Immigration
After a brief exchange, Hudson's knowledge of magic skyrocketed. Hudson completely ignored the magicians' experience in taming magical creatures.
Can a human do something like defeating a monster with strength and conquering its heart with power?
If it were a real fight with his own bear, ten Hudson wouldn't be enough for Beldens. One slap from him would be enough to send this little knight sprawling.
No wonder so few people are able to obtain magical pets; it's no wonder that such a primitive method of capture is inefficient.
Surviving a monster's attack is a testament to your strength. To increase your chances of winning, it's best to challenge monster cubs. If you're unlucky and happen to run into their parents, then tragedy strikes.
Seeing Melissa's envious gaze, Hudson could only express his helplessness.
Not everyone gets to encounter a bear that has been "starving one day and eating the next" since birth. It's hard to make a proud magical beast bow down for food without going hungry for several years.
Throughout the banquet, the two spent all their time chatting, preventing Hudson from getting anything done.
From Qiaomu County to the Magic Academy, from the Southeast Province to the Aslant Continent, the range of topics and the divergent thinking were so extensive that Hudson was somewhat impressed with himself for being able to keep up.
Amidst the envious and jealous gazes of the nobles, Hudson spent a less than pleasant night.
Although the woman was beautiful, she was not so easy to win over. Unlike ordinary noble ladies who lived in their hometowns and rarely traveled more than a hundred miles, Melissa had seen the world.
Perhaps in the Southeast Province, Hudson is among the best, but in the entire Alpha Kingdom, he can only be considered average.
The most eye-catching ones are always the scions of wealthy families. Melissa is already considered smart for not following suit like moths to a flame.
Having a brain is a good thing, but unfortunately, the smarter a person is, the more they know how to weigh the pros and cons, and the harder it is for them to be moved by emotions.
Others only saw the two chatting happily, but Hudson knew very well that they were at most just ordinary friends.
It's like a blind date where everyone thinks the other person's conditions are acceptable and they can get to know each other better.
With the end of the banquet, the matter came to a temporary close, and the truth was ultimately not revealed.
The fact that the parties involved do not object is only one of the foundations for the family marriage. Further matters will require both families to weigh the pros and cons from various perspectives.
The duration of this process can range from three to five months to two to three years.
This kind of thing won't be discussed outside the company until an agreement is reached between the two parties.
Everything returned to normal, as if nothing had happened. However, Hudson's business in Qiaomu County became much more convenient. Clearly, this was Viscount Oran extending a gesture of goodwill.
Hudson finalized the entire deal in less than three days.
"One thousand nine hundred serf households, totaling nine thousand eight hundred and forty-five people, including men, women, and children; five hundred and twenty-three cattle; eight hundred and seventy-four cavalry; two thousand three hundred and forty-five sheep; and a total of one million three hundred thousand pounds of various grains..."
That was all the spoils. In return, Hudson not only paid for all the goods but also owed the local nobles 34,576 gold coins.
He was undeniably heavily in debt. Yet, Hudson showed no sign of panic; instead, he appeared remarkably calm and composed.
Debts don't necessarily have to be repaid with gold coins; other equivalent goods can also be used for trading.
Although Lord Hudson's products continue to receive high negative reviews, it does not affect their sales performance.
In an era where substitutes offer extremely low cost-effectiveness, products only need to fulfill their practical purpose. Mind-blowing details can be completely ignored.
This adds a debt of over 34,000 gold coins, but from another perspective, isn't it also a huge order?
The nobles were originally accustomed to buying pig iron themselves to forge farm tools and daily necessities. However, driven by debt, they are now more accepting of the finished products provided by Hudson.
Although I had to pay a small discount, it was all worth it compared to receiving payment in advance.
The problem facing Hudson now is how to get these people and supplies back.
The local nobles were willing to offer these items in exchange, not only for pre-agreed terms, but also largely because of a local overpopulation.
