Red Hemp Territory
Ekmeier was also astonished by the father and son's thought process. Putting aside whether the shrewd Viscount Golden Sunflower would agree, giving away so many serfs would definitely affect the territory's production.
He quickly explained to the two of them, and Viscount Boateng finally understood the matter. After thinking for a while, he had another idea. "Then let's do this: calculate how many serfs will affect the production of the territory, and send the serfs to Viscount Golden Sunflower according to that number!"
"Alright, I understand, Your Excellency."
Although Steward Ekmeier thought the idea was not very reliable, he had no choice but to comply since Viscount Boateng had already made the decision.
After discussing the matter, the group continued their journey towards Red Hemp Territory.
Two days passed just like that.
Victor led his army to the border of Red Hemp Territory and saw this scene.
On the desolate land at the border of the territory, tens of thousands of serfs were herded together like sheep by the soldiers of the Red Hemp Territory. Many serfs were only wearing thin clothes and had no shoes. At this time of day, the temperature difference between day and night was still quite large, and many people's limbs were frozen red.
Steward Ekmeier, who had arrived nearby long ago, quickly led his men over, but they were stopped by the Guard Cavalry halfway there. Fortunately, Michael had seen the steward of the Red Hemp Territory before and ordered the Guard Cavalry to let him pass.
"Lord Victor, my viscount has already prepared everything. 2,000 tons of grain and some cloth to be used as ransom are all there. You can take them with you if you need them."
And these are also the families of the Serf Soldiers you captured. There are a total of people. We have brought them all here so they can go south with your army.
Furthermore, my viscount has prepared a banquet and hopes that you and Lord Black will be able to attend.
Ekmeier pointed to two piles of goods covered with tarpaulins not far away and addressed Victor, then invited Victor to a banquet with a very humble expression.
Victor thought for a moment and then said to Michael, "Go and inform Lord Black. I'll wait here."
Michael accepted the order and left.
Ekmeier saw Victor do this, he knew that Victor had agreed to attend the banquet, and he was very happy.
However, Victor spoke up again, "Due to the fatigue of the battle, Count Black is getting old and his health is not very good. He has been recuperating in the army since the war, so I don't think he will participate. In the end, I will have to go by myself."
"Steward Ekmeier, Viscount Boateng shouldn't be angry, right?"
"Not at all. Your participation is already a great joy to us. Count Black is unwell, and my Viscount certainly hopes that the Count will prioritize his health and recover soon so that he can lead us fellow countrymen."
Victor looked at Steward Ekmeier with a smile. Ekmeier felt a little uncomfortable under his gaze and didn't understand why Victor was looking at him like that. Ekmeier simply took the initiative to ask, "Viscount Victor, is there anything I can help you with?"
If it's something I need to do, I will do my best to arrange it.
"Indeed, it must be Steward Ekmeier. As expected of Viscount Boateng's confidant, he is indeed very perceptive, as he noticed this."
Victor praised Ekmeier, then said, "Since these serfs will be my men from now on, I would like them to return to my territory with me in good health if possible."
"Since Viscount Boateng has prepared a batch of cloth for me as payment, could you please help me select a batch of linen to keep these serfs warm?"
Ekmeier hadn't expected that Viscount Victor had asked him to do this, and was momentarily stunned. After a while, he quickly replied, "Yes, Your Excellency, I'll arrange it immediately."
After finishing his sentence, Ekmeier quickly went to direct his men to distribute the cloth to the serfs. As expected of a seasoned steward, he handled things in an orderly manner. In Victor's eyes, the whole process went very smoothly. Under his command, the serfs began to line up to receive the cloth.
After a while, Michael returned and saw that only Victor was standing there. He quickly ran over to Victor and said, "Steward Magnus asked me to tell you that although Viscount Boateng is very timid, you should still be careful."
The Red Hemp Family is also skilled in using poisons. They cultivate a highly poisonous castor bean in their territory, and their poisons are very popular. Be careful when attending a banquet.
Victor nodded. He knew about the special poisons produced by the Red Hemp Territory. After all, Orlando and the Intelligence Department had extracted a lot of information from the prisoners of the Red Hemp Territory after capturing so many of them.
However, during the time Victor and Michael were talking, Steward Ekmeier had been keeping an eye on Victor's situation. When he saw that Michael had returned, he knew that Count Black must have given a reply, so he quickly ran over.
"Viscount Victor, I wonder if Count Black would be able to attend the banquet?"
"I'm sorry, Count Black is not feeling well, so it seems I'll be the only one who can attend the banquet."
"It is indeed regrettable, but it is good that Viscount Victor can participate."
"Well then, Your Excellency, I still need to direct the distribution of the supplies, which may take a long time. How about I have someone take you to the Lord's Mansion for the banquet first?"
"That's fine, then I'll have to trouble Steward Ekmeier."
Ekmeier quickly arranged for several of his men to guide Victor. Victor did not stand on ceremony. After instructing Marvin to take charge of the troops, he led his guards and the Personal Guard led by Bask directly into the Red Hemp Territory.
Ekmeier watched as Victor led so many troops into Red Hemp Territory without saying a word.
By evening, Victor arrived at the Lord's Mansion in Red Hemp Territory and saw Viscount Boateng and his son Totti, who were leading a group of men to greet him at the manor gate.
Upon seeing Victor, Viscount Boateng bowed deeply to Victor, saying, "Lord Victor, thank you for attending the banquet. We are confident that our hospitality will satisfy you."
He then led Victor into the Lord's Mansion.
Upon entering the Lord's Mansion's manor, Victor was somewhat surprised to find that the Lord's Mansion, belonging to the Red Hemp Viscount, was located within a manor.
The manor was beautifully maintained, like a small Garden, with ponds, flower beds, and even a small fountain. Victor had never seen a manor like this since he came to this world.
Viscount Boateng, who was leading the way, knew that Victor was probably surprised when he saw Victor's expression. He said proudly, "This manor was designed by a designer from the Raine Kingdom. It was designed entirely according to the most popular aristocratic manors in the Raine Kingdom. It cost several thousand gold, oh no, several hundred gold."
Viscount Boateng stammered at the end, and Victor immediately understood that the viscount was probably worried that Victor would ask for an exorbitant price again.
However, Victor really didn't expect that this Viscount Red Hemp would be so wealthy, willing to spend so much money on enjoyment. If he had known earlier, he might have really asked for more ransom. But now that things have come to this, Victor is not the kind of person to go back on his word.
Victor exclaimed, "What taste, Viscount Boateng! This beautiful estate is truly rare."
Viscount Boateng breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that Victor did not continue speaking. He was really worried that Victor would raise the ransom further.
Viscount Boateng led Victor into the Lord's Mansion. As soon as they entered the gate, they were greeted by a spacious hall that could easily accommodate hundreds of people. The hall was lavishly decorated, and the floor was covered with red sisal carpets.
At this moment, the people in the hall saw Viscount Boateng respectfully leading a young man in, and they knew that this was today's distinguished guest, Viscount Golden Sunflower.
Everyone, regardless of age or gender, bowed to Victor.
Victor looked at Viscount Boateng with a puzzled expression. "What are these?"
Viscount Boateng quickly explained, "These are noble families from territories near my domain. Their relatives all participated in this battle, and many were captured by your army."
Hearing that you were coming, they came here to personally apologize to you, and also to redeem their families.