard didn't say another word, turned around, waved to the team, and led them away.

Lucy couldn't hold back any longer, and a hint of anger appeared on her face.

"This guy is completely baffling. There are people wailing in the town, but he's completely unmoved. What is he trying to do?!"

Richard didn't respond, because he also sensed that something was wrong.

Refusing to cooperate is understandable, but the look in their eyes...

When the Iron Baron said "No need," there was no hesitation in his eyes, not even a hint of guilt for the deaths of his people; only an almost cruel indifference.

It was as if he didn't care at all whether the people in his territory would die...

Richard suddenly spoke up: "How ruthless do you think a person has to be to watch their people die in droves?"

Lucy was stunned.

Because that's what she can't understand either.

Richard shook his head and looked out of the woods; the answer would soon be revealed.

...

A dark figure silently slipped into the woods and charged straight towards the group.

came back.

This was a Shadow Blade that Richard had deliberately left behind when he left, to infiltrate the city and gather information.

Shadow Blade was right in front of him in the blink of an eye, his face a mixture of anger and disgust.

"My lord!"

"explain."

Shadow Blade took a deep breath, trying to suppress the anger in his heart.

"The soldiers are going door to door arresting people. Those who are sick are being killed on the spot, while the healthy ones are being tied up and given a lot of firewood, as if they want to..."

He paused, his voice suddenly becoming a little hoarse.

"It seems they want to burn them to death..."

These words struck like a thunderbolt, causing Richard and Lucy's expressions to change drastically, and leaving the surrounding Frost Knights and Chiffon Soldiers completely stunned!