Considerable Expenses

Light Attribute Mages indeed have a unique advantage when it comes to winning people over, as a single Healing Spell can have an immediate effect on the injured.

When pain is relieved and treated, who wouldn't feel favorably towards the one who provided the healing?

Of course, the person Elrond had just treated was arranged by Luo Ning in advance, a Guard who had been injured in yesterday's battle and hadn't fully recovered, acting as a stand-in.

This meeting, following the script Luo Ning had prepared, was a great success, and his positive image as a Lord was initially established.

Next, Luo Ning would have Elrond serve as a "country doctor" for a period, visiting every household in Mountain Forest Town and providing aid to those with external injuries.

Although Elrond would undoubtedly be praised by the people for this, the Mage would widely publicize Luo Ning's benevolence during the treatment process, transforming this act of kindness into the Lord's policy.

Amidst the cheers of the people, Luo Ning left the pasture.

The area would now be left to Elrond and Chahar. The newly appointed Butler initially planned to recruit 20 servants.

These 20 servants would include 1 personal Manservant, 1 personal Maid, 4 for the kitchen, 5 for general chores, and 9 for livestock.

Luo Ning was shocked when he heard the list Chahar provided that morning. How could one castle need so many people?

But after the Butler's explanation, he realized that this was how castles were, and this many servants was actually on the low side.

Ultimately, he approved the plan.

After this recruitment drive, Luo Ning did a quick calculation. Just for the servants alone, he would need to pay 21 Gold Coins per year.

In addition, his Guards and the Transcendent individuals around him also needed to be paid.

Even Macken and Elrond, although summoned by him, had their own lives. They couldn't possibly have to borrow money from him, the Lord, just to buy a loaf of bread, could they?

Moreover, as Luo Ning's right-hand men, providing Macken and Elrond with reasonable salaries would also help them establish their own prestige.

Combining the salary standards provided by Holwart, Luo Ning set the daily rates for Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Knights at 30, 60, and 100 Copper Coins respectively.

(Tom was still in the probation period, so Luo Ning only paid him 20 Copper Coins per day, promising that as soon as he passed probation, he would be restored to the same level as David.)

As for Mages, this rare and special Transcendent profession had significantly higher salary standards than Knights of the same level. The daily rates for Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced were set at 50, 100, and 500 Copper Coins respectively.

After this calculation, the Guards and the Transcendent individuals under him would require an annual expenditure of 103 Gold Coins.

Luo Ning now had a total of 626 Gold Coins, including the confiscated property of the three Knights from Sain Territory. If he were to complete the first top-up, his savings would be reduced to just over a hundred.

Only enough for one year's labor costs.

As for how to cut costs...

It wasn't hard to see that the bulk of the expenses lay with the Transcendent individuals and Guards. The latter received two Copper Coins a day, leaving little room for reduction. The former were difficult to cut costs on.

Imagine if an Advanced Knight from outside wanted to pledge allegiance to Luo Ning, but upon inquiring, found out Macken's salary was only 10 Copper Coins a day. Would that Advanced Knight still want to pledge allegiance?

Therefore, Luo Ning should be considering how to make money.

He tapped his forehead, troubled.

"First, I should get a comprehensive understanding of the territory's resources. I need to tour the territory."

"But before that, I need to recruit an Administrator."

Thinking of an Administrator, Luo Ning thought of Prinster.

If he hadn't killed that guy yesterday, perhaps he could have extracted some useful information from him.

"Damn Prinster, damn Sain Territory!"

Clip-clop~

A fast horse galloped from a distance, catching Luo Ning's attention.

When he saw the rider's face, he was surprised, "Bob? Didn't I send him and Marseille to deliver letters? Why is he back?"

His heart skipped a beat. Could something have gone wrong on the way?

Macken shouted, "Bob, why are you back?"

Bob came before Luo Ning and quickly dismounted.

"My Lord, that Knight Phileton from Sain Territory has come with his Retainer?"

Luo Ning's heart trembled, and his expression changed slightly, "Explain clearly, what happened?"

Bob then recounted how he and Marseille met Phileton on the road and how the other party persuaded them to return.

"My Lord, Marseille is currently with Phileton outside the castle."

Luo Ning glanced behind him. David and Tom were maintaining order there, and he only had Macken with him.

However, Phileton had only brought one Squire Knight, so he shouldn't be here to cause trouble.

If Luo Ning brought many people with him, it would make him seem scared.

"Let's go, let's see what this Phileton wants."

Luo Ning motioned for Macken to go with him, while instructing Bob, "When you go back, don't deliver the letters with Marseille for now. Wait for my notification. Also, don't mention this matter to the other Guards. Be discreet."

"Yes, my Lord!" Bob responded seriously.

For this letter delivery, he and Marseille were chosen by Macken. Although they were over eighteen and unlikely to awaken Transcendent abilities, their sharp minds and strong physiques allowed them to be given important tasks.

Having the chance to perform before the lord, they naturally had to seize it.

Before long, Luo Ning quickly returned outside the castle.

From a distance, he saw Phileton and his retainers standing outside. Beside him stood Marseille and the two guards at the castle gate.

"Haha, Sir Phileton, I didn't expect us to meet again so soon!"

Luo Ning walked over with a smile, speaking in a very natural manner.

Phileton straightened up and saluted Luo Ning, "Good day, Baron. I apologize for intruding upon you again so presumptuously."

He didn't beat around the bush and stated his purpose directly: "Today, I have a letter from Lord Resen and wish to discuss a trade with you and the lord of Mountain Forest Town."

A trade?

Mountain Forest Town and Sain Territory have a trade?

Luo Ning's expression remained unchanged, and he said with a smile, "Then please, Sir, come into the castle with me to discuss it further."

"I'd be delighted."

Phileton spoke unhurriedly, "However, before that, I must ask for your forgiveness, my lord, for stopping your messenger. I believe it might affect our cooperation."

Oh?

Luo Ning's expression shifted. Could this trade be related to Sain Territory's private appropriation of Mountain Forest Town's taxes?

"That's a minor matter."

Luo Ning showed no sign of concern, but he understood in his heart that there was a risk of the road out of Mountain Forest Town being cut off by Sain Territory.

"Let's go, Sir. Welcome to my castle."

Phileton followed, a smile on his face, but inwardly dismissive.

What did he mean by "my castle"? Many of the buildings in this castle were built and renovated by Prinster. Before yesterday, he, Phileton, could enter this castle without waiting or being announced at all.

In less than a day, the owner had changed.

However, Phileton trusted Resen. When the Baron returned from Black Python City, he would likely begin planning how to deal with Luo Ning.

He believed that sooner or later, Mountain Forest Town would fall into Sain Territory.

And at that time, he, Phileton, would likely have a large manor of his own here.