This situation occurs every hundred or two hundred years as long as the territory remains peaceful. The lords' methods of dealing with it are also very crude and simple.
It directly mandates that during a certain period of time, men and women cannot marry, and married couples cannot have sexual relations.
After a period of stagnant births, the surplus population will soon return to equilibrium within a few years.
In fact, the lords managed more than just these things. Some well-meaning lords even created birth schedules, specifying the times for couples to have intercourse.
By artificially intervening and controlling the timing of pregnancies among the inhabitants, children can be born outside of busy farming seasons and cold winters, thereby improving the safety of women's childbirth.
There are many similar bizarre laws. In this crazy world, there's nothing that noble lords can't do, only things they haven't thought of.
In this regard, Baron Hudson, lacking in population, could only be envious. Not to mention restricting births, if it weren't for the inadequate infrastructure, he would have already enacted laws to encourage childbirth.
The reason they failed to exchange for more people was not because the lords were unwilling to trade, but mainly because Baron Hudson, who had once again become impoverished, did not have enough funds to compensate the other lords.
Credit wasn't unlimited; with his reputation as a "Divine Bow Knight" and "inferior weapons dealer," he was only worth that much in everyone's eyes.
If his debt exceeds people's expectations, then everyone will worry about his ability to repay. Even if he's incredibly wealthy, it won't dispel people's concerns.
After a few days' delay, the massive caravan was finally organized. The cattle and horses that had been traded were all harnessed to carts, which not only carried grain but also children with mobility issues and pregnant women on the journey.
To minimize casualties on the road, the benevolent Lord Hudson spared no expense in hiring three pastors and a dozen pastoral apprentices to accompany him.
Although this small medical team is a drop in the ocean compared to a team of tens of thousands, Hudson really did her best.
It's only about 400 miles away. If they still can't withstand it, then they can only be eliminated by the survival of the fittest in nature.
The original mercenary guard has now been involuntarily transformed into the team's managers. Hudson could fully understand the endless resentment deep in the hearts of the knights, but gold coins have never been easy to earn.
As the saying goes, "high price" always comes with a pitfall. Having received a high salary from Lord Hudson, how could he not do a lot of work?
This tactic proved highly effective. Under the watchful eye of the noble lord, all the serfs behaved with exceptional obedience.
Even though countless people among them did not want to leave their hometown, they dared not express their grievances in front of the noble lords.
Hudson was powerless to do anything about it. In an effort to boost morale, he even slaughtered thirty sheep and a wild deer he had hunted along the way, giving everyone a good meat feast.
Not only that, in order to reduce unnecessary casualties, Hudson went to great lengths to purchase warm clothing for everyone, and even put shoes on everyone's feet.
The logistical support along the way was also arranged well in advance by sending people to contact the nobles they were on good terms with, so that they could have a hot meal as soon as they arrived at their destination.
As for housing, that's up to fate. Not every noble family can afford to arrange accommodation for a group of tens of thousands of people.
However, taking care of the elderly and children was barely manageable. As for the others, they could only make do and sleep around a campfire.
With all preparations complete, the team slowly set off on their journey. Traveling twenty-five li a day was already the limit of the team's speed.
If it weren't for the excellent logistical support along the way, it's estimated that even traveling fifteen miles a day wouldn't have been possible.
Riding his warhorse, cradling a sleeping Young Bear in his arms, Hudson couldn't help but mutter to himself: This damned winter is just unbearable...
At almost the same time, in the Northern Frontier, groups of ragged Beastfolk slaves were being driven south by whips.
Kobolds, Pigmen, Ratmen, Catmen, Minotaur, Goblins... hundreds of Beastfolk races appeared in the group.
Minotaur, leopard, and Boarmen with even a little fighting ability... all had their hands and feet shackled, and they were often grouped together in groups of dozens, making it difficult for them to escape.
With so many Beastfolk slaves heading south, it was hard to avoid attracting attention. If it weren't for the powerful races wearing shackles, the guards along the way probably wouldn't have dared to let them pass.
"Captain, escorting these Minotaur, leopard-men, and Boarmen south... we can sell them to those arenas in the south and make a profit."
But what use are those Ratmen, Pigmen, Goblins... all that trash?
"What are you looking at, you Pigmen trash? What, you still don't like it?"
They share the same ancestors, and although the Boarmen aren't very bright, at least they're incredibly strong.
Unlike you bunch of lazy good-for-nothings, all you do all day is eat and sleep. Even an uncivilized pig is more diligent than you!
As they spoke, the soldier's whip lashed out. Poor Pigmen, who had only glanced at it, was instantly whipped and cried out in pain.
"Alright, Aliches. You've already whipped three slaves to death along the way. If this continues, we won't be able to report back."
He said that, but you could tell from the contemptuous look in the middle-aged officer's eyes that he didn't care about the lives of these slaves.
In the North, even if a Pigmen were sold for just one Silver Coin, no one would be interested. Worthless goods, their life or death is of no importance.
"Captain, this isn't my fault. These bastards are just too weak; they could be blown over by a gust of wind. I didn't even have to use any force, and they were already dead."
Given their physical condition, I reckon half of them will collapse before they even reach the Southeast Province. If you're worried about their lives, you've got a lot to worry about."
Aliches said with a gloating expression.
"Knowing they're frail, you still manage to laugh, you brat. You should know these slaves were ordered by the Grand Duke to be given to Young Master Ciss."
"If the casualties are too high on the way, I, your captain, won't be able to explain myself, and you won't have an easy time either."
The middle-aged officer said with a frustrated expression.
He addressed Baron Ciss Ciss as "Young Master" outwardly, but deep down he never truly considered him that way. His failure to acquire the Felix Family name significantly diminished the prestige of the title "Young Master."
He would not have taken on this arduous task of escorting slaves if it weren't for the orders of Grand Duke Cavadia.
"Captain, what are you afraid of? These useless trash, I reckon if Baron Ciss were to go there, they'd only be able to give the new recruits a bloody thrashing."
Given the rate at which this garbage multiplies, a few thousand more or less can be quickly replenished, so it's not a big deal at all.
As long as the strong slaves don't suffer too many casualties, it's not a big problem. Especially the group of Bunny Girls and fox girls inside the carriage... those are the real focus of Young Master Ciss's attention.
There was nothing wrong with it originally, but after Aliches said it, things seemed to have taken a turn for the worse.
The cautious middle-aged officer quickly rebuked, "Shut up, Aliches, you idiot. Is this the kind of thing you should be saying?"
Remember that, Aliches. Young Master Ciss wants these slaves for the development of his territory. Even the Bunny Girls, fox girls, and cat girls on the carriages... those are for socializing among the nobles.
As for everything else, no matter who asks, you must know nothing!
Having served the Felix Family for generations, the middle-aged officer had come to know, through long-term exposure, the cruelty of infighting within large families.
Perhaps the big shots at the top won't get into any big trouble, but the small fry involved usually don't fare well.
There were many similar escort teams, all heading towards the Southeast Province. By this time, the news had spread throughout the North.
Everyone knew that the noble scions who had migrated south were short of labor. The problem of labor shortage also existed in the north.
Because of frequent Beastfolk invasions, the population of the North has never been able to grow. Even with the constant support of the kingdom, it can only maintain a minimal balance and is simply unable to support the southern territories.
Sending Beastfolk slaves became the only option. In any case, the Southeast Province was thousands of miles away and completely unaffected by the Orc Empire, so there was no worry about being disturbed while taming Beastfolk slaves.
As for whether Beastfolk can become qualified farmers, no one can answer that question in a short time.
After all, there are so many Beastfolk races, and maybe one of them is suited for farming and can even be domesticated.
When the truth was revealed, many families who had followed suit in capturing slaves were deeply hurt.
Their hearts bled as they watched their neighbors send slaves to their southern territories.
The slaves they painstakingly and risked their lives to capture from the Orc Empire in the north have ended up being a burden on their hands.
In Snow Peak Territory, Viscount Rex was one of the unlucky ones. Thinking that a sucker had come to take advantage of these Orc Empire's trash, he hurriedly ordered his family's slave-catching team to set out.
As a result, thousands of all sorts of slaves were captured, only to discover suddenly that there were no buyers in the market.
"Snort!"
"Damn Hank Kage, he actually dares to try and buy all the slaves I painstakingly captured for five copper coins each!"
He only managed to carve out a territory in the south because he has many sons. It's one thing to show off all the time, but now he's even trying to take advantage of our misfortune.
If it weren't for..."
The scene of his fury terrified all the servants in the manor, who trembled with fear. The lack of sons was Viscount Rex's biggest weakness; despite his best efforts, he unfortunately only had one son.
For a family, having only one direct heir is undoubtedly extremely dangerous. Unfortunately, the Lord of Dawn did not protect him, and Viscount Rex could only accept his fate.
In any case, having an only child in the family is better than having no children at all and having to work for others.
This kind of self-comforting thought was something Viscount Rex could only think about secretly; if anyone else dared to say it, something terrible would surely happen.
Whenever this issue came up, the servants in the house would all back down, fearing that they would be blamed and get burned.
The old butler, who happened to be right in front of him and couldn't avoid it, could only grit his teeth and step forward to persuade him, "Master, Viscount Hank Kage doesn't understand your good intentions. If he doesn't want these slaves, then we shouldn't let him get away with it."
There are dozens of noble families that have established territories in the south; it's impossible for all of them to gather enough slaves. Selling them at a discount will ensure there are buyers.
Although deep down he understood Viscount Hank Kage's actions, his position required him to side with his master.
"It's too late. All the slave escort teams have already set off, except for that idiot Hank Kage who's still dawdling."
Even a good-for-nothing like him has managed to gather enough slaves, so how could others possibly lack them?
"That's what Viscount Rex said in an annoyed tone."
He missed the best time to sell the slaves simply because he stayed a few extra days while visiting friends, resulting in thousands of slaves being completely stuck in his hands.
Even if slave traders occasionally showed interest, they were only interested in a small number of races. More than 90% of the slaves were considered worthless, even if given away for free.
Even selling a mix of items together, they're hard to sell. If people pick out all the good stuff, then there'll be nothing left to sell.
If he weren't worried about being branded as a cruel man, he would have ordered all his useless slaves to be slaughtered to save food.
Slaughter is unacceptable, and release is equally impossible. Humans and beasts are irreconcilable enemies; the blood feud accumulated over countless years is deeply ingrained.
There were unspoken rules among the Northern Nobles regarding the treatment of Beastfolk. It was unheard of for Beastfolk slaves to be captured and then released unconditionally.
If he were to release them, the Beastfolk would at least have to pay some ransom before he could bring himself to do it! Otherwise, he would be ridiculed for the rest of his life.
Unfortunately, no one paid any attention to him throughout the entire process. Even after he sent letters to the Beastfolk tribe, no one came to help him with this redemption charade.
"My lord, it's not a solution to keep them idle. But if we leave them to farm the land, it could lead to them colluding with the Orc Empire and jeopardizing the security of our territory."
Otherwise, we could follow the example of those families and transport these slaves to the south to see if any nobles there would be interested.
Even if they still can't sell them, this back-and-forth will at least reduce their numbers by a third. If all else fails, they can hire someone to abduct them en route.
As long as the person isn't in our hands, what happens next is none of our business.
The old butler made the suggestion with a helpless expression.
My master is too concerned with saving face; he's actually worrying about how to deal with the slaves he has. If he had encountered a ruthless nobleman, these slaves would have been dealt with long ago